I am currently reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. My wife has been after me for about 6 month to reads this book, but I have been busy with other assigned reading material. So in the interim between classes, I decided to read it. Today, my reading became a bit too convicting. Let me share with you some quotes form the book.
"The truth is that 'user-friendly' can be a cover-up word for carnality...The issues is not length [of service], but appetite [for God]."
"It takes more than academic rigor to win the world for Christ. Correct doctrine alone isn't enough. Proclamation and teaching aren't enough...the gospel must be preached with the involvement of the Holy Spirit sent down from God."
"Does anyone really think that America today is lacking preachers, books, Bible translations, and neat doctrinal statement? What we really lack is the passion to call upon the Lord until he opens the heavens and shows himself powerful."
All of these quotes are from Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997.
Just some thoughts to ponder.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Standing Strong in the face of Devastation
Standing strong in difficult times
Daniel
Have you heard the story of the HMS Resolute? The HMS resolute was a vessel in Royal British vessel rigged for Arctic exploration. In August of 1853 the HMS Resolute got caught in the Arctic ice. After staying the Winter in the Arctic, the Captain of the HMS Resolute ordered the ship to be abandoned and led his crew across the ice to find one of the other ships in their exploration.
In September of 1855 the ship was found drifting in the David Straight by a whaling ship from Groton CT. The Captain re-rigged the spars and sails, and arrived at New London, Connecticut on 24 December 1855. In 1856, the HMS Resolute made her trip back to England, but it was not the last time she would see American soil. The Resolute served in the British Royal Navy until 1879 when she was decommissioned and broken up. But that’s not the end of her story.
In 1880 a desk was made from her timbers and presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes as a gift for rescuing the vessel. It has come to be known as the resolute desk and has served many presidents in the oval office.
But that still not the end of the story. In 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown presented President Barack Obama the framed commission of the HMS Resolute made from timber from another British vessel. And now you know the rest of the story.
But what does the HMS Resolute stand for? It stands for the ability to stand firm in difficult time. The Resolute lives on and give all a reminder of the ability to outlive current circumstances.
It is not anything new to most people when I say, that times are tough. We are living in difficult times. People are finding their jobs are being "re-structured", which I think is a new way of saying, "we are going to have to lay off people, cut back hours and freeze pay.” At the same time, basic living expenses like milk, eggs, meat, etc. are not getting any cheaper. People are seeing their houses shrink in value or even worse they are not able to afford the mortgage. And don’t get me started about my 401K, or lack thereof recently.
We are living in difficult time, but it is not the first time people have fallen on hard times. I hear a lot of comparisons between the great depression and the current economical climate. But I want to go a bit further back than that. I want to take us on a trip way back to c. 605 BC. Back to a time where difficult is defined as being conquered by the greatest empire at the time, being hauled off as a teenager to a new country, and being enlisted in the greatest re-programming campaign the world had ever seen. These young men had to deal with all this difficulty, yet they were able to stay strong in their faith and even lead the pagan leaders of the day to recognize the greatness of their God. That is "Standing Strong in Difficult Times".
Dan 1:1-4 - In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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. 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; 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.
Historical Background:
For many years God sent prophets to the backsliding Kings of Judah. Men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel called the Kings back to a right relationship with God. But they did not listen to God’s pleas for repentance, instead they continued in their rebellious ways. Instead of God’s blessings, they incurred His judgments.
In Judah’s 389 year history it had 20 kings. You can count on one hand the Kings that stayed true to God. The following are a few Kings that seem to illustrate a common theme of rebellious behavior leading Judah away from God.
-Abijah - 1 Kings 15:3, And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father.
-Athaliah - 2 Chron 21:6, And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.
-Manassah - 2 Kings 21:10-12, And the Lord spake by his servants the prophets, saying, Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle
Jeremiah contended that Judah had forsaken the sabbatical laws of the Land. Judah was told to work the Land for 6 years and then let the land rest for one. Judah’s covetousness and greed led them to disobey God. So, for 490 years Judah worked the ground w/o any years of rest. Jeremiah prophesied that Judah would be removed from the land for 70 years. Judah was in captivity to Babylonia for 70 years.
Other prophets foretold that God would bring judgment for Judah’s idolatry. Judah began to worship other Gods. The hearts of the kings of Israel were seduced away from worshiping God alone. This led the entire nation into idolatry. God sent the prophets Hosea, Amos and Isaiah to draw the people back, but change was only temporary. Hezekiah led sweeping changed in Judah, but his Son Manassah led the people back again into idolatry. In fact nothing seemed to get Judah’s attention. That is until 605 BC.
