AN EXPERIMENT IN SOCIALISM

I edited this email forward just slightly to post it. It makes a good point!

AN EXPERIMENT IN SOCIALISM

An economics professor made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class.

That particular class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A.... (His experiment substituted grades for dollars - something closer to home and far more readily understood by his class).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

It could not be any simpler than that.


Remember, there IS a test coming up: the 2012 elections.

These are 5 important sentences to read and all are applicable to this experiment:

1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.

2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.

3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!

5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

A postscript from Lola:

The only thing that expands by giving it away is love. You cannot spend yourself out of a financial crisis. What won’t work for your personal money management won’t work for the government either. If we do not get our collective heads out of the sand, the U S A as we have known it will implode…. It may already be too late….

BACK TO DANIEL! AGAIN!

Actually I'm re-reading Daniel a 2nd time through...this time in the order of the events as they occurred, rather than in the order reported....

My chapter for today was chapter 4. But a brief recap is in order.

In chapter 1, Neb conquered Jerusalem and took youth of the nobility and royal family captive - among them, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah - all 4 from the tribe of Judah, the ruling tribe. They were all renamed with names that honored the gods of Babylon and given a thorough 3-year long Babylonian education, thrived while being faithful to their dietary restrictions (the obvious with regard to the meat would be to avoid pork and other meats potentially cooked in pork fat, since it is likely that all foods were offered first to idols, including the vegetables), and after being reviewed by the king, were found to be the most excellent 4 of all the young captives who had been trained.

In chapter 2, Neb has a dream that no one can interpret. All the wise men are to be killed and Daniel saves the day - - well, God saves the day, but uses Daniel to do it.... Arioch tries to take credit for 'finding' Daniel - but Daniel gives all the credit to the LORD. Then he tells Neb the dream - and gives the interpretation. It turns out to be a road map for the successive reigning powers of the world. Neb apparently wasn't too worried about the future kingdoms - just his own, and he took the 'head of gold thing' too much to heart it would seem.

In chapter 3, Neb has a 90-foot-high gold statue of himself constructed, and has everyone come to the Plain of Dura where it was erected for a ceremony, commanding that everyone bow down to it. Somehow, 'everyone' didn't include Daniel that day - but Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (the Babylonian names given to Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah) were brought before the king for refusing to bow down to the image of gold. After proving themselves to be loyal assets in the kingdom, their faithfulness to God in their refusal to bow to any other got them thrown into the fiery furnace. It was so hot that those who threw them in were killed by the flames, but the only thing the flames burned off were the ropes that bound them. Not a hair was singed - and when they walked out of the flames they didn't even smell of smoke. Neb promoted them. What looked impossibly bleak had a 'happy ending' for the 3 faithful stewards.

And now, chapter 4. It is Neb's report of a huge mistake that he made - and the results. Neb had a 2nd dream. This time it was of a tree that was cut down. Daniel interpreted the dream - but clearly wanted the dream not to come true. He wanted it to be for Neb's enemies - and at the end of interpreting it begged Neb to turn away from his sins so it wouldn't happen....

Neb's big sin was taking credit for his laudable position and all he had accomplished. In spite of what God had already done in his kingdom - even fairly recently saving 3 men from the fiery flames - Neb failed to give God the credit God is due.

The lesson of chapter 4 is that kingdoms and rulers rise and fall, but no matter who they are and no matter how wonderfully clever and successful they think they are, their power is allowed by God, and Him alone, for His purposes, and for the fulfillment of what has already been prophesied.

In Neb's case, a year after the dream he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon and gloating over his amazing accomplishments when the fulfillment happened - instantly!

After losing his mind and becoming like an animal for '7 periods of time', just as the prophecy warned, his mind was restored to him, and the result was that he praised God. Finally King Neb gave credit to the King of Kings!

In his (translated to English, of course) words: (Daniel 4, ESV, selected verses)

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.

3 How great are his signs,

how mighty his wonders!

