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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Daniel and the Lion's Den - 2 A Bold Example

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. - Daniel 6:10

The decree goes forth from the king. Daniel is acquainted with the purpose of his enemies to ruin him. But he does not change his course in a single particular. With calmness he performs his accustomed duties, and at the hour of prayer he goes to his chamber, and with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he offers his petitions to the God of heaven. By his course of action he fearlessly declares that no earthly power has the right to come between him and his God and tell him to whom he should or should not pray. Noble man of principle! he stands before the world today a praiseworthy example of Christian boldness and fidelity. He turns to God with all his heart, although he knows that death is the penalty for his devotion.

His adversaries watch him an entire day. Three times he has repaired to his chamber, and three times the voice of earnest intercession has been heard. The next morning the complaint is made to the king that Daniel, one of the captives of Judah, has set at defiance his decree. When the monarch heard these words, his eyes were at once opened to see the snare that had been set. He was sorely displeased with himself for having passed such a decree, and labored till the going down of the sun to devise a plan by which Daniel might be delivered. But the prophet's enemies had anticipated this, and they came before the king with these words: "Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

"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" (verses 15, 16). A stone was laid upon the mouth of the den, and sealed with the royal seal. "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" (verse 18).

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Daniel and the Lion's Den - 1

Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him - Daniel 6:3

When Darius took possession of the throne of Babylon, he at once proceeded to reorganize the government. He "set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes . . . ; and over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first" (Dan. 6:1, 2). And "Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm" (verse 3). The honors bestowed upon Daniel excited the jealousy of the leading men of the kingdom. The presidents and princes sought to find occasion for complaint against him. "But they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him" (verse 4).

What a lesson is here presented for all Christians. The keen eyes of jealousy were fixed upon Daniel day after day; their watchings were sharpened by hatred; yet not a word or act of his life could they make appear wrong. And still he made no claim to sanctification, but he did that which was infinitely better--he lived a life of faithfulness and consecration.

The more blameless the conduct of Daniel, the greater was the hatred excited against him by his enemies. They were filled with madness, because they could find nothing in his moral character or in the discharge of his duties upon which to base a complaint against him. "Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God" (verse 5). Three times a day Daniel prayed to the God of heaven. This was the only accusation that could be brought against him.

A scheme was now devised to accomplish his destruction. His enemies assembled at the palace and besought the king to pass a decree that no person in the whole realm should ask anything of either God or man, except of Darius the king, for the space of thirty days, and that any violation of this edict should be punished by casting the offender into the den of lions. The king knew nothing of the hatred of these men toward Daniel, and did not suspect that the decree would in any way injure him. Through flattery they made the monarch believe it would be greatly to his honor to pass such an edict. With a smile of satanic triumph upon their faces, they come forth from the presence of the king, and rejoice together over the snare which they have laid for the servant of God.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

No Taboo Topics with God

Scripture: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16

 

Tiptoeing around God

What's taboo in your household? For my mom's family, you couldn't talk about politics. It would just get too heated. For some it's religion, for others it's money, and so on. Everyone has their list of things you "just shouldn't talk about." The problem is we transfer that over to God...maybe more so even than anyone else. We think God is easily offended or only wants to hear certain praises over and over again. And so we only talk to Him about certain things, and the depth of our relationship isn't that, well...deep. But that's not how David saw Him, and David was the one person God called "a man after My own heart." Acts 13:22

In fact, here's just some of the things David talked about to God:
  • the gruesome details of his physical ailments Psalm 31
  • how depressed he was Psalm 38
  • how he wanted God to defend him against his enemies Psalm 35
  • his deep regret for sins he had committed Psalm 51
  • his wonder and amazement at God's creation Psalm 8

 

Your Perfect Parent

David knew—and God wants you to know—there's nothing too taboo to talk about with Him. God Himself, in the Bible, talks about sex, religion, politics, health, money, relationships, hopes, dreams, emotions, and more. One of the things I love about my mom is that I can talk to her about any emotion. Deep depression, extreme anxiety, fear, jealousy: there's nothing to which she says, "Oh no! I can't handle that!" Instead, she lets me vent, empathizes with me, and then helps me. And with my dad, there's no problem I could bring him that he wouldn't be big enough to help me with. Now that's just a miniscule picture of how incredibly loving and all-powerful God is!

Like a compassionate mother, God says: "Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

And like a "Can-do-anything father", God says: "I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27

 

Feeling like Esther?

He wants you to come to Him as the loving and powerful God He is—everyday, for every need you have! But you might feel like Esther did, when she was facing her scariest moment. Her people were about to be exterminated, but she was so afraid to tell her husband, the king, because they hadn't talked in a while and she didn't know how he'd react. Maybe you feel that way with God: not having talked in a while and not knowing how He will receive you. But Mordecai, her uncle, pushed her to go talk to him, and here's what happened:
On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you." (Esther 5:1-3)

 

God's Open-door Policy

I am pleased with you. What can I do for you? That is exactly what God says to you when you come to Him. He loves when you come to talk to Him, no matter what it's about. Maybe it's your brother's illness, or your broken heart, or what to do about a new job. There's no issue that's either too hard for God or too ugly. He has a completely open-door policy with you, His beloved child, and wants you to talk to Him! Jesus said to His followers, "At that time you won't need to ask Me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and He will grant your request because you use My name." John 16:33

 

Come to Him Today!