In 605 BC, the Babylonian Empire defeated the Egyptian Army at Carchemish and marched toward Egypt. Judah laid right in line with this assault. So in c. 603 BC, Judah surrendered to the Babylonian empire.
The Babylonian forces took heavy losses in Egypt and retreated back to Babylonia. This Led Judah to rebel against Babylon. In 597 BC, the Babylonian forced were once again camped against the wall of Jerusalem. Israel surrendered saving thousands of lives and their city and temple. But about 10,000 captives were taken back to Babylon.
Judah rebelled again in 588 BC. This time the Babylonian empire laid siege on Judah for 2 ½ years. This time they laid waste to the walls, place and temple. Most of the in habitants were taken away into captivity.
Daniels and his friends were probably taken to Babylon at the time of the first conquest.
Main Characters:
These Three men received three years of training in the Babylonian culture. They would have learned thing like, language, culture, and religion. In essence, this was a re-programming campaign. Even the name of our three character were changed to further show the re-programming effort.
Nothing shows this clearer than the fact that their names were changed:
- Daniel meaning "God is my Judge" was changed to Belteshazzar which means "Bel (implied) will ’protect his life’"
- Hananiah meaning "The Lord is Gracious" was changed to Shadrach which means "Command to Aku". (the Babylonian moon God)
- Mishael meaning "Who is What God is was changed to Meshack which means "Who is like Aku is".
- Azariah meaning "The Lord will help" was changed to Abednego which means "Servant of Nebo." (The 2nd highest God in Babylonian religion)
Even in the name change is shows that the reprogramming campaign was not just to change the individuals learning, but to change their faith.
Application:
There are two major themes that must be understood in order to put the story of Daniel in its proper light.
First, this passage assures us that God is in control even in the worst circumstances. This concept is called the sovereignty of God. What is the sovereignty of God?
One Commentator puts it this way… “The Sovereignty of God. What do we mean by this expression? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.” - A. W. Pink
What is the sovereignty of God? It is the sovereign control of God over all His creation! Even when his creation rebels against Him, His sovereign control draws them back to himself. Consider Jonah. Johan said no, and God called a big fish to find him. That’s the sovereignty of God.
Second, Since God is in control, then I can trust what He is doing. This is the Biblical virtue of Faith. Faith is trust put into action. James does a great job in showing that faith is not just belief, but belief that is put into action in one’s life.
Daniel and his friends all suffered devastation. They were removed from their family and friends probably at the age of 15. They were carried away from their place of home to Babylon where they were challenged to change everything about them. It would have been easy for them just to try to fit in. It would have been easy for them to say that God had forsaken them, and just live anyway they wanted. But they did not. The entire book of Daniel is a memorial to people who stood firm in spite of their current difficulties. They remind us that it is possible stand strong in difficult times.
CONCLUSION:
The fall of Jerusalem looked like a triumph of the pagan gods over the true God of Israel…but in actuality it was actually a victory for the Lord! He kept His covenant with Israel and He fulfilled His promises. In fact, the same God who raised up the Babylonians to defeat Judah {sic. in accordance to his promise to judge Judah for their disobedience} later raised up the Medes and Persians to conquer Babylon. The Lord also ordained that a page ruler decree that the Jews could return to their Land and rebuild the temple.” - Warren Weirsbe, Be Resolute
God is in control! We his people are to live lives of faith that reveal the fact that God is in control.
Daniel
Have you heard the story of the HMS Resolute? The HMS resolute was a vessel in Royal British vessel rigged for Arctic exploration. In August of 1853 the HMS Resolute got caught in the Arctic ice. After staying the Winter in the Arctic, the Captain of the HMS Resolute ordered the ship to be abandoned and led his crew across the ice to find one of the other ships in their exploration.
In September of 1855 the ship was found drifting in the David Straight by a whaling ship from Groton CT. The Captain re-rigged the spars and sails, and arrived at New London, Connecticut on 24 December 1855. In 1856, the HMS Resolute made her trip back to England, but it was not the last time she would see American soil. The Resolute served in the British Royal Navy until 1879 when she was decommissioned and broken up. But that’s not the end of her story.
In 1880 a desk was made from her timbers and presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes as a gift for rescuing the vessel. It has come to be known as the resolute desk and has served many presidents in the oval office.
But that still not the end of the story. In 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown presented President Barack Obama the framed commission of the HMS Resolute made from timber from another British vessel. And now you know the rest of the story.