His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;

35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,

and he does according to his will among the host of heaven

and among the inhabitants of the earth;

and none can stay his hand

or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

GAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL SB5793

My pastor forwarded this to me - I am passing it on to you!

Not a pastor? Click here to forward to your pastor and church leaders. Dated: January 17, 2011 Dear Fellow Pastors, I am writing to you today with an urgent message about the Gay Marriage Equality bill, SB 5793, introduced on Friday, January 13, 2012 in Washington State. This is a deceptive and dangerous bill. It represents a radical shift in the definition of marriage and would be a serious threat to religious freedom. The bill's introduction says it would not force clergy or churches to marry gays. However, it adds a section to state marriage law dealing with discrimination. There has never been a section on discrimination in the Washington Marriage Code. This is a pretty clear warning about the future. You don't add discrimination for the first time without an intention to use it. First they label it discrimination then they criminalize it. They say they are respecting clergy and churches but they place refusal to marry gays in the category of discrimination. Sexual rights are more important than the violation of a core tenant of our religious beliefs. A bill which describes the conditions under which a church can be sued for discrimination against gays is not about marriage equality and it certainly does not protect religious freedom. The Gay Marriage Equality bill is a serious threat to religious freedom in Washington State. It takes aim at the heart of religious freedom. Churches and ministers who participate in the newly defined "discrimination" against gays would be subject to lawsuits and legal penalties. You will be bludgeoned into acceptance and submission. They want the church to accept and approve of gay marriage whether we like it or not. The state has already granted gays every right that goes along with marriage. They have equality under the law. But that's apparently not enough for Governor Gregoire and the homosexual special interest groups. The Gay Marriage Equality bill will not be satisfied until virtually every church in Washington is forced to allow gays to hold their weddings in church sanctuaries under the threat of discrimination lawsuits. The laws against discrimination are so expansive that virtually every church in Washington could come under legal threat. Just fighting back legally could bankrupt most churches whether or not you were actually guilty of anything. All the hype on this bill says it protects religious freedom. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bill says a church can refuse to marry gays without being subject to "a civil claim or cause of action unless ..." When someone says we are not going to have a problem "unless..." you already have a problem. More than that, when they add a section to the marriage laws covering "discrimination" they are telling you how this will eventually go down. They intend to come after churches and clergy using discrimination as their weapon. They want us to tolerate them but they don't want to tolerate us. They want to use the power of the state and civil rights laws to force the church into accepting homosexuality. They give lip service to religious freedom while at the same time setting up the legal system to empower homosexual coercion of the church. This is not marriage equality. It is the setup for a knockdown. They already have equality but that is not what they actually want. They want to force the church to accept homosexuality. Some churches might be able to decline to host gay weddings under some limited circumstances but would be forced to allow gay weddings in their sanctuary under most circumstances. What churches could be forced to allow gay weddings? Does the public ever use your facilities? If you ever allow non-members to use your sanctuary for a wedding you could NOT deny a gay couple from using your sanctuary. Do you have a pop machine or sell coffee? Do you sometimes have fundraisers where you sell cookies or popcorn for consumption at the church? Have you ever allowed your church to be used by another Christian organization for which they paid you a fee? All of those actions would open the door to a civil rights lawsuit and severe penalties if you failed to allow a gay couple to use your facility to have their wedding. The laws covering discrimination create a wide net to include any place "... where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises," Discrimination also includes places with "schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps" Those provisions alone include thousands of Washington churches. The marriage laws of Washington have never referenced discrimination. So-called "Gay Marriage Equality" will change everything. The church that I pastor would probably have at least twenty different avenues from which we could be attacked under this proposed Gay Marriage Equality law. Our refusal to have gay weddings is labeled as "discriminatory" under this law even though we would be theoretically exempted from prosecution from the government "unless..." However, the "discriminatory" label would deprive a church like ours of grants and gifts from organizations, which have a policy against "discrimination defined by law." One only has to remember United Way's hostile treatment of the Boy Scouts decision prohibiting gay scout leaders. That is the future of religious freedom as well. The bill is very deceptive about its intentions. Several places it claims to protect religious freedom and to respect clergy and religious institutions. This is pure propaganda of the worst sort. It is democracy Soviet style: Say one thing and do another. Say you are protecting churches but label their actions as discriminatory and make them subject to the criminal laws on discrimination. Say that no state agency or local government can penalize an organization if a minister refuses to marry a gay but threaten the church with a claim for damages or cause of action if they don't rent to gays for weddings or receptions. The Gay Marriage Equality bill touts the narrow religious exemption to deceive the gullible while hiding the cause for legal actions under the wide net of the discrimination clause. The velvety call for equality hides the iron fist reserved for religious holdouts. Pastors, if you are concerned about this bill, please consider taking the following three actions: First, personally contact your legislators about this. Some legislators have said they have not heard from a conservative member of the clergy in a decade or more. Express your concern not just about the religious freedom risks, but about the underlying issue of redefining marriage as well. Second, share this information with your congregation and make sure they understand why God wants His church to use our influence to encourage righteousness in legislation. Third, give your church the legislative hotline number (1-800-562-6000) and urge them to call. You can print contact cards to distribute for your congregation here: http://media1.razorplanet.com/share/511538-7984/siteDocs/Hotline%20Flier.pdf. If you are concerned about the legality of these actions, please look at the following legal guidelines: http://www.fpiw.org/get-involved/churchs-and-pastors/legal-guidelines-for-pastors.html. You can also urge your congregation to email their legislators by sending them to the following website: http://www.fpiw.org/marriage/email-your-legislator.html. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns and/or have comments you'd like to share.  Y ours for the Kingdom, Joe Fuiten fuitenj@msn.com

