week of 1-25-11 4th recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

You can find that passage here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

This is the start of a letter to the Thessalonian Christians. At this point in the letter Paul is praising them for a job well done. He tells them that they have done so good at sticking to the Word of God that others are talking good things about them all over the place and that ward has even gotten back to Paul. He pats them on the back metaphorically speaking telling them that they took the good with the bad and the bad with the good and they stayed joyous through it all. He tells them how they have become an example of Christianity to even surrounding cities and that others even speak of how they have turned away from evil at once and served God. Paul let’s them know that what they’ve done hasn’t gone unnoticed but that everyone that sees them can tell they are living in such a way as to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ their risen Lord.

Just a reminder, this is just my attempt to summarize and simplify the passage for the general idea. For a passage study, I encourage everyone to please read the actual passage for yourself and in this case, may I suggest that you also read the message version in addition to the link above to the new king james version as the two versions have given me a greater understanding often when used together.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%201:2-10&version=MSG

As I reflect:

What a compliment of being a good example that one such as Paul would write you a letter letting you know what a good job you’ve done. As I read this, I couldn’t help but think of Luke 19 and Matthew 25 when the master (representing Jesus) in a parable tells his servant (representing us) “well done, good and faithful servant”. That story was told as a lesson in using what the Lord has given you to benefit the kingdom and serve the Lord and that we are not to bury or squander the gifts the Lord has given us. We are to be good stewards of all that He provides us to care for. Here we see some servants of just that kind. Good stewards that were given the Word and immediately took hold of it following after Jesus. They turned away from their evil ways (repented if you will) and lived awaiting the return of the Lord. Not only that, but they told others also. They shared the Gospel with others. I don’t see this as often in real life, though it’s all over facebook. Lol. I guess what I’m saying is that we…I, rather, need to be a good steward of my home, my family, my gifts, the Gospel as I share with those that are in need. I am afflicted and as the Thessalonian Christians set this wonderful example for us, so shall I (affliction or not) have the joy of the Holy Spirit and when others see me they should see the example that I then set for them to also have joy despite affliction. No one should need to spread news of my walk and what has progressed. Everyone should be able to see by my actions where my faith is at. I must live in such a way that shows that I did not only receive the Gospel in word on paper, but that I also received the Gospel in power and in the Holy Spirit and I am assured of it’s truth because I have studied it’s history and I believe and I know that it is the true and undefiled Word of God spoken to me and in me and that I am to speak to others this very Word so that they too may continue spreading this great Word that salvation is available to everyone; to the Jew and the gentile; that if you will repent and confess Jesus as your Lord, then you will be saved. May all who share this message through what ever means you have been gifted to do so be so blessed to one day here from our Lord, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I am excited and energized right now. This message is one that is very encouraging to my running the race and persevering as I go. I love to see the examples that you have laid out through history of how you can change a people and turn them around 180 degrees and use them to do your will. You always seem to chose the lowly also. And that’s encouraging because the only qualification I have to serve you, is that I am unqualified to serve you. I can smile knowing that it’s all about your work in and through me and not about what I myself am or am not able to do. I know that you can and will and do use me and I want to do all that I can to help you do just that. Have your way with me Father. Take me where you would have me go and teach me to reach who you would reach through me. Oh, how I long to one day hear those precious word from you my Lord. To be told by you that I did a good job. I dream of this day Father. Thank you. For your mercy, grace, faithfulness, thank you. In Jesus Name.

Notes from Luke 10 - Humility, grace, and the inability to earn salvation

Luke 10:25-26 NKJV

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? ”

Christ knew this guy was an expert in the law, the Torah, so He questions him back here.

Luke 10:26-27 NKJV

He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? ” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

So he quotes dueteronomy 6. This loving the Lord and loving your neighbor is the basis for it all. If we can do that, great! But we actually wrestle with this. Everyone does. We can’t earn our salvation as none of us can do this fully. Then the guy goes on attempting to test Christ but also to justify himself.

Luke 10:28-29 NKJV

And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Who is our neighbor? Perhaps if it’s just the person next door to us then we can love them as our self. But it’s more than that. It’s everyone.

And Christ wants to send the point home here that you can’t do anything to save yourself. If this is your question then it’s wrong. It should be “Whom can save me?”’ not, “What can I do to save myself?”.

Luke 10:30 NKJV

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

This still happens on the same road today. It’s a long winding road perfect for theifs.

Luke 10:31 NKJV

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Now this was a priest and of all people he should be concerned with this mans life. Are we sometimes like him? When we are busy on our own way do we ever see someone in need and chose to ignore them? Do we ever walk on by? When we see someone in need and we don’t act on it, over time we will lose the ability to feel. We need to go out of our way to help them, even if you are scared or busy or expected some where. Don’t turn a blind eye to those in need.