What do you need to talk to God about today? Don't be afraid like Esther. The king was more than happy to grant her request! And your King, God, is even more happy to have you approach His throne and ask for what you need. I want you to picture God as your King on a great golden throne, and you coming in down a long runway to approach Him. Maybe you're nervous and don't know how He'll react. But then I want you to imagine a great big smile spreading across His face and Him saying, "I'm so happy to see you! What is it that you need? I love you so much!" How do you feel? And what would you say?

Take a moment right now in the Comments to tell your King what you need from Him—the thing that's on your heart that maybe you've been afraid to talk about. Remember: there's nothing too taboo for God, and there's no bad time to approach Him. He loves you so much and wants you to feel comfortable talking to Him—all the time, starting today!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Daniel's Prayers - Seeking Wisdom From God

And there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength - Daniel 10:8

Upon the occasion just described, the angel Gabriel imparted to Daniel all the instruction which he was then able to receive. A few years afterward, however, the prophet desired to learn more of subjects not yet fully explained, and again set himself to seek light and wisdom from God. "In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all. . . . Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude" (Dan. 10:2-6).

This description is similar to that given by John when Christ was revealed to him upon the Isle of Patmos. No less a personage than the Son of God appeared to Daniel. Our Lord comes with another heavenly messenger to teach Daniel what would take place in the latter days.

The great truths revealed by the world's Redeemer are for those who search for truth as for hid treasures. Daniel was an aged man. His life had been passed amid the fascinations of a heathen court, his mind cumbered with the affairs of a great empire. Yet he turns aside from all these to afflict his soul before God, and seek a knowledge of the purposes of the Most High. And in response to his supplications, light from the heavenly courts was communicated for those who should live in the latter days. With what earnestness, then, should we seek God, that He may open our understanding to comprehend the truths brought to us from heaven.

"I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. . . . And there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength" (verses 7, 8). All who are truly sanctified will have a similar experience. The clearer their views of the greatness, glory, and perfection of Christ, the more vividly will they see their own weakness and imperfection. They will have no disposition to claim a sinless character; that which has appeared right and comely in themselves will, in contrast with Christ's purity and glory, appear only as unworthy and corruptible. It is when men are separated from God, when they have very indistinct views of Christ, that they say, "I am sinless; I am sanctified."

Gabriel now appeared to the prophet, and thus addressed him: "Oh Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words" (verses 11, 12).

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Fanaticism and Tongues Speaking

The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Cor. 14:32, 33.

A spirit of fanaticism has ruled a certain class of Sabbathkeepers. . . . They have sipped but lightly at the fountain of truth and are unacquainted with the spirit of the message of the third angel. Nothing can be done for this class until their fanatical views are corrected. . . . 


Some of these persons have exercises which they call gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by the great deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the Church. Some have been deceived here. The fruits of all this have not been good. . . . 

There are many restless spirits who will not submit to discipline, system, and order. They think that their liberties would be abridged were they to lay aside their own judgment and submit to the judgment of those of experience. The work of God will not progress unless there is a disposition to submit to order and expel the reckless, disorderly spirit of fanaticism from their meetings. Impressions and feelings are no sure evidence that a person is led by the Lord. Satan will, if he is unsuspected, give feelings and impressions. These are not safe guides. All should thoroughly acquaint themselves with the evidences of our faith, and the great study should be how they can adorn their profession and bear fruit to the glory of God. . . . A trifling, joking, reckless spirit should be rebuked. It is no evidence of the grace of God upon the heart for persons to talk and pray with talent in meeting, and then give up to a rough, careless manner of talking and acting when out of meeting. . . .

The truth of God will never degrade, but will elevate the receiver, refine his taste, sanctify his judgment, and perfect him for the company of the pure and holy angels in the kingdom of God.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Low State of Morals

Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Eph. 5:3.

There is an alarming commonness in conversation at the present day, which shows a low state of thoughts and morals. True dignity of character is very rare. True modesty and reserve are seldom seen. There are but few who are pure and undefiled. . . . 


Polluted thoughts harbored become habit, and the soul is scarred and defiled. Once do a wrong action and a blot is made which nothing can heal but the blood of Christ; and if the habit is not turned from with firm determination, the soul is corrupted and the streams flowing from this defiling fountain corrupt others.

There are men and women who invite temptation; they place themselves in positions where they will be tempted, where they cannot but be tempted, when they place themselves in society that is objectionable. The best way to keep safe from sin is to move with due consideration at all times and under all circumstances, never to move or act from impulse. Move with the fear of God ever before you and you will be sure to act right.

The moral dangers to which all, both old and young, are exposed are daily increasing. Moral derangement, which we call depravity, finds ample room to work, and an influence is exerted by men, women, and youth professing to be Christians that is low, sensual, devilish. . . .

