As Usual – September 20, 2008

As Usual

Daniel 6:10

Jim Stephens

09-20-08

 

Scripture:

 

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. (Daniel 6:10 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Daniel is such a great example of a man who held strong convictions and simply lived those convictions in a world that was hostile to his way of life.  He not only survived in a difficult situation, he prospered and served in prominent positions under several kings and emperors of at least three different empires.

 

In this story, I think I see one of the keys to Daniel’s success.  He quietly lived his convictions with grace and dignity and at the same time fulfilled his secular responsibilities in a way that was above reproach.  His enemies said, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the requirements of his religion.”

 

Application:

 

It is my desire as a Christ-follower – as a man, a husband, a father, a grandfather – to simply and quietly live my convictions and not react to external opportunities (Daniel 5:17  “Keep your gifts or give them to someone else…”) or external threats or challenges (Daniel 6:10  “Just as he had always done…”)

 

Prayer:

 

Father, please help me to simply live my faith – practice my convictions – without reacting opportunistically or fearfully.  Amen.

 

Pay The Price – August 22, 2008

Pay The Price

Jeremiah 29:1-2

Jim Stephens

08-22-08

 

Scripture:

 

1 Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 2 This was after King Jehoiachin, the queen mother, the court officials, the other officials of Judah, and all the craftsmen and artisans had been deported from Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 29:1-2 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

The chapters of Jeremiah’s book aren’t in chronological order.  Some chapters are dated in their introductions – Chapter 28 is an example of that.  Chapter 29 is written during the time after Daniel and his friends were exiled to Babylon in 605 BC and the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC.  Jeremiah was in Judah but some of his prophecies were specific to the exiles in Babylon.  We often quote the encouraging words of Jeremiah 29:11, but we fail to realize what the entire prophecy cost Jeremiah.

 

Because Jeremiah was prophesying that Jerusalem would be destroyed and that her puppet king Zedekiah would be deposed, he was an enemy to everyone who heard him.  To the business people he was a doomsayer, to the religious people (and the entire Mosaic religious system was still operating – priests, feasts, sacrifices, and all) he was an heretic, and to the politicians he was a traitor.

 

If he faithfully spoke what God gave him to say, he was hated by everyone!

 

Application:

 

It takes courage to go against the flow.  It doesn’t matter what “system” you’re in, if you speak against any part of it, someone is going to be your enemy.  Paul told us, “As much as possible, live at peace with everyone.”  But what do we do when our convictions prompt us to speak up and speak out?  What do we do when we believe God has given us a message that is contrary to acceptable opinion?  I remember something my friend Rick Livingston said many years ago; “Be sure you’re right, then go ahead.”

 

Prayer:

 

Father, please give us prophets who have the courage to speak up and speak out.  Please give me the courage to speak the truth as I see it, the wisdom to speak well and wisely, and the grace to accept the consequences without whining and complaining.  Amen.

Speak Good Words – August 13, 2008

Speak Good Words

Jeremiah 15:19

Jim Stephens

08-13-08

 

Scripture:

 

This is how the Lord responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!”  (Jeremiah 15:19 NLT)

 

Observation:

 

Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry in Judah in 627 BC during the reign of mostly good king Josiah.  The northern kingdom of Israel would fall five years later in 622 BC.  The first defeat of Jerusalem in 605 BC saw Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and many other of that generation exiled to Babylon.

 

Jeremiah faithfully spoke for God during unsettled and trying times.  Jeremiah was considered a traitor by the political leaders, an heretic by the religious leaders, and a “prophet of doom” by the economic leaders of Judah.  He often felt totally alone, isolated, and hated by everyone in the country.

 

Application:

 

Sometimes God calls a person to stand alone and speak out.  It’s never easy, nor is it intended to be easy.  God requires those who speak for him to be faithful, not popular.

 

I prefer to speak words of encouragement and comfort to people.  I want to be a blessing to others.  God’s word to me from Jeremiah today is that that if I am to be useful and effective for him, I must be willing to speak honestly about sin and its consequences and be willing to say the unpopular thing when I feel convicted that it must be said.

 

Prayer:

 

Father, I admire Jeremiah for his willingness to stand alone.  I don’t envy him in that role, but I want to be a man who speaks good and honest words, not worthless ones.  Help me to be sensitive to your Spirit and obedient to your voice.  I want to be a spokesman for you.  Amen.