Luke 10:32 NKJV

Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.

The levites were of the same faith as this jewish man that lay there in need. The levites were the assistants of the preist. He at least looks at the guy and takes notice of him. But alas, he too continues on without helping. This is far too easy today to see a need and just keep right on going.

Luke 10:33 NKJV

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

Samaritans were looked on with content by the Israelites. But he looks past all the cultural bounderies and shows compassion.

Compassion is defined as follows:

–noun

1. 1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire toalleviate the suffering.

Another definition even goes so far as to replace “strong desire” with “bowels aching for”.

Luke 10:34 NKJV

So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

In many ways this man was similar to Jesus. Loving his neighbor as himself. Putting oil on him. Paying the mans debt at the inn.

About two days wage and twenty days worth of food is what this came to. When was the last time you or I did that? (this is rhetorical – don’t seek human glory by responding - ;-)) What if we made this offer today? That’d put most of us in the poor house. Can you imagine taking someone you found in need to a local hospital and giving them your credit card saying, “hey, whatever the bill is, I got this."?

Luke 10:35-37 NKJV

On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

JESUS IS NOT TEACHING A WORKS BASED SALVATION. He is instead, teaching this man that you cannot do it on your own. You need Jesus to save you. Christ was humbling this man by telling him this story. This man lived by law and as you read in Romans the law was written to bring light to out sin so that we might realize our need to be justified freely by the grace of God and redemption through Jesus.

Romans 3:19-24 NKJV

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Love God with everything and your neighbor as yourself not because it saves you but because if you are saved this is the supernatural response because you are forgiven. We should live holier lives being saved by grace then those that are trying to earn salvation by being holy.

When we see someone that doesn’t have food or clothes, we know that we would want food or clothes if in their shoes and thus we should provide it also for them. When we see someone who knows not Jesus as their savior, well, again this is something we would want if we had it not and thus we should offer to provide. We have the ability to reach out with the love of Jesus Christ. Think larger than the person next door. Think about the entire world and look through the Lord's eyes. You have so many opportunities to get involved in other’s lives and love them. Las Vegas was the only city in America with a higher suicide rate than Colorado Springs last year. It’s almost a for sure thing that you know someone who is considering taking their own life. Blink your eyes. Get out of the fast paced robotic living and look around. There is human trafficing. Kids being kidnapped right here in Colorado Springs to be sold into prostitution. The body of Christ has the ability to do something about "the man in the ditch". We must decide to see things the way they really are and step out and do something about it. If we are the body of Christ, then why aren't more of us being healing hands and reaching out to others? We don’t save, but God does and he wants to use you to reach people. Don’t just meet with God on Sundays... let Him work through you every day. Burst some comfort bubbles and be used to reach others.

week of 1-25-11 3rd recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was Psalm 119:25-40

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:25-40&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

Ok, so wow! If you have never studied some of the history involved with and the way that the Psalm was written, please do. Way more info than I could ever put here. Very interesting to study and there is plenty very useful information to apply to our lives.

You may already know that Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, but did you know it is also the longest chapter in the Bible? That being said, I will be unable to summarize this passage in context and instead will take it as I see it individually written (as many sections of this chapter were likely written at different points of David’s life making it difficult for one to pin down one single idea or flow from one section to the next).

This particular passage may have been written following David’s indiscretions in my opinion. I say this because it seems as though his humble approach and request for revival from the Lord is almost apologetic. I get the general feeling that David is confessing to God that his own way didn’t work and he is in need of the Lord to teach him, make him understand, strengthen him, remove dishonesty from him, be merciful to him, and in all ways help David to acknowledge and delight in walking in the will of the Lord. Again, I cannot say for sure this is following David’s adultery and murder sins as it could just be his general desire for the Lord to improve upon him and not a sorrowful request following a falling. Either way, I definitely encourage you to read this passage for yourself and I’d encourage you more so to take a gander at some of the many studies done of Psalm 119. So much great information out there on it and so many books written just based on this one Psalm.

As I reflect:

My soul clings to the dust…. What a dramatic depiction. I am trying to imagine the emotion and thought pattern that one might feel to cause this to be written. Think about it. Your soul clinging to the dust. That’s gotta be like the lowest feeling ever. You gotta really be down I think. Revive me according to your word. Regardless of how bad this person (whom I believe was David but has been argued from multiple stand points over the years) felt, they knew to not only call upon the Lord, but they knew how to do so. They didn’t call out to God to save them the way that they wanted to be saved. Instead, they called for revival “according to Your word”. From here on out, the rest of the passage seems to intently focus on the level of devotion offered by the Psalmist to the Lord and the Lord’s word, statutes, law, testament (as does much of the entire Psalm).