Those who have learned the truth and do not have works corresponding with their profession of faith are subject to Satan's temptations. They encounter danger at every step they advance. They are brought into contact with evil, they see sights, they hear sounds, that will awaken their unsubdued passions; they are subjected to influences that lead them to choose the evil rather than the good, because they are not sound at heart. . . .

There is no training we need so much now as the preparing of young men and women to have moral rectitude and to cleanse their souls of every spot and stain of moral defilement.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Ottoman Empire in Prophecy

Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. Rev. 9:14, 15.

The history of nations that one after another have occupied their allotted time and place, unconsciously witnessing to the truth of which they themselves knew not the meaning, speaks to us. To every nation and to every individual of today God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are being measured by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes. . . . 


All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.

In the year 1840, another remarkable fulfilment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown "in A.D. 1840, sometime in the month of August;" and only a few days previous to its accomplishment he wrote: "Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case."--Josiah Litch, in Signs of the Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, Aug. 1, 1840.

At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. . . . A wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Stars of Heaven Fall

The stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. Matt. 24:29.

In 1833, . . . the last of the signs appeared which were promised by the Savior as tokens of His second advent. Said Jesus, "The stars shall fall from heaven." And John in the Revelation declared, as he beheld in vision the scenes that should herald the day of God, "The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." This prophecy received a striking and impressive fulfilment in the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833. That was the most extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has ever been recorded; "the whole firmament, over all the United States, being then, for hours, in fiery commotion! No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first settlement, which was viewed with such intense admiration by one class in the community, or with so much dread and alarm by another." "Its sublimity and awful beauty still linger in many minds. . . . Never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell toward the earth; east, west, north, and south, it was the same. In a word, the whole heavens seemed in motion. . . . The display, as described in Professor Silliman's Journal, was seen all over North America. . . . From two o'clock until broad daylight, . . . an incessant play of dazzlingly brilliant luminosities was kept up in the whole heavens."--R. M. Devens, American Progress; or, The Great Events of the Greatest Century, ch. 28, pars. 1-5. . . .


Thus was displayed the last of those signs of His coming, concerning which Jesus bade His disciples, "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." After these signs, John beheld, as the great event next impending, the heavens departing as a scroll, while the earth quaked, mountains and islands removed out of their places, and the wicked in terror sought to flee from the presence of the Son of man.

But the day and the hour of His coming Christ has not revealed. . . . The exact time of the second coming of the Son of man is God's mystery.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Signs in the Heavens

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. Joel 2:31.

In the Savior’s conversation with His disciples upon Olivet, after describing the long period of trial for the church--the 1260 years of papal persecution, concerning which He had promised that the tribulation should be shortened--He thus mentioned certain events to precede His coming, and fixed the time when the first of these should be witnessed: "In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Following this persecution, according to the words of Christ, the sun was to be darkened. On the 19th of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled.


"Almost if not altogether alone, as the most mysterious and as yet unexplained phenomenon of its kind, . . . stands the dark day of May 19, 1780--a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England."-- R. M. Devens, Our First Century, p. 89. . . .

The intense darkness of the day was succeeded, an hour or two before evening, by a partially clear sky, and the sun appeared, though it was still obscured by the black, heavy mist. "After sundown, the clouds came again overhead, and it grew dark very fast." "Nor was the darkness of the night less uncommon and terrifying than that of the day; notwithstanding there was almost a full moon, no object was discernible but by the help of some artificial light. . . ."--Isaiah Thomas, Massachusetts Spy: or, American Oracle of Liberty, vol. 10, No. 472 (May 25, 1780). . . .

The description of this event, as given by eyewitnesses, is but an echo of the words of the Lord, recorded by the prophet Joel, twenty-five hundred years previous to their fulfillment: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come." Christ had bidden His people watch for the signs of His advent, and rejoice as they should behold the tokens of their coming King.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Syria's part in a new Middle East

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan pressed the embattled government of Syrian President Bashar Assad to accept a peace plan that would impose an immediate cease-fire between Assad's forces and rebels, deliver humanitarian aid to Syria's beleaguered people and force the government into dialogue with the opposition.

 The plan won endorsement of the U.N. Security Council, including Russia and China, who had blocked tough resolutions in the past. But Assad held firm, shelling suburbs of the capital, Damascus" ("An End to Violence?" Time, April 2, 2012). Things may not stay this way, though.

The ultimate reformation or fall of Syria's dictator and government is part of a greater geopolitical rearrangement. Who could have fathomed the fall of major players across the Middle East? First Iraq, then Egypt, followed by Libya, and now Syria's Assad teeters on the cusp.

Certainly there could be operatives from different nations helping to depose longstanding governments. But secret ops can only do so much. Beyond this, random and extreme forces can change a planned strategy, negating the most brilliantly laid-out plans.

But there's more. This world is presently ruled by great unseen forces under one referred to in the Bible as "the ruler of this world" and "the god of this age" (John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4). This being, Satan the devil, who "deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9), currently holds sway over the earth's kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9). Yet even he can't do anything without God allowing him to for the time being. God is the one who ultimately determines who rules: "He removes kings and raises up kings" (Daniel 2:21). The ancient Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar learned that God can bring down a ruler filled with pride (Daniel 4:32).

