What phase of life creates the most stress for a human, the past, present or future? I would say that it is the unknown in our future that brings the most anxiety. We all wrestle with questions every day that involve our future, like, "What will my health be like tomorrow?" "Will my kids ever learn to make the right choices?" "Will I have enough money to retire?" "Will we be destroyed by a meteorite?" On and on the questions about our future can dominate our thinking and bring about an extra added burden of stress. As we are finishing up with the book of Daniel, God uses the last chapter to reassure His faithful, yet aging prophet Daniel, about the needless burden of stressing about Israel's future. This burden is alleviated by this simple fact: God is in our future! It is this fact that allows God to make the following four absolute promises concerning humanities future:
First, God promises His children that He will rescue them (12:1). This promise not only applies to Israel, but also for the church today (1Thess. 4:13-ff;Rev. 2:25;3:3). Second, there is a promise of a resurrection (12:2,10). Those who live a life according to God's Word will receive life, and those who live opposing lives will experience a resurrection unto death. If there is no eternal second life, then Jesus is a liar (John 5:25-29). Third, there is a promise of resolve (12:5-12). No matter how bleak this world's future may seem, there is coming a definite end. All things good and evil will come to a predetermined end. The anti-Christ and Satan will be defeated and judged, and the righteous will be rewarded with the rule of Jesus Christ. And fourth, there is a promise of rewards for the faithful (12:3,12-13). This reward includes the promise that God would grant Daniel a peaceful life and death. It is the God of the Bible that alone knows every man's future, and has promised to walk with those who choose to walk with Him. With a God like this, why should we allow worry and stress to dominate our lives? Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Confident that God Sees Each Step I Take
As parents, we look forward to the many special moments that make up the growth of our children. When they are born, we love being able to hold them in our arms and surround them with all the love we can squeeze into their tiny bodies. But it is not long before they begin to grow up so quickly, and we find ourselves not able to hold them as we once did. One aspect of this development is waiting for your baby to take their first steps. They go from laying, to rolling, to crawling, to standing, to walking, and then running. And even though as a parent we long to experience all these events with our children, there have been many parents who were not able to share these momentous endeavors with their children for one simple reason: they could not be in two places at once.
This is never true of God, our Heavenly Father. The whole book of Daniel has proven this very fact. In fact, in Daniel 11, God gives Daniel detailed instructions of specific step several of the great kings of this world would take. God walks in the future and saw every step king Alexander the Great made in life(11:3-10). God witnessed every step of Antiochus the Great (11:11-20). God watched every step of Antiochus Epiphanes (11:21-35). And God knows every plan and step the final anti-Christ will make(11:36-45 & Rev. 13-17). It does not matter who you are, where you are, or what you do, the Almighty God has His eyes on you. He knows every step the wicked and righteous will make in their life. He sees every day of man's life. The Bible says that there is nothing hid from God. With God's eyes fixed upon you, as if you are the only person in the universe, it should motivate us to live a more righteous and obedient life before Him, as well as, be comforted in knowing that God never leaves His children alone. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
This is never true of God, our Heavenly Father. The whole book of Daniel has proven this very fact. In fact, in Daniel 11, God gives Daniel detailed instructions of specific step several of the great kings of this world would take. God walks in the future and saw every step king Alexander the Great made in life(11:3-10). God witnessed every step of Antiochus the Great (11:11-20). God watched every step of Antiochus Epiphanes (11:21-35). And God knows every plan and step the final anti-Christ will make(11:36-45 & Rev. 13-17). It does not matter who you are, where you are, or what you do, the Almighty God has His eyes on you. He knows every step the wicked and righteous will make in their life. He sees every day of man's life. The Bible says that there is nothing hid from God. With God's eyes fixed upon you, as if you are the only person in the universe, it should motivate us to live a more righteous and obedient life before Him, as well as, be comforted in knowing that God never leaves His children alone. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Confident that Satan is God's Devil
I realize that most people in our country own a pet or live beside someone who has a pet. There is nothing more uncomfortable than having trouble with your neighbor's pet. It has been my experience with having a problem with a neighbor's pet, I usually choose to ignore the problem and hope it will go away. But there have been times when things have got so tense that I had to approach my neighbors in hopes that they would correct the situation. Nine times out of ten, the neighbor is very apologetic and will promise to have better control of their pet. Yet what if the animal that was causing you much grief was a stray or a wild animal, it would be very difficult to rectify the situation without taking matters in your own hands. When it comes to the spiritual battle between Satan and the demons of hell verses God and His servants the angels, it makes a great difference in the life of a believer when we realize that it is not our job to defeat Satan, he has already been defeated and is accountable to the Master of the Universe, Christ Jesus.