I HAVE A DREAM....

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr was born January 15, 1929 – and died April 4, 1968. His most well known speech was one he made during the 'March on Washington' in August of 1963. (I was 17 years old at the time and had just graduated from High School in May of that year.)

The most frequently quoted sentence from what came to be known as his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech given during that march is, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

It was and is a laudable dream. Character matters. In fact, it is noteworthy timing that we have this as a very present reminder.

I have been reading the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel had character. He is a perfect model for demonstrating what character looks like. He was faithful to his beliefs in spite of opposition. He had incredible integrity and remarkable character. Character is not something that is created in times of trouble; character is revealed in times of trouble.

We need those who have committed to lead our state to demonstrate that quality of character. It takes courage to stand for what is right when it is in opposition to the growing trend to bend to the pressure of politically correct perspectives. Integrity and honor demand that courage!

I, too, have a dream. It is a dream for people to treat people well in spite of differences, yet standing firm in matters pertaining to Biblical truths and teachings. In reality, I know the fulness of my dream will not be realized until I reach heaven's shore - but it's alright to have the dream!

Other selected quotes credited to Martin Luther King, Jr:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”

(I would state that last one a bit differently, i.e., "Having something worth dying for makes life worth living." Or "Live for something that is worth dying for." But I understand what he is saying!)

BACK TO DANIEL!

I'm seeing things in the book of Daniel I had not paid attention to before. When I think of Daniel I always think of King Nebuchadnezzar as the king - but Daniel served faithfully under 4 kings that he mentions: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Cyrus and Darius. (There is an unnamed ruler who ruled while Nebuchadnezzar was out eating grass.... My study Bible lists Nabonidus after Nebuchanezzar - so, not being able to find any other corroboration, I am going to assume that was when he ruled.)But - even with the 4 kings Daniel mentions, it represented 2 different empires: first the Babylonian, and second, the Persian.

Another thing I noted with interest is that Daniel is not written sequentially. The actual order of the timing of events and when dreams & visions occurred are 1,2,3,4,7,8,5,10,11,12,9,6. I like logical-sequential, so that intrigues me.

But, in spite of those nuances, Daniel is a most amazing book, and the stories that are recorded inspire and encourage.

He interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream, reported the story of his friends being cast into the fiery furnace,interpreted the handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar (Nez's son), survived the lion's den when Darius was tricked into having him thrown in, and reports what God showed him about the end of time...and I have only read through chapter 7!