As mentioned elsewhere in this issue of The Good News, Scripture shows that a great Muslim confederation will come to dominate the Middle East, its ruler identified in prophecy as "the king of the South" (see Daniel 11:40). The successive toppling of Mideast dictators, of which Syria's leader may well end up a casualty, could be part of a domino effect precipitating the rise of the final king of the South.

Monday, May 21, 2012

The Fat of God's Love

Scripture: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1

 

Tired?

You're probably tired. How do I know that? Because everyone is tired today. I am tired! The media, the to-do lists, the children, the job, the ministry, the hopes, the emotions...by the end of the day (or maybe by 10 am!), you're wiped! And if you're anything like me, your deep, desperate question is: How can I find the thing that is going to really, truly nourish me?

 

Unfulfilled

And that's a great question. I used to have this stockpile of things I would do when I got overwhelmed: read magazines, go shopping, watch a movie...all distractors. They didn't really solve my problem; they just distracted me from them for a while. But then, those things stopped working! Because I wasn't really feeding my true hunger. It's like I was starving for protein, but I just kept eating more and more potato chips. I was full, but not satisfied. And God knows all about this; He says here:
Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food." (Isaiah 55:1-2)

 

True Nourishment

Good food that truly nourishes you. That's the kind of life Jesus promises you in John 10:10. He said, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." So what really satisfies? I have recently been studying nutrition, mainly because I haven't felt very well lately. And I came upon research that suggests that you really need a certain amount of healthy fat in your diet (like olive oil, fish, etc.) for your body to work the way it should. Fat actually makes you feel full and nourishes your body. I had not been eating that much good fat—eating all these other things instead—and I think my body was kind of starving. Do you feel this way emotionally and spiritually?

 

Two Women...Which are You?

Here's a picture of two women who were both filling themselves, but one ended up full, and the other still wasn't satisfied. I want you to see who you most relate with:
"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

 

The Fat of Life

Just one thing to be concerned about: and that was filling up with the words and presence of Jesus. In your life, as with Martha, there are a million pressures that tell you they're most important: making money, looking good, having that relationship, getting to the next "level." But what Jesus is saying here is that those things don't matter. They are the potato chips, but He is the fat. David said, "Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food." Psalm 63:3,5 If you've been living like Martha (and I know I have!), having Jesus in your home but not really experiencing Him, He is inviting you to be a Mary today. Jesus wants to satisfy you with the fat of His love and a living, breathing relationship with Him.

 

First Step

The first step is just to sit down in His presence, like Mary. Read His word in the Bible. Tell Him how you feel and what you need. It's a relationship, and God wants to relate with you. Will you give Him some of your time this week? Will you ask Him to help you become more of a Mary and less of a Martha? If so, write a prayer to God in the Comments asking Him to help you be a Mary. He has a place right by His feet for you to come and listen to His satisfying words and begin to give you the rest you are really looking for.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Follow Me... Seeing What God Sees

Jesus Christ's encounter with a blind man holds important lessons for us as to what it means to accept His invitation of "Follow Me."

 

It was the end of the fall festival in Jerusalem, on a special Sabbath day, with the normally clamorous street stilled of commotion. There was a man here, blind from birth, who was able to hear the relaxing sounds of the Sabbath in a way those who see do not. His hearing was naturally acute to compensate for lack of seeing eyes.

As he listened, he could now hear a group of people coming his way—disciples accompanying their teacher, from the sound of them. Little did he realize that his life was about to change forever.

 

But that the works of God might be fulfilled

Scripture tells us what happened next in John 9:1: "As Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth." The time had come for a special and extraordinary teaching moment.

Jesus' disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" The common assumption of that day was that such a disability was a curse due to sin.

Jesus responded, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." Yes, Jesus knew exactly what he was going to do with this man to glorify God.

At this point, Jesus bent over and spat on the ground and made a little mud with his saliva, then smoothed it over the man's eyes. Then He told the blind man to go to the Pool of Siloam south of the temple to wash himself. So often when Christ begins to work with people, He gives them an assignment—something they can do after He performs what only He can do. And we see this here. The man obeyed, washed himself and miraculously came back seeing.

 

How did this come to be?

The man's neighbors had a hard time processing this life-changing moment when he got home. "Is this the beggar?" they asked. Some thought it was him, but others said, "It looks like him." So he announced to them, "It's me!"

Naturally, they asked, "How did this come to be?" The man explained: "A man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received sight'" (John 9:11). The now-seeing man knew that a wonderful man had done something beautiful and miraculous for him and gave him full credit.

But this was only the beginning of a story that would powerfully affect the formerly blind man's life.

The amazed neighbors got the man to come with them to share his story with the Pharisees, religious teachers who ran the synagogues. But the reaction of these authorities no doubt shocked the man. They belittled the miraculous healing, sneering that this couldn't be of God because it was done on a Sabbath day.

At that time, man-made religious codes prevented care for the disabled on the Sabbath other than making them comfortable in their plight. In mixing the spittle with the clay, Jesus had knowingly snapped a trip wire of dos and don'ts that thwarted doing good on the Sabbath. Even so, the now-healed man simply repeated his story: "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."

