|
|
Post by dominic on Jan 3, 2023 9:31:12 GMT 9
Les if you want to put the devotionals in here. It's all good brother. Or you can make your own thread  I'm just trying to get this organized.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 3, 2023 10:20:08 GMT 9
I will gladly share them here my friend. It is around 1.20am here in England now so will start afresh tomorrow.
Great forum brother and will look forward to exploring what you have here....
|
|
|
|
Post by dominic on Jan 3, 2023 10:21:50 GMT 9
Thank you Les Good night |
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 3, 2023 10:24:41 GMT 9
Good night my friend.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 4, 2023 5:52:49 GMT 9
Rescue Mission By: Xochitl Dixon
Click here for the Audio Message
Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
Psalm 38:15
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 38:11â22
Volunteers at a farm animal rescue organisation in Australia found a wandering sheep weighed down by about thirty-five kilos of filthy, matted wool. Rescuers suspected the sheep had been forgotten and lost in the bush for at least five years. Volunteers soothed him through the uncomfortable process of shearing away his heavy fleece. Once freed from his burden, Baarack ate. His legs grew stronger. He became more confident and content as he spent time with his rescuers and the other animals at the sanctuary.
The psalmist David understood the pain of being weighed down with heavy burdens, feeling forgotten and lost, and desperate for a rescue mission. In Psalm 38, David cried out to God. He had experienced isolation, betrayal and helplessness (vv. 11â14). Still, he prayed with confidence: âLord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my Godâ (v. 15). David didnât deny his predicament or minimise his inner turmoil and physical ailments (vv. 16â20). Instead, he trusted that God would be near and answer him at the right time and in the right way (vv. 21â22).
When we feel weighed down by physical, mental or emotional burdens, God remains committed to the rescue mission He planned from the day He created us. We can count on His presence when we cry out to Him: âCome quickly to help me, my Lord and my Saviourâ (v. 22).
Reflect & Pray
How has God revealed His faithfulness when youâve felt weighed down? How has God used others to comfort and support you?
Gracious God, help me to encourage others who feel weighed down, lost, or forgotten.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Old Testament poetry, we see two kinds of laments: a corporate or national lament and an individual lament. In a national lament, the singer mourns over the condition of the whole nation. This is seen clearly in much of the book of Jeremiah and most of the book of Lamentations. An individual lament is a personal lament of the singerâs own situation. Psalm 38 falls into the category of an individual lament, as do many of Davidâs lament psalms, which bear witness to the great difficulties he dealt with much of his life. This psalm doesnât provide us with the specific context that prompted him to write it, but we do know it includes a prayer for healing from suffering due to his sin ( vv. 3â5, 17â18). It could refer to suffering while being pursued by Saul or when his son Absalom sought to drive him from the kingdom.
Bill Crowder
Psalm 38:11-22
King James Version
11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
21 Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me.
22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 5, 2023 5:32:06 GMT 9
New Vision By: Katara Patton
Click here for the Audio Message
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Isaiah 43:18â21
Wearing my new eyeglasses as I stepped into the sanctuary, I sat down and spotted a friend sitting directly across the aisle on the other side of the church. As I waved at her, she looked so near and clear. It felt like I could reach out and touch her even though she was several yards away. Later, as we talked following the service, I realised she was in the same seat she always sat in. I simply could see her better because of an upgraded prescription in my new spectacles.
God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, knew that the Israelites stuck in Babylonian captivity would need a new prescriptionâa new view. He told them. âI am doing a new thing! . . . I am making a way in the wildernessâ (Isaiah 43:19). And His message of hope included the reminders that He had âcreatedâ them, âredeemedâ them, and would be with them. âYou are mine,â He encouraged them (v. 1).
In whatever youâre facing today, the Holy Spirit can provide better vision for you to put the old behind you and look for the new. By Godâs love (v. 4), itâs popping up all around you. Can you see what Heâs doing in the midst of your pain and bondage? Letâs put on our new spiritual glasses to see the new that God is doing even in our wilderness moments.
Reflect & Pray
What new things do you see cropping up even in your wilderness? How can adjusting your vision help you focus on the new rather than the past?
God of new beginnings, thank You for all Your promises. Help me to see the new that You bring about even in my wilderness moments.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The prophet Isaiah draws on the language of Genesis and Exodus to show that the God who freed the Israelites from slavery can and will bring them home again from exile.