Now, I dare not say that I can compare myself to this Psalmist in his level of devotion to the law, though I wish that I could and hope that perhaps one day I will find myself as devoted for the right reasons. I see in myself often a lack of this type of full devotion to seek after every word that comes from the Lord’s mouth and fully apply it to my life. I think personally that a lot of Christians seem to have this same problem. We have this solid stance on Christ but a wishy washy stance on things we aren’t ready to let go of that hinder us from walking with Him. Our sins often occur as a direct result of us trying to find ways around some of the uncomfortable stuff we may read or hear about in the Bible. We may try to make excuses or be sneaky about not fully applying the word to our lives in every crevice, but there is always the need for just that. David doesn’t weasel his request around the discomfort of change here. He doesn’t request the Lord to come in and save the day sweeping David off the ground and setting him back on the throne. Instead His request seems heartfelt as a confession that his own ways and his own plans just don’t work without the Lord. He makes his request known plainly and it seems to me like he doesn’t count a price in his request. There is no consideration for what he may lose or go through for the Lord to answer his prayer. I believe that’s because his motive for the request was right. He didn’t seek knowledge or wisdom for pride sake, but because he knew as I know that the Word of God can give life and take it away. The Word of God is given power when we fully apply it to our life. We can’t be fake in approaching God as we ask for Him to make changes that may be uncomfortable or turn our entire life upside down. We need to trust in the lord fully in every crevice of our lives and not just here or there. This may mean sacrifice. But, I believe as David did, that there is no possession or comfort so great that I would consider keeping it over walking in all that the Lord has for me both in this life and in the next.

You know what? I totally get why so many books are written on this Psalm. I look up and see multiple paragraphs and I’ve only written on the first 2 verses I reflected on so far. Lol. I think, instead of writing a book myself here, I’m just going to continue my reflections off line. As for applicability daily… I’d say I can take from this passage that my life requires devotion to God’s word and will in my life regardless of what comfort zones I may be taken out of. When someone says to me, “you know it could just be God telling you ______, etc”, I must not take my comfort zones into consideration when pondering the message received. I encourage you also Christian, allow your comfort zones to become lowest priority when considering the will of God in your life and in the lives of those around you. I think we will both find that we will become more effective in the delivery of the Word if we take this approach.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, my Father whom I am able to approach with anything, I know that you are faithful and I know that you will complete the work begun in me. I lift up your name for all that you have done and will do for everything that you do is good and you are worthy of glory for it. Even your very word is to be glorified Lord. I am thankful to be able to consider myself adopted into your family. To be a member of the most high have meant everything to me Father. Your accepting me in and forgiving me and being merciful and then blessing me with grace after grace has meant more than words can imply to my soul. Thank you Father. I remember the day I got laid off. I remember that morning coming to you in prayer. I remember a point in prayer where I actually felt fear because I was praying for you to align my life to your will and I knew that that was going to mean change. At the time, I stopped and laughed with you about how foolish it was of me to fear change in that manner when you are to be trusted with every aspect of my life. How could I ever trust you to save my eternal soul but not trust you to direct my path of employment? I smirk now at myself then and wonder how many more times in life I might look back and say, “I was so foolish not to trust you more.”? I don’t want this to be one of those times Father. I ask you as the Psalmist asked you, strengthen me according to your word. Make me understand the way of your precepts. When I fall, Lord revive me according to Your word. Remove from me anything that is not of You and grant me Your law graciously. Lord, do not put me to shame, but help me to run the course of Your commandments and enlarge my heart. Teach me Your statutes and incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and establish Your word to Your servant who is devoted to fearing You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness. I pray this to you my Father in the name of your Son Jesus Christ.

week of 1-25-11 2nd recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was John 17:13-21

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17:13-21&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

I just cannot seem to summarize this passage no matter what I try. I end up making it longer every time I put it in my words.