The authorities put another squeeze play on him, demanding, "What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?" The man responded with an answer obvious to him, but which the others couldn't see: "He is a prophet."

The disbelieving authorities then pulled the man's parents into this drama, demanding that they explain how their son could now see. The parents, realizing that a wrong answer could immediately bring severe consequences, carefully shifted the question, saying, "Ask him; he's an adult and can speak for himself."

 

Though I was blind, now I see!

The religious authorities continued to badger the man, now isolated from parental and neighbor support, to break him of his story. They scornfully depicted Jesus as a sinner and one apart from God. The formerly blind man replied, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."

They continued to bully and belittle the man, but he refused to back down. His final statement proclaimed, "If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing." His religious persecutors roared back, "You were completely born in sins and you are teaching us?"
John 9:34 tells us, "And they cast him out." They left him where they thought they had found him before Jesus touched his eyes. In their warped form of religious superiority they saw him as a man born in sin unable to break free. And, now those thinking they were doing God a favor "cast him out" from the synagogue, the place of community worship (compare John 9:22). It was easier to brand the man a sinner and liar than accept the uncomfortable truth.

It's here that one man's story, every man's story, plays out to full and complete measure. When others have failed to stand by him—be it natural family, neighbors or religious community—it's here where we find Jesus Christ doing His most intimate work.

Remember, Christ had departed the scene much earlier. Now, John records, "Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him . . ." (John 9:35). It's here that we once again have revealed a God who literally seeks after us. He not only saw the blind man at the beginning of the story, but now He searched him out and looked on his needs. When the man was cast out of the Lord's place of worship, the Lord Himself came to his rescue!

 

Simple truths and practical steps

But now a question follows from Jesus. It's the same inquiry made of each of us that face Him: "Do you believe in the Son of God?" The man answered, "Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?"

Jesus responded, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you." The man exclaimed, "I believe!" and worshipped Jesus (John 9:36-39). Beautiful!

This story displays the marvelous and realistic pathway of how to respond to Christ's invitation to "Follow Me." This divine request and requirement is neither ethereal nor mystical but rather has simple truths and practical steps as revealed in this example.

As we step forward on our personal pilgrimage, let's be reminded first of all that God the Father and Jesus saw us first, even in our blinded spiritual state, and chose to specifically deal one-on-one with us just like the blind man.

God doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks about us, but remembers what Christ did at Golgotha for each of us He is calling today (John 6:44). The reality is that all of us at times have brought issues to the fore that seem hopeless or cursed. And yet, God says through Christ that He can take our current plight—be it physical, emotional or spiritual—and, as with the blind man of our story, use it to bring Him glory and honor.

Secondly, remember that each of us has a story—the story of how God has worked in our lives. It may not be as dramatic as the story of the blind man or Paul being struck blind on the road to Damascus, but we have a story. We don't need to embellish it—just simply remember it and hold tightly to it at all costs.

The blind man was challenged three specific times about his story, but it always came back to the same simple facts. Never denying God's entrance into his personal darkness, he told it like it was.

As we hold firmly to what we know, be prepared to grow in awareness of just whom it is we follow. John 9 isn't just about a healing. It explores what it means to experience God at new levels. The healed man started by calling Jesus "a Man" in John 9:11. When pressed, he progressed to a new level as he called Jesus "a prophet" in John 9:17. By John9:38, he is proclaiming Jesus as Lord and worshipping Him.

God's intervention in our lives and our corresponding conversion is not simply an event. It includes a growing awareness and appreciation of just who has entered our lives—or, again, just whom it is we follow.

Thirdly, let's remember that Jesus "saw a man who was blind." It reminds us that God the Father and Christ will come into our lives and continue to work in our lives in Their way and in Their perfect timing—often when we least expect it.

When He does intervene, He will at times do things we don't necessarily understand —like using the equivalent of spit and mud and then telling us to go where He tells us to go and do what He tells us to do. There is a figurative Pool of Siloam waiting out there for each of us. When God speaks to us through His Word, obey it! And leave the consequences to Him.

 

Prepare to answer one simple question

Fourth and finally, let's understand that following God in our day can be a lonely business. When God begins to guide us by His Spirit (Romans 8:14) don't for one moment think everyone is going to be thrilled. They won't be. But remember: The Good Shepherd knows where every member of the flock is!

We worship a God unknown in all other religions—the true Shepherd who loves His flock and actually seeks after us for our good. Let's embrace and grow in the reality that God's Spirit will never lead us to where God's grace will not keep and uphold us.

As we strive to continue on the journey laid out before us by the One we follow, let us prepare for one basic spiritual reality: We will continue to be challenged at various times and ways throughout our lives with the same simple question Jesus asked the man He had healed—"Do you believe in the Son of God?"

Our answer will be evident by our actions, person by person and deed by deed.

Nearly 100 years ago, the remarkable deaf and blind author and activist Helen Keller uttered a simple truth when asked, "What is the greatest calamity?" She answered, "To have eyes and not see." The story of the blind man of John 9 gives us eyes to see what God sees as we continue the quest of responding to Jesus' invitation of "Follow Me."

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Beware of Man-Made Tests


Beware . . . of evil workers. . . . For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Phil. 3:2, 3. 

