Faith, The Monster Slayer

What is this monster arousing your fear? Is it war or health or finances or sin? God is greater than the perplexity robbing your sleep. He still answers prayer.

Daniel's monster was lions, but . . . . 

Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not hurt me . . . . 

The monster of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego was fire, but . . . . 

Daniel 3:5 . . . . Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Here are a few examples of faith found in Hebrews 11. Read the whole chapter.

BY FAITH:

• Noah built the ark, and God saved him and his family from the flood
• Moses led the Children of Israel through the "dry" bottom of the Red Sea as God pushed back the water.
• Joshua marched his army around the walls of Jericho seven times, resulting in victory when the walls fell to the ground.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Taking Inventory

If we take a personal inventory of our Christian lives, no doubt we will find victories and failures. We may find clutter that needs to be removed and areas for improvement.

Psalm 139:23,24  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

INVENTORY QUESTIONS:

• Is there anything in my life that comes before God?
• Is my life a testimony for Christ?
• Do my actions bring glory and honor to God?
• Do I forgive others?
• Am I irritable or selfish?
• Do I trust God for everything?
• Do I complain, find fault or become impatient with others?
• Have I neglected or slighted God in my daily prayer life and Bible reading?

None of us are perfect, and we all need to make corrections. We would sleep better at night if we take our failings to The Lord, ask His forgiveness, and seek strength and wisdom to do better.

Spiritual Victory Is Ours

The battle of spiritual victory over failure is with the flesh. Our flesh is at war with the Spirit of God who dwells in the believer.

If we are to be victorious, we must learn to live in Christ by the Word of God, to crucify the flesh.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

We don't crucify the flesh by gratifying it. We never truly fall into sin: we usually walk into it with our eyes open. We sin because we don't flee sin. We sin because we allow the flesh and its lusts to control us. We sin because we don't yield to the Spirit of God. We will only have victory over the flesh by faith in God.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bow Or Burn

How would we respond to a "bow or burn" decree? Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego, three Hebrew young men who were captives in a foreign land, refused to bow and worship Nebuchadnezzer's ninety foot image at the dedication ceremony. Pride fueled the king's rage, but he gave them a second chance.

Daniel 3:17,18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up.

That was the day the astonished king witnessed the power of the God of the Hebrews.

Daniel 3:35 . . . . I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 

So, who and where is that fourth man? You'll find Him walking in your fiery trial when you call upon the Name of Jesus. He is able to deliver you too.

The Storm

The thickest black I ever touched was near 2:30 AM, September 13, 2008. The violent wind of Hurricane Ike captured Galveston and raged inland to our house, forty some miles from the coast. 

From the bedroom window, I was unable to see my fingers dangle before my eyes.

"Lord, keep me safe till the storm passes by," I prayed. The shaky prayer poked a hole in the darkness, and a pole of light forged through, piercing the howl of the wind. I fell asleep.

Do you have a fury-storm in your life?

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place

Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy Hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Mosie Lister

The Riches Of God's Grace

Too often Christians think all things working together for their good means a ticket to the "good life" -- nice house, nice car, nice everything.

God's view of "good" is not materialistic. His "good" is whatever makes us strong in Him. The Apostle Paul was physically weak in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses -- all for Christ's sake. In spite of it, He was happy.

2 Corinthians 12:10 . . . . for when I am weak, then am I strong.

God gave Paul sufficient grace to bear it.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

One day we will rehearse for eternity the exceeding riches of God's grace in our daily lives. 

There Is Coming A Day

There is coming a day of rest for the child of God. We will lay down the burdens of this life and enter a place of peace and safety where we will never be troubled again.

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God

There is coming a day of reunion when we will meet again loved ones gone on to be with The Lord; a day when we will be with Jesus, the One Who washed our sins away in His precious blood.

There is coming a day of rewards. God took note of every prayer, every witness for Him, and every dollar, talent, and time submitted in His Name.

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come

No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye

All is peace forever more on that happy golden shore

What a day, glorious day that will be

There'll be no sorrows there, no more burdens to bear

No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there

And forever I will be with the One who died for me

What a day, glorious day that will be

Jim Hill