I am tempted everyday to follow the pattern of this world or follow God. Each day I wake up to a world of decisions. What will I do? Sometimes I follow the world. I fit right in and nobody notices anything different. Then there are days that I follow God. I fully surrender and choose to do the things He desires for me to do. People notice something different because it isn't with the flow. Each day I have this battle.
The same is true for you too. If you choose to fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you will have to reaffirm that choice throughout your day, every day. The world will tempt you to follow it instead of God. The devil will tempt you to listen to him instead of listening to God. You will have this battle every day.
Daniel was a fully surrendered kind of guy. He stood up to foreign kings and told them exactly what God wanted them to know which could have cost him his life. He made the choice to live for God's kingdom. But just like you and me, he too was faced with moments of just fitting in and following the flow of the world around him or staying fully surrendered to God and standing up for it.
King Darius had been king over the entire empire of the Medes and Persians. These two peoples had conquered Babylon and now benefitted from Daniel's services. Greed and jealousy can be found in any era and that is exactly what was going on with Daniel chapter 6.
Why not read Daniel chapter 6 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow on web browser to return) So what was the problem? Don't pray to your God Daniel. If he did, he would be thrown into the lions den.
Daniel had a decision to make. Would he stand up for his biblical/godly values or would he go along with the rest of the world? He chose to keep his values and as a result he was thrown into the lions den.
You know the end of the story. Daniel was kept safe by God. As a result, God's glory was revealed through him to another foreign king who recognized the God over all and the kingdom that is over all. All because one man was fully surrendered to God. One man who was living for another kindgom. He saw God's glory in a powerful way.
That is exactly what I want for my life. I want to be fully surrendered to Jesus and see His glory revealed through me. What a blessing that is.
Will I surrender, every day to God's plan and trust Him to do what is necessary to take care of me, my family in order to see His glory? The same goes for you.
As you close: Pray about your current level of surrender. Are you afraid to fully surrender? Pray about that fear. Are you unsure of what He is going to do through you? Pray about that as well. Talk to Him about fully surrendering everyday and strength to keep that commitment.
God Bless!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 4
One day while my wife was cooking, one of my children reached for the pan of food she was using on the stove. She quickly told them, "Don't touch that, it's hot." They touch it and yelped. My wife promptly reacted, "I told you it was hot."
I watched the same situation, and I followed suit. I know, but I'm dumb sometimes. I went over to the same pan and touched it. I knew it was hot and I knew I could get hurt. I just watched my child do it. My wife looked at me with that dumbfounded look and said, "What are you doing?" For some reason I just couldn't learn the lesson through my child, I had to learn it myself.
That is exactly what happened to Belshazzar, King Neby's son. The kingdom had transfered from Neby to Belshazzar. Belshazzar had watched his dad go insane and eat grass like cattle for seven years. Belshazzar watched his dad repent and humble himself before the God of the universe. But did Belshazzar learn from his father's mistakes?
Read what happened in Daniel 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
Daniel had the tough assignment; to confront Belshazzar with the news of his immediate end. Why? Belshazzar was proud of his work and his kingdom. There was no place for God in his world. So, he would be killed and a new power would arise, the Mede's and Persians. He wasn't on the throne for long. Why was that? God gave King Neby some time to change, why not Belshazzar? We don't know how long he sat on the throne but there is something to be said about learning lessons through other people. We learn life lessons through other people's stories. He should've learned through his dad's story but he didn't. So the patience of God appears a little shorter with Belshazzar.
How are you in learning life lessons through other people? In my earlier story, I have had moments where I didn't learn what I should've learned. Sometimes I have to learn the hard way. I hope I am a little wiser in my older age.
God has things for us to learn and sometimes it is not personal but through the easier way of others. Watch and learn. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, but I opt for the easy way. How about you?
As you close: Ask God to give you wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Ask Him to help you learn through the experiences of others. And then ask Him for patience as we at times need to learn it the hard way.
God Bless!
I watched the same situation, and I followed suit. I know, but I'm dumb sometimes. I went over to the same pan and touched it. I knew it was hot and I knew I could get hurt. I just watched my child do it. My wife looked at me with that dumbfounded look and said, "What are you doing?" For some reason I just couldn't learn the lesson through my child, I had to learn it myself.
That is exactly what happened to Belshazzar, King Neby's son. The kingdom had transfered from Neby to Belshazzar. Belshazzar had watched his dad go insane and eat grass like cattle for seven years. Belshazzar watched his dad repent and humble himself before the God of the universe. But did Belshazzar learn from his father's mistakes?