In Isaiah 43:16â17, God reminds His people that He carved a path through the sea to bring them out of Egypt. Now He declares, âSee, I am doing a new thing!â (v. 19). But how will He do a new thing? Heâll use waterâa barrier that God overcame when He parted the seaâas a source of blessing to make a way for them in the desert. Even the animal kingdom would experience the renewal of life that He would grant to His people (v. 20).
Both the stories of the past and Godâs work in the present point to one thing: nothingânot a sea nor a wasteland, slavery nor exileâcan prevent God from making good on His promises.
Jed Ostoich
Isaiah 43:18-21
King James Version
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
|
|
|
|
Post by dominic on Jan 5, 2023 15:46:39 GMT 9
Amen brother. Thank sharing God's Word.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 6, 2023 5:54:53 GMT 9
A Nesting Place By: Kirsten Holmberg
Click here for the Audio Message
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 14:1â4
Sand martinsâsmall birds related to swallowsâdig their nests into riverbanks. Land development in South East England reduced their habitat, and the birds had fewer and fewer places to nest when they returned from their winter migration each year. Local conservationists sprang into action and built an enormous artificial sandbank to house them. With the help of a sand-sculpting firm, they moulded sand to create a space for the birds to take up residence for years to come.
This gracious act of compassion vividly depicts the words Jesus used to console His disciples. After telling them Heâd be leaving and that they wouldnât be able to go with Him until later (John 13:36), He offered them the assurance that Heâd âprepare a place for [them]â in heaven (14:2). Though they were rightly saddened that Jesus said He would leave them soon and that they could not follow Him, He encouraged them to look on this holy errand as part of His preparation to receive themâand us.
Without Jesusâ sacrificial work on the cross, the âmany roomsâ of the Fatherâs house wouldnât be able to receive us (v. 2). Having gone before us in preparation, Christ assures us Heâll return and take those who trust in His sacrifice to be with Him. There weâll take up residence with Him in a joyous eternity.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt you werenât âat homeâ in this life? What do you most look forward to about heaven?
Thank You, Jesus, for preparing a place for me in heaven with You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
John stated his purpose for writing his gospel in 20:30â31: âJesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.â The entire book should be understood through this lens of pointing people to belief in Jesus that leads to life.
The word belief, translated from the Greek pisteuĹ, is mentioned eighty-five times in John. One Bible dictionary gives this definition of the word: âbelieve (affirm, have confidence); used of persuading oneself (human believing) and with the sacred significance of being persuaded by the Lord (faith believing).â Jesusâ miracles and teachings included in the gospel of John are persuasive arguments that He is indeed âthe Messiah, the Son of Godâ (v. 31).
J.R. Hudberg
John 14:1-4
King James Version
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 7, 2023 5:06:40 GMT 9
Made for Adventure By: Sheridan Voysey
Click here for the Audio Message
Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Genesis 1:28
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 1:21â28
I recently made a wonderful discovery. Following a dirt path into a cluster of trees near my home, I found a hidden homemade playground. A ladder made of sticks led up to a lookout, swings made from old cable spools hung from branches, and there was even a suspension bridge slung between boughs. Someone had turned some old wood and rope into a creative adventure!
Swiss doctor Paul Tournier believed that we were made for adventure because weâre made in Godâs image (Genesis 1:26â27). Just as God ventured forth to invent a universe (vv. 1â25), just as He took the risk of creating humans who could choose good or evil (3:5â6) and just as He called us to âbe fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue itâ (1:28), we too have a drive to invent, take risks and create new things as we fruitfully rule the earth. Such adventures may be large or small, but theyâre best when they benefit others. I bet the makers of that playground would get a kick out of people finding and enjoying it.
Whether itâs inventing new music, exploring new forms of evangelism or rekindling a marriage thatâs grown distant, adventures of all kinds keep our heart beating. What new task or project is tugging at you right now? Perhaps God is leading you to a new adventure.
Reflect & Pray
How else do you see God being adventurous in Scripture? How can His adventures inspire our own?
Adventurous God, send me on a new adventure out of love for You and others!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Scripture declares that God created all things. The Hebrew verb baraâ, rendered created in Genesis 1, always has Him as the subject. Thus, God first created everything out of nothing (v. 1) and then created living beings from this created material (vv. 21, 27). Job 38â41 is without parallel in its depiction of the creative genius of God Almighty. With jaw-dropping brilliance, God gave Job a crash-course in things created and on display in the heavens, the earth, and seasâleading him to humbled silence (40:4â5; 42:5â6).