Great reading. Great encouragement! And the good news is that no matter what we face in this present world, we know the end of the story: God wins!

HOMOSEXUALITY - OBSERVATIONS

I have never done online research before about homosexuality to learn what other Christian sources say - but I just found this article Friday from Focus on the Family, and decided to share it on my blog in its entirety. It is well written and does a great job of expressing what I want to convey.

The article follows:

Can you explain and defend your ministry's perspective on homosexuality and same-sex marriage?

Question

Can you explain and defend your ministry's perspective on homosexuality and same-sex marriage? I've heard it argued that the Bible doesn't really have anything to say against them. What do you think?

Answer

As an evangelical Christian ministry committed to the authority of Scripture as the inspired Word of God, Focus on the Family believes that sex is given by God as an expression of love to be shared and enjoyed exclusively between a husband and wife. Further, we are convinced that the Bible leaves no room whatsoever for confusion or ambiguity where homosexual behavior is concerned. The Scripture both explicitly and implicitly regards it as falling outside of God's intention in creating man and woman as sexual beings who bear His image as male and female.

To this we would add the crucial observation that, here as elsewhere in the Christian life, the example and commandment of Christ places us under obligation to proclaim both God's truth and His redemptive grace. We must "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). There is no place for hatred, hurtful comments, or other forms of rejection toward those who experience same-sex attraction or identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Because we humans are made in the image of God, Jesus teaches us to regard all humanity as having inherent value, worth and dignity—including those affirming or adopting labels or behaviors which we believe the Bible associates with sexual sin. The priority of love for the Christian is unquestionable, and the cause of love is advanced by telling the truth with grace and compassion.

As for same-sex "marriage," we see no place for it within the context of a Christian worldview. According to the Bible, marriage is heterosexual by definition. Jesus, when expressing his understanding of the scriptural foundation for the divine purpose and design in marriage, referred to its origins in the Creation account: "From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh..." (Mark 10:6-8, quoting Genesis 2:24).

We realize that not everyone shares our perspective. Even within the ranks of professing Christians there are those who don't believe that God's Word and created order affirm heterosexual marriage as the one and only legitimate context for sexual expression. A careful study of this stance shows that its adherents either discount the authority of Scripture or adopt interpretive methods that create the latitude to ignore or distort the plain and obvious meaning of its words.

In our opinion, the clarity of God's truth on this matter remains unchanged in spite of hermeneutical methods designed to justify homosexual behavior. The Bible prohibits all kinds of sexual promiscuity—heterosexual as well as homosexual. Logical consistency demands that individuals and groups who want to reinterpret Scripture to sanction free sexual expression among homosexuals should extend the same concession to heterosexual singles; and, in fact, some have already taken this next step. But none of this can alter the facts: there is simply no scriptural support for endorsing sexual immorality (i.e., sexual activity outside the bond of heterosexual marriage) for anyone, no matter what his or her personal sexual feelings may be.

We hope these thoughts help to clarify these issues in your own mind. You may also want to view our "Position Statement on Same-Sex 'Marriage' and Civil Unions" and articles concerning revisionist theology. For further information on our perspective, we invite you to visit two areas on our CitizenLink website: Homosexuality and Gender Issues and Marriage.

If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your concerns at greater length with a member of our staff, we'd like to invite you to call Focus on the Family's Counseling Department at your own convenience. Our counselors are available to speak with you Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time at 855-771-HELP (4357)

Resources
101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality (book)

Responding to Pro-Gay Theology: What Does the Bible Really Say? (booklet)

The Truth About Same-Sex Marriage: 6 Things You Must Know About What's Really at Stake (book)

Same Sex Marriage: Is It Really The Same? (book)

Ten Persuasive Answers to the Question . . . Why Not Gay Marriage? (DVD)

Lola's postscript:

A few years ago I was having lunch at the Farmer's Market in Olympia, and seated next to me at the outdoor picnic table was a young man with a baby. As I watched his fumbled attempts at burping the child, I leaned over and said, "May I offer you some motherly advice?" He said, "Yes! My partner and I just adopted this baby, and have no one to go to to ask questions." The ensuing conversation left no doubt that his partner was a male. I didn't address that issue at all, but did share some basic parenting tips for which he expressed profuse gratitude.