The verse that most stood out to me was verse 15. In this verse Jesus says, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

As I reflect:

Two things really stood out to me in this passage. One was all about our separation from the world and how that works. The other was all about our unity with other believers and how that works. Together the two are communicating a clarifying message regarding our purpose as believers. I read that we are not being prayed for by Jesus that we would be taken out of the world but rather that we would be kept from the evil one. I believe this is clarifying to the many that have surrounded themselves by Christians and only attend Christian events and only go to places where other Christians are and only do “Christian” things. If you are one of these people, you have given me a very bad rep with the world. You see when someone hears that I am a Christian, they often immediately define me as someone who thinks I’m better than them and that I’m too breakable (like fine china) to be around them and their activities. And while we are not to sin or to allow the temptations of the evil one to enter into our hearts, this is not an indication that we are to hide from the evil that is in the world. Quite the opposite in fact. We are the hands and feet of the Lord here. Though we are not “of” the world, we are “in” it and with good purpose meant to be. If the only things we do and the only places we go are all labeled as “Christian”, then how to we take part in the great commission and reach out to others? How are we to witness and help those in need if we are wrapped up in our “Christian Bubble” as it were? I believe that we need to ship out into the storms that thrash this way and that and know that Jesus is here with us through His Holy Spirit and we have nothing to fear because He is the ships guide. We are as a ship is to be in the ocean, but not allowing the ocean to be in the ship. We can’t reach those that we shut our eyes to and plug our ears to. Jesus doesn’t pray for an easy life for us here. He prays that we would unify as believers and get the job done without the hindrance of the evil one. He prays the Lord’s empowering upon us.

My response to the Lord:

Lord God, I come before you now knowing that I am in the wrong sooo often. I have a problem and you know that I confess it to you and seek your guidance and help daily. I do not often fall into judgment of the world. As a matter of fact, you know that I am seeking to love the lost. My sin; my failure is far too often that I will judge my fellow believer due to their worldly view. I become angry because I feel that my fellow believer often lives just like the unbeliever or because they are so “Christian” they can’t get off their high chair to reach out to the lost. Lord I spend so much time judging my fellow believer that I forget that you have called me to unify with them. This is hard for me Father. This is my challenge. God, I pray you forgive me for this and not judge me as I have judged others or I should surely be killed. Forgive me and help me to be forgiving of other believers as well. Father please separate judgment from discernment in me that I may better unify and work the harvest with my brother and sister. Father, I am making an effort, but I need your help. I need you to multiply my efforts to see my brethren as you see them. My human eyes are getting in the way far too often and I know I need this fellowship and unity to properly do your will. I know that you have set up the networking of believers in just such a way that it benefits us to spend time with one another. Holy Spirit, guide me daily in remembering your call on me to unify with other believers that we may together do your will here. In Jesus name.

week of 1-25-11 1st recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was Luke 6:39-45

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:39-45&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

This passage speaks to several areas. Jesus is speaking on not judging others, not being a hypocrite, how to help your fellow person, and also the results of the state of your heart.

There are several key verses that stand out to me in this passage:

39”He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?”

40”The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

43”No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.”

As I reflect:

What a large area of coverage in such a short area of the Word. Here I am reminded that if my walk is not made right with God, how am I to lead someone else in their walk with God. This would be like a false prophet leading you into a real relationship with Jesus. This just isn’t likely. A good daily application for this is to remember to always pray before your day has begun that the Lord would do His works through you and that we would not be hindered by the flesh and be distracted from God’s will by our own. Verse 40 also speaks somewhat to that fact in that if my master or teacher be God, then shouldn’t that be reflected in me? I should do as Jesus. I should seek to reach out to the lost but I should also be sure that my foundation in Christ is secure if I am to attempt to help someone else in building their foundation on Christ. I should be sure that if a brother (or sister) need help in any given area, that it is not an area that my own sin nature is currently struggling with before I am able to offer help. The third area spoken of here is the fruit that we bear. Verse 43 – 45 speak of how our actions and words will bear witness to what type of person we are. We (a tree) will bear fruit (words and actions and the results of those words and actions) while we are in this world. Others will look at those fruit to see what type of tree we really are. For instance, if you say that you are a Christian, it is expected that your life will bear fruit that resembles Our Lord’s grace, mercy, understanding, patience, and many other characteristics. However, if you say you are a Christian but live just like the rest of the lost sheep, then there is no truth in you and you deceive yourself. We can tell by the fruit what kind of tree someone is. Also, we are reminded to mind our words. For just as actions and characteristics can be fruit that bear witness to your type of tree, words can bear witness to your heart. If your heart is evil, we will know by your words. And if your heart is good (because the Holy Spirit dwells within you) than this too will be heard in your words.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, may I be ever mindful of the state of my heart and my walk with you before opening my mouth or reaching out to another. Because I am a wretch and incapable of any good without you, Father I welcome your Holy Spirit always to speak and work through me as only you can. Let my life bear witness to my heart’s belief in you and may my actions bear witness to our relationship and salt the oats so that others may hunger and thirst for you because of the example you have made me. Lord, I pray that I may always bear good fruit; an outward result of your work inward on me. In Jesus name.

week of 1-17-11 4th recorded HighQuest Bible study

The passage I read was John 1:43-51

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1:43-51&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus calls Philip to follow Him. Philip tells Nathanael he has found Jesus (whom Moses and the prophets spoke about). Nathanael has doubt but comes to see. Jesus convinces Nathanael easily by telling him where he was before Philip came to speak to him and Nathanael then confesses Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus explains that Nathanael will see far greater things than what he has just seen.