Arthur Jackson
Genesis 1:21-28
King James Version
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 9, 2023 4:20:08 GMT 9
More than Conquerors By: Xochitl Dixon
Click here for the Audio Message
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Romans 8:31â39
When my husband coached our sonâs football team, he rewarded the players with an end-of-year party and acknowledged their improvement over the season. One of our youngest players, Jack, approached me during the event. âDidnât we lose the game today?â
âYes,â I said. âBut weâre proud of you for doing your best.â
âI know,â he said. âBut we lost. Right?â
I nodded.
âThen why do I feel like a winner?â Jack asked.
Smiling, I said, âBecause you are a winner.â
Jack had thought that losing a game meant he was a failure even when heâd done his best. As believers in Jesus, our battle is not confined to a sports field. Still, itâs often tempting to view a tough season of life as a reflection of our worth.
The apostle Paul affirmed the connection between our present suffering and our future glory as Godâs children. Having given Himself for us, Jesus continues to work on our behalf during our ongoing battle with sin and transforms us to His likeness (Romans 8:31â32). Though weâll all experience hardship and persecution, Godâs unwavering love helps us persevere (vv. 33â34).
As His children, we may be tempted to allow struggles to define our worth. However, our ultimate victory is guaranteed. We may stumble along the way, but weâll always be âmore than conquerorsâ (vv. 35â39).
Reflect & Pray
When has your confidence in Godâs love helped you press on? How has He affirmed your value as His beloved child even after a great loss?
Father, thank You for helping me rise up through trials in victorious praise.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Before His suffering and death, Jesus both warned and assured His followers, âIn this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the worldâ (John 16:33). Later, Paul and Barnabas encouraged believers âto remain true to the faithâ in the hardships theyâd face (Acts 14:22). And Paul sent Timothy to strengthen the Thessalonians so they wouldnât be unsettled by the trials they were âdestined forâ (1 Thessalonians 3:2â3). Jesus clearly stated that as His followers we wouldâlike Himâbe persecuted ( John 15:20). Commentator Walter Elwell states: âAffliction is characteristic of life in a spoiled creation, but it is a means of discipline that can lead to obedience to God. . . . The afflictions experienced by Christians âwill result in Godâs richest blessing . . . forever and everâ (2 Corinthians 4:16â18 LB).â Weâre âmore than conquerors through [Christ]â! (Romans 8:37).
Alyson Kieda
Romans 8:31-39
King James Version
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 9, 2023 4:39:49 GMT 9
The Risk of Faith
God empowers and equips every believer who trusts Him enough to act on His Word.
Matthew 14:22-33
Sometimes obeying the Lord feels as if weâre taking a chance. Like Peter, we may find ourselves in a precarious situation, overcome by fear. Although life is filled with uncertainties, biblical truths never change. As we focus on them, weâll be able to obey with confidence â not in our desired outcome, but in the Lordâs faithfulness.
We can count on God being with us. Itâs impossible for believers to live a single day without His presence because our relationship with Him through our Savior Jesus Christ is a permanent one (Heb. l3:5). Godâs love for us is deep and abiding, and His promises are sure. When He calls us to leave our âcomfort zone,â we can obey because Heâs there at our side.
Godâs enabling power is ours. The Holy Spirit gives us divine strength to do what the Father says. Obedience isnât achieved by self-effort but by complete dependence on the Lord. His grace is sufficient for every situation, and His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Is there something God wants you to do that youâre resisting? The Lord has provided everything you need in order to obey. So fix your eyes on Him, and step out in faith.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 24-25
In Touch Ministries
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 10, 2023 4:52:27 GMT 9
The Right Jesus By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Click here for the Audio Message
If someone . . . preaches a [false] Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, . . . you [wrongly] put up with it.
2 Corinthians 11:4
Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Corinthians 11:1â4, 12â15
The buzz in the room faded to a comfortable silence as the book club leader summarised the novel the group would discuss. My friend Joan listened closely but didnât recognise the plot. Finally, she realised she had read a non-fiction book with a similar title to the work of fiction the others had read. Although she enjoyed reading the wrong book, she couldnât join her friends as they discussed the right book.
The apostle Paul didnât want the Corinthian believers in Jesus to believe in a wrong Jesus. He pointed out that false teachers had infiltrated the church and presented a different âJesusâ to them, and they had swallowed the lies (2 Corinthians 11:3â4).
