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The art of intercession is beyond our traditional concept of prayer. It calls us into a deep and profound comprehension of a sacrificial way of lifestyle that collaborates with the forces of heaven to bring about reformation and transformation to society. It flows from a selfless heart, fully and wholly devoted to God's kingdom purposes and prophetic mandate for man and creation. When we intercede, we step into a sacred calling, standing in the gap in relentless love and courage, aligning earthly realities with the divine will to shift the course of human affairs for individuals, communities, and entire nations.At its core, intercession is an act of love; it's an intentional, Spirit-led intervention on behalf of others. It's the moment when a human heart aligns with God's heart, pleading for His mercy, justice, and purposes to manifest in the earth. Whether it's for a family member, a city, or an entire nation, intercession carries the weight of heaven's redemptive plan. The Bible is filled with examples of intercessors who changed the course of history through their relentless, heartfelt prayers: Daniel, Nehemiah, Abraham, Moses, and countless others who stood before God on behalf of broken people and wayward nations.Consider Daniel's story in Babylon (Daniel 10). From the moment he began to pray, God dispatched an answer, but a spiritual adversary, the prince of Persia, hindered the response for 21 days. Daniel's persistence in prayer, coupled with angelic intervention, ultimately broke through the resistance. This account reveals a critical truth: intercession is not just a spiritual exercise; it's a confrontation with unseen forces that seek to oppose God's will. It requires tenacity, spiritual insight, and a deep understanding of the agencies at play in the spiritual realm.Intercession is heaven's ordained mechanism for transformation. If a nation is to experience revival, renewal, or restoration, it begins with a people who understand the ministry of intercession. These intercessors are the forerunners of change, the ones who labor in prayer to align earthly realities with heaven's purposes. But to be effective, intercession demands more than fervent prayers; it requires a clear understanding of the spiritual dynamics involved and a heart fully surrendered to God's redemptive plan.
The art of intercession is beyond our traditional concept of prayer. It calls us into a deep and profound comprehension of a sacrificial way of lifestyle that collaborates with the forces of heaven to bring about reformation and transformation to society. It flows from a selfless heart, fully and wholly devoted to God's kingdom purposes and prophetic mandate for man and creation. When we intercede, we step into a sacred calling, standing in the gap in relentless love and courage, aligning earthly realities with the divine will to shift the course of human affairs for individuals, communities, and entire nations.At its core, intercession is an act of love; it's an intentional, Spirit-led intervention on behalf of others. It's the moment when a human heart aligns with God's heart, pleading for His mercy, justice, and purposes to manifest in the earth. Whether it's for a family member, a city, or an entire nation, intercession carries the weight of heaven's redemptive plan. The Bible is filled with examples of intercessors who changed the course of history through their relentless, heartfelt prayers: Daniel, Nehemiah, Abraham, Moses, and countless others who stood before God on behalf of broken people and wayward nations.Consider Daniel's story in Babylon (Daniel 10). From the moment he began to pray, God dispatched an answer, but a spiritual adversary, the prince of Persia, hindered the response for 21 days. Daniel's persistence in prayer, coupled with angelic intervention, ultimately broke through the resistance. This account reveals a critical truth: intercession is not just a spiritual exercise; it's a confrontation with unseen forces that seek to oppose God's will. It requires tenacity, spiritual insight, and a deep understanding of the agencies at play in the spiritual realm.Intercession is heaven's ordained mechanism for transformation. If a nation is to experience revival, renewal, or restoration, it begins with a people who understand the ministry of intercession. These intercessors are the forerunners of change, the ones who labor in prayer to align earthly realities with heaven's purposes. But to be effective, intercession demands more than fervent prayers; it requires a clear understanding of the spiritual dynamics involved and a heart fully surrendered to God's redemptive plan.
Psalm 91,He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place — the Most High, who is my refuge —10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Why does Psalm 91 exist?One reason is because threats to human life exist. Whether wars or wildfires; earthquakes or illnesses; hurricanes or heart attacks — threats to human life, hazards to human flourishing — they exist. And they're plenty in number, many in form, and perennially active. And have been since Genesis three, and humanity's exit from Eden.And so the question then becomes, how do you live, as a human, in a world, that's loaded with threats to human life? How do you live as a human who's: Not covered in steel-plating, but flesh. Not taller than the mountains, but shorter than the ceilings. Not immune to disease, but prone to it. Not beyond disaster, but within range of it. Not personally immortal, nor having loved ones who are immortal, but living as a mom, or dad, or sister, or brother, or friend, who's not even been promised tomorrow, let alone this afternoon?How do you live, as a human, in a world, that's loaded with threats to human life? You could lock your doors, and try to avoid reality. You could close your eyes and try to ignore reality. Or, you could face reality from a place of refuge. Why does Psalm 91 exist? Yes, because threats to life are real, and because refuge is available. And as we're going to see in Psalm 91, this refuge is in a God who is powerful, personal, faithful, and just.Let's pray and ask God for his help before going further.So, Psalm 91, a Psalm for finding refuge in God who is powerful, personal, faithful, and just. Let's begin with that first one — powerful. God, your refuge, is powerful.PowerfulLook with me at verse one. Psalm 91:1, where God is referred to twice, and by to two different titles:“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”Most High and Almighty — two terms communicating complete superiority over all things.He is not just high, but Most High. Meaning that no human ruler nor so-called god ever rises above him. When God looks up, he sees no thing and acknowledges no one. He is Most High.And he is the Almighty. Having all power and all authority throughout all the universe. Reality is entirely contingent upon him, and never the other way around.God, your refuge, is powerful, brothers and sisters. His titles in Psalm 91 assert this, as does his activity. See with me down in verse 11. Psalm 91, verse 11, where it says of God:“For he will command his angels…” Now, admittedly, that may not strike you right away as a verse that communicates God's power. And the reason for that is because in our modern minds, we tend to think of angels as being small, harmless, and kinda like children in form. And so for God to command them in verse 11, well, it doesn't strike us as being all that impressive.But when it comes to how the Bible actually talks about angels, almost nothing could be further from the truth. Friends, angels in the Bible are fearful beings. Just ask Zechariah in the Temple (Luke 1:12), or the shepherds in the field (Luke 2:9), or Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 8:17), or Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10:4) — when angels show up, people run for cover. When angels show up, people collapse in fright — cowering before the colossal power of these magnificent ones.But not God. No, as God sits on his throne in heaven ever surrounded by a vast army of these mighty ones — God unhesitatingly commands each and every one of them, and they obey him. They bow down to him. They recognize the immeasurable gap between their relative greatness and his, and act accordingly. God command his angels.Do you believe God is powerful? Do you believe he has total authority? You may fear political tension. You may fear economic turmoil. You may fear disease and disorders. You may fear vandalism and robbery. And as you fear those things, the size of each one might only ever seem to grow larger and larger in your mind. Consider God. Consider the almighty. Consider the commander of angels. Consider the one in whose hands the hearts of kings are like streams of water.Cities Church, looking out upon a world that's loaded with threats: find your refuge in one who is powerful — the Most High, Almighty, and commander-of-angels powerful. God, your refuge, is powerful. And, he is personal as well.PersonalLook again with me at verse one, and consider for a moment just how fantastic of a thing it is that God being the supreme authority that he is nevertheless calls his people near to him. The Maker of the universe beckons his 5-foot-tall, highly vulnerable, injury-prone people, “Come close to me.”See it with me, verse one:“He who dwells, in the shelter, of the Most High…”He who dwells in — not he who lingers nearby, or remains just outside, but dwells in — the shelter of the Most High.Now, make no mistake, this is personal proximity to God. Personal proximity to the one who speaks worlds into being. Yes, there is language here in this psalm of shelter and refuge and fortress, but don't for a moment think that connotes anything like a building. For the shelter of the Most High, at least in Psalm 91, is not a building; it's God himself.See it with me in the second part of verse one. For it is not within a bunch of high walls that we are to dwell. Nor behind a set of heavy gates that we are to abide. No, but it's “…in the shadow of the Almighty.” See, he is the covering. His shadow is the shelter.And that's why, in verse two, the psalmist says not that God has a refuge, but that God is “My refuge and my fortress.” And even further, down in verse 9:“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place...”Not the Lord's house, but “the Lord” himself. Psalm 91 is saying God's proximity is our security. So, God is personal. We see an even more intimate picture of this in verses 3-4 where, amazingly, the psalmist has us looking upon our situation from the perspective of a helpless baby bird. Look at it with me, verses 3-4:“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler [a fowler is a person who hunts or traps birds] and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions [feathers], and under his wings you will find refuge;”So, baby-bird-in-a-nest-type imagery is what we've got here.Now, it just so happens that a few weeks back, I actually got a real life look at this. The kids and I had, yet again, gone over to the neighbor's yard to get a look at his pet frogs. We we're standing over in his yard when all of a sudden, I began to hear this kind of high-pitched chirping coming from the bush behind me.So I turned and looked into the bush, and sure enough saw deep within the branches, one single thinly framed, lightly feathered, baby cardinal, sitting in its nest. I was not intimidated by this bird. It appeared to me as neither strong nor ferocious. In fact, just one look at this tiny