Again, this is just my summary of the passage. Please read the passage for yourselves also as I am not qualified to summarize for your life’s messages from God the very word He has given. Seek Him for yourselves too. J

As I reflect:

In this passage we see the prejudice of Nathanael against anything good coming from Nazareth. I haven’t done the research, but in context this seems to point to Nazareth being viewed in a generally poor light. Thankfully, Nathanael goes to see this Jesus in person anyway. I would hope others that may negatively view that I am telling them of Jesus’ love for them might also overcome their prejudice long enough to come and meet Jesus. Also, we see that Nathanael was under the fig tree. This I have researched and was actually a common phrase among teachers (rabbi) to represent meditation on the scriptures. So it is possible that Nathanael was either physically sitting under a fig tree when Philip came to find him, or that Nathanael was spending time with God and Jesus tells him, “I saw you” there. We know either way that we are always seen by God. We are seen when raying and when not. In this thought I take the daily application to not attempt impressing God in church as He sees you when you cut people off in the parking lot afterwards to race home to idolize your favorite football team and lust after the girlie on the commercial during the break too. God sees you always, therefore be always reverent before the Lord and living in such a manner as to welcome Him to work through you and be present in what you spend your time doing.

Also in this passage, Jesus references a portion of scripture found in Genesis 28 where Jacob has a dream about a ladder from earth to Heaven and angels ascending and descending upon it. There are a lot of studies I found on this all with slightly differing views. I would summarize them all along the key two elements. Jesus compares Nathanael (an honest man) with Jacob (who if you recall lied once to steal a birthright and again to steal a blessing). The second element and perhaps the more daily applicable without going into a study of Jacob’s life and the consequences of being deceitful, is that Jesus’ comparison to the dream about the ladder and Nathanael seeing this come true is all about Nathanael coming to see that Jesus is actually that ladder spoken of. Think about it. Our very existence is separated from God because we are born into sin. I can come to God and pray why? I am forgiven of my sins why? I am getting into Heaven how? Jesus is the ladder that bridged the gap between earth and Heaven (for those that would come to know Him as Lord and repent that is). Daily we can know that God will hear us when we call, not because we deserve it, but because Jesus paid it all. We have been made into a right relationship with God because of Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice that covered our sins whole. This is what Nathanael would live to see that was greater than Jesus simply telling him where he was and what he was doing just a moment before Philip showed up to get him.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I do not serve you nearly as diligently as one ought. I say I have given you my whole life and so often I find that I am still holding on to parts that I must relinquish control of to you. My life is not worthy of the great gifts that you have given from your Son to my very breath. I thank you and praise you for providing my livelihood Father. I know at times I have shown prejudice in my life for one thing or another and I know there have been times I was proven wrong. Lord may you help me to separate prejudice and discernment and judgment that I may be more useful. Lord see me beneath the fig tree spending time with you and prepare me by your Holy Spirit to go out into the world and share your Gospel. I want others to know that the gap between man and God is bridged through the person of Jesus Christ. I want to explain without fear or cowardice that Jesus is the ladder between earth and Heaven and that there is no other way. And finally Lord, I pray that I would not forget for even a moment that I am always under your supervision; that I am always being watched, protected, and guided by you. May my life reflect this truth appropriately. In Jesus name. Amen

Notes from Daniel 6 - Daniels/our characteristics

Daniel 6:1-28

Daniel is very consistent. In Babylon he purposed in his heart to not defile his body before God. He has been faithful since. Now he is 85 years old and we still haven’t seen any recorded sin as of yet. David’s sins are recorded, some of Peter’s, and some of John’s, etc. But here we don’t see any sins of Daniels’ (not that there weren’t any – just don’t see em). This is likely because of the character he displays which becomes a focus and an example to us. In this chapter he displays an Excellent Spirit, Integrity, Faithfulness, Prayer, and Confidence/Trust in God.

¹ ^a]">[a]It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, ² with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.

Time and time again, God raises up Daniel into places of power even with different leaders. God is just pouring out His favor and grace upon Daniel to allow him to be in these places of leadership.

³ Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Now he will be made into the equivalent of a vice president. This is the kind of person that you want to be around. Now in his 80’s, his body surely aches, and there is no record of him having a family or children, but still he has this excellent attitude. Think about the quote from Charles Swindoll: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Daniel displays great attitudes in great opposition and it affects his life. We too should have a spirit of understanding who the Lord is and be joyful in all situations. We too should simply choose to be thankful despite the situation. It was Daniel’s excellent spirit; his attitude that Darius saw and wanted others to see(perhaps hoping it may wear off). I think this attitude may very well be a spiritual gift.

