Daniel's Friends

Another impossible situation.

And this time God started it.

God gave Nebuchadnezzar the idea that he was the greatest king of the greatest empire that would ever be, until the very end. This of course was good news for Nebuchadnezzar. Even the gods thot that he was the greatest.

Now, if only all the people of his world would agree with Daniel's God and recognize how great he was. So Nebu set up a statue for people to worship, and acknowledge his greatness.

Daniel's three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were caught in this impossible situation, and they had to trust God with their death, or perhaps life.

Why would God set them up in this impossible situation? Why does God set us up in impossible situations?

I guess the real question is "Are we willing to let God set us up in similar impossible situations, and what will be do when we are there?"

May God bless, and encourage you during this week.

Pastor Wayne

Impossible Demands

Nebuchadnezzar had a bad night. Because of his disturbing dreams, he was in a bad mood, and so his long held suspicions were voiced. The magicians and wise men simply made up meanings to his dreams.

He was tired of the words of men. He wanted to hear from the gods, but apparently they did not live among men.

In this story we see how the wise men acted foolishly, while Daniel was given wisdom. This was an incredible beginning to a long relationship. Nebuchadnezzar, the best of the best, with a head of gold was being advised by the one man who had the ear of God.

At the beginning of the story, we see a man about to die. At the end of the story we see a man exalted.

Sometimes it helps to listen to the Almighty God and let Him speak to us.

God Bless,

Pastor Wayne

the threat of fame

Daniel and his friends were dragged off to Babylon -- in fancy carriages, to a life of luxury. This was not like the future exiles who were treated much worse.

Daniel and his friends were the cream of the crop, the best looking, the smartest, the healthiest. And they were on the way to help the King of the most powerful kingdom in the world. Young people leaving a conservative world to enter the world of fame, fortune, and perhaps even death. The stakes were high. Glory and fame, or the sword.

How would they fare as they entered Nebuchadnezzar's world? Would they strive to fit in and do their best, or would they stand firm on their faith?

How do we fare when we head of to a new world of college, or work? Will we fit in, or will we remain faithful?

The first days are the most important

God Bless,

Pastor Wayne

Josiah and Daniel

King Josiah was a righteous man on a mission. From a child he sought the Lord and fought for Him.

Josiah traveled his world destroying evil and the places where it was worshiped. Josiah sought to bring about revival and restoration to Judah, but was not very successful. Yes, there was a re-discovery of the Word of the Lord, and the Passover was celebrated for the first time in a long time, but the revival seemed to be for the most part an external return to the Lord.

At the height of his power, Josiah got involved in a battle that wasn't his, and he was mortally wounded. Why would God allow his faithful servant to die in such a manner when there was so much more to do?

There are many questions regarding the hand of God during these events, but one can easily see that Josiah's life and death would have a profound impact on Daniel and his friends, who were taken into exile just 4 years later.

The hand of God is powerful, even when we do not understand the path that he leads, or allows us to Go. Perhaps this story will also shape your life as you go forth into the big, bad world.

God bless,
Pastor Wayne

Now what?

Christmas is over..... It has come and gone. And everyone lived happily ever after.

Now what do we do?

Jesus came, lived and died. Now he has risen, like a present under the tree. He has thrown off the wrappings and now lives again. Is that the end?

He has finished phase 2. The nature and holiness of God was revealed in phase 1.
The salvation of the souls of men has been accomplished in phase 2.

Now begins phase 3 -- our part.
We are now part of a team that will build the church. Jesus could have done it alone, but he has given us the privilege of working with him in this glorious task of bringing the gentiles into relationship with him.

And so, the great commission of making disciples, baptizing and teaching.

Have a happy new year and a great time of team building

Pastor Wayne

Peace

The forth candle is the candle of peace.

Jesus brings peace into the world, but not always in the way that we expect. When Simeon saw Jesus, he knew that he could depart in peace. Yet, he told Mary that this child of peace would bring a sword to her soul.

Mary heard these things, and kept them in her heart. Even when Jesus was crucified, they brought peace to her because of Jesus. Jesus also went thru a time of struggle, but found peace in the garden.

The peace that Jesus brings is not the absence of conflict and pain, but the knowledge that He will make all things right. Often, our friends fail us, as they did Jesus in the garden, but yet he found peace.

In the end, peace comes simply from our personal relationship with Jesus, and no one else can bring us to this peace that lasts thru all of life.

May this year bring you peace thru it all.

Pastor Wayne