But what does the HMS Resolute stand for? It stands for the ability to stand firm in difficult time. The Resolute lives on and give all a reminder of the ability to outlive current circumstances.
It is not anything new to most people when I say, that times are tough. We are living in difficult times. People are finding their jobs are being "re-structured", which I think is a new way of saying, "we are going to have to lay off people, cut back hours and freeze pay.” At the same time, basic living expenses like milk, eggs, meat, etc. are not getting any cheaper. People are seeing their houses shrink in value or even worse they are not able to afford the mortgage. And don’t get me started about my 401K, or lack thereof recently.
We are living in difficult time, but it is not the first time people have fallen on hard times. I hear a lot of comparisons between the great depression and the current economical climate. But I want to go a bit further back than that. I want to take us on a trip way back to c. 605 BC. Back to a time where difficult is defined as being conquered by the greatest empire at the time, being hauled off as a teenager to a new country, and being enlisted in the greatest re-programming campaign the world had ever seen. These young men had to deal with all this difficulty, yet they were able to stay strong in their faith and even lead the pagan leaders of the day to recognize the greatness of their God. That is "Standing Strong in Difficult Times".
Dan 1:1-4 - In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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. 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; 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.
Historical Background:
For many years God sent prophets to the backsliding Kings of Judah. Men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel called the Kings back to a right relationship with God. But they did not listen to God’s pleas for repentance, instead they continued in their rebellious ways. Instead of God’s blessings, they incurred His judgments.
In Judah’s 389 year history it had 20 kings. You can count on one hand the Kings that stayed true to God. The following are a few Kings that seem to illustrate a common theme of rebellious behavior leading Judah away from God.
-Abijah - 1 Kings 15:3, And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father.
-Athaliah - 2 Chron 21:6, And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.
-Manassah - 2 Kings 21:10-12, And the Lord spake by his servants the prophets, saying, Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols: Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle
Jeremiah contended that Judah had forsaken the sabbatical laws of the Land. Judah was told to work the Land for 6 years and then let the land rest for one. Judah’s covetousness and greed led them to disobey God. So, for 490 years Judah worked the ground w/o any years of rest. Jeremiah prophesied that Judah would be removed from the land for 70 years. Judah was in captivity to Babylonia for 70 years.
Other prophets foretold that God would bring judgment for Judah’s idolatry. Judah began to worship other Gods. The hearts of the kings of Israel were seduced away from worshiping God alone. This led the entire nation into idolatry. God sent the prophets Hosea, Amos and Isaiah to draw the people back, but change was only temporary. Hezekiah led sweeping changed in Judah, but his Son Manassah led the people back again into idolatry. In fact nothing seemed to get Judah’s attention. That is until 605 BC.
In 605 BC, the Babylonian Empire defeated the Egyptian Army at Carchemish and marched toward Egypt. Judah laid right in line with this assault. So in c. 603 BC, Judah surrendered to the Babylonian empire.
The Babylonian forces took heavy losses in Egypt and retreated back to Babylonia. This Led Judah to rebel against Babylon. In 597 BC, the Babylonian forced were once again camped against the wall of Jerusalem. Israel surrendered saving thousands of lives and their city and temple. But about 10,000 captives were taken back to Babylon.
Judah rebelled again in 588 BC. This time the Babylonian empire laid siege on Judah for 2 ½ years. This time they laid waste to the walls, place and temple. Most of the in habitants were taken away into captivity.
Daniels and his friends were probably taken to Babylon at the time of the first conquest.
Main Characters:
These Three men received three years of training in the Babylonian culture. They would have learned thing like, language, culture, and religion. In essence, this was a re-programming campaign. Even the name of our three character were changed to further show the re-programming effort.
Nothing shows this clearer than the fact that their names were changed:
- Daniel meaning "God is my Judge" was changed to Belteshazzar which means "Bel (implied) will ’protect his life’"
- Hananiah meaning "The Lord is Gracious" was changed to Shadrach which means "Command to Aku". (the Babylonian moon God)
- Mishael meaning "Who is What God is was changed to Meshack which means "Who is like Aku is".
- Azariah meaning "The Lord will help" was changed to Abednego which means "Servant of Nebo." (The 2nd highest God in Babylonian religion)
Even in the name change is shows that the reprogramming campaign was not just to change the individuals learning, but to change their faith.
Application:
There are two major themes that must be understood in order to put the story of Daniel in its proper light.
First, this passage assures us that God is in control even in the worst circumstances. This concept is called the sovereignty of God. What is the sovereignty of God?