bird, and I think you'd agree with me that this thing stood no chance against the many other predators lurking all around it. No chance.This is where the psalmist brings us in verses 3-4. This is where he frames up our situation, saying, you are the baby bird in this picture. You, in and of yourself, are totally vulnerable to all that is around you. You're totally vulnerable to:Verse 3, the snare of the fowler and deadly pestilence.Verse 5, the terrors of the night, and arrows by day.Verse 6, pestilence that stalks in darkness and destruction that wastes at noonday.In and of yourself, you are totally vulnerable to it all, and yet, you need not fear. In fact, verse 5, you will not fear. And we think, why wouldn't I fear? Why would I not be afraid? Why should I not go running for cover?Answer: Because of the wings.Verse 4:“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge…”In other words, look up — Christian, you've got wings over you. You've got your protector watching over you. You're under the shelter of the wings that rule the world. You live under those wings. You can face every trial underneath those wings. You never need leave the wings.What do you most fear in life? Illness. A car accident. Natural disaster. Death of a loved one. Go ahead, don't ignore it, put it right out there in front of you. And now, see Him, God himself, your refuge all about you. How does your fear change when facing it from the shelter of God? When facing it with God, and in God, and near God? Threats exist, but so do the wings. Cities Church, in a world loaded with threats to human life: find your refuge in God who is personal (covers you with wings).And, third, faithful. God is faithful.FaithfulNow, here is where I want us to recognize a tension. A tension some of you may be feeling in this moment. A tension that some of you began feeling the moment this psalm was read. And it is a tension between what it seems this psalm could be saying and what we know throughout history has in fact occurred.I mean, we've got world history — which tells of innumerable Christians, innumerable people who found their refuge in God, who ended up being persecuted, tortured, and even martyred for their faith. You've got that in world history, and you've got your own personal history: That day you did get the diagnosis, that evening you did get in the car accident, that morning you did get the phone call, that night the terror did show up, that day the arrow did sink deep, that noontime the destruction did come about.And so when you read verse 4…“His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”…You might think, is it? It seems some things have gotten past his shield. Some enemies have pierced through his shield.Or, when you read over all these “will” promises from Psalm 91:“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler” (v. 3).“He will cover you with his pinions” (v. 4).“I will deliver him; I will protect him” (v. 14).You might think, did he cover me? Did he protect me? Or when you read the even more sweeping statements like:“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you (v. 7).“No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent” (v. 10).You might think, Christians have fallen. Evil has come near.It makes us wonder: How do you understand God's Psalm 91 faithfulness in light of life experience?Another way to ask it: How do you read Psalm 91 as a Christian?As a ChristianFirst, you recognize that even within this very psalm there's a hint of the fact that not every trouble in life will be avoided. Note verse 15:“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;”Not, “I will keep him from trouble,” but “In the trouble, there I will be with him.” So, the shadow doesn't leave. The wings don't fly away. God stays, but, at least here, the trouble stays as well. So, that's the first thing. Here's the second: Recognize Psalm 91 was first written to Israel under the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant which did contain literal promises for physical safety that were contingent upon the peoples' faithfulness.And so when those members of the Old Covenant read Psalm 91, they likely took every one of these promises to be literally true, and were basically right to do so, assuming they were following the Laws of Moses.But, as the church, we're not Old Covenant Israel. We're members of the New Covenant which, while being so much better than the old, contains no promise of worldly safety. Safety, to be sure, but of a far greater order and greater scope than mere safety in this life.As an example, Jesus says in Luke 21:16-19,“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But [and catch this] not a hair of your head will perish.”You're going to die, but not a hair of your head will perish. Safety, yes, but a safety stretching well past the vapor that is this life.Or, from Romans 8:“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”In other words, these things may happen to you, and Paul even adds…“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” But can any of it separate you from Christ? Verse 37:“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”You see, there's a safety of a different order that's been promised us as Christians. A safety that's far more long lasting, far more secure, and far more satisfying. Knowing that can help us get perspective here as we read these very specific promises in Psalm 91. The promise of safety that God gives us as Christians is not less than Psalm 91, but greater. Last one: How do you read Psalm 91 as a Christian? First, note the hint of trouble even in Psalm 91: “Be with you in trouble.” Second, note the difference between safety in the Old Covenant verses safety in the New.Third, note how Jesus responded when Satan quoted it.Jesus and Psalm 91Now, turn with me to Luke 4. It's in the New Testament. I really want you to see this with me so grab your Bible and find the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4. The setting is just after Jesus officially began his ministry. Baptized by John, filled with the Spirit, Jesus has walked out into the wilderness for a forty-day solo journey without food. He's starving — literally starving — by the time we see him in Luke 4. And there we find Satan whispering in his ear. He first tempts Jesus to turn the stones into bread. Jesus refuses. He'll keep starving.He then tempts Jesus toward riches and idolatry — “worship me and I'll give you worldly splendor.” Jesus refuses. He'll keep serving God only. Then, Satan quotes Psalm 91. Why? Why would Satan quote Scripture? Wouldn't that run entirely counter to his schemes? Wouldn't Scripture just spur Jesus onward?See it with me in Luke 4:9,And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written [Psalm 91:11-12],“‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,'11 and“‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'”And so it is Psalm 91, but set up as a question… “If you are the Son of God,” and a challenge… “throw yourself down from here.”The intended effect is clear: to take what is a testimony to God's faithfulness and turn it into a set of criteria for testing God's faithfulness.Satan is saying, “If you really believe Psalm 91, Jesus, then make God prove it in this particular way and at this particular time.”Now, let's ask: What does Psalm 91, no-evil-shall-befall-you, trust in God's faithfulness look like in such a moment? What does Psalm 91, trust in God's faithfulness look like when trouble comes and you are, like Jesus, staring it right in the face?When you get home from travel and realize that while you were away, the house was broken into; or when you pull up your bank statement, recognize your credit card got stolen, you've been robbed; or when the boss calls you in, fires you without reason or explanation; or the car gets backed into; the cough gets worse; the teenage rebellion continues; the doctor calls you and gives you the diagnosis you've always feared. Does it look like:“God, you must now prove to me your faithfulness by protecting me in this exact way?”“God, if you are who you say you are, then you must rescue me at this exact time.”“God, here are my Psalm 91 criteria, you better toe-the-line or I won't believe you.” Or does it look like Luke 4:12?…And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'”You see it? Psalm 91 trust says: Father, because I know that you are who you are, I trust you to guard me in your way and your time. I don't need you to prove yourself to me; all I need you to do is keep me under your wings.God is faithful, brothers and sisters. His wings won't lift. He'll be with you in the trouble. Your safety, in him, is sure and lasting. What can separate you from Christ? Nothing. You are more than a conqueror through him.Cities Church, in a world loaded with threats to human life, find your refuge in God who is faithful — in his time, in his way, for your eternal security.Now, last point, and this will be very quick. God is powerful, personal, faithful and, lastly, just. JustPsalm 91:8,“You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.”Another way to render that word recompense is judgement. In other words, Christian, there may be a gap between the moment trouble comes and the moment trouble leaves. There may be a time between the hurt and the healing. There may be a difference between what you are expecting in heaven, and what you're experiencing on earth. There may be a prolonged season in which you need to fight to keep believing that God is who he says he is. There may be decades in which it seems you're not more than a conqueror, but a conquered one, whose enemy is just having a field day. Nevertheless, your eyes will see your enemy bite the dust. Your eyes will see your enemy fleeing in terror. Your eyes will see Jesus, your King, come again, and condemn all who ever wronged you and remained unrepentant.No one gets away with anything with God. No injustice will ultimately stand. It may linger for a time, the gap may remain. It will end. God will make it end. God is just. You will, one day, “look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.”And so, Cities Church… In a world loaded with threats to human life, find your refuge in God who is powerful enough to command the angels, and personal enough to cover you with his wings, and faithful enough to keep you in him through all of life, and just enough to punish any evil ever committed against you. The TableNow, what brings us to the table this morning is the fact that not only did Jesus trust his Father while suffering in a desert, but also while hanging on a cross… On that day when the terror of the night in Gethsemane gave way to the arrows of the day through his hands and feet. On that day when the people challenged: “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him.” On that day when Jesus took his final breath and kept trusting:“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”This table reminds us of our savior who died trusting, and then rose again three days later. Our savior who now invites all who believe in him to eat with anticipation for the day when we'll eat with him in heaven with all life's threats finally and forever behind us. That's what this table represents.I gladly invite those who are trusting in Jesus to take and eat this meal with us. If you've not put your trust in Jesus, we ask that you'd let the elements pass for now, but encourage you in this moment — turn to Jesus. Ask him to become your refuge. You need one. The threats are real. You're human. And God is inviting you, right now, find your refuge in him by faith.
