Isn't it amazing how God continues to get his people in positions of authority? Now, Daniel is a most trusted advisor to Darius. Not only that but Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah hold prominent positions in the Babylonian government.
Do you recognize those 3 names? How about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? How about the fiery furnace? Now how is it that these 3 were tossed in the fiery furnace, extra hot I might add, but Nebuchadnezzar sees 4 men walking in the furnace? Who do you think the 4th man was?
Sorry, got away from Daniel. Apparently the ability to intrepret dreams was a big deal back in the day. This is what got Daniel into his prominent position.
As a kid the story of Daniel and the lions den fascinated me. As an adult it still does. Throw a stone over the entrance. Just Daniel and the lions chillin. I find it interesting that the King came first thing in the morning to check on Daniel. Wonder what he was thinking as he approached? Daniel is fine, not a scratch. I know what you are thinking! The lions just were not hungry right? I don't think so. The false accusers with there wives and children were tossed in the lions den. Before they reached the floor of the den they were overpowered and their bones crushed. What was the difference?
God is faithful! God is in control! Do you believe that? Do you live life trusting a faithful God?
Do I??? Daniel did!
Till next time...
Monday, July 9, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Day 59
On day 59 of the #B90X reading plan we moved into Ezekiel.
Did you know that Ezekiel was a street preacher in Babylon for 22 years?
How about that he lied on his side for 390 days with only one 8 oz.meal cooked over manure a day?
He shaved his head and beard. I have read this before so this must have been a big deal back in the day. If you can explain this to me I would love to hear from you.
He showed no sorrow when his wife died.
I am almost afraid to write this but I think God is taking it easy on us. Are the things he is asking us to do really that tough?
Till next time...
Did you know that Ezekiel was a street preacher in Babylon for 22 years?
How about that he lied on his side for 390 days with only one 8 oz.meal cooked over manure a day?
He shaved his head and beard. I have read this before so this must have been a big deal back in the day. If you can explain this to me I would love to hear from you.
He showed no sorrow when his wife died.
I am almost afraid to write this but I think God is taking it easy on us. Are the things he is asking us to do really that tough?
Till next time...
Thursday, July 5, 2012
#B90X Day 56
Jeremiah 29:11
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 hope and a future.
This is one of my favorite verses. Why can't I rest in this promise? Or am I?
Till next time...
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 hope and a future.
This is one of my favorite verses. Why can't I rest in this promise? Or am I?
Till next time...
#B90X DAY 54
On day 54 we moved into the book of Jeremiah.
For 40 years Jeremiah was God's spokesman to Judah. For 40 years the people of Judah did not listen or respond. Not exactly E.F. Hutton I guess.
Here are some other highlights of his career.
What prophets are speaking into your life right now, but you are ignoring because you do not like the message?
Oh, I almost forgot the most important highlight.
God loved Jeremiah. Why? He was true to his calling. He persevered through it all.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Are you fulfilling God's calling on your life? I ask this of myself as well.
Till next time...
For 40 years Jeremiah was God's spokesman to Judah. For 40 years the people of Judah did not listen or respond. Not exactly E.F. Hutton I guess.
Here are some other highlights of his career.
- he was thrown in prison
- he was thrown into a cistern
- he was taken to Eygpt against his will
- rejected by his neighbors, his family, the false prophets, his audience, friends, and the kings.
- He was poor
What prophets are speaking into your life right now, but you are ignoring because you do not like the message?
Oh, I almost forgot the most important highlight.
God loved Jeremiah. Why? He was true to his calling. He persevered through it all.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Are you fulfilling God's calling on your life? I ask this of myself as well.
Till next time...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
#B90X Day 49
The reading moves into Isaiah, considered to be the greatest Old Testament prophet. Somebody mentioned to me the other day that there are 3 key areas a man needs to be to lead his family. They were Prophet, King, and Priest.
Prophet was the one that really caught my attention. Not that I fully understand the other 2 but what is a prophet. A prophet's role is to speak for God. To confront and challenge people with God's commands and promises.