Read what happened in Daniel 5 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NIV (Click on back arrow on web browser to return)
Daniel had the tough assignment; to confront Belshazzar with the news of his immediate end. Why? Belshazzar was proud of his work and his kingdom. There was no place for God in his world. So, he would be killed and a new power would arise, the Mede's and Persians. He wasn't on the throne for long. Why was that? God gave King Neby some time to change, why not Belshazzar? We don't know how long he sat on the throne but there is something to be said about learning lessons through other people. We learn life lessons through other people's stories. He should've learned through his dad's story but he didn't. So the patience of God appears a little shorter with Belshazzar.
How are you in learning life lessons through other people? In my earlier story, I have had moments where I didn't learn what I should've learned. Sometimes I have to learn the hard way. I hope I am a little wiser in my older age.
God has things for us to learn and sometimes it is not personal but through the easier way of others. Watch and learn. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way, but I opt for the easy way. How about you?
As you close: Ask God to give you wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Ask Him to help you learn through the experiences of others. And then ask Him for patience as we at times need to learn it the hard way.
God Bless!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 3
I enjoy looking at trees in the fall when they change their color. Our peak season for leaves has come and gone and now everything looks bare. Leaves are brown and on the ground ready to be hauled away. What's left? The branches. But even then the tree is amazing. When the leaves are gone, you truly find out how massive it really is.
King Neby had a dream of a tree. The tree was in full bloom and in its splendor. Read about it in Daniel 4:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
King Neby had no idea what the dream meant. He trusts Daniel. He needs to know what it means. Here is another opportunity for Daniel to be used by God in a glorious way. Unfortunately, the dream was a warning. Daniel would have to say what was necessary to King Neby and King Neby may not like what he has to say.
Have you ever had to be the one to say something to another that was going to be difficult to say? None of us like it. Their reaction may affect our decision to be that person. But if we love the other person, we will endure the scorn and compassionately speak the truth in love. Daniel cared about Neby and was fully surrendered to God so there was no other option but to speak the truth in love.
Read what the Daniel's interpretation was in Daniel 4:19-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204:19-27&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow of web browser to return)
How did King Neby respond? He didn't listen to Daniel's advice of fully surrendering to God and he paid for his. God allowed him to go insane for seven years until he came back to his senses. And when he did, he glorified God and gave Him His rightful place.
Scripture teaches us that we need to speak the truth in love and sometimes it may be painful. Will that hinder you from seeing God use you in glorious ways? Daniel was fully surrendered to God and witnessed His glory, now it's your turn.
As you close: Pray that God will give you a compassionate heart towards those around you and a listening ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He may have some wise words that He would like to speak through you into the heart of a loved one. Those words may very well be the exact thing they needed to hear when they heard to turn things around.
God bless!
King Neby had a dream of a tree. The tree was in full bloom and in its splendor. Read about it in Daniel 4:1-18 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4%3A1-18&version=NIV (Click back arrow on web browser to return)
King Neby had no idea what the dream meant. He trusts Daniel. He needs to know what it means. Here is another opportunity for Daniel to be used by God in a glorious way. Unfortunately, the dream was a warning. Daniel would have to say what was necessary to King Neby and King Neby may not like what he has to say.
Have you ever had to be the one to say something to another that was going to be difficult to say? None of us like it. Their reaction may affect our decision to be that person. But if we love the other person, we will endure the scorn and compassionately speak the truth in love. Daniel cared about Neby and was fully surrendered to God so there was no other option but to speak the truth in love.
Read what the Daniel's interpretation was in Daniel 4:19-27 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204:19-27&version=NIV (Click on Back Arrow of web browser to return)
How did King Neby respond? He didn't listen to Daniel's advice of fully surrendering to God and he paid for his. God allowed him to go insane for seven years until he came back to his senses. And when he did, he glorified God and gave Him His rightful place.
Scripture teaches us that we need to speak the truth in love and sometimes it may be painful. Will that hinder you from seeing God use you in glorious ways? Daniel was fully surrendered to God and witnessed His glory, now it's your turn.
As you close: Pray that God will give you a compassionate heart towards those around you and a listening ear to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He may have some wise words that He would like to speak through you into the heart of a loved one. Those words may very well be the exact thing they needed to hear when they heard to turn things around.