My point in sharing that is: on a personal level, I believe in extending care and compassion, being kind and not confrontive. But as I made it clear in my prior post, I believe the vocal minority wants to feel that what they are doing is O K. In an effort to make themselves feel equal and legitimized they are asking us to deny this specific behavior is sin, and call it acceptable alternative, normal behavior. Sadly, no matter what 'man' calls the behavior, God still calls it sin - and ultimately, He is the One all of us must answer to.

In the meantime, I will continue to be loving and kind on an individual basis, and speak the Truth as required by my faith, on the larger issue.

'LEGITIMIZING' HOMOSEXUALITY

I am agonizing over issues related to the sin of homosexuality. (And I am going to offer a disclaimer at the inception of this post: As a Christian I am instructed to speak the truth in love. You can't hear my voice to hear the love this is immersed in. It is not my goal to hurt - but I do know that the truth can hurt, even when spoken lovingly.)

Last fall a college friend sent me an email with a very cleverly written and performed u-tube video attached! If you want to see it yourself you can find it by typing in ‘2 roosters don’t make a chicken’ in your search engine. The one I opened was titled ‘Down on the Farm’.

Procreation isn't the only consideration when we broach the subject of homosexuality. Any sex outside marriage is sin according to the Bible, and marriage consists of a man and a woman. Pretty simple to figure out the rest.... It isn't the 'only' sin to be resisted, but it is one that definitely repulses God.... God made sex to be something very special between a married man and woman, and it has been perverted in many ways. Premarital sex is sin. Extra-marital sex is sin. Sex with animals is sin. Sex with someone of the same sex is sin, and it is one of many sins God addresses clearly and definitively.

Sadly, some people think that believing what God's Word says about homosexuality means I am homophobic. I’m certainly not. I can love the sinner and hate the sin. I have 3 dear friends who have children who are living in committed adult relationships with a person of their same sex. Two of the referenced offspring are male; one is female (joined in an out-of-state ceremony to her partner, they are moms to twins). I had one of the young men in youth group all through his Junior High and High School years. I love him dearly! I can love him and still not agree with his choice to follow his inclination. But, on a personal level, I do not address the issue. I love the person, hate the sin, and leave it between him and God.

On a general level, I find I must address the issue. There are two critical areas where the vocal minority on this issue have crossed the line: ministry and marriage.

I was part of the Presbyterian Church for 38 years. I began attending regularly in 1971. I love the church – both the denomination and the people – and the growth I experienced during those years. However, I did not join the church right away, with the biggest issue being that the accepting of homosexuals into leadership roles kept coming up in General Assembly year after year. It was a vocal minority. (I believe everyone should be welcomed at the level of attending, should be loved and well-cared for, but that only people who choose to live in fidelity within God’s laws should be in leadership, and that covers a lot more than just sexual issues!)

It was important to a new pastor who came that I officially join the church. I had taught Sunday School, been the Sunday School Superintendent, been active in numerous other ways – but I wasn’t a ‘member’. I expressed my concern over that one issue – and told him that if they ever voted to allow homosexuals in leadership and ministry roles, I would leave the church – but I would leave loudly. He assured me that what I was concerned about would never happen – but that if it did, he promised me that he would be right behind me. So, I joined. That was almost 30 years ago.

As it turned out, I left my denomination 3 ½ years ago over theological error of another sort – with the specific church I was attending promoting that there could be other ways to God except through Jesus…but in the spring of 2011 the dreaded vote happened, and homosexuals were welcomed into leadership and ministry in the PCUSA, subject to the vote of individual presbyteries and churches.