As I read Isaiah, Jeremiah, and now Ezekiel I wonder why anyone would want to be a prophet. It sure seems like there is a lot of doom and gloom being foretold. It kind of reminds me of the street corner preacher who is preaching nothing but hell and damnation. Who wants to be that guy? It does not seem to be the way to win friends.
Ahh, but that is not what this is about is it? Winning friends.
Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? and who will go for us? And I said, "Here am I. send me"
Did you catch that word "us"? God and Isaiah, us.
The more I think about this prophet thing I realize it is about hope. It is a warning, an opportunity to change direction before the consequences become severe. It is the call we are getting from God to turn back to him.
You know, I am OK with being a prophet in my family. Here am I Lord, send me!
How about you guys? Are you willing to join me?
Till next time...
Prophet was the one that really caught my attention. Not that I fully understand the other 2 but what is a prophet. A prophet's role is to speak for God. To confront and challenge people with God's commands and promises.
As I read Isaiah, Jeremiah, and now Ezekiel I wonder why anyone would want to be a prophet. It sure seems like there is a lot of doom and gloom being foretold. It kind of reminds me of the street corner preacher who is preaching nothing but hell and damnation. Who wants to be that guy? It does not seem to be the way to win friends.
Ahh, but that is not what this is about is it? Winning friends.
Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? and who will go for us? And I said, "Here am I. send me"
Did you catch that word "us"? God and Isaiah, us.
The more I think about this prophet thing I realize it is about hope. It is a warning, an opportunity to change direction before the consequences become severe. It is the call we are getting from God to turn back to him.
You know, I am OK with being a prophet in my family. Here am I Lord, send me!
How about you guys? Are you willing to join me?
Till next time...
B90X Day 48
As I told you in the last post I am going back and reviewing some of the earlier days readings.
Todays reading was Ecclesiastes 3:1 through Song of Songs 8:14.
Sorry guys, I am not going to write about Song of Songs. At least not in this post. I want to talk about Ecclesiastes.
Here is Solomon the wisest man around, loaded with wealth and everything a man could ever desire, talking about how meaningless it all is. If this is the case why do we men spend so much time effort and energy working for advancement? Why do we have to have the nice boat, or nice new car? The nicest house or the best landscaped place in the neighborhood?
Let me ask a question. What is the response you get when you ask another man how thing's are going?
I don't think Solomon is saying that these things are bad. Chapter 5:18-20 says we should find satisfaction in our toil. We should enjoy our possessions and wealth. This is a gift from God.
Apart from God though all these things are meaningless.
Till next time...
Todays reading was Ecclesiastes 3:1 through Song of Songs 8:14.
Sorry guys, I am not going to write about Song of Songs. At least not in this post. I want to talk about Ecclesiastes.
Here is Solomon the wisest man around, loaded with wealth and everything a man could ever desire, talking about how meaningless it all is. If this is the case why do we men spend so much time effort and energy working for advancement? Why do we have to have the nice boat, or nice new car? The nicest house or the best landscaped place in the neighborhood?
Let me ask a question. What is the response you get when you ask another man how thing's are going?
- The highly descriptive answer, "Fine" or "Good"
- Oh man, work is just crazy right now. It's just too busy.
- My wife____ I will stay away from this one.
I don't think Solomon is saying that these things are bad. Chapter 5:18-20 says we should find satisfaction in our toil. We should enjoy our possessions and wealth. This is a gift from God.
Apart from God though all these things are meaningless.
Till next time...
Struggle
I have to admit that I am struggling with what to write on this blog. I do continue to keep pace with the #B90X reading plan.
I think right now I am missing what God is trying to speak into me. With that being said, today I am going back to Day 48 and reviewing each days reading as well as staying current.
Hopefully my heart will hear what God is speaking to me.
I might even blog about it.
Till next time...
I think right now I am missing what God is trying to speak into me. With that being said, today I am going back to Day 48 and reviewing each days reading as well as staying current.
Hopefully my heart will hear what God is speaking to me.
I might even blog about it.
Till next time...
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