God bless!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 2
Do you like puzzles or riddles? Well, try this one on for size. A man makes it and sells it. A man buys it and let's someone use it. The person using it doesn't know that they are using it. What is it? (Answer at the end)
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream one night. It puzzled him. He had no idea what it meant. But he could do nothing until the puzzle was solved or the riddle was answered. What was the dream? Read about it Daniel 2:31-35 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2%3A31-35&version=NIV (Click the back arrow on on web browser to return)
The dream was about a statue. Head, Chest and Arms, Belly and Thighs, Legs, and Feet. Each area was made of a kind of precious metal. But what did it mean?
Now the King had asked his advisors to tell him the dream and it's interpretation. No one could do that but one person, Daniel. God had given him a new direction in life. He wasn't going to be a priest, he was going to be the dream doctor for God. But there was one problem. Daniel didn't know the dream and dream doctors require that piece to the puzzle. Charles McPhee, Host of Nationally Syndicated Radio Program 'The Dream Doctor,' interprets dreams for a living. But there is one thing he needs to accomplish his task. He needs to hear about the dream. Then he can give its meaning.
For King Neby, he wanted someone to tell him what his dream was and then to interpret. No one can do that. But then there is Daniel. Daniel has been given the job to interpret dreams. But in this situation, He was would need God to tell him what the dream was. As a result, Daniel was able to witness to King Neby about the greatest of God and the greatness of His Kingdom. After Daniel told him the dream and its meaning, King Neby said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings..." King Neby's life was forever impacted because one man was fully surrendered to God and used by God to impact an entire empire for God's glory.
None of that would have happened unless Daniel had accepted God's plan for his life. God may be taking you on a journey that you don't get. You may even be angry with Him. Don't be. He has every step of the way planned out, prepared and is preparing you to be used by Him for His glory. It may not make sense right now and you may want answers to the puzzles and riddles in your life. Know this, He will make Himself abundantly clear in His time. Just follow Him. Fully surrender to Him. And in time the answers will come and you will be amazed how God displayed His glory through you.
By the way the answer to the riddle is...................a coffin.
Have a great day today and remember, fully surrender to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close: As God for wisdom with the riddles in your life. And then wait. Watch what He is doing and will be doing. It will amaze you.
God bless!
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream one night. It puzzled him. He had no idea what it meant. But he could do nothing until the puzzle was solved or the riddle was answered. What was the dream? Read about it Daniel 2:31-35 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2%3A31-35&version=NIV (Click the back arrow on on web browser to return)
The dream was about a statue. Head, Chest and Arms, Belly and Thighs, Legs, and Feet. Each area was made of a kind of precious metal. But what did it mean?
Now the King had asked his advisors to tell him the dream and it's interpretation. No one could do that but one person, Daniel. God had given him a new direction in life. He wasn't going to be a priest, he was going to be the dream doctor for God. But there was one problem. Daniel didn't know the dream and dream doctors require that piece to the puzzle. Charles McPhee, Host of Nationally Syndicated Radio Program 'The Dream Doctor,' interprets dreams for a living. But there is one thing he needs to accomplish his task. He needs to hear about the dream. Then he can give its meaning.
For King Neby, he wanted someone to tell him what his dream was and then to interpret. No one can do that. But then there is Daniel. Daniel has been given the job to interpret dreams. But in this situation, He was would need God to tell him what the dream was. As a result, Daniel was able to witness to King Neby about the greatest of God and the greatness of His Kingdom. After Daniel told him the dream and its meaning, King Neby said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings..." King Neby's life was forever impacted because one man was fully surrendered to God and used by God to impact an entire empire for God's glory.
None of that would have happened unless Daniel had accepted God's plan for his life. God may be taking you on a journey that you don't get. You may even be angry with Him. Don't be. He has every step of the way planned out, prepared and is preparing you to be used by Him for His glory. It may not make sense right now and you may want answers to the puzzles and riddles in your life. Know this, He will make Himself abundantly clear in His time. Just follow Him. Fully surrender to Him. And in time the answers will come and you will be amazed how God displayed His glory through you.
By the way the answer to the riddle is...................a coffin.
Have a great day today and remember, fully surrender to Him. You won't regret it.
As you close: As God for wisdom with the riddles in your life. And then wait. Watch what He is doing and will be doing. It will amaze you.
God bless!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fully Surrender:Daniel - Day 1
When you were a child, what did you most want to be or do when you grew up? Take a minute and think back and try to remember.