This fall I heard that the elders of the church I previously attended for 30 years voted unanimously to leave the denomination over the ruling of allowing homosexuals to be in leadership in the denomination. Last week I was told that the church I left 3 ½ years ago over errant theology has now hired a lesbian as their youth leader. And last night, just before I left to go to church for First Wednesday Prayer Meeting, my state’s governor, Christine Gregoire, announced that she is going to introduce the bill to allow same-sex marriages in Washington state. That was what tipped the scales and compels me to write.

This particular sin is thrust on us daily, with the outcry that we must accept it as acceptable behavior. God doesn't. Neither should we. On a personal level I can adopt a 'live and let live' attitude, allowing for the reality that what happens between consenting adults is none of my business, but that doesn't mean I approve. Sin breaks God's heart. All sin. And when a church I love and a state I love become complicit in trying to normalize sin by voting to legitimize it, it is time to speak up.

People can be tempted with all sorts of sin – but being tempted isn’t sin! It's succumbing to the temptation that is sin. I feel great compassion for people who feel trapped in a body that generates thoughts and desires that violate God's laws – but the sin is not the thought, it is the act that is the sin. Whatever that temptation is, no matter what the indulgence or over-indulgence is, it is only in acting on it that it becomes sin. (I could argue that savoring it in one’s thought life could also be sin.)

The bottom line is that the Bible is my plumb line. God is very clear how He feels about this issue. God loves the sinner and hates the sin.

And why, why, why do people who do not want to honor God’s design want to borrow His terminology for their relationships? Marriage is God’s design. Marriage is God’s word. Marriage only describes a relationship between a man and a woman in God’s definition. Calling something marriage that isn’t doesn’t normalize or legitimize it in God’s eyes!

Washington state already honors domestic partnerships. In a purely politically correct sense, that allows people who care for each other the rights and privileges of relationship. Those relationship privileges are thereby extended when it comes to things such as sitting with a loved one at their death bed, which was one issue that came up when one member of a lesbian couple was not allowed to be with her partner at her hospital deathbed because she was not ‘next of kin.’ Denying them those last moments together was wrong – and ‘domestic partnership’ covers that contingency.

Governor Gregoire says it is time to pass the bill allowing same-sex marriage. I disagree, and I fear for the results to our state. Defying God is not a good idea!

Lord, teach me how to navigate the rough waters ahead – to be faithful to Your Word, and loving to my neighbor – even when we disagree….. Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. You love the sinner and hate sin. I am called to do the same. You cleanse people from sin and forgive sins. All sins.

DANIEL

Daniel was likely in his late teens when he was captured and taken to Babylon. The king at that juncture was Nebuchadnezzar, and the year was 605 BC. In about 603 BC, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams that interfered with his sleep, and, ultimately, Daniel (whom the chief of the eunuchs had renamed Belteshazzar), interpreted those dreams for Nebuchadnezzar. In fact, he even had to tell the king what the dream was, as part of the king’s demand.

But in living out the reality of what occurred, Daniel didn’t have the answer when he first asked the king to spare the lives of his wise men and give Daniel ‘a time’ to show the interpretation to the king.

The first thing he did was go ask for prayer! Daniel 2:17 tells us that he went to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (renamed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), and asked them ‘to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery.’ God responded by making the vision and its interpretation known to Daniel!

Daniel’s response to God was,

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

to whom belong wisdom and might.

He changes time and seasons;

He removes kings and sets up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise

And knowledge to those who have understanding;

He reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what is in the darkness,

And the light dwells with him.

To you, O God of my fathers,

I give thanks and praise,

For you have given me wisdom and might,

And have now made known to me what we asked of you,

For you have made known to us the king’s matter.”

Daniel was, at the most, perhaps 20 years old at that point. When he heard the awful news that all of the wise men were going to be killed – himself and his companions included – he went and asked for time to respond – and God answered his plea. Daniel was God’s man in the right place at the right time – and because of him, we have both a wonderful model of one who followed God faithfully in spite of circumstances, and prophecy that took many years to be accomplished…but that comes later.

God is sovereign. Daniel was faithful! I’m loving reading the book of Daniel! (I'm actually further ahead in my reading - but have to catch up with writing!)