1^st Note worthy characteristic is an Excellent Spirit.

⁴ At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

So these guys want the position that Daniel is getting. They don’t want some 80 year old do gooder in there as their boss. They know that the greater his attitude, the worse their attitude will look. This is true of us too. Even today we still see Christian persons of great attitude often overlooked for promotion or hire for the same reason. Those with bad attitudes often don’t want to be made to look worse by being seen around those with great attitudes.

The dictionary definition of:

Integrity =

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

Faithful =

1.strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.

2. true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.

3. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.

4. reliable, trusted, or believed.

He has these two characteristics. How about us? Do we have integrity? These men were going through Daniels’ life with a fine tooth comb looking for something wrong with him. If this was to happen to us, would we pass the test? Who are we on our computer? When we drive? When we are back within the privacy of our home? Daniel is consistent in getting up day after day and fully following after God. There are no secrets or skeletons in his closet.

2^nd Note worthy characteristic is Integrity.

3^rd Note worthy characteristic is Faithfulness.

He lived in a way that was above reproach. He didn’t begin to slack off a bit after a certain age. He was assigned to make sure Darius, this pagan ruler, didn’t lose any money. You think this is what he chose to do? You think when he was young he said to himself, “Hmmmm, I hope that one day I can protect the interest of those which are found to be inherently evil and disobedient to God.”? Ofcourse not. That doesn’t change how he reacts because he is serving God and he will do that regardless of where he ends up or what he ends up doing.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

If you find your kids are bothering you, don’t snap at em. Instead treat them in a manner of parenting as though you were doing it to please the Lord. Lead them as unto the Lord. Is your job monotonous? Do it as unto the Lord. Love what you do? Do it unto the Lord.

⁵ Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

What a compliment huh? His only fault is that he fully obeys God? What a great thing to be accused of.

⁶ So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! ⁷ The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

So they’ve all gotten together here and attempt to set up Daniel.

⁸ Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

They’re setting this all up knowing that Daniel will pray. Darius is going to have to think about this.

⁹ So King Darius put the decree in writing.

¹⁰ Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

This brings us to the 4^th characteristic of Daniel

4^th Note worthy characteristic is Prayer

It is this prayer that resulted in the other characteristics to begin with. So it is in our lives. So Daniel goes home and prays anyway, knowing it could mean death for him. He doesn’t fear men though, He fears only God. And if someone comes to us and says, “You cannot share the Gospel at work or you will lose your job”, we are not fearful of losing our job, because we know that God said to share the Gospel. If someone says you cannot read the Bible or you cannot pray or you will be arrested or killed even. Do we fear them and thus lose our faith, or do we faithfully continue in that which the Lord has asked us to do?

Now, Daniel could have chosen to lie down instead of kneel down and he could have prayed in silence looking like he was sleeping and God have accepted this prayer just the same? But getting on our knees is an outward expression of our hearts surrendering to the Lord. There are very few people that you’d kneel down before because it shows not only respect, but awe. This is what we do before the Lord when we kneel privately before Him. We are being humble and showing the expressions of the condition of our heart.

Daniel also prayed 3 times a day. I think it’s important for us to be sure we pray on a regular basis too (at the very least). Those three times a day, Daniel showed thankfulness to God. This too should be done in our prayers. God got a hold of Daniel at a young age and made good habits. Daniel chose to dedicate himself at a young age to kneeling three times a day before His God. It became His custom; a habit. This way it would never be forgotten.

Do something 21 days in a row and it becomes your habit according to studies.

We need to pray more. We need to set aside time to pray. It is important not to forget to pray.

Matthew 6:9-13 is where you will find what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. Let’s analyze how Jesus says to pray real quick:

“Our Father”

We must have a relationship. This is found at the beginning of the prayer because of the importance of this being a personal relationship. We are not coming before a God that isn’t real and that cannot be touched. He is very real and very involved with our lives. He is Our Father. My Father. Abba.

Then into adoration. “hallowed be your name,”

This is our chance to lift up His name and adore who He is. We cannot forget who God is and just bring a petition to Him. Remember who you are coming to.

Then comes submission. “¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,”

An important part of prayer is knowing that it’s His will that needs to be done; in our lives; in the lives of others; in this situation or that.

Then dependency. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.

This would be a good time to bring up the needs of the day. Note daily needs for others and for yourself. It’s not selfish to pray for yourself. We are supposed to come to God for our daily needs. This is part of the relationship. Be dependant on Him. We are also to read and meditate (think about or consider in application) His word daily.

