Daniel 6: 19-20 ” At the first light of dawn, the King got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God , whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?’ “

King Darius had spent a sleepless night after being tricked by his administrators and satraps into throwing Daniel into the lions’ den.  The King had tried to rescue Daniel, but his decree stood and couldn’t be repealed.  So here he was at first light, yelling for a response from Daniel.  Did the King really imagine that Daniel had survived the night…was he hoping beyond hope…or had Daniel’s trust in God been so very evident that King Darius actually  believed it was possible?

Revelation 19:6 ” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.’ “

If you’ve ever been to a huge stadium cheering your team on you can recall the deafening  roar  of the crowd.  Now imagine multiplying that noise by thousands upon thousands.  That’s what it sounds like  in Heaven.  A tremendous throng of saints,  all singing Hallelujah and praising God together…and all on the winning team!

Romans 1:17 ” For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ “

Our Christianity  hinges on one little word…faith.  We believe what we can not see.  We put our trust in someone we’ve never physically  met.  We have confidence that when we die we’ll have eternal life.  Our spiritual walk from beginning to end is entirely based on  assurances we’ve  read in an ancient book.  Yes, Christians are a curious lot…a group of people who stand on faith alone and live by it daily.

Colossians 2: 6-7 ” So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

There comes a time in all Believer’s lives when one has to take a stand.  Our journey with Christ Jesus has taught us much… inspiring, edifying, rooting and establishing us in His truth.  So now we stand at a crossroads in our life.  Do we compromise everything we’ve learned, or stand firm in our faith?  Do we give in to the crowd, or be that “weird Jesus lover”?  The decision is hard but yet an easy one to make if you’ve already been firmly rooted and established in Christ.

I Corinthians 1:5 ” For in Him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”

Take a moment to remember yourself as a brand new Christian…now look at yourself today.  From the beginning, the Lord has been pouring into you  divine revelation and understanding.  He’s been improving, refining, and endowing you in all aspects in order that you might  fight the good fight.  And today you stand, having been  built up in Christ…strong, and full of Godly wisdom.

Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

As we grow in our Christian faith, things that tempted us early on no longer entice us… for we have grown in wisdom and godliness.  So when you see a new Christian struggling,  remember where you were as a baby Christian, and as  I Thess. 5:14 says, “Help the weak, be patient with everyone.”  God  brought them to you to encourage not to condemn.

Proverbs 25:24 ” Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”

When I was growing up, husbands had their garages to escape to…now they have their fancy  “Man Caves.”  Either way,  what are they getting away from?  Has the family unit disintegrated into constant dissension and strife… with no one winning just everyone losing?

 

II Chronicles 5:14 ” Then the Temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of God.”

The Levitical Priests were the Ministers of Worship in the Temple.  When the empty Temple was filled with the presence of God, the glory cloud was so thick with His majesty, they couldn’t see.  Oh, to have that kind of glory cloud descend into every Church…God’s presence filling every available space…His glory breaking forth in a magnificent display.

Proverbs 25: 9-10 ” If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.”

The old saying goes something like…Loose lips sink ships.  Integrity, honesty, and good moral character are foundational traits for a good reputation.  How people view our position and standing demonstrates who we are as a person.  A good reputation is easy to lose and very hard to get back.

II Samuel 22: 2-4 ” The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior – from violent men You have saved me. I will call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”

The Lord is my stability in an uncertain and constantly wavering world.  He is my safe refuge where I am able to retreat, rest, and rebuild my shattered hopes and dreams.  The Lord is my advocate and protector when I cry out for mercy.  The Lord is my Lord.