Take a Stand 1:1-3 Daniel, who was of Royal Jewish Blood was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, and taken back to the land of Babylon in about 606 BC. There they tried to Brainwash him (and some other captives. They tried to “teach the learnings and the tongue of the Chaldeans” to these young captives, even changing their Names: From Jewish to Babylonian Daniel – God is my Judge – Belteshazzar – Prince of Bel Hananiah – Beloved of the Lord – Shadrach -Illuminated by (Rach) Sun God Mishael — Who is God – Meshach – Who is like Venus Azariah – The Lord is my help – Abed-Nego – Servant of Fire God (Nego) Compare Isaiah 39:7And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. When everything appeared hopeless – (AS Believers, we need to take a stand for God!)
1:8 Daniel took a stand. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: 1:9 God blessed Daniel. Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 1:10-12 Daniel puts forth a test. 1:13-14 The test lasts 10 days. 1:15-16 The test results are in. The final results for Daniels Stand … 1:17-21 God blessed, the prince of the eunuchs was relieved, King Nebuchadnezzar was happy. God always rewards faith. Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Father’s Day is a holiday of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on 19 March as Saint Joseph’s Day since the Middle Ages. In the United States, Father’s Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd, and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. The day is held on various dates across the world, and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood.
Most of the references in the Gospels and Acts are to the early Jewish leaders, from Abraham and continuing to the New Testament. Even Paul in his epistles many times refers to these FATHERS (Jewish Leaders). I.E. Galatians 1:14And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Hebrews and Peter also refers to these fathers.
Proverbs 22:15Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 23:13-14Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
THE ROD (a paddle) properly applied gently, in Love will accomplish much in raising your children.
Ephesians 6:4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Colossians 3:21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 1 John 2:13-14I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
One final word: You are the Father, your children look to you for love, instruction and guidance. Be stern and friendly. BE THEIR FATHER. When they become adults then you can be their friend.
The prophet Daniel wrote it around 530 B.C. and his writings records the events of the Babylonian captivity in 560-536 B.C. to which Daniel was a servant. It also describes the apocalyptic visions given by God, and reveals the events and plans for everyone’s future. Key personalities of this book include Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Belshazzar, and Darius. The book of Daniel stands as a unique mix in the Old Testament, for while it begins with history, it makes a strong transition at chapter 7, where it contains visions of future events significant to the Jews. Each Chapter is looked into: Daniel 1 Take a Stand Daniel 2 Dreams Daniel 3 Fiery Furnace Daniel 4 Dream of a TREE Daniel 5 Belshazzar’s Banquet Daniel 6 Lion’s den Daniel 7 Four Beasts Daniel 8 The Ram and the Goat Daniel 9 70 weeks Daniel 10 In the Latter Days Daniel 11 The Kings of the North and South Daniel 12 End Times
I. God originated Marriage God’s plan for Marriage is ONE Man, ONE Woman Adam stated it Genesis 2:24That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Christ affirmed it Matthew 19:5and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ Paul restated it Ephesians 5:31For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. II. Different Marriage Customs Thru-out history many different customs The further away from God, the more obnoxious they became POLYGAMY – one husband, many wives POLYANDRY – one wife, many husbands MULTIPLE or GROUP MARRIGES III. God’s Plan, one husband, one wife Adam was alone, not only alone but lonely How many PETS would Adam have needed to fill this void? God chose for him, just the right mate, one who would be his equal, his help mate, one who could share his joy. IV. What Happened? Why are marriages failing? 1 out of 3. Those are the statics, and it even affects Christians. How many marriages are just dead, meaningless, unsuccessful. Attempts at just living together. V. Four major causes for marriage failures: (in alphabetical order) FINICIAL Not having a proper understanding concerning the handling of money Excessive installment buying, Extravagant spending Partners, everything above board Husband, Wife knowing everything about investments, expenses etc IN-LAWS Criticisms of and by In-Laws Living too close and often with them A mate comes first. Someone you want to spend time with, be with as much as possible a Pal Share secrets with SEXUAL Lack of Common courtesies No open expressions of love Love is a relationship, more than sex, but does include sex. Don’t let it be a dirty word in your marriage 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Hebrews 13:4 It is not a tool to gain an advantage over one another SPIRITUAL No prayer life No attendance to worship services Lack of family devotions i.e. just praying at meal time. Put Christ first in all things He ordained marriage, not as a competitor but as one who will draw you closer It’s His will that your marriage succeeds.
The Lord instructing Moses: Leviticus 22:25 Neither from a stranger’s hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you. Corruption in the Land of Israel: 2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile. Job lamenting his situation: Job 17:14I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister. David’s prayer, Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust….. Psalm 16:10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 49:9That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah: Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. Daniel was mourning three full weeks Daniel 10:8Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly Jonah 2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.