One Commentator puts it this way… “The Sovereignty of God. What do we mean by this expression? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is "The Governor among the nations" (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the "Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.” - A. W. Pink
What is the sovereignty of God? It is the sovereign control of God over all His creation! Even when his creation rebels against Him, His sovereign control draws them back to himself. Consider Jonah. Johan said no, and God called a big fish to find him. That’s the sovereignty of God.
Second, Since God is in control, then I can trust what He is doing. This is the Biblical virtue of Faith. Faith is trust put into action. James does a great job in showing that faith is not just belief, but belief that is put into action in one’s life.
Daniel and his friends all suffered devastation. They were removed from their family and friends probably at the age of 15. They were carried away from their place of home to Babylon where they were challenged to change everything about them. It would have been easy for them just to try to fit in. It would have been easy for them to say that God had forsaken them, and just live anyway they wanted. But they did not. The entire book of Daniel is a memorial to people who stood firm in spite of their current difficulties. They remind us that it is possible stand strong in difficult times.
CONCLUSION:
The fall of Jerusalem looked like a triumph of the pagan gods over the true God of Israel…but in actuality it was actually a victory for the Lord! He kept His covenant with Israel and He fulfilled His promises. In fact, the same God who raised up the Babylonians to defeat Judah {sic. in accordance to his promise to judge Judah for their disobedience} later raised up the Medes and Persians to conquer Babylon. The Lord also ordained that a page ruler decree that the Jews could return to their Land and rebuild the temple.” - Warren Weirsbe, Be Resolute
God is in control! We his people are to live lives of faith that reveal the fact that God is in control.
Friday, April 17, 2009
New Sermon Series at Pond Hill
This week at Pond Hill are starting a new Series from the book of Daniel. It is entitled, "Standing strong in difficult times". It is not anything new to most people when I say, that times our tough. We are living in difficult times. People are finding the jobs are being "re-structured", which I think is a new way of saying, "we are going to have to lay off people, cut back hours and freeze pay. At the same time, basic living expenses like milk, eggs, meat, etc. are not getting any cheaper. People are seeing their houses shrink in value or even worse they are not able to afford the mortgage. And don't get me started about my 401K, or lack thereof recently.
We are living in difficult time, but it is not the first time people have fallen on hard times. I hear a lot of comparisons between the great depression and the current economical climate. But I want to go a bit further back than that. I want to take us on a trip way back to c. 605 BC. Back to a time where difficult is defined as being conquered by the greatest empire at the time, being hauled off as a teenager to a new country, and being enlisted in the greatest re-programming campaign the world had ever seen. These young men had to deal with all this difficulty, yet they were able to stay strong in their faith and even lead the pagan leaders of the day to recognize the greatness of their God. That is "Standing Strong in Difficult Times".
I am listing below the sermon seeds - the starting point of my study - for the entire series. You study them out and see what you can find as well. I am always open to any thoughts you may have as you study them for yourself.
We are living in difficult time, but it is not the first time people have fallen on hard times. I hear a lot of comparisons between the great depression and the current economical climate. But I want to go a bit further back than that. I want to take us on a trip way back to c. 605 BC. Back to a time where difficult is defined as being conquered by the greatest empire at the time, being hauled off as a teenager to a new country, and being enlisted in the greatest re-programming campaign the world had ever seen. These young men had to deal with all this difficulty, yet they were able to stay strong in their faith and even lead the pagan leaders of the day to recognize the greatness of their God. That is "Standing Strong in Difficult Times".
I am listing below the sermon seeds - the starting point of my study - for the entire series. You study them out and see what you can find as well. I am always open to any thoughts you may have as you study them for yourself.
Standing strong in the midst of devastation...developing the biblical virtue of Faith
Dan 1:1-4 - In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 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. 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; 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.
Standing strong in the midst of Worldliness...developing the biblical virtue of Purity
Dan 1:5-8 - 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. Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 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. 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.
Standing strong in the midst of Uncertainity...developing the biblical virtue of Faith
Dan 2:12-16 - For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. 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: 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. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.
Standing strong in the midst of compromise...developing the biblical virtue of Unity
Dan 3:1-6 - Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Standing strong in the midst of success....developing the biblical virtue of Humility
Dan 4:18-20 - This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.