Then forgiveness. ¹² And forgive us our debts,

(Us receiving forgiveness)

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

(us giving forgiveness)

Guidance and deliverance. ¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^a]">[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.^b]">[b]’

Read through Matthew 6 and make these principals of prayer your own. Spend some time on it and meditate on the word. Satan doesn’t want you to pray. Keep in mind that he will try to convince you that you are too busy to pray and that there are too many distractions and that all these other things in your life are more important than the time that we must spend doing the most important thing…. Fellowship with God. It’s a privilege and it is empowering. No one has to push you to get coffee in the morning. Why then should the Holy Spirit have to push you to talk with God? Is He not more important than coffee? No one has to convince you to eat food daily, or go to sleep nightly. You seem to know so many of your basic needs so well. Make it your custom to consider and live as though Prayer were a basic need of your daily life as well. Fellowship with God is sweet.

Daniel 6:

¹¹ Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. ¹² So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

¹³ Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.”

Daniel never loses his identity (even though they tried to change his name) he is still known as a captive of Judah.

¹⁴ When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

¹⁵ Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”

¹⁶ So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

We see that Darius did have a love for Daniel and never meant for this to happen to Daniel. He didn’t fully think it out before making the petition. Like us who so quickly often make our petitions daily without thinking of what we are really saying and whether or not we are ready to back it up. Control your tongue and bring your decisions before the Lord.

¹⁷ A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. ¹⁸ Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

¹⁹ At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. ²⁰ When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

In verse 16 it was a statement “he will deliver you” and now it’s a question “did he deliver you” as the king spent all night tossing and turning wondering if Daniel would be ok.

²¹ Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! ²² My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

The king said “your God” but Daniel shows how personal this relationship is in saying, “my God”. We too have our own difficult situations perhaps wondering if we will make it till the morning. We too have the opportunity to see the Lord’s power in shutting up the mouth of those that would seek to devour us. He is still present with those who seek after Him whole heartedly today and He is still all powerful today.

²³ The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

5^th Note worthy characteristic is Trust. Daniel trusted in God

2 Corinthians 1:9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

We have the option to stop and look at the cross of Jesus Christ and know that we can trust him. Are you in a financial crisis this year? Trust in God. Hardships? Trust in God. Trials/tribulations? Trust in God. Relationship issues? Trust in God. Place your trust in God.

²⁴ At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Shows how miraculous the angels were with Daniel that these others have all their bones broken before they even hit the ground. Also shows that our sin affects more than just ourselves. These men that sought Daniels life are not the only ones to reap the repercussions of that decision. Their wives and children face the same fate as a result of their sin. We need to realize how sin destroys.

²⁵ Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:

“May you prosper greatly!

²⁶ “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
²⁷ He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”

God wants His message to go out. He wants his glory to be made known among men. Daniel wasn’t worried because he knew his heart was right before God and that If God chose not to rescue him, then Daniel would’ve been brought directly before his savior anyway. Same with the death of so many in the Bible that feared not death because they knew what was on the other side. We can live fearlessly for God and we can glorify him daily with all that we say and do, knowing what is on the other side of death and that God is in control.

²⁸ So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus^b]">[b] the Persian.

Some 150 years before this, just to show you the foreknowledge of God:

Isaiah 45

¹ “This is what the LORD says to his anointed,
to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of
to subdue nations before him
and to strip kings of their armor,
to open doors before him
so that gates will not be shut:
² I will go before you
and will level the mountains^a]">[a];
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.
³ I will give you hidden treasures,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the LORD,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
⁴ For the sake of Jacob my servant,
of Israel my chosen,
I summon you by name
and bestow on you a title of honor,
though you do not acknowledge me.

Daily Application:

Walk with consistency, integrity, and faithfulness. Don’t just read these notes or listen to a message somewhere and then walk out the door and completely forget it. Instead remember what was learned and apply it daily. Pray on this message and any others you consider during your walk. Take the time to pray. It is a dynamic time to meet with God. Do it perhaps on your lunch hour, go for a walk. Do it when you get up from bed, before you lay down, etc. Get into the routine, make it a habit.

Go from here and know that you can trust the Lord. God is greater than any lion you are currently starring down right now in your life and know that God’s glory is seen in the trials and tribulations He pulls you through.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

week of 1-17-11 3rd recorded HighQuest Bible Study

The passage I read was Numbers 32:6-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2032:6-12&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

There were two tribe leaders that didn’t want their tribes to go into the promised land because they were (a. content with the land they were in and (b. didn’t want to go into any more battles. In other words, they were content in not being faithful and following God whole heartedly to take hold of the prized Promised Land. In this passage, Moses calls the leaders of these two tribes out, pointing out that their negativity and lacking faith is similar to that of their fathers that were destroyed in the desert a result of their lack of faith, and that the negativity could (similar to that afore mentioned situation) discourage other tribes from taking hold of the promised land the Lord had lead them to.