There are those who need in their hearts the touch of the divine Spirit. Then the message for this time will be their burden. They will not search for human tests, for something new and strange. The Sabbath of the fourth commandment is the test for this time. 

The commandment of God that has been almost universally made void, is the testing truth for this time. . . . The time is coming when all those who worship God will be distinguished by this sign. They will be known as the servants of God, by this mark of their allegiance to Heaven. But all man-made tests will divert the mind from the great and important doctrines that constitute the present truth.

It is the desire and plan of Satan to bring in among us those who will go to great extremes--people of narrow minds, who are critical and sharp, and very tenacious in holding their own conceptions of what the truth means. They will be exacting, and will seek to enforce rigorous duties, and go to great lengths in matters of minor importance, while they neglect the weightier matters of the law--judgment and mercy and the love of God. Through the work of a few of this class of persons, the whole body of Sabbathkeepers will be designated as bigoted . . . and fanatical. . . .
 
God has a special work for the men of experience to do. They are to guard the cause of God. They are to see that the work of God is not committed to men who feel it their privilege to move out on their own independent judgment, to preach whatever they please, and to be responsible to no one for their instructions or work. Let this spirit of self-sufficiency once rule in our midst, and there will be no harmony of action, no unity of spirit, no safety for the work, and no healthful growth in the cause....Christ prayed that His followers might be one as He and the Father were one. Those who desire to see this prayer answered, should seek to discourage the slightest tendency to division, and try to keep the spirit of unity and love among brethren.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Will Iran Again Influence a U.S. Presidential Election?

More than 30 years ago, Iran's theocratic regime influenced the result of the U.S. presidential election. Once again, Iran is set to be a major factor in an American election. 

Iran could once again determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. It happened in 1980. It could happen in 2012.

Prior to 1979 Iran was an ally of the United States, using its military power to take care of Western interests in the Persian Gulf. Then, early in 1979, the pro-Western Shah of Iran was overthrown, and Iran's monarchy was replaced by a revolutionary theocratic state under the direct rule of Islamic ayatollahs.

During the upheaval of the revolution, American embassy staff were held hostage by revolutionaries in contravention of all international norms and agreements. Their captivity lasted 444 days. After failed attempts to negotiate a release, the U.S. military attempted a rescue in April 1980. The mission failed—with the loss of eight American lives and two military aircraft.

This military venture and the failed negotiations over a long period contributed to the defeat of President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 U.S. presidential election.

Carter was perceived as weak in the face of Iranian intransigence, while the one who defeated him, Ronald Reagan, was seen as being willing to do whatever was necessary to end the hostage situation without further American humiliation. It was no coincidence that the Iranians released the hostages only minutes after Reagan was sworn in as the new U.S. president.

Today, the current U.S. president, Barack Obama, is perceived by some as weak on Iran. While the Iranians move toward acquiring nuclear weapons, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns of the growing threat to both Israel and the West from Iran, President Obama has strengthened sanctions but has seemingly done little to meet the danger of a nuclear-armed Iran.

That, or other developments with Iran, could have significant impact on the coming U.S. election in November—and on the world at large.

 

Oil access and fuel prices

If Iran attacks Israel or a U.S. target in the Middle East in the months ahead, it could powerfully influence the American election. The same would be true if Israel attacks Iran. Even continued unease could influence the outcome of the election, as instability raises the international price of oil, increasing the cost at the pump, a major issue in American politics.

Higher fuel prices means everything is going up, especially food. (Ironically, neither gasoline nor food is included in the official U.S. inflation figures, as both are considered seasonal.)

Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil is transported in giant tankers. All it would take is attacks on a few to cause insurance costs to skyrocket, likely bringing shipping to a halt in that area. Of course, this would automatically spike the price of oil around the world, inevitably contributing to global economic chaos and possible worldwide recession.

The New York Times reports: "Iran and the West have been at odds over its nuclear program for years. But the dispute has picked up steam since November 2011, with new findings by international inspectors, tougher sanctions by the United States and Europe, threats by Iran to shut the Strait of Hormuz to oil shipments and Israel [having] signaled increasing readiness to attack Iran's nuclear facilities" ("Iran's Nuclear Program," March 8, 2012).

And a recent article in Newsweek highlighted the fact that Iran, battling international sanctions against the country, has hit back by imposing its own sanctions on six European countries. Europe is more dependent on Iranian oil than the United States, though any negative effect on Europe would also impact the United States, as the world price of oil determines U.S. gasoline prices.

Interestingly, Iran's sanctions were imposed on France and five of the so-called PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain)—countries already struggling to cope in the eurozone debt crisis. The article, written by Harvard history professor and noted author Niall Ferguson, speculated that Iran's goal is to bring these countries down, which would have a ripple effect globally, toppling the international economic system:

"Energy dependency has geopolitical consequences—like reducing your leverage in any row with an oil exporter. If even the rumor of an Iranian export ban could send the price of oil above $120 a barrel, what would a full-scale showdown between Iran and Israel do? Answer: it would inflict yet more economic misery on Europe, which gives Brussels a big incentive to avoid such a showdown" ("Iran Uses European Oil Dependence as Blackmail on Nukes," Feb. 20, 2012).