In Daniel 10, Daniel is confronted with the reality of evil and spiritual warfare on this earth. In verses 10-19 we see the common reaction to evil, fear. Daniel is too fearful to get up, too fearful to speak, and to fearful to go forward. But as you continue to read this chapter you see Daniel is using the weapon of prayer (2-3) that leads to the intervention of God to overcome the evil forces of Satan. It is through prayer that God sends Daniel His message of assurance that victory always belongs to Him. Even when praying, Daniel does not understand the magnitude of the battle until it is revealed to him. The reality of the battle should keep God's children on our knees in prayer. This discipline is clearly seen in the Garden, as Jesus prepares for the cross. Satan tried to use fear to stop Jesus, but Jesus relied on prayer to His Father, knowing that through prayer, victory would be achieved over the enemy. Live your life each day knowing that Satan's power is limited, and he can only do what God Almighty permits. Walking in this truth will create for us a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
In Daniel 10, Daniel is confronted with the reality of evil and spiritual warfare on this earth. In verses 10-19 we see the common reaction to evil, fear. Daniel is too fearful to get up, too fearful to speak, and to fearful to go forward. But as you continue to read this chapter you see Daniel is using the weapon of prayer (2-3) that leads to the intervention of God to overcome the evil forces of Satan. It is through prayer that God sends Daniel His message of assurance that victory always belongs to Him. Even when praying, Daniel does not understand the magnitude of the battle until it is revealed to him. The reality of the battle should keep God's children on our knees in prayer. This discipline is clearly seen in the Garden, as Jesus prepares for the cross. Satan tried to use fear to stop Jesus, but Jesus relied on prayer to His Father, knowing that through prayer, victory would be achieved over the enemy. Live your life each day knowing that Satan's power is limited, and he can only do what God Almighty permits. Walking in this truth will create for us a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Confident that Prayer Matters to God
How many people do you think pray on a regular basis in this world? How many of those people truly believe that their "deity" hears or cares about those prayers? Even though most in this world believes in prayer (communication with a higher being), most of those in this world who pray truly never expect their "god" to react one way or another. Most of our world prays out of ritual, tradition, or habit, without ever believing it will make a difference in this life. Are you one of these people? This mindset or attitude should never be apart of a Christian's prayer life. With all the stress in life, with all the ups and downs and uncertainties we face, the last thing a Christian needs is to carry around is the lie that God is not concerned or touched by His children's prayers.