I loved baseball. I lived it everyday. I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning and put on the glove. I've noticed my son is the same way. It must be a boy thing. That love for baseball gave me dreams of being a Major Leaguer for the LA Dodgers. I know, you may not be a fan, but they were my favorite team. I was in little league, travel leagues and High School. Mid way through my High School career, my passion for baseball faded. What? Yes it did. There went all my dreams of making it to the big show. But I had a different passion at that time. As soon as baseball faded, another one sprang to life; being a pastor.
Did this happen to you too? Many people have had similar experiences. They grew up with one passion and ended up doing something else. Why does that happen?
It happens because our dream was truly childish. We grow up and realize that it was just a childs' dream. Another reason is that we just got burned out by it. We gave it all of our lives early and when the time came for it to be a career, we had nothing left to give. Many potential sports heros tell their story of quiting because they burned out on it. I'm sure that is true in many areas.
I also think that our passions change because we wanted to do what we were gifted to do but not what we were made to do. That is where God enters the picture.
For Daniel, he probably had dreams of getting a job and raising a family in a suburb of Jerusalem and found himself in Babylonia as a servant in the kings court. Ezra 8:2 we find that Daniel is a descendant of Ithamar. Who's Ithamar? He is the son of Aaron. Aaron is Moses' bother and the head of the priestly line. The priestly line took care of the temple and the services inside. If you were a descendant in the priestly line, your job was set before you. So possibly, Daniel was getting ready to start his duties as a priest.
But things changed in the blink of eye and God had other plans for him. Read Daniel 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Daniels new job is found in verse 17: He could understand visions and dreams. That was his new job and in a foriegn country too.
How did Daniel respond? We don't know those fine details but as you read his book, he followed God's plan for his life instead of resenting it.
What career does God want you to have? Are you doing it? Are you willing to follow Him no matter what?
Don't misunderstand. I don't want you to quit your job right now. Especially when jobs are hard to come by. Just stop and pray. Ask God, "Am I doing what you want me to do?" And then just listen and wait.
As you close: Thank God for His plan for your life. Thank Him in advance for showing His glory through you as a fully surrendered follower of Christ.
God bless!
I loved baseball. I lived it everyday. I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning and put on the glove. I've noticed my son is the same way. It must be a boy thing. That love for baseball gave me dreams of being a Major Leaguer for the LA Dodgers. I know, you may not be a fan, but they were my favorite team. I was in little league, travel leagues and High School. Mid way through my High School career, my passion for baseball faded. What? Yes it did. There went all my dreams of making it to the big show. But I had a different passion at that time. As soon as baseball faded, another one sprang to life; being a pastor.
Did this happen to you too? Many people have had similar experiences. They grew up with one passion and ended up doing something else. Why does that happen?
It happens because our dream was truly childish. We grow up and realize that it was just a childs' dream. Another reason is that we just got burned out by it. We gave it all of our lives early and when the time came for it to be a career, we had nothing left to give. Many potential sports heros tell their story of quiting because they burned out on it. I'm sure that is true in many areas.
I also think that our passions change because we wanted to do what we were gifted to do but not what we were made to do. That is where God enters the picture.
For Daniel, he probably had dreams of getting a job and raising a family in a suburb of Jerusalem and found himself in Babylonia as a servant in the kings court. Ezra 8:2 we find that Daniel is a descendant of Ithamar. Who's Ithamar? He is the son of Aaron. Aaron is Moses' bother and the head of the priestly line. The priestly line took care of the temple and the services inside. If you were a descendant in the priestly line, your job was set before you. So possibly, Daniel was getting ready to start his duties as a priest.
But things changed in the blink of eye and God had other plans for him. Read Daniel 1 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+1&version=NIV (Click back arrow on your browser to return here)
Daniels new job is found in verse 17: He could understand visions and dreams. That was his new job and in a foriegn country too.
How did Daniel respond? We don't know those fine details but as you read his book, he followed God's plan for his life instead of resenting it.
What career does God want you to have? Are you doing it? Are you willing to follow Him no matter what?
Don't misunderstand. I don't want you to quit your job right now. Especially when jobs are hard to come by. Just stop and pray. Ask God, "Am I doing what you want me to do?" And then just listen and wait.
As you close: Thank God for His plan for your life. Thank Him in advance for showing His glory through you as a fully surrendered follower of Christ.
God bless!
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