Let's continue learning about boldness from the people of the Bible. Daniel and his three friends displayed courage. Daniel survived a night in the lion's den. They were not afraid to be different, they stood the test of fire (the 3 friends did literally!). They trusted God and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own GodDaniel 3:28. Sometimes the most courageous and bold thing is to NOT do what others are doing!! How were they able to be so brave? What can we glean from reading their story? Here's what I found in the book of Daniel as the Holy Spirit revealed profiles of courage.
Daniel resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8) Makes me think of 1 Corinthians 10:23 Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial...
God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds (Daniel 1:17)
Daniel used wisdom and tact when speaking to the commander of the guard (Daniel 2:14)
Daniel displayed thankfulness and humility by praising God (Daniel 2:23, 28)
The Spirit was evident to others in Daniel's life (Daniel 4:8)
Daniel told the truth about the king's dream even though it was bad news (Daniel 4:19-27)
Daniel served God continually (Daniel 6:20)
Daniel trusted God ( Daniel 6:23)
One of the things I was most excited to read was Daniel 3:21 which tells us that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had on robes and turbans as they were thrown into the fiery furnace. Why is that significant? I think it's significant because we too need to wear our robes and head coverings!!! I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels Isaiah 61:10. If we are to be bold and courageous...we need the right clothes! Zechariah talks about receiving clean garments and turban and Ephesians 6 gives us instruction about the armor of God. Christ in His sacrifice has provided them for us....put on the robe of righteousness and renew your mind to the Truth!!! She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
Thank you Father for giving us the Word...thank you that it is so available to us-we are blessed to be able to read it anywhere, anytime!! Give us a hunger for your word and truth and change us as we are in your word. Thank you for being our provider, of battle gear and daily living necessities. Fill us with your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so that we will be resolved not to defile ourselves as Daniel was. Lord as you make us more bold and corageous through the filling of your Spirit, give us tact and keep us humble. Lord let me always be bold enough to give you thanks and praise-for it is you working in me that brings any success. Enable us to always speak the truth as you lead us-even if it's not what someone wants to hear. Lord, like Daniel-let us always serve you and trust you!! Remind us who we are in Christ and prepare us for all you have in store for us! In Jesus' name, AMEN
I've never thought of myself as bold or brave. A few months ago I was reading through Proverbs and studying what the Word says about the righteous. Since I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21) what His word says about the righteous is true about me (not because of me). Proverbs 28:1 stood out to me:
The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Hmmm....bold as a lion, interesting, but me? really? This will take some faith and the renewal of my mind. I could name a bold person- Paul was bold...it's recorded several time in Acts (9:28, 13:46, 14:3, 19:8) Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 28:31
Also in Acts we read that it wasn't just Paul-
....And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 I think I will need to write more about this tomorrow!
Since that time a few other verses have also become alive to me about boldness. Think on these today as you find time and let God's word become alive and active in every area of your life. He is renewing my mind as I trust the Holy Spirit to make me more bold!
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. Psalm 138:3
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:1-4
Jesus made us oaks of righteousness! Obedience is a fruit of righteousness....not the way to righteousness. We don't have to figure it out...just receive it! I am a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor...now I know why I am so tall...lol...I am a tree:) More posts to come on this
Zaleigh named her first 'special' doll Zea when she was almost 2. This week, we tried to get Aleigha (who is now 2!) to give one of her special dolls a name. She was very adamant that the baby's name was "MY baby" or simply "MINE'. In her eyes, the baby needs no special name, but it is important that others know it's her baby.
I know that God says the same about us...that's "MY baby", My daughter, My son... He has adopted us and chosen us as 'special' to be adopted as his children through belief in Jesus.
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Praise you Father!!!! Thank you for choosing me and calling me out of darkness into your marvelous light! Let me declare praises to you forever! Thank you that you see me as holy and blameless because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. Thank you that even when I feel alone or rejected in this world, I know I am yours! In Jesus' precious name, Amen
This morning after spending some time online I was thinking about what it was that made me feel so...yucky. Sure, I was unproductive and could have spent the time doing something more worthwhile, but there was something else going on. When I asked God about it, "comparing" came to mind.