These are my words. Please read the passage for yourself and write it as it has meaning to you.

As I reflect:

Complacency is contagious. Here we have a situation that still far too often occurs today. The equivalent today is that one Christian or a group of Christians desire to fully follow after God. They desire growth and they want to be close to their Savior and accept the many great gifts He offers them on this wond3erful road throughout their faithful walk. But then, Satan gets into the thoughts of other more complacent Believers that surround them. These believers make statements of doubt and choose to be content where they are with no growth in their walk. They talk about the many dangers of the route that the more dedicated Christians are fixing to choose and they would rather settle where they are than continue a walk of faithfulness that could have hardships and struggles (those very things that allow us to grow stronger and closer to God). This can discourage a devoted man or woman of God far too easily. Don’t become complacent. Don’t allow others to discourage you in your walk with Jesus. Be encouraged Christian soldier. The Lord has promises for you and it’s time for you to take hold of those promises. While others are content at the edge of the desert, you can be the shining light on a hill. Let no one hinder your walk.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, you are always faithful and you never fail us. Why should we not follow after you with our whole hearts? Lord, please protect me from ever discouraging the heart of another believer from following whole heartedly and also protect me from such discouragement from other non-believers and believers alike. May I always remember your promises to those who would faithfully follow you with their whole heart, mind, body, and all of their strength. May I be a shining example of your victories won and not of contentment at the edge of a desert. You have brought me this far and I know you will complete the work begun in me. I trust you Father to guide and teach me.

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Psalm 25:9 “The humble He guides in Justice, and the humble He teaches His way.”

week of 1-17-11 2nd recorded HighQuest Bible Study

The passage I read was John 21:15-22

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21:15-22&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

Jesus asks Peter to compare his love for Him with that of the disciples. He says, “do you love me more than these?” To which Peter says yes and that He does love Jesus. Jesus asks him two more times if he loves Him and both times Peter responds again that He does in fact love Jesus. Jesus also instructed Peter 3 fold to take care of His sheep/lambs. Jesus then goes on to speak with Peter about his future almost as if in a riddle indicating the kind of death that Peter would have. Then Peter notices John is following them and he asks Jesus about John. Jesus advises Peter that it’s not Peter’s business.

These are my words. Please read the passage for yourself and write it as it has meaning to you.

As I reflect:

I see this passage as being about two major areas. One is about comparison to others. The other area is about comparison to self (in a way). Peter, if you recall is the one who denied Jesus thrice before the cock crowed. 3 times before Jesus’ death, Peter was asked if he knew Jesus and all three times he denied the Lamb of God. This passage in chapter 21 however takes place after Jesus’ death and resurrection. And so as Jesus here asks him 3 times if he loved Him because I believe He wanted to offer Peter a chance at restoration and to encourage him in the road that would follow. 3 times now Peter had to affirm His love to Jesus (2 different types of love also. The Greek used implied he was asked of brotherly love as well as of agape). Each time Peter responded, Jesus followed his response with a command to feed or take care of His sheep or lambs. This shows the Lord giving Peter reassurance and encouraged direction. Peter eventually gives his all to the ministry for Jesus and is killed by crucifixion. So Peter went from life of selfishness to life of selfless servitude for Christ. This is the restoration Jesus offers us all. I was offered this restoration from being a fake that did drugs and all sorts of evils and yet claimed Christ as my Savior. I have been restored and encouraged. I have been given opportunity to serve Christ with my life. I am reminded as Peter looked back at John, that we needn’t compare ourselves, our deeds or failures with other Christians or the unsaved. We instead are to follow after Christ wholeheartedly and in the pursuit of the Kingdom, may we reach and bring with us as many as we can as well as edify and encourage those already headed to the same place.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I can’t lie to you, nor do I have desire to. You know my sins. You know my heart. You know that judgment is a area of sin in my life that requires and receives a great amount of attention and constant effort to control. Lord continue to mold me in this and help me daily not to judge others saved or unsaved any differently than by the mercy and grace you have shown me. Thank you for restoration Lord. You deserve all praise and worship for simply being you, but may I add that I will give you glory always for the restorative work you have done and continue to do in and through me. I have heard your call to follow you and I daily answer. Lord help me to answer more boldly and do more as the day of your son’s return draws near. May I stay humble, not ashamed. May I be effective by your might, not my weakness. May I be lifted up on your wings, not my pride. In Jesus name.