Paul denounced the heresy of these phony teachers. In his first letter to the church, however, heâd reviewed the truth about the Jesus of Scripture. This Jesus was the Messiah who âdied for our sins . . . was raised on the third day . . . and then [appeared] to the Twelve,â and finally to Paul himself (1 Corinthians 15:3â8). This Jesus had come to earth through a virgin named Mary and was named Immanuel (God with us) to affirm His divine nature (Matthew 1:20â23).
Does this sound like the Jesus you know? Understanding and accepting the truth written in the Bible about Him assures us that weâre on the spiritual path that leads to heaven.
Reflect & Pray
How do you know that you believe the truth about Jesus? What might you need to investigate to make sure you understand what the Bible says about Him?
Dear God, help me to walk in the light of Your truth.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The apostle Paul was careful to protect those heâd been privileged to influence for Jesus, which explains the tone and language we find in 2 Corinthians 10â13. We see this same fierce posture of protection in Galatians 1:1â9 as well. Paul was âjealousâ (2 Corinthians 11:2 ) for the believersâ stability and well-being in their faith in Jesus, and where their belief and conduct were jeopardized, he pulled no punches. The apostle countered the unhealthy persuasion of those he sarcastically referred to as âsuper-apostlesâ (v. 5; 12:11). His words are cautionary (11:5â11), a warning for those who are more impressed with style and method than substance. A key word in verses 13â15 (used three times) is metaschÄmatizĹ , which is translated âmasquerade/masquerading.â Itâs a compound word meaning âto transfigure, to transform.â It describes people who are not who they appear to be.
Arthur Jackson
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
King James Version
11 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:12-15
King James Version
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
For further study, read In Pursuit of Jesus: Who He Is and Why It Matters.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 11, 2023 5:02:56 GMT 9
The God Who Redeems By: Glenn Packiam
Click here for the Audio Message
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 43:1
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Isaiah 43:1â7
As part of a sermon illustration, I walked towards the beautiful painting an artist had been creating on the platform and made a dark streak across the middle of it. The congregation gasped in horror. The artist simply stood by and watched as I defaced what sheâd created. Then, selecting a new brush, she lovingly transformed the ruined painting into an exquisite work of art.
Her restorative work reminds me of the work God can perform in our lives when weâve made a mess of them. The prophet Isaiah rebuked the people of Israel for their spiritual blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:18â19), but then he proclaimed the hope of Godâs deliverance and redemption: âDo not fear, for I have redeemed youâ (43:1). He can do the same for us. Even after weâve sinned, if we confess our sins and turn to God, He forgives and restores us (vv. 5â7; see 1 John 1:9). We canât bring beauty out of the mess, but Jesus can. The good news of the gospel is that He has redeemed us by His blood. The book of Revelation assures us that in the end, Christ will dry our tears, redeem our past, and make all things new (Revelation 21:4â5).
We have a limited vision of our story. But God who knows us âby nameâ (Isaiah 43:1) will make our lives more beautiful than we could ever imagine. If youâve been redeemed by faith in Jesus, your story, like the painting, has a glorious ending.
Reflect & Pray
How have you messed up? What has God provided for your restoration and redemption?
Dear Jesus, thank You for never giving up on me. I surrender to You and ask that You please redeem what Iâve ruined.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 43 is a great promise of Godâs rescue and redemption of Israel, but it must be seen in the context of what precedes it. Notice Isaiah 42:25: âSo [God] poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war. It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.â Though God had disciplined His people for their spiritual waywardness, His promised rescue is a reminder of His surpassing love for themâeven though theyâd turned from Him. Like Hosea with Gomer (Hosea 3:1) or the father with the prodigal son ( Luke 15:11-32), our heavenly Father longs for us to return to Him and be restored to right standing with Him.
Bill Crowder
Isaiah 43:1-7
King James Version
43 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 12, 2023 5:19:43 GMT 9
Out of the Lionsâ Den By: Amy Boucher Pye
Click here for the Audio Message
My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.
Daniel 6:22
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Daniel 6:10â23
When Taher and his wife, Donya, became believers in Jesus, they knew they risked persecution in their home country. Indeed, one day Taher was blindfolded, handcuffed, imprisoned and charged with apostasy. Before he appeared at trial, he and Donya agreed that they wouldnât betray Jesus.