 

Iran's widespread influence

While the West is preoccupied with the impact Iran's nuclear program could have on Western countries and Israel, nations in the Middle East have wider concerns, going back over 13 centuries.

While most Muslims are of the Sunni branch of Islam, most Iranians are of the Shia branch. The feud between these branches goes back to the seventh century. As Shiites are a minority, an Iranian nuclear power would, at last, give them the upper hand over the majority Sunnis.

This possibility is leading Sunni Muslim nations in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt to contemplate nuclear weapons of their own to deter an Iranian attack. In an extremely volatile region, the existence of multiple nuclear powers may well, in a short period of time, lead to nuclear war.

Iran is not isolated among Islamic nations. The Iranians dominate an arc of countries that extends both northwest of Iran and eastward. It now includes Iraq, which has a majority Shia population—a population previously kept under control by its late president Saddam Hussein, a nominal but mostly irreligious Sunni Arab. The new democratic system established by U.S. and coalition nations resulted in the majority Shia gaining dominance. And they naturally look to fellow Shiites in Iran.

Saddam Hussein had also kept Iran in check in the region. His removal and the long war in Iraq have resulted in Iran emerging as a much stronger regional power—one of the worst possible outcomes for the West.

Syria's beleaguered regime is dominated by the minority Alawites, a sect of Shia Islam. In the current crisis, Iran naturally supports the status quo. If President Bashar al-Assad is overthrown, it is likely that a majority Sunni government would replace him. This would go against Iran's interests and sever its land connection with Hezbollah, a terrorist group it sponsors in Lebanon. Iran also supports and influences Hamas, a terrorist group that operates in the West Bank and rules Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are virulently anti-Israel.

In the other direction, Iran's influence extends to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Indeed, in February, the leaders of all three countries met. As the latter two are theoretically U.S. allies in the war against radical Islamists, their meeting should be a serious warning to the United States. The meeting was given little attention by American media.

Furthermore, Iran's influence is not limited to the Middle East. It extends to Venezuela and Cuba, close neighbors of the United States. There has even been speculation that Iran intends to aim its first nuclear devices at America's East Coast, launching missiles from one of the two countries.

And Iran's increased military power has support from two old enemies of the United States—Russia and China. Any action against Iran by the United States could result in a clash with either one or both of these nations.

With all this in mind, it's surprising that Iran isn't the number one issue in the U.S. election. Of course, there's still time for that to happen. While the economy is the top issue in the United States right now, when Iran impacts the U.S. economy in a bigger way it could have a major impact on the election. If, for example, gas rose to $5 a gallon (approximately $1.25 per liter), the psychological blow could greatly influence the vote.

(As this magazine is an international magazine, it should be stated that $1.25 per liter would be the envy of most consumers around the world. On a recent visit to the United Kingdom, I noticed that the price was closer to $2.25 or £1.40 a liter—about $9.00 per U.S. gallon—an amount likely to increase further with the growing tension in the Middle East. European countries are already in recession—and any increase in the price of oil could tip them into a deeper economic crisis.)

Of course, President Obama's perceived failure to deal with Iran thus far would not be the only way Iran could factor into the U.S. election. If he decides to take military action against Iran shortly before the election, as some maintain he will, that might sway the vote his way—many Americans being wary of "changing horses in midstream," as the saying goes. There is, however, no evidence as yet of such a strategy on his part.

 

A coming Mideast clash

The Bible foretells the coming clash of "the king of the South," from what is today the Islamic world, and "the king of the North," leader of a revived Roman Empire composed of a union of nations centered in Europe.

Daniel 11:40 prophesies, "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships . . ." The "time of the end" referred to is the period immediately prior to Christ's return. The wording here, written in Aramaic in the sixth century before Christ, implies a major military force hitting back at the territory of the king of the South.

The North is portrayed as responding to an action of the South. The king of the South will "attack" the North or, as the King James Version of the Bible renders this, "push at" the North.

The "push" may imply something other than a direct military attack on Europe. It could be terrorist actions. Or it could be an economic threat. Blocking the Strait of Hormuz or otherwise choking off the West's oil supplies would certainly come into this category. Europe is far more dependent on Middle Eastern oil than the United States. It's also possible that American reluctance to take needed military action could be a cause leading to European intervention.

This is not meant to identify Iran as the king of the South—for the southern power may well rise from the majority Sunni Arab nations. Yet Iranian actions could be a catalyst for this.

Continuing in Daniel 11, the prophet states, ". . . and he [the king of the North] shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown" (verses 40-41).

The North's counterstrike leads to forces of this European leader invading and occupying various nations of the Middle East. The "Glorious Land" is another term for the Holy Land.

When asked, "What sign will there be when these things are about to take place?" (Luke 21:7), Jesus told His disciples, "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near" (verse 20).

Jerusalem is at the heart of Bible prophecy. It has been well-documented that Iran's leadership is intent on destroying the nation of Israel, and various other Muslim leaders have proclaimed this desire this as well. Bible prophecy shows that Jerusalem will be at the very center of the end-time events that lead to Christ's return.