Standing strong in the midst of change...developing the biblical virtue of faithfulness
Dan 5:1-6 - Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
Standing strong in the midst of trials...developing the biblical virtue of rest
Dan 6:8-14 - Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. 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. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
Standing strong in the midst of the end times...developing the biblical virtue of Perseverance
Daniel 7-8, 10-12
Standing strong in the midst of waiting...developing the biblical virtue of Prayer
Dan 9:1-6 - In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
BTW (Thanks Susan)
Hey, I have updated some of the pictures from Israel. There is even some raw video footage from Bethlehem. I have been finishing off the photos with other peoples picture. So, thanks Richie and Jonathan for making those picture available.
Beit She'an was one of my favorite places. It is the ruins of a Ancient Roman city. The main road feature under ground sewer. The main road has been "rebuilt", at least the columns were set back up, so you could see the massive nature of this ancient city. This road intersects with another main road that has been left alone to show the destruction. It is believed that this was destroyed by a massive earthquake. The massive columns of the main temple, the columns laying in the streets and the arches from the palace, all lay along the ground in the same direction showing the massive damage caused by this earthquake. One column from the temple porch was broken from the force of the quake and one end is penetrating the cobblestone road below.
At one placed the guide took us and people began to sit around on the white blocks around the wall. You can see this picture in the photos. This was once a bathroom. You would actually sit in between the stones and do you business. Then the trough along the bottom would carry the waste away. They had running sewer way back then. You should have seen the people stand up when the guide said what the stones were. Lucky for me, I had my own bottle of hand san.
Enjoy the picture!
Beit She'an was one of my favorite places. It is the ruins of a Ancient Roman city. The main road feature under ground sewer. The main road has been "rebuilt", at least the columns were set back up, so you could see the massive nature of this ancient city. This road intersects with another main road that has been left alone to show the destruction. It is believed that this was destroyed by a massive earthquake. The massive columns of the main temple, the columns laying in the streets and the arches from the palace, all lay along the ground in the same direction showing the massive damage caused by this earthquake. One column from the temple porch was broken from the force of the quake and one end is penetrating the cobblestone road below.
At one placed the guide took us and people began to sit around on the white blocks around the wall. You can see this picture in the photos. This was once a bathroom. You would actually sit in between the stones and do you business. Then the trough along the bottom would carry the waste away. They had running sewer way back then. You should have seen the people stand up when the guide said what the stones were. Lucky for me, I had my own bottle of hand san.
Enjoy the picture!
Easter Sunday
What a blast we had this past week end! Our church has been gearing up for Sunday services for the past three months. In fact, our schedule is so packed this month with activity, that I am surprised our people don't pass out from exhaustion. Thanks guys for keeping going, even when the schedule is packed.
First, let me say that we scheduled an Easter egg hunt last Saturday, and God scheduled a day of rain. Needless to say, we rescheduled for this week. But the response is overwhelming. We have about 60 people registered from the Town of North Haven. That means that we have the possibility of being salt and light to at least 30 family this upcoming week. That does not even include the kids form the three churches coming together to make this even happen. I am so excited and ready to minister to those whom God will send.
Second, our Choir did a fantastic job with the Easter Cantata this past Sunday. We had two services, one at 9:00 AM and one at 10:30 AM. We had about 30 people in the Early services, and about 70 in the later service. Of those who came, 10 were guests and 3 were first time guests. After services, one family, who were visiting for the first time, said they felt like the Lord wanted them to be apart of Pond Hill. What a tremendous honor and blessing! I am always amazed at God's working. He is so good!
Please keep us in you prayer as we really try to reach out and impact our community. We have the Easter Egg hunt, followed by our Work Day (two weeks away), Mother Daughter Banquet (early May), and Memorial Day Services (late May). Then, maybe we can rest a bit. We really want to see people changed by the Gospel, and these kind of events seem to be the best way to engage the lost. So keep us in prayer for strength to do the work and for wisdom to know how to engage people with the Gospel.
First, let me say that we scheduled an Easter egg hunt last Saturday, and God scheduled a day of rain. Needless to say, we rescheduled for this week. But the response is overwhelming. We have about 60 people registered from the Town of North Haven. That means that we have the possibility of being salt and light to at least 30 family this upcoming week. That does not even include the kids form the three churches coming together to make this even happen. I am so excited and ready to minister to those whom God will send.
Second, our Choir did a fantastic job with the Easter Cantata this past Sunday. We had two services, one at 9:00 AM and one at 10:30 AM. We had about 30 people in the Early services, and about 70 in the later service. Of those who came, 10 were guests and 3 were first time guests. After services, one family, who were visiting for the first time, said they felt like the Lord wanted them to be apart of Pond Hill. What a tremendous honor and blessing! I am always amazed at God's working. He is so good!