What happened at the sentencing amazed him. The judge said, âI donât know why, but I want to take you out of the whaleâs and lionâs mouth.â Then Taher âknew that God was actingâ; he couldnât otherwise explain the judge referencing two passages in the Bible (see Jonah 2, Daniel 6). Taher was released from prison and the family later found exile elsewhere.
Taherâs surprising release echoes the story of Daniel. A skilled administrator, he was going to be promoted, which made his colleagues jealous (Daniel 6:3â5). Plotting his downfall, they convinced King Darius to pass a law against praying to anyone other than the kingâwhich Daniel ignored. King Darius had no choice but to throw him to the lions (v. 16). But God ârescued Danielâ and saved him from death (v. 27), even as He saved Taher through the judgeâs surprising release.
Many believers today suffer for following Jesus, and sometimes they are even killed. When we face persecution, we can deepen our faith when we understand that God has ways we canât even imagine. Know that Heâs with you in whatever battles you face.
Reflect & Pray
How do you respond to the story of Taher and Donyaâs commitment to Christ? How can you trust in the unlimited power of God?
Saving God, help me to trust in You when the obstacles feel insurmountable.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Daniel 6 indicates it was unlawful for a Persian king to take back an official decree (vv. 8, 12, 15). So, despite regretting his edict (vv. 14, 18), King Darius allowed Daniel to receive the decreed sentence.
Being thrown into the lionsâ den was a kind of sentence sometimes called âinnocence by ordeal,â where someone accused is put in a situation that should result in death (such as death by lions, fire, or poison). If, by divine intervention, the person is miraculously saved from what shouldâve been certain death, it was considered proven that they were innocent of wrongdoing.
Monica La Rose
Daniel 6:10-23
King James Version
10 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.
11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 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.
13 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.
14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
|
|
Les
Valuable Member
Posts: 157
Are you a Christian?: yes
|
Post by Les on Jan 13, 2023 4:34:52 GMT 9
A Risky Investment By: Chris Wale
Click here for the Audio Message
I knew that this was the word of the Lord; so I bought the field.
Jeremiah 32:8â9
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Jeremiah 32:6â15
The BBCâs Dragonâs Den has aired some unusual ideas on over the years. Such as the Easyxchairâan armchair that doubles as a gym! Yet the programme has also featured investment opportunities that seemed risky but turned out to be excellent. Some years back, for instance, the investors rejected one hopeful, saying: âThe public donât want to order a takeaway online.â Yet today thatâs the main way people get take-out.
God told Jeremiah to make what seemed like a foolish investment: âBuy [the] field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjaminâ (Jeremiah 32:8). This was no time to be buying fields, however; the country was on the verge of being ransacked. âThe army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalemâ (v. 2), and whatever field Jeremiah purchased would soon be Babylonâs.
Yet God intended a future no one else could envision: âThis is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this landâ (v. 15). God saw more than ruins and desolation. Instead, God promised a future of restoration.
At times we may discern God leading us to make what feels like a risky investment. When weâve tested what we sense is from God, we can trust that He can bring about remarkable transformations. Our obedience can reflect the gift of Godâs eternal investment in usâand the redemption to come (v. 15).
Reflect & Pray
How might God be calling you to invest in someone or something? Who can you ask to help you discern Godâs leading?
God, itâs a good thing You see the future because sometimes all I see is ruin and disaster. Show me where to go and how to give myself, for Your glory.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
One of the main features in the book of Jeremiah is that the prophet primarily records the message God is giving directly to His people. This was the main role of a prophet, for prophets stood before the people to represent God and His purposes to the nation. In Jeremiahâs writings, this is clearly evidenced in that the phrase âthus saith the Lordâ (KJV) appears no fewer than 147 times in this book! Thatâs 147 of the 431 times that phrase appears in the entire Old Testament. Clearly, Jeremiah was committed to communicating Godâs message to His people.
Bill Crowder
Jeremiah 32:6-15
King James Version
6 And Jeremiah said, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
7 Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth: for the right of redemption is thine to buy it.
8 So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the Lord, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord.
9 And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.
10 And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances.
11 So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:
12 And I gave the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, in the sight of Hanameel mine uncle's son, and in the presence of the witnesses that subscribed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews that sat in the court of the prison.
13 And I charged Baruch before them, saying,
14 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.
15 For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.
|
|
I'm just trying to get this organized. 