In Daniel 9, we are given a peek behind the scenes at the spiritual battle taking place when God's children pray. We see the great lengths God will go to care for and answer the prayers of His faithful children. Prayer should always be apart of a Christian's life, even when it involves our future hopes and fears. Daniel's prayer life and God's reply enforce three truths that will radically change the way we understand and approach God in prayer. First, a powerful prayer life flows out of a disciplined love for God's Word. Daniel studied God's Word, and was able to pray back to God His promises to His people (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Second, a powerful prayer life flows out of a correct view of God's character. Daniel does not elevate himself to God's level, but humbly acknowledges God's superior position over man. Third, a powerful prayer life flows out of a desperate heart to know God's will. When we embrace God's will for our lives, then we can rest securely in the perfect plan God has for us. A Christian who has an active and powerful prayer connection with God, guarantees themselves a less stressful life in these uncertain times. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
In Daniel 9, we are given a peek behind the scenes at the spiritual battle taking place when God's children pray. We see the great lengths God will go to care for and answer the prayers of His faithful children. Prayer should always be apart of a Christian's life, even when it involves our future hopes and fears. Daniel's prayer life and God's reply enforce three truths that will radically change the way we understand and approach God in prayer. First, a powerful prayer life flows out of a disciplined love for God's Word. Daniel studied God's Word, and was able to pray back to God His promises to His people (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Second, a powerful prayer life flows out of a correct view of God's character. Daniel does not elevate himself to God's level, but humbly acknowledges God's superior position over man. Third, a powerful prayer life flows out of a desperate heart to know God's will. When we embrace God's will for our lives, then we can rest securely in the perfect plan God has for us. A Christian who has an active and powerful prayer connection with God, guarantees themselves a less stressful life in these uncertain times. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Confident that Earthly Kingdoms Don't Intimidate God
No matter what country you live in, you will find that intimidation is a big problem for mankind. From inside the halls of our schools to the secret meetings going on in government, intimation is a tool used by many to try to get their way. Another word for "intimidation" is "bully". The earthy powers have always tried to intimate God and His people. In Daniel chapter 8, God will show Daniel that no matter how scary man's kingdoms may look and sound, God is never frightened or scared. God describes the Persian kingdom as being the strongest, and yet in time it will fall apart into pieces (8:3-4,7,20). God describes the Greek kingdom as "scary fast", and yet it too will come to an end when Alexander the Great dies unexpectedly at the border of India (8:5-8;21-22). And finally, God shows Daniel the wicked and sinful kingdom of Antiochus IV (type of the anti-Christ), but it too will crumble under the feet of Jehovah God.
The problem for many Christians is that we spend too much time worrying about earthy governments and kingdoms and lose sight of the only Kingdom that will never fail nor be destroyed. The Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ is a permanent kingdom, that will last forever (Is. 9:7). In fact, we are told by Jesus Himself that His Kingdom has come already come to earth through the ministry and work of the church. It is the message of the church to declare that God's Kingdom is here and expanding as people come out of the darkness and place their faith and trust in the gospel message. Yet, we also are told that God's Kingdom has yet to be completely fulfilled or realized. This completion will take place when Jesus comes back the second time; and at that point this will mark the end of every earthy kingdom, no matter how strong, fast, or sinful they may be. When Christians begins spending more time praying and living for God's heavenly Kingdom rather than worrying about what is going on in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Paris, then we will all experience a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
The problem for many Christians is that we spend too much time worrying about earthy governments and kingdoms and lose sight of the only Kingdom that will never fail nor be destroyed. The Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ is a permanent kingdom, that will last forever (Is. 9:7). In fact, we are told by Jesus Himself that His Kingdom has come already come to earth through the ministry and work of the church. It is the message of the church to declare that God's Kingdom is here and expanding as people come out of the darkness and place their faith and trust in the gospel message. Yet, we also are told that God's Kingdom has yet to be completely fulfilled or realized. This completion will take place when Jesus comes back the second time; and at that point this will mark the end of every earthy kingdom, no matter how strong, fast, or sinful they may be. When Christians begins spending more time praying and living for God's heavenly Kingdom rather than worrying about what is going on in Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Paris, then we will all experience a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Confident that God's Kingdom Will Come
How sure are you that you will be working at your present job in ten years? How confident are you that your relationship with your spouse or children will be very close in the next twenty-five years? How sure are you that all your bills and debts will be paid off by the time you retire? The only answer any of us can give to these questions is "I hope so." Someone once said that the only things that are for sure in this life are taxes and death. Well, if that was all we had to look forward to in life, then no wonder most people today are stressed out and depressed. But for a Christian, there is more to life that we can be sure of, and this "MORE LIFE" is found in the person of Jesus Christ, and in His Word, the Bible. It is in the Bible (like the book of Daniel) that we are given the promise of hope beyond our present conditions. Hope that looks beyond the systems of government that rule men on this earth to a perfect kingdom whose King is called Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11).