Luke quotes David (Psalm 16:10): Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 2:31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Paul, preaching to the men of Israel in Antioch in Pisidia: Acts 13:34-37And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Paul, writes to believers in Rome: Romans 8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. And to Believers in Corinth, why believers will get new bodies: 1 Corinthians 15:42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Paul reminds believers… for whatsoever a man soweth hall he also reap. Galatians 6:8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Peter, also warns of corruption in the world. 2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2 Peter 2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. Pray for our Government!! To end it’s corruption and turn back to God..
Have you attended a school sports game? What about a professional sports game? Did you join in with the cheering? Then you were a FANatic… How about cheering God … He gives us 3 cheers which we can shout about! Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. God has forgiven all sin … Pardoned all believers. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Hurrah for GOD!!! God has freed believer’s from fear!!! Matthew 14:27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. The Scripture speaks of 3 types of fear: Fear……Afraid Fear……Respect for Fear……Not to offend God wants to comfort us. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 2 Corinthians 5:6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Hurrah for GOD!!!
Mother’s Day … A day, once a year, set aside to honor Mom! Some Great Mother’s in Scripture: EVE ………….… 1st Mom and called the Mother of All Noah’ Wife ……Mother of Shem, Ham and Japhet Sarah ……………Mother of Isaac Hanna …………..Mother of Samuel Elisabeth ……….Mother of John the Baptist Mary ……………..Mother of the Lord Jesus But let’s consider a mother who was paid to raise her own child. Exodus 2:1-10 Her name is Jochebed … Mother of Moses. Exodus 2:2-4 The love of a mother …not to be confused with what is happening today, where some women don’t want families … abortion runs rampant. Babies are discarded in rubbish piles, abandoned. The key to this mother’s love is found in verse 1 .. a man took to wife, marriage .. a family (the old fashioned way). What were this mother’s wages … a gold piece .. a few pieces of silver …food…? Her wages were far greater … her wages were in the life of her son and in what he would become. That’s the REAL wages of a mother. We all are familiar of the story of MOSES: Used by God in freeing the children of Israel from Bondage. From Egypt, through the Red Sea, to Mount Sinai. Deliverer of the LAW, Through 40 years of wilderness wanderings and to the promise land. But have you ever considered: Who taught him to love his people? Pharaoh’s daughter? …. NAY! Who taught him to believe in God? Pharaoh? …. NAY! Who gave him value of fellow humans, of life itself? The Egyptians? …. NAY! It was his mother’s love…. His family. How long did she have to teach him? Exodus 2:10 … About 5-6 years …until he was weaned. 1 Samuel 1:23-24 How did she teach him … by loving him .. by example … by songs of love
A Mother’s Wages … Dollars … Cents? Only time and eternity will reveal the true value of a mother. Proverbs 31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16:20)
This is an intriguing promise, suggesting that believers can somehow inflict bruises on the devil, who is perpetually seeking to “devour” them (1 Peter 5:8). This promise is a clear allusion to the primeval assurance of Genesis 3:15, when God promised that the unique “seed” of “the woman” would eventually “bruise” (actually “crush”) the head of the old serpent, the devil. This prophecy will finally be fulfilled in Christ’s ultimate victory, when Satan first will be bound for a thousand years in the bottomless pit and then confined forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:2, 10).
In the meantime believers, who also in a sense are the woman’s spiritual “seed” (Revelation 12:17), can repeatedly achieve local and temporary victories over Satan and his wiles by resisting him “steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). If we resist him as Jesus did with relevant Scripture, then God promises that he will “flee from you” (James 4:7). Such local victories can be obtained over these dangerous teachers whom Satan is using (note Romans 16:17-19, just preceding today’s text) “shortly” in this manner, but we need to be continually alert against his recurrent attacks. The ultimate victory over Satan, of course, will be won only by the Lord Jesus when He returns, and we must “be sober, be vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8) until that time.
Ephesians 6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Whether we are aware of it or not, we must perpetually “wrestle…against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Ephesians 6:12), who will be casting “fiery darts” (v. 16) against each believer. Finally, with the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God (v. 17), we can even by God’s grace inflict spiritual wounds on Satan himself!
Soul Sleep is a belief that when we die, the soul ceases to exist and believers are not conscious of anything until the resurrection. It is taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists, who also claim that the redeemed will be recreated at the resurrection. The Bible puts to rest Soul Sleep. The Lord Jesus shared a story of the Rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31 Both died and their bodies were buried. The rich man lifted his eyes in Hell. Lazarus was in the bosom of Abraham (Paradise). Both were well aware of their surroundings. On the Cross, the Lord promised the thief “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 When the Lord Jesus died, his body went to the tomb, He went to paradise Ephesians 4:8-10Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Also read 1 Peter 3:18-19For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; And to you who are saved (Romans 10:9-13) The apostle Paul says it best: 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