Please keep us in you prayer as we really try to reach out and impact our community. We have the Easter Egg hunt, followed by our Work Day (two weeks away), Mother Daughter Banquet (early May), and Memorial Day Services (late May). Then, maybe we can rest a bit. We really want to see people changed by the Gospel, and these kind of events seem to be the best way to engage the lost. So keep us in prayer for strength to do the work and for wisdom to know how to engage people with the Gospel.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Heavy Heart
Recently, my heart has been heavy because of the trial of many or our friends and missionaries. Let me just take a moment to speak of them.
First, our friends Tom and Joanne Foltz, who are missionaries to Tanzania, recently returned home from the field because of a medical issue that just became apparent. Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Upon returning to the states the diagnosis was confirmed in Missouri. His update page can be found at tomandjoannefoltz.blogspot.com. He has started the long process of treatment with Chemo, but there is still a long road of medical issues ahead. Would you join with me in prayer for him right now?
Then, I am reminded of his son, Jonathan, and his wife. They were missionaries to Tanzania as well, until their infant, Trevor, became ill with Infantile Spasms. They are currently missionaries to Rhode Island as they continue to seek treatment for their son Trevor. You can read an update about them at trevorshope.blogspot.com. Again, would you lift them up in prayer right now?
These friends are going through one of those impossible times in life. And it would be impossible to handle these things were it not for the hope that is found in Christ.
Contrast the lives of these individuals, who are it the midst of difficulties yet find such hope, with the headlines of this past week. "Man kills 12 at immigration center in New York State" or "Fight over urinating dog got police to Pa. ambush" or "Shock as Father shoot his five children dead". There seems to be a "scarcity of hope" in the lives of most people.
Our President wrote the book Audacity of Hope. Do you know what that means? It means the fearless daring of hope...the bold or insolent heedlessness (with regard to restraint) of hope. What he is saying is that hope throws off restraint and allows one to succeed. Yet, what I see in our world is a place of little hope. Maybe a better work to consider would be the Scarcity of Hope.
Recently, I heard a sermon on just such a subject. For believer's, we understand that lasting hope only comes from God. The headlines mentioned above should not surprise us when we consider that apart from God there is no hope. The Apostle Paul says that in Ephesians 2:12. And without godly hope, man is only left with himself to meet life's difficulties.
That is why I am so glad there is hope in Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 says, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." The believer is able to stand fast in difficult situation because of the hope we have in Christ. So, friends, stand fast and if you need some to stand with, call me! I will stand with you!
First, our friends Tom and Joanne Foltz, who are missionaries to Tanzania, recently returned home from the field because of a medical issue that just became apparent. Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Upon returning to the states the diagnosis was confirmed in Missouri. His update page can be found at tomandjoannefoltz.blogspot.com. He has started the long process of treatment with Chemo, but there is still a long road of medical issues ahead. Would you join with me in prayer for him right now?
Then, I am reminded of his son, Jonathan, and his wife. They were missionaries to Tanzania as well, until their infant, Trevor, became ill with Infantile Spasms. They are currently missionaries to Rhode Island as they continue to seek treatment for their son Trevor. You can read an update about them at trevorshope.blogspot.com. Again, would you lift them up in prayer right now?
These friends are going through one of those impossible times in life. And it would be impossible to handle these things were it not for the hope that is found in Christ.
Contrast the lives of these individuals, who are it the midst of difficulties yet find such hope, with the headlines of this past week. "Man kills 12 at immigration center in New York State" or "Fight over urinating dog got police to Pa. ambush" or "Shock as Father shoot his five children dead". There seems to be a "scarcity of hope" in the lives of most people.
Our President wrote the book Audacity of Hope. Do you know what that means? It means the fearless daring of hope...the bold or insolent heedlessness (with regard to restraint) of hope. What he is saying is that hope throws off restraint and allows one to succeed. Yet, what I see in our world is a place of little hope. Maybe a better work to consider would be the Scarcity of Hope.
Recently, I heard a sermon on just such a subject. For believer's, we understand that lasting hope only comes from God. The headlines mentioned above should not surprise us when we consider that apart from God there is no hope. The Apostle Paul says that in Ephesians 2:12. And without godly hope, man is only left with himself to meet life's difficulties.
That is why I am so glad there is hope in Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 says, "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." The believer is able to stand fast in difficult situation because of the hope we have in Christ. So, friends, stand fast and if you need some to stand with, call me! I will stand with you!
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