Daniel 1:1-20
“Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, about the matter. So that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon" (Daniel 2:17-18). Over the years, having a group of friends I know will actually pray when I ask for help, who have supported me, encouraged me, corrected me, and poured life into me in the name of Jesus—has blessed me beyond measure. Those are the kind of friends I beg God to give my children. The kind who will do anything to get them to Jesus. ~ Brooke McGlothlin Are you concerned about the influence of friends in your child's life? If so, this episode of Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms is for you. Tune in now to listen to today's entire devotion and start your day off praying God's Word for your family! LINKS: Get the podcast devotion & prayer in written form! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Visit Today's Show Notes Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Preacher: John Thomson Text: Daniel 1:1-21
Devotion : By the Rivers of Babylon / Daniel 1:1-7 by Community Lutheran Church
The Jim Bakker Show welcomes author, founder and owner of Numanna Foods, Daniel Brigmann! Hear Pastor Jim's Next 31 Things from 2018, hear about food bank dependency on the rise, and the current depression-level food dependency and insecurity, and the importance of taking some responsibility for food security. Do not be dependent on Babylon! Learn about Numanna's variety of products including Ready H2O water, the Grab-N-Go bag, Family Packs, Defender Nutritive Packs, and Fruit and Vegetable Packs! Go to the Numanna affiliate page to see their Special Offer!
Pastor John Bornschein and Dr. Steve Ford conclude their teaching on Daniel chapter 1 as they examine the process by which God purges His people from the toxins of Babylon. Support the showProduced by Calvary Fellowship Fountain Valley church. Learn more at www.CalvaryFountain.com
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1HFboWGa-XG9uM4mQ8bsSRE1oAu3LyU/view?usp=drive_link
Before God moves He instructs His prophets to give instructions to His people at various locations throughout biblical history. Old Testament 1.Mount Ararat – Noah was instructed to build the ark (Genesis 6:13-22). 2.Haran – God instructed Abram to leave his country (Genesis 12:1-4). 3.Mount Moriah – Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14). 4.Egypt – Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and gave instructions to store grain (Genesis 41:25-36). 5.Mount Sinai (Horeb) – Moses received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-21). 6.Wilderness of Paran – The 12 spies were sent to explore Canaan (Numbers 13:1-3). 7.Plains of Moab – Moses gave final instructions before Israel entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:1-8). 8.Jericho – Joshua was instructed on how to conquer the city (Joshua 6:2-5). 9.Bethel – Samuel warned Israel against choosing a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18). 10.Zarephath – Elijah instructed the widow to make bread during famine (1 Kings 17:8-16). 11.Mount Carmel – Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and gave instructions for sacrifice (1 Kings 18:30-40). 12.Nineveh – Jonah instructed the people to repent (Jonah 3:1-10). 13.Jerusalem – Jeremiah warned about Babylon's invasion (Jeremiah 25:1-11). 14.Babylon – Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and gave divine guidance (Daniel 2:24-49). 15.Exile in Persia – Ezra and Nehemiah instructed Israel on rebuilding the Temple and the city walls (Nehemiah 2:17-20). New Testament 16.Bethlehem – An angel instructed Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15). 17.Jordan River – John the Baptist instructed people to repent and be baptized (Matthew 3:1-12). 18.Galilee – Jesus instructed the disciples on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). 19.Road to Damascus – Jesus instructed Saul (Paul) to go into the city (Acts 9:3-6). 20.Antioch – The Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Paul and Barnabas for mission (Acts 13:2-4). 21.Philippi – Paul instructed the jailer to believe in Christ for salvation (Acts 16:30-34). 22.Corinth – Paul was instructed in a vision to keep preaching despite opposition (Acts 18:9-11). 23.Patmos – John received instructions for the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 1:10-20).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
Speaker: Mike Mack Series: Daniel
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
February 6, 2025
Why would anyone give up everything for Jesus? What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully trusting Him? Tune in this week to be challenged to go deeper in Jesus! EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). Get the fill in the blank bulletins my.harmonychurch.cc/bulletins. OPENING ILLUSTRATION: I recently watched a thing on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, do you know about him? He was a pastor and theologian during WWII from Germany. As Hitler was rising to power preachers were literally saying he was sent by Jesus to the church and to Germany. Bonhoeffer was actually able to escape to America but after getting here he said he had to go back to Germany because how could he help the church rebuild what she was supposed to be if he had abandoned her during that time frame? He went back and was a part of a failed assassination attempt on Hitler-Valkeryie. Bonhoeffer and thousands of others were arrested and put to death for their resistance to Hitler and for helping smuggle Jewish people out of Germany. Here's my question: Why in the world would someone give something so costly as their life to the cause of Christ? I think it's a fantastic question at Christmas… And it feels ridiculous, doesn't it? Bonhoeffer's family didn't even know he had been sentenced and hung until weeks later. This guy died as what would seem a failure, as someone who died in anonymity. Why give your life for what seems like nothing? Isn't this the question we are all really asking? -I mean we ask it in little ways all the time. I want to look at an answer hidden in the Christmas story. b We are going to have to go back hundreds of years before that first Christmas to find the story.. SCRIPTURE: We have to go back SO far. It's not cold, but instead, it's hot - you need to picture Iraq because that's where we are landing. It was almost 500 years before Jesus would come into the world. But the land at this time isn't called Iraq, it's called Babylon. The King, Nebuchadnezzar had been having terrible dreams at night. You might know this story. He tells all of his magicians and enchanters that they need to interpret the dream, but that he will not tell them the dream. An impossible task. He orders all the wise men to be put to death - this includes a guy named Daniel who pleads for a chance to interpret the dream. The story is serious and would be terrifying. Daniel is answered by God and interprets the dream. After he does this, Nebuchadnezzar does this… Daniel 2:48 48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. b Daniel becomes the ruler of all the wise men of Babylon… There will be a change over of rulers in Babylon and Daniel will be considering the words of Jeremiah that said the Israelites would only be in Babylon for 70 years. As they are getting closer to that time, Daniel starts to pray to God. Daniel is visited by an angel - Gabriel is the same angel that appears to Mary… I want you to hear the word that God gives to this guy who is the ruler of the wise men of Babylon: Daniel 9:24-26 24 “Seventy ‘sevens'[c] are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish[d] transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.[e] 25 “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One,[f] the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,' and sixty-two ‘sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,' the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing.[g] People who are way smarter than me have done the math to figure out when the seventy-sevens would occur. Notice the things said about this person who would come: This Messiah (the “Anointed One”) will: Put an end to sin (Priestly function) Atone for wickedness (Priestly function) Bring everlasting righteousness (Priestly function) Seal up vision and prophecy (Prophetic function) Anoint the most Holy place (the temple) (Prophetic function) Be a ruler (King) Be put to death and have nothing b ILLUSTRATION: I grew up watching Sesame Street, they used to have this segment where they would sing “One of these things is not like the others, one of these things does not belong..” They'd show red balloons with a blue balloon. I used to think I was a brilliant genius because I'd be like, “The blue one, the blue one doesn't belong! … You can stop singing the song, I figured it out…” Listen, One of these things in Daniel's vision is not like the others. Did you notice it? That the Messiah would be put to death and have nothing… What in the world? How can that be? Let me tie some things together now… Does anyone know what direction Iraq is from Israel? B East Do you know another word for wise men? b Magi b One last thing… Did you know about 1,000 years before Daniel there was a prophet (Baalaam) from the region of Babylon who made this prophecy? Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. Let me tie this together… Listen…. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. b Get this: There is a strong chance the magi that come to Jesus are men who have grown up in a tradition where they have learned from those who learned from Daniel… Did you see what these guys brought to Jesus? Gold (the gift for a king), Frankincense (incense used by priests), and Myrrh (oil used to anoint the dead). b “Kent, that's interesting, but how does this help answer the question: ‘Why in the world would someone give something so costly'” b Did you know some scholars have estimated the cost of these items at $4 million in today's money? b These guys came and worshipped Jesus at great cost to themselves… I think the reason Bonhoeffer was willing to give his life and why these men were willing to travel over great distances and at considerable cost to themselves was because of what Daniels vision said about this anointed one: [The Messiah would] put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness The reason someone like Bonhoeffer or these wise men are willing to give so much is because they gain so much more - eternal life! CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: Jenni and I have been watching "The Summit" like survivor on the side of a mountain. They have people do challenges - one they had to descend a cliff on a rope, but at some point, they had to let go of the rope to connect to a zip line. One of the guys did not want to let go of the rope - the rope he knew was solid, the rope had gotten him down the Cliff, and the rope hadn't failed him, but the rope couldn't get him off the wall. He had to let go of the rope, abandon it to trust something different - the zip line, that could take him down to solid ground. Following Jesus is much like this. Jesus' gift is absolutely free and doesn't cost you something in the sense that you have to pay for it or earn it. He gave it freely, but if you don't give up on the old way of life, you will never truly enter into His life. As long as you hold onto the rope that got you here, and it probably worked for some things. It worked to get you to where you are. It worked to make you a shrewd business owner, it worked to make you a revered coach, it worked to make you even the good father that you are. But it can't take you all the way. It can't take you to eternal life, it can't take you into peace and joy, it can't take you into freedom from sin. At some point it leaves you hanging there - it can't tell you your purpose in life, or create real lasting meaning. What we give to Jesus is to offer those things to Him and to let go of the old life for the new life He offers. To get on His zip line and be whisked away into the life of God - which is SO much better than you can imagine. Knowing God, and having Him speak into your life is profound! You know, right before his hanging, Bonhoeffer said these words: “This is the end–for me the beginning of life.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer What if today, you chose to give your life to Jesus, He came to give you the best gift ever, what if you gave your life back to Him…
Getting Home from Babylon - Daniel 7-12 - 4. Shining like StarsPassage: Daniel 10, 11 & 12Speaker: Pastor Andy Rees
Coming Home from Babylon - Daniel 7-12 - 3.Repentance and RestorationPassage: Daniel 9v1-27Speaker: Pastor Andy Rees
Sunday August 25, 2024 at the Hub City Church Resisting the Spirit of Babylon | Daniel 1:1-21 Daniel: Faithfulness in Babylon Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes The greatest DANGER for BABYLON is not living in IT PHYSICALLY, but its SUBTLE and SEDUCTIVE attempts to live in US SPIRITUALLY. 1 Corinthians 5:11 “Though we do not share all of the world's conclusions, too often we think about everything in the same way and operate with the same value system— how many of us would rather die for the glory of God than live halfheartedly for Him in a measure of comfort?” — Sinclair Ferguson The demonic kingdom of Babylon wants to cause Christians to forget God with a process of systematic reprogramming: 1. ISOLATING them. Proverbs 18:1 // 1 Peter 5:8 2. INDOCTRINATING them. Colossians 2:8 // Romans 12:2 3. RE-IDENTIFYING them. 1 John 3:2 // 2 Corinthians 5:20 4. INTOXICATING them. Ephesians 5:18 // 1 Peter 1:13 Daniel's example teaches us: There is usually a way to COEXIST PEACEABLY in Babylon while DEYING it's INFLUENCE at the HEART level BUT it takes WISDOM to DISCERN and then DETERMINATION to IMPLEMENT. John 17:14-15 // Ephesians 5:7-10 While God does NOT promise to PROTECT us from EXPERIENCING SUFFERING, He does promise to PRESERVE and PROVIDE for us THROUGH it. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 We not only need FAITHFUL exilic EXAMPLES to follow, we need PERFECT FAITHFULNESS LIVED out FOR US. Romans 4:3,5 The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.
Speaker: Pastor Nick Date: July 21, 2024 Synopsis: Today we start our new series on the book of Daniel! This series was requested by one of our congregational kiddo's who loves the stories in Daniel - so we're diving in! Today we look at the background of what took God's people into Babylon (2 Kings 24) and a story of faithfulness to God in Daniel 1. We end by asking the question "No matter how much I like it, can I seek the peace and wellbeing of the people and place in which I am planted in a way that honors God?" Intro Music: Inspire And Motivate by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Outro Music: Inspiring Beat by Alex Menco | https://alexmenco.net Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
Message from Brian Haynes on May 19, 2024
“Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, about the matter. So that they might request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon" (Daniel 2:17-18). Over the years, having a group of friends I know will actually pray when I ask for help, who have supported me, encouraged me, corrected me, and poured life into me in the name of Jesus—has blessed me beyond measure. Those are the kind of friends I beg God to give my children. The kind who will do anything to get them to Jesus. ~ Brooke McGlothlin Are you concerned about the influence of friends in your child's life? If so, this episode of Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms is for you. Tune in now to listen to today's entire devotion and start your day off praying God's Word for your family! LINKS: Get the podcast devotion & prayer in written form! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Visit Today's Show Notes Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Chad begins our Pathways series looking at how we are to be discipled in a secular culture that is competing for our attention, and how God desires the Church to be a place for the lonely to find family.
Have you ever visited a different country? If so, then you might be familiar with the disorienting experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture. As Christians in a modern world, we can often feel like foreigners who are under pressure to blindly accept the morals of our age, even when they are in conflict with the gospel. Today, we're beginning a new series called Daniel: Clash of Cultures. When we step into the world of Daniel, we find ourselves in a land known for its excess, sin, and violence. How could God's people remain loyal to Him under the pressure of a culture that directly opposed worshiping the Lord? This was the reality faced by Daniel and the Jewish exiles of his day. This is also our reality in the world we live in. The key to their survival and ours is to recognize the influences of our culture, remain dependent on God, and receive the Lord's divine favor through faith. Listen in as we discuss how to remain loyal to God in a hostile culture — by holding fast to the truth that God is sovereign over our circumstances.
Have you ever visited a different country? If so, then you might be familiar with the disorienting experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture. As Christians in a modern world, we can often feel like foreigners who are under pressure to blindly accept the morals of our age, even when they are in conflict with the gospel. Today, we're beginning a new series called Daniel: Clash of Cultures. When we step into the world of Daniel, we find ourselves in a land known for its excess, sin, and violence. How could God's people remain loyal to Him under the pressure of a culture that directly opposed worshiping the Lord? This was the reality faced by Daniel and the Jewish exiles of his day. This is also our reality in the world we live in. The key to their survival and ours is to recognize the influences of our culture, remain dependent on God, and receive the Lord's divine favor through faith. Listen in as we discuss how to remain loyal to God in a hostile culture — by holding fast to the truth that God is sovereign over our circumstances.
How should Christians today live in a culture that appears hostile and confrontational to our faith? Through the story of Daniel 1, Pastor Jeremy Writebol helps us see a way in which we can be loyal to Christ and walk with integrity in a culture calling us to compromise.
As Christians in a modern world, we can feel like foreigners under pressure to blindly accept values that directly conflict with the gospel. Today, we're beginning a new series called Daniel: Clash of Cultures. When we step into the world of Daniel, we find ourselves in a land known for its excess, sin, and violence. This is also the reality of the age we currently live in. The key to Daniel's survival and ours is to recognize cultural influences, remain dependent on God, and receive the Lord's divine favor. Listen in as we discuss how to remain loyal to God in a hostile culture — by holding fast to the truth that God is sovereign over our circumstances.
Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel shifts from historical narrative to apocalyptic dream literature, similar to what is told in the Book of Revelation. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a constant spiritual battle being fought around us and within us. Daniel's visions reveal that there is something we can do about these spirits and that there is One Great, Glorious Man who comes exactly when and how we need. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel shifts from historical narrative to apocalyptic dream literature, similar to what is told in the Book of Revelation. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a constant spiritual battle being fought around us and within us. Daniel's visions reveal that there is something we can do about these spirits and that there is One Great, Glorious Man who comes exactly when and how we need. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Daniel 6:1-10, 16-28 under the theme “Identity in Babylon.” Daniel's name literally meant “God is my Judge.” When he lived out of that identity, he wasn't afraid of taking judgment from this world, even when it resulted in facing roaring lions. When we recognize that Jesus, the greater Daniel, shut the mouth of the one lion who could truly hurt us, we develop the courage to then face the smaller lions in life. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Daniel 6:1-10, 16-28 under the theme “Identity in Babylon.” Daniel's name literally meant “God is my Judge.” When he lived out of that identity, he wasn't afraid of taking judgment from this world, even when it resulted in facing roaring lions. When we recognize that Jesus, the greater Daniel, shut the mouth of the one lion who could truly hurt us, we develop the courage to then face the smaller lions in life. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we'll be studying Daniel 5:1-6, 17-30 under the theme “The Judgment of Babylon.” Our account here is where the phrase “handwriting on the wall” comes from. Babylon has been weighed by God, and he is left wanting. Therefore, exactly as prophesied, he's bringing judgment. Here, we learn a great deal about God's inevitable judgment on this fallen world and our responsibility as believers up until that point. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we'll be studying Daniel 5:1-6, 17-30 under the theme “The Judgment of Babylon.” Our account here is where the phrase “handwriting on the wall” comes from. Babylon has been weighed by God, and he is left wanting. Therefore, exactly as prophesied, he's bringing judgment. Here, we learn a great deal about God's inevitable judgment on this fallen world and our responsibility as believers up until that point. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
His hand is over history. “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.” - Daniel 7:1 (KJV)
This week we'll be studying Daniel 3:1-30 under the theme “Confidence in Babylon.” Daniel's friends are confident that God will deliver them from King Nebuchadnezzar's oppression, but also humble enough to not presume to know exactly how God will do it. Their resolve, faith, and faithfulness are all compelling to believers living in a post-Christian culture. Their strength comes from a fourth man who gets into the furnace with them. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Daniel 3:1-30 under the theme “Confidence in Babylon.” Daniel's friends are confident that God will deliver them from King Nebuchadnezzar's oppression, but also humble enough to not presume to know exactly how God will do it. Their resolve, faith, and faithfulness are all compelling to believers living in a post-Christian culture. Their strength comes from a fourth man who gets into the furnace with them. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
One definition of tact is “the keen sense of what to do in difficult or delicate situations.” In Daniel 2, we'll see how two men, Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, each reacted to seemingly impossible situations. Nebuchadnezzar was irrational, rash, and cruel, while Daniel was able to be diplomatic and gracious without compromising the truth. In a world that is generally disinterested in Christian truth, what do we need to know and believe about God in order to do the same? SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
One definition of tact is “the keen sense of what to do in difficult or delicate situations.” In Daniel 2, we'll see how two men, Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, each reacted to seemingly impossible situations. Nebuchadnezzar was irrational, rash, and cruel, while Daniel was able to be diplomatic and gracious without compromising the truth. In a world that is generally disinterested in Christian truth, what do we need to know and believe about God in order to do the same? SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
I am so excited to share with you a really special conversation with the incredibly talented Renaissance woman Nikki Anders. Nikki is an award-winning musician, songwriter, and music producer in the TV and film industry. She shares some of her experiences in the music industry as a solo artist and member of the music group Avalon, her and her husband Adam's time working on “Glee” as well as many other films, and now are the creative team behind the new movie musical “The Journey to Bethlehem.” Nikki shares how the Lord closed and opened so many doors over the last seventeen years from an idea about a Christmas movie the whole family could enjoy and focus on the true story of Christmas, all the way to bringing the music, script, and spectacular vision on their hearts to fruition. Placing themselves in the shoes of the real people who lived the days of Jesus' coming into the world was a practice of holy imagination and allowing themselves to wonder how God wove this story together. The Christmas story is sometimes too familiar to those who have grown up hearing it. This movie and its music breathes so much life into the incredible true story of the God who loved us so much, He sent His Son as a baby, to a very real family, who faced very real risks, because we needed a Savior. Ever since I had this conversation with Nikki, the music has brought up some really amazing conversation opportunities and questions from my two kids, and I already can tell our experience of Christmas and Advent this year will be different because of this movie, the music, and the way it has ignited the curiosity and imagination of my children. This world is weary and longs and groans to be restored. A Savior has come and made redemption and salvation available to all who call on Him. And I hope that wherever you are, I can whisper some hope to your heart today. You matter, friend. And your story matters. Connecting with Nikki: Anders Media Adam's Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem”'s Instagram “Journey to Bethlehem” soundtrack Nikki's Instagram Twitter/ X Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree of Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty Facebook Instagram Tik Tok Website YouTube Please consider joining our Patreon community. If you have enjoyed what you have heard on the podcast today or from other episodes, we would so appreciate your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. If you feel you cannot financially commit at this time, would you please consider leaving us a star rating and/or review on Apple Podcasts? My family and I are so grateful for each of you and how you are part of our story. Scripture References: Ephesians 4:1- Following the call of God Matthew 13:1-9- Scattering seed living as God wants you to live 1 Corinthians 10:31- Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God Daniel 1- Daniel and the exile in the Palace of Babylon Daniel 3- Shadrach, Meshach and Abendengo's God Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2- Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas story that is in the pages of scripture Luke 1:26-56 - Mary and an angel appeared to her Matthew 2:16- The massacre of the innocents 1 John 1:7 (among others!)Jesus covers us with His blood Matthew 6:13- Thine is the Kingdom Ecclesiastes 1:9- There is nothing new under the sun Luke 1:20-25, Luke 1:57-80- Zechariah couldn't speak Isaiah 14:27-Nothing can stop the Lord Luke 1:37- Nothing will be impossible with God Matthew 2- The wise men Matthew 2:7-9-Conversations between the wise men and Herod Ephesians 6:10-18-We are armed with the Armor of God James 1:2-4- consider it all joy when you endure trials Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood Hebrews 9:28 (and many others)- He's coming again References: Adam Anders Avalon Steven Curtis Chapman See ALL of Niki's accolades and credits here. It is a LONG list. “Glee” Belmont University Avalon “A Maze of Grace” “Adonai” Lea Michelle When you sing you vibrate your vagus nerve/singer's joy Corey Monteith Mark Salling Naya Rivera “The Glee Project” “Glee” First Season Soundtrack “Glee” Second Season Soundtrack “Faithfully” from Glee “High School Musical” movies Zac Efron “The Greatest Showman” “If Only” Dove Cameron Lost Valley Ranch The Navigators Bob Foster “West Side Story” “Annie” “Dawson's Creek” Her song from Dawson's Creek “Only Give My Heart” Paula Cole's theme song from DC “The Wedding Planner” movie Jennifer Lopez “Adore You” from TWP movie “Camp Rock” “White Christmas” “Meet Me in St. Louis” “Elf” Our past Advent series on the podcast Antonio Banderas The Dad from “Spy Kids” and “Puss in Boots” Joel Smallbone - “In My Blood” “The Chosen” “It's Good to Be King”- Antonio Banderas “The Passion” on Fox hosted by Tyler Perry The wise men didn't come right away Charlie Brown reading the Christmas Story “Mother to a Savior & King” “Mary You're Getting Married” For King & Country Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog
This week, we'll be studying Daniel 1:1-21 under the theme “Education in Babylon.” Daniel and his friends are worshipers of the one true God, defiant of false gods, but respectful and self-sacrificial of people with differing beliefs. This provides insight into navigating public institutions in America in a post-Christian climate. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we'll be studying Daniel 1:1-21 under the theme “Education in Babylon.” Daniel and his friends are worshipers of the one true God, defiant of false gods, but respectful and self-sacrificial of people with differing beliefs. This provides insight into navigating public institutions in America in a post-Christian climate. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God's people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn't understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God's promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Babylon is not Daniel's home, Babylon desires to reshape Daniel.
From Sunday 10 September 2023, Pastor Jason Clark Begins A SERMON SERIES TITLED “Daniel: Hope in the Midst of a Hostile World”: “There is a God in Babylon” Daniel 1fbcmw.orgOriginally recorded on 09/10/23 at First Baptist Church in Mount Washington, KY.