In a prophecy about this period of time, God spoke these words through the prophet Zechariah: "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem" (Zechariah 14:2). And also: "Behold I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples" (Zechariah 12:2-3).

The reference to "a cup of drunkenness" shows that nations will be irrational and unpredictable in their manic desire to destroy the Jewish nation of Israel. This describes accurately the insanity of the Iranian regime—an intent few in the West can fully appreciate.

 

Leaders seeking global conflict  

The theocratic nature of this Islamic state needs to be better understood by Western nations.

The hatred and self-destructive tendency in the leadership is tied in with the expectation of the return of the 12th imam of Shia Islam, who is destined to lead the Muslim faith. About 85 percent of Shia Muslims are Twelvers. They expect the imminent return of the 12th imam, who disappeared in the ninth century. Many believe that they must stir up trouble in the world to hasten his return. Western countries are not dealing with a rational power when they deal with Iran's current leadership.

It's interesting to note that Twelvers are expecting the return of the 12th imam, the Mahdi or "[divinely] guided one," a messianic figure, at the same time that conservative Christians are expecting the second coming of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Twelvers believe the Mahdi will work with Jesus—whom they consider to be a Muslim who will force Christians to convert to Islam—to establish a just and perfect universal society.

It should be clear to all that Iran is set on an intransigent course and cannot be dealt with in the same way other nations are treated. Whether or not Iran attacks Israel or the East Coast of the United States, or simply continues to stir up trouble as opportunity presents itself, remains to be seen. But increased tension is likely, and Israel or the United States may take military action in the shrinking window of time before Iran acquires nuclear capability.

Whatever the case, Iran's theocratic regime could turn out once again to be a powerful factor in this year's U.S. presidential election.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Just Add Oil

Scripture: "Until at last the Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops." Isaiah 32:15

 

Dry and Lifeless?

Do you feel really dry in life? Like you don't want to get out of bed some days, or you don't have enough supply to meet all your demands? I know how you feel. Life can be really hard: People can drain and hurt us; and things definitely don't always go the way we planned. This can all leave us dry and lifeless. But God wants to restore the dry places in your life and even give you even more vibrance than you have ever yet experienced. And He wants to start today.

 

The Bread of Your Life

I want you to imagine a piece of bread: dry, crusty, with zero flavor. Does that describe how you feel? Maybe it's a lifeless marriage, a life sucked dry from addiction, or the passing by of dreams that never happened. When I read your comments and stories, I hear the pain that life has brought you, but I also hear the hope you still have. And that hope is from God. Because as I read the Bible and walk with God myself, I know that He is the master at bringing the dead back to life. So I want you to imagine that same piece of bread—dry and stale—having oil poured all over it, filling every crevice and moistening every dry spot. Can you imagine biting into that bread now? The flavor is back, and it is soft and delicious.

 

God's Oil

That is what God wants to do with your life by the power of His Spirit. In the Bible, God's Spirit is described as oil: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on." 1 Samuel 16:13 Think of the powerful properties of oil: it heals wounds, makes anything taste better, and get things unstuck, to name a few. If you are wounded, God wants to heal you. If you are lifeless, God wants to bring back the flavor. And if you feel "stuck", God wants to pour out His Spirit on you and get you free. Just like with David, God wants to anoint you today and let you experience the life-giving power of the oil of His Spirit.

 

Back from the Dead

Let's read this story of a widow who had nothing left, because I believe God wants to do something similar in your life:
"One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, 'My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.' 'What can I do to help you?' Elisha asked. 'Tell me, what do you have in the house?' 'Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,' she replied. And Elisha said, 'Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.' So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! 'Bring me another jar,' she said to one of her sons. 'There aren’t any more!' he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, 'Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.'" (2 Kings 4:1-7)

 

Unlimited

There is no limit to God's Spirit, and He wants to pour it into every dry crevice of your life—starting today. I want you to imagine each dry area of your life as an empty jar. Line the jars up in your mind and label each one. Maybe one is labeled family; one future; one health; one past memories; so on and so forth. Just like the widow, you can have as many jars filled as you can find. Now I want you to imagine the Lord God Himself filling each jar to the brim with the oil of His Holy Spirit, so much so that they are overflowing. "You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings." Psalm 23:5

 

Bring Your Jars

That's what He wants to do for you starting today. He wants you to bring Him every jar of your life—no matter if they have always been empty—to be filled with the oil of His Spirit. Your dry relationships, sick body, tired spirit, and dried-up dreams: He wants to nourish them all, giving them flavor and life—just like a dry piece of bread soaked in olive oil. When you bring your jars to the Lord to fill, here are some of the things that will happen:
  • You will have new vision: "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions." Joel 2:28
  • Your depression will turn to joy: "To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." Isaiah 61:3
  • You will be able to obey God better: "And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." Ezekiel 36:27
  • You will experience God in a closer way: "'I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel,' declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 39:29

 

Start Today

Tell God the names of your empty jars in the Comments below. Ask Him to fill them with His life-giving Spirit. As you go through your week and experience dry areas, ask God, "Will You pour oil on this?" He promises He will! Jesus said, "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." Luke 11:13