The prophet Daniel is made aware of this perfect kingdom, only after he is given a glimpse of four mighty powers who will rise and fall with the wind (7:2-7). He is also given a glimpse of Satan's kingdom (7:8,11-12,21-26); yet it too will find itself crushed under the heel of Jesus Christ. It is only the Kingdom of the Ancient of Days (9-10), the Son of Man (13-14) that will be an everlasting kingdom. Note, that while man's kingdoms are always filled with conflict and ruin, God's throne is described as tranquil, just, and triumphant. The Kingly reign of Jesus is described as glorious, universal, and everlasting. No kingdom on earth has yet to be described this way. This is why Jesus, who lived during the Roman Empire, commanded Christians to pray looking forward to the day when "God's kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven..." (Matt. 6:10) If we live our lives today with the promised hope of God's kingdom, then our lives would be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
The prophet Daniel is made aware of this perfect kingdom, only after he is given a glimpse of four mighty powers who will rise and fall with the wind (7:2-7). He is also given a glimpse of Satan's kingdom (7:8,11-12,21-26); yet it too will find itself crushed under the heel of Jesus Christ. It is only the Kingdom of the Ancient of Days (9-10), the Son of Man (13-14) that will be an everlasting kingdom. Note, that while man's kingdoms are always filled with conflict and ruin, God's throne is described as tranquil, just, and triumphant. The Kingly reign of Jesus is described as glorious, universal, and everlasting. No kingdom on earth has yet to be described this way. This is why Jesus, who lived during the Roman Empire, commanded Christians to pray looking forward to the day when "God's kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven..." (Matt. 6:10) If we live our lives today with the promised hope of God's kingdom, then our lives would be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Confident that God is in My Tomorrow
How many times do people feel good about the present day they are having, but the uncertainty of their tomorrow steals the joy of living in the present moment. Yes, uncertainty of tomorrow is a great contributor to much of the stress we humans carry. Questions like: "Will this relationship last next week?" "When will the car break down again?" "How long will it be before I have to look for another job?" Or, "Will I even be alive to see my grandchild grow up?" Questions like these flow through each human mind, but the key to living a happy and less stressed life today rest in this truth, "Are you trying to handle your future alone or do you trust in Someone who already walks in your future, who knows each situation that you will face?" This one that I talk about is the One and True God, Jesus Christ the Lord. Scripture is very clear when it declares, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8) In Revelation 22:13, Jesus claims to be Alpha and Omega, or the eternal God who has always existed. This fact alone means that God is outside of time and knows not only every moment in the past and every step you take today, but also knows every event in your future.
In Daniel chapters 7-12, Daniel is reminded of this very important fact about God. Daniel's desire is to see Jerusalem restored from captivity, and the glorious reign of the Messiah to unfold. In these final six chapters, Daniel will be shown by God the future path that will befall Israel. In great detail, God will reveal to Daniel the next three superpowers (Persians/Greeks/Romans), and even a glimpse of the final anti-Christ's kingdom, that has yet to be experienced today. God will prove to every reader that He alone is in control of every worldly kingdom that is established; and just as quickly as they enter the picture they are destroyed by another power. Yet no matter how evil or strong the earthly kingdom, we are reminded that there will be a fixed time in man's future in which God's eternal Kingdom will be established under the rule of Jesus Christ (7:13-14), and this kingdom will the the only "forever" kingdom. When a person's faith and trust is placed in the true King of kings and Lord of lords, then no matter what happens in our future, you will have a less stressed life than those without the hope of a heavenly kingdom. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.
In Daniel chapters 7-12, Daniel is reminded of this very important fact about God. Daniel's desire is to see Jerusalem restored from captivity, and the glorious reign of the Messiah to unfold. In these final six chapters, Daniel will be shown by God the future path that will befall Israel. In great detail, God will reveal to Daniel the next three superpowers (Persians/Greeks/Romans), and even a glimpse of the final anti-Christ's kingdom, that has yet to be experienced today. God will prove to every reader that He alone is in control of every worldly kingdom that is established; and just as quickly as they enter the picture they are destroyed by another power. Yet no matter how evil or strong the earthly kingdom, we are reminded that there will be a fixed time in man's future in which God's eternal Kingdom will be established under the rule of Jesus Christ (7:13-14), and this kingdom will the the only "forever" kingdom. When a person's faith and trust is placed in the true King of kings and Lord of lords, then no matter what happens in our future, you will have a less stressed life than those without the hope of a heavenly kingdom. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.
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