Pas. Jason Chambers , Sunday AM, 7 30 23
By Mary Lindow In this podcast I will be speaking about an experience that I had which was completely unexpected, yet several consecutive things took place indicating a Word and warning from the Lord regarding our City. This happened in late August of 2019, right before the WuhanCovid19 biological disaster was unleashed, shortly after. This is a difficult message somewhat for me to deliver yet, it's also a wonderful insight for us all during such volatile and darks days. This podcast was unusually difficult to pull together, due to several events that simultaneously warred against us. Pipes broke in our home and we are still sorting out that situation with great difficulty. I was suddenly very ill with a kidney/bladder situation, (I've never had any problems previously,) and my husband was then in pain with a sudden kidney stone! We took this to prayer along with several others praying for and with us and have seen the Lord do the work of restoring our bodies. The pipes are still in a place of prayer and decisions about what to do. BUT! God sees it all and knows the answer! Now! Lets get to the podcast! It's an intense but import message from the Lord at this time. OFTEN THE LORD WILL LET US SEE THINGS OR CATALOG THINGS, AND THEN HE WILL PUT THESE ALL TOGETHER AND SPEAK CLEARLY ABOUT WHY HE LET US SEE OR HEAR SOME OF THEM. It's not always easy to communicate what the Lord shows you prophetically, but I'm going to give it my best and trust that the Holy Spirit will let you hear what you're supposed to hear, and see what you're supposed to see. My husband, Steve, and I went to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science's to see “The DaVinci Experience”. I had purchased surprise birthday tickets for Steve since his birthday is in late August. As we were driving around looking for a parking space, the lots were absolutely chaotic since the location of this event also had multiple huge displays and different events going on. We finally pulled into a space quite a distance away and hurriedly got out of the car and quickly headed towards the building that the presentation and creations that DaVinci had made, were being displayed. We had a specific time slot to be in line for or we would lose our entry to view the exhibit. As we went in, we noticed that to the left a section there were all of the musical instruments and many copies of DaVinci's paintings and amazing inventions that literally changed the world. On the right hand side, there were large, 20-foot graphics, and then reproductions of all of the machines of war that DaVinci drew and created. He was one of the first catapult engineers! As we read about his life, he was known to have extreme artistic talent and precision engineering types of abilities, but in order for him to finance his creative artistic gift, he also had to create weapons of destruction in order for the wealthy to support him. We moved on further into a large room that had multiple multimedia cameras positioned on huge canvases, and we watched beautiful movement and saw his most amazing art creations, projected onto massive screens with gorgeous music accompanying these. As we moved out of that room and walked around and were looking at a few more items that were created by DaVinci, I looked up and on the wall there was a statement that DaVinci had made. I didn't quite know why at the time but I was impressed to take a picture of it. Here is what the statement said. There are three classes of people: Those who see, Those who see when they are shown, Those who do not see. Steve and I finished the exhibit and went out into the parking lot and as we were walking towards our car, I looked in front of our car and realized we had parked in front of a large, silver colored, aluminum light pole. Right In The Middle Of That Pole In Front Of Our Car Someone Had Carefully Used Some Kind Of A Tool To Hammer A Perfect Indentation Of A Goblet Or What Some Might Call A Cup. I pointed this out to Steve and I said, “Why would there be a cup right where that “pole is” where we are parked?” Again, the Holy Spirit prompted me to take a picture of what I saw. So I did. Picture below. (As a side note, the last name of our extreme liberal governor is Pol-is). We stopped to have a birthday meal and enjoyed ourselves and then began the trek back home on Interstate 25. We reached a specific place on the highway where you're up above on a higher curve that turns towards the north. To the left you can see the full Rocky Mountain Front Range. The traffic was at a standstill when we hit this section and it was bumper-to-bumper. As we were sitting there, talking about the strangeness of the DaVinci art show, I happened to look out my window, which was on the right side of the car. Directly To My Right Up In The Sky Was A Giant Hand-Shaped Cloud. It was stretched out, reaching out over the capital or pointing toward the Capital hill area of Denver. It was so clear and obvious that people were rolling down their windows and staring, and of course phones with cameras were snapping up the picture! Again The Holy Spirit Said, “Take A Picture Of This”, And We Were Pretty Stunned To See Something So Extremely Clear In The Sky. Down in the corner of the picture when I got home and looked at it again, was a billboard sign that said, “plumbers wanted”. Of course, at the time I had no idea how all three of these pictures were going to come together, but we don't always know what the Holy Spirit is putting together in the moment when he is showing us things that he wants us to observe and pray about. . FOR MONTH AFTER MONTH I WAS PRAYING AND TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LORD WAS SAYING TO ME ABOUT ALL OF THESE THINGS HE HAD ME SEE. Meanwhile, the legislation in the state of Colorado and bills that were being passed by them were becoming more and more restrictive and excessively contentious, and diabolical in their approach. THEN, ONE DAY, AS I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT EVERYTHING AND PRAYING, THE PICTURES ALL CAME BACK TO MY MIND. The Holy Spirit began to speak to me about the hand of God over our city, and I was immediately reminded of the picture of the hand that I had taken in the sky. This hand was the right hand outstretched in the sky, towards the city of Denver, and it almost looked as if there was another hand below it reaching towards it, but it was more faint. WHEN GOD'S HAND IS STRETCHED OUT OVER A CITY OR TOWARDS AN INDIVIDUAL, IT IS BECAUSE HE WANTS TO EITHER BLESS THE CITY, WARN THE CITY, OR JUDGE A CITY. In the Book of Daniel chapter five there was the hand of God that wrote on the wall of a feast taking place. Belshazzar, the son of King Nabonidus, began to co-reign over the Babylonian empire with his father starting in 553 B.C. He decides, in 539, to hold in Babylon a great feast for one thousand of his nobles (Daniel 5:1). No expense is spared in carrying out the lavish banquet! During the revelry Belshazzar, now drunk from wine, commands that the holy vessels Nebuchadnezzar took from Jerusalem's temple be brought to the festivities. He then proceeds to have himself and his honored guests drink from these gold and silver goblets. The party guests soon begin to use the vessels, in a contemptuous act against God, to celebrate and praise their own pagan deities! (Daniel 5:2 - 4) THE MIRACULOUS HANDWRITING As those at the massive banquet continue to indulge in drunkenness and idolatry, the fingers of a man's hand miraculously appear near one of the hall's walls. The supernatural manifestation then begins writing on a wall the now well-known words, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" (Daniel 5:25). BELSHAZZAR, WHILE HE IS WITNESSING GOD'S HANDWRITING, BECOMES TERRIFIED. The fear welling up inside of him not only causes his face to turn pale but also his knees to knock together! His now weakened state causes him to fall to the ground (Daniel 5:5 - 6). THIS WAS WORTHLESS AND VAIN Pulling himself together, Belshazzar calls for his enchanters and astrologers to interpret the mysterious words. They, of course, prove to be worthless and unable to determine the meaning of the phrase on the wall. Following his wife's suggestion (Daniel 5:10 - 12), the king summons an old man named Daniel (likely in his 90's). Daniel severely chastises the king for not reeling in his excessive pride and vanity, even though he knew God punished King Nebuchadnezzar's pride. He then interprets the handwriting on the wall for the king. A TRUE INTERPRETATION The literal word for word translation of "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" in Daniel 5:25 is "numbered" "weighed" and "divided up or split". Daniel goes into detail and tells Belshazzar that "mene" means God has numbered his kingdom and will end it. The word "tekel" suggested this judgment was due to the king's character being found morally deficient or wanting. BELSHAZZAR IS KILLED SEVERAL HOURS AFTER SEEING THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL. The Persians overrun the city of Babylon (Daniel 5:31). The once great empire receives its final crushing blow when later the same year Persia's Cyrus the Great is victorious at the battle of Opis in Mesopotamia. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD HAS SHOWN ME THAT THE MEANING OF THESE THINGS THAT I SAW AND DOCUMENTED IN PICTURES, the words on the wall in the DaVinci display, the cup or chalice that was hammered on the light pole in front of where our car was parked, and then, of course, seeing the hand in the sky, are three things that really address one thing. REMEMBER The DaVinci statement was. There are three classes of people: Those who see, Those who see when they are shown, Those who do not see. -Leonarde DaVinci MANY PEOPLE ARE SEEING THAT GOD IS CALLING THEM INTO A DEEPER PLACE OF GENUINE PURITY, not a “religious” rigid, holiness, but a Divine holiness of love and faithfulness. It's a choice to be obedient to God and these people see that God is asking them to walk a pure path with him. They are hearing God speak in the difficult times that we are in and they are seeing him in a way they have not experienced before. These people are alive with the pursuit of the will of God for their lives and are in daily communication with God. THE SECOND GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE THOSE WHO WILL “SEE WHEN THEY ARE SHOWN”. These individuals walk in a very shallow faith and need to have facts and data that match their narrative, or match the way that “they” think. These are the people that we are to compel to seek God, to seek truth and to not seek the modern day constant “shifting of truths”, in order to convince people to follow a less then accurate way. Individuals like this often doubt that there is only one way for salvation through Jesus Christ as the Savior and King. They dabble in light occult practices and in different forms of soul-driven “self care” practices, in order to please their flesh, as well as feed their need to be in control. They walk in a very immature level of weak faith and often are distracted or led by emotions and feelings regarding decision-making. This is where deception easily creeps in and the louder voices of human reasoning, choke out the pure word of God. THE THIRD GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE. They absolutely remain blinded. They remain stuck, and they choose to not believe the warnings around them. In John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” AS I PONDERED THESE THINGS, and began thinking about the communion type looking cup or chalice on the light pole in front of our car, that was literally chiseled or hammered into the metal, no matter how much I tried to reason with myself that this didn't mean anything, the Holy Spirit would not let up. Then the Lord began to speak to me and said that this is the cup that our governor in Colorado has chosen to drink from. I remembered my statement when I saw the cup chiseled into the light pole as we were standing there. I vividly remember saying to my husband, “look at what is hammered onto where the pole is!” (Our governor's name last name is Po-lis). AND SO THE LORD BEGAN TO SPEAK ABOUT HIM TO ME, and, yes, we have prayed and prayed for him, and prayed that he would have his eyes opened, but in fact, he's becoming more and more like the tyrant king Belshazzar in Daniel, who defied everything in order to build his kingdom. His lavish and wicked ways have multiplied evil and death in our state. Many Governors and leaders are drinking from a cup of deception, sexual perversion, the murdering of children, and tyrannical law. GOD'S HAND IS OUTSTRETCHED. It was outstretched in the sky, pointing towards our state capital. God is saying to the state of corrupt Colorado, and of course, to many other states specifically that his hand is outstretched to those who will see and help, and who will obey the voice of God. But for those that have to be shown, and for those who will not see, there is a cup to be drunk from that will be of utter sorrow and great destruction. What amazed me about this outstretched hand in the sky was that people were at a dead stop on the highway and were all taking pictures. Everyone knew it was a phenomenon and an unusually strange cloud! They knew it was something strange because they were taking pictures of it! DOWN BELOW, IN THE RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PICTURE (as I was looking at again), you can see that there is an advertisement sign that was on the opposite side of the median. It said. “Now Hiring” - Plumber Service. Apply Within. I was asking the Lord why that picture seemed to be significant because I was impressed to continue looking at it, and then he revealed to me why he wanted me to pay more attention to it. Most all of us all know that plumbers come to do some very difficult work in our homes. One of the most messy and unpleasant jobs is when they have to bring in a rotor-rooter system that needs to unclog drainpipes in order for debris and sewage and water to be able to pass through freely. THE LORD IMPRESSED ME WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT PRAYER AND INTERCESSION IS MUCH LIKE PLUMBING. Those devoted to prayer stay consistent and persistent as they push against the darkness, the blockages and the strongholds that “stop-up” and keep the free flow of the Spirit of God in their cities. INTERCESSORS KNOW THAT THE CONSISTENT APPLICATION OF PRAYER IN SPECIFIC AREAS HAS TO BE DONE WITH THE INTENT OF FOCUSED AND PURPOSEFUL PRAYER. COLORADO HAS MANY DEMONIC STRONGHOLDS, AND THE DARKNESS HAS ENCROACHED AND INCREASED. Colorado's governor signed into law that there can be no “conversion therapy” permitted by any counselor, licensed psychiatrists or licensed, registered or certified mental health providers, in the state of Colorado according to the Movement Advancement Project. Read here: https://tinyurl.com/bdf4fs95 This basically means that anyone who would want to leave a homosexual lifestyle or any other kind of sexually deviant lifestyle attached to that, cannot be counseled, as to how to do that. It is called fantasy. It is called impossibility and, it is called illegal! Christians who believe the Bible opposes homosexuality should be given “the freedom to choose counseling and support that's one with their goals," but that the current legal trend prevents parents from doing so. If you're a parent and you have a 5-year-old boy who's confused about his identity, in Colorado you can't find a licensed counselor who will help him embrace his masculine identity, and that's a travesty. However, Colorado law does allow for “gender-affirming care,” such as hormone therapy, for minor children, with parental consent. But, youth can access mental health care without parental consent at age of 12, which means psychotherapy of any kind, including gender-affirming counseling, is available for children 12 and older. Some states, including California, want to prohibit such therapy/counseling for adults as well. Governor Polis also urged individuals to lie to their family members and “privately” get one of the controversial COVID-19 vaccines while engaging in deception, to keep loved ones who may be against the vaccines from finding out. His Direct Quote: “A spouse, a parent you live with who doesn't want to get it, is against it… you can still privately get that vaccine without your parents or partner knowing, if that's what keeps the harmony in the family and you are protecting yourself.” Source: https://tinyurl.com/yc7fe25b UNDERSTAND, Colorado does not make exceptions for minors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or any vaccine without parental permission. THIS IS WHERE THE CHURCH MUST TO COME INTO PLAY. Ministers who are men and women of God must be available to help break the darkness, break down the lies, break down the narratives by praying and being available to the Lord (like a plumber), to clear out this blockage that is causing great difficulty in the homes and lives around them, and the hearts of many believers. They must preach the truth regarding sexually deviant practices and pushes to influence little children that are taking place in our world. It must be done biblically and it must be done in love. ANOTHER THING THAT THIS GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED OFF INTO LAW IS THAT A CHILD CAN BE ABORTED UP TO THE VERY DAY OF BIRTH. That means a full-term baby can be murdered within seconds of being born. This is a great evil in our land, and it is a great evil to sign into law in any state! Read about it here: https://tinyurl.com/mpfr6dkw AND SO, WE, THE INTERCESSORS OF GOD, MUST PRAY. The part that stood out to me above all the others on the advertisement sign were the words “apply within”. When we are intercessors for the Lord, when we are as human beings called by the Lord as believers to pray, and to do the work of intercession in prayer, to bring about a godly plumb line in our city, GOD IS LOOKING FOR THOSE THAT HE CAN “EMPLOY” or, "HIRE" TO GET THE JOB DONE. THE FATHER IS LOOKING FOR WORKERS WHO ARE WILLING TO STAND IN THE GAP AND PRAY UNTIL CHANGE COMES. But, it has to be applied within. Each of us has to apply that prayer to our own lives as well as seeking God, asking him to purify our hearts so that when we pray, our prayers are not hindered, and, so that the Lord hears them, from a pure heart. We have to apply intercession “within first” so that the hand of God can move without the land. