A Word (or two) from Mark

Because the book of Daniel shows us the lives of powerful kings, it is easy to think that its lessons are only for those with great power. But if we think like that we forget that we have kingdoms too. Ours may be a lot smaller than Nebuchadnezzar’s, but we are “rulers” nevertheless. All that we have “say over” is in our kingdom. God wants us to reflect our connection with His Kingdom in our kingdoms. Nebuchadnezzar is a good example of someone willing to learn, eventually that is. But his descendant, Belshazzar learned nothing from Nebuchadnezzar’s example. The questions I am asking myself are, “How am I managing my kingdom? Have I learned like Nebuchadnezzar to honor the one True God?  Am I truly living with a confidence that God is in control, so that I am trusting God as I move into each day? Am I at rest in the midst of my work because of that confidence, or am I being controlled by fear, or anger, or other evidences of insecurity?” One of the biggest helps I am finding right now in maintaining that balance is the time I spend alone in the morning with the Lord and His word. It is so easy to move into a day without filling my heart with His presence. But there is a real difference when the day begins with Him. How are things in your “kingdom”?

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Sometimes you just need to climb some rocks…. this was a beautiful day on Monday, my day off in a great spot.

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It isn’t too often we face the threat of a fiery furnace,at least not in our culture. But our brothers and sisters in Jesus around the world often face horrible persecution. It is difficult to think about the kind of pressure some face on a daily basis. It is clear from Daniel 3 that at least 3 Jewish men were up to the challenge. They placed God first. What would our lives be like if we did the same? There is probably a connection between the faithfulness demonstrated in chapter 1, when they refused the choice food and opted for vegetables, and the faithfulness shown in chapter 3. Our daily decisions build up into a character. A great question for each of us is what are the results of our own daily choices.  Will our choices prepare us to be found faithful in the moment of testing? Challenging food for thought isn’t it?

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A new category has been added to the links on the right. Under the heading discussion questions you will find links to Word documents that contain discussion questions for the weekly Sunday morning messages. Although they are intended for small group or LifeGroup discussion, they can also be used for personal reflection. I hope you find them helpful.

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This fall we are studying the book of Daniel.  I am excited about this book because we see the influence one godly man has on an empire.  Daniel was a government official.  He wasn’t a king or a priest.  He wasn’t “full” time in God’s service the way we often think about it.  But he was a man of integrity.  God blessed him and used him to bless many others.  As we study this book we are going to come face to face with the sovereignty of God. It is this balance between seeing the bigger picture of what God is doing, and a man making steady faithful choices that presents such an interesting contrast.   My hope is that studying this book will deepen your faith and encourage you about the importance of your daily choices.  Daniel has a lot to teach us.  I hope you enjoy learning along with me.

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