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD? In ancient times, a person with a high or highest rank stood to the king's right side. Even today, a person may be called someone's "right hand man" or "wingman" when he or she serves as the closest person to another leader. An example of this can be found in Genesis 48:13-14 where Jacob blessed the child who would receive a greater blessing with his right hand. The right hand of God also relates to this concept of someone being right next to God, acknowledging both authority and closeness to Him. WHILE GOD THE FATHER DOES NOT CONSIST OF A PHYSICAL BODY LIKE HUMANS DO, THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD IS OFTEN USED FIGURATIVELY IN SCRIPTURE. In the Old Testament, the phrase is used to refer to the coming Messiah. Psalm 110:1 predicts, "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool'" (also quoted in Matthew 22:44). Psalm 118:16 adds, "the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!" In the New Testament, we see expressions of this phrase in reference to Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:20-21 says, "…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." Romans 8:34 teaches, "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THEN, IS A REFERENCE TO BOTH A PLACE OF CLOSENESS TO GOD THE FATHER AND A POSITION OF POWER ABOVE ALL OTHER POWERS. That means that Jesus has power over any and all earthly governors operating in evil powers. Jesus the Messiah exists at the right hand of God today, perfectly reigning with God the Father and God the Spirit in community and power. THE HAND OF GOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED, LETTING US KNOW THAT HE IS CALLING AND POINTING OUT AS A SIGN THAT HE IS LOOKING FOR INTERCESSORS. He wants to have a plumb line that is straight and in order, and, he wants his people to believe and trust in him, without having to be shown every little step of the way. He's looking for those that will “see and believe” without having to be shown. This is where the crux of our faith comes into play. WHEN IT IS SO DIFFICULT AND SO DARK, AND IT SEEMS AS IF NOTHING IS CHANGING, AND NOTHING IS MOVING, RESOURCES ARE TIGHT, PRESSURES WITHIN AND PRESSURES WITHOUT ARE PUSHING IN ON US, THIS IS WHEN THE LORD POINTS TO THE PLACE WE NEED TO BE. That place is looking within our own hearts to allow him to do the work through prayer and intercession that needs to be done. We need to apply it “within”. If you're looking for a sign from the Lord, and you've been seeking him, your sign is exactly like the actual billboard sign that I saw! He is looking for you to become a person that decides to hunker down in authentic times of prayer and intercession, and apply it within, your own life. AS I SHARED THESE THINGS WITH MY HUSBAND STEVE THAT I SAW AND PONDERED AND WRESTLED OVER FOR MONTHS, WE BOTH CONTINUED TO PONDER AND THOUGHT ABOUT THEM OFTEN, AND PRAYED. One morning a few weeks later Steve, just as he was waking up, (the Lord often shows or speaks things to Steve just as he is waking up in the morning), he heard the Lord speak to him, and he was addressing our Governor. Here is what the Lord said. “You have been found wanting, your breath will be taken from you”. NOW, PLEASE UNDERSTAND! WE DO NOT WISH ANY EVIL OR HARM TO COME UP ON ANYONE! But, just as Belshazzar chose to drink from the golden and silver goblets that were to be used only for holy purposes, our governor has chosen to use the vessels God has called holy which are infants, children, and justice, and abuses them by drinking from the cup of the murderous Genocide of infants, sexual deviancy, and tyranny. He refuses to be shown the way of the Lord, and he refuses to honor truth. He refuses to see. He wants to murder more infants and control medical care for children. And so the Lord speaks about his right hand of judgment and literally had a right hand form in the sky above Denver, reaching towards the Colorado State Capital. Exodus 15:6 says, “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power, Your right hand, O LORD shatters the enemy.” ALL ACROSS OUR LAND, THERE ARE LEADERS WHO HAVE BECOME DRIVEN BY DEMONIC FORCES, AND BY THEIR OWN PRIDE AND ARROGANCE AND WEALTH. They choose to ignore the voice of God, and they refuse to see the warnings that he has continuously brought to our land. When we ask God to move his hand, we must ask with the intent of the Lord saving the wicked from his own demise. And yet we know that there will be those who will not see. WHEN SCRIPTURE USES THE IMAGE OF GOD'S RIGHT HAND, IT IS MEANT TO BE A PICTURE OF THE PINNACLE OF STRENGTH AND ABILITY. In passages that specify God's right hand, his strength is a key focus. One of my favorite verses is the following. “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” (Psalm 20:6-7) The Right Hand of God is outstretched for his people for Protection and Salvation Psalms 44:3 says: “For by their own sword they did not possess the land, and their own arm did not save them, but your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, for You favored them.” And Psalms 17:7 says “Wondrously show Your loving-kindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them. THIS LAST VERSE I SHARE IS PACKED WITH SUCH BEAUTIFUL TRUTH. I believe it is exactly what many of you need to hear right now. Psalms 18:35 Says “You have also given me the shield of your salvation, And your right hand upholds and sustains me; Your gentleness [Your gracious response when I pray] makes me great.” MY FRIENDS, IT IS IN GENTLENESS AND INTERCESSION THAT MAKES US GREAT.Great in the eyes of God, because we choose to move and flow in, HIS image. Yes, judgment will come, and God will move with fierce and complete fire when he brings justice. But, he is long-suffering, and he waits patiently and gives many opportunities for hearts to change. Jesus is still praying and interceding right now in this moment for us, and intercedes for the world. But, he does bring warnings, and just as he wrote on the wall, God is beginning to point his finger to things in each of our cities, and he is going to bring justice and judgment as well. WE CAN SHAKE OUR FISTS ALL THAT WE WANT AT THE EVIL PEOPLE AROUND USand make poignant posts on social media that we hope others will read and be motivated by. But in the end, the greatest force and the greatest power and the greatest kindness and grace that we could possibly ever operate in is, when we become those who choose to pray. WE BECOME PLUMBERS BY USING THE PLUMB-LINE OF PRAYER TO PUSH OUT THE UNCLEAN AND THE UNHOLY, SO THAT THE FRESH CLEAN FLOW OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN ONCE AGAIN BRING TIMES OF REFRESHING AND PURITY TO THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND THEN TO OUR CITIES. THE LORD IS GOING TO BEGIN TO SHOW MORE SIGNS AND WONDERS JUST LIKE THE HAND IN THE SKY THAT HE FORMED OVER THE CITY OF DENVER. I'm going to share in my next podcast about yet another supernatural event I had when I began to prayer walk during the time of COVID-19 lockdowns. I had a very supernatural event take place and now in retrospect, realizing exactly what the Holy Spirit had me do and say, has driven me to a place of understanding that when we are yielded in God to prayer, and yielded to allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us, he will speak things and show us things that only God can do. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO BECOME MORE TENDER HEARTED AND CAST AWAY BITTERNESS AND HATRED AND DESPAIR. Ask the Lord to drive you into a place of greater Intercession, because his hand is reaching out over your city and is reaching out over your leaders, but it is also pointing towards the signs that tell us we are to become people of Intercession and apply that prayer within our own lives, in order to see God move in a mighty way. HE IS ABSOLUTELY HOLDING US! Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous Right hand. IN CONCLUSION There are many seasons in life. Proverbs tells us there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Beloved, I believe it is time to draw near to God, to prepare our hearts for His presence. There simply is no substitute for the presence of God! David was a king. His life was filled with many responsibilities and he was clearly very passionate about many things. Yet he wrote, "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, “You, O LORD, I will seek' " (Ps 27:8). IF THE HOLY SPIRIT WERE TO WHISPER TO YOUR HEART THAT HE WANTS MORE OF YOUR TIME, WHEN THE LORD SAYS, "SEEK MY FACE," WHAT DO YOU SAY? Oh beloved, here is the true battle for your soul! Your victory is not in getting more data and information about the evil days and treacherous news cycles, but in your answer to the Lord's call. The result of seeking God is that He guides us into an absolutely fearless life. (see Psalm 27:1-4). David says, "For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock." (Ps 27:5). TODAY, WITH SO MANY DISTRACTIONS, WHAT PLACE DOES THE LORD HAVE IN YOUR LIFE? If He called you to deepen your walk, to seek His face, how would you respond? When He says, "Seek My face," what does your heart say to Him? I love Paul's instruction in prayer that he gave to Timothy in 1st Timothy 2:-1-3 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” because “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” PLEASE. PLEASE! JOIN ME RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT OF INTERCESSION AS I PRAY FOR MY CITY, YOUR CITY, ALL CITES. Father, turn our cities from the power of darkness to light, open their eyes that they might receive forgiveness of sins. We pray for our cities LORD. So much turmoil is affecting so many. Help us reprioritize in these desperate times. Teach us to number our days. Give us love for You and one another. Give us wisdom and discernment. Forgive us. Renew us. We pray against the evil schemes of the enemy. He is a liar and a murder. From the beginning, he was so. Help us resist His temptations. Preserve our lives, LORD. Help us have peace in the middle of the storm! Strengthen our faith and love. Give us hearts full of thanksgiving. We depend on You. We do not put our hope in medicine, Policy, leadership or human might, but in the Lord of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel. Be with every honest and godly leader and minister Lord. Keep their eyes on truth, and Frustrate evil at every turn. In the Name Christ Jesus our King, we pray, Amen! Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! "THE MESSENGER" - Mary Lindow - “2023” www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as web site and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support: Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of: ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To: His Beloved Ministries Inc. PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614 USA Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with Pay Pal paypal.me/mlindow Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc. ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status. We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985 with Clergy Financial Advantage. THANK YOU!
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