Maybe it's something about facebook and other social media, being able to see what everyone is doing. Why do I look to others to determine my value and worth? Sure, comparisons can be benign and insignificant... or...so I think? But what's at the root of all this comparing? I have a good life, no I have a great life! I am so blessed---so....why would I compare? Why would I let the world (even my controlled facebook world) shape the way I view myself? Is it a lack of acceptance of who God made me to be? Maybe a lack of identity--that I don't fully know who I am in Christ and the gift of righteousness he has given me? Here are my thoughts as I dig to get this yucky root of comparison out of my life and allow God to replace it with HIS LOVE.
Sometimes in my comparisons, I measure up...these are the people who live like me...usually my friends. When I read their posts or see what's going on with them, I feel validated, equal, okay! These are the comparisons that may be 'benign'. But not really, because even if I seem to be 'okay' or equal to my peers.... am I really being who God designed me to be? Galatians 6:4 says: "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else." So I really don't need to look to other people! I need to base my opinion of myself on what God says about me!!!
Sometimes in my comparisons, I feel pride or superiority (yuck, that's hard to admit). Maybe I (usually subconsciously) think that I'm better than someone based on what is going on in their life according to social media. This is where judging and criticism can occur.....not a pretty thing since I am no better than anyone else. This has led me to many “plank in the eye” experiences recently (more posts to come on this, but see Luke 6:37-42). Comparison can produce superiority and pride-those things are NOT part of the new creation I became when I trusted Christ.
Sometimes in my comparisons, I don't measure up...and I feel disappointed, inferior, or insecure. Maybe, according to facebook posts, I think someone's life is better or easier than mine. Maybe I think they have a more exciting life, or they have more things, or do things better...maybe they are richer or prettier or smarter (based on my opinion according to facebook). This is really dangerous as it can open the door to resentment and envy (James 3:14)...really ugly, and NOT WHO I AM in Christ!!!
When confronted with sin, I've learned that before I'm ready to change, sometimes I have to see just how bad it is...what damage it has caused. Maybe that's why this issue has taken me so long to confront! It’s an easy one to gloss over and think, ‘oh it’s not that big of a deal’. But when God started revealing the damage this lie has done, and what bigger issues it has caused, I can see that it has gone on long enough. Comparing has caused me the pain of feeling insecure and unloved, when that is not the truth. It has caused me to want something I don’t have and to not like and appreciate what I do have. It has caused me to judge others unfairly, damaging or missing out on relationships. It has caused me to doubt others and not believe the truth of God’s word about them. In comparing myself and my circumstances to others, I am showing ingratitude at the highest level. Covetousness, greed and selfishness masked-so, it is a big deal! Colossians 3:5 leads me to see that this is idolatry. Wow! That makes it seem a little more serious.
Don't fret if you find yourself in this same ‘comparison boat’ with me ...we are not the first ones to go there! Psalm 106 gives a rundown of the Israelites' history with this sin. Even though we see the effects of it, it is so easy to fall into deception and open the door to rebellion. I have been taken captive by the enemy…but by the grace of God, I have come to my senses and will escape the trap (2 Timothy 2:26)! I am so thankful that In Christ, I don't have to be condemned when I'm convicted of this or any other sin (Romans 8:1). Each time I've been convicted of comparing over the last year or so (and each time I will be in the future) is an opportunity for me to agree with the ONE who loves me! I can agree with Him that it's not good or fruitful for me to compare. I can agree with him that it's a sin and not fitting for my life. I can allow Him to mold me and shape me into the woman he designed me to be. OR...I can compare myself to someone else, making myself feel better by thinking "at least I don't do that"...and waste the opportunity of conviction to renew my mind to the truth of God's word. Because the truth of God's word is: 2 Corinthians 10:12 "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." The truth is-we are all equal IN CHRIST Colossians 3:11
So…now I know how detrimental it can be….but how do I change it? How do I stop comparing? Since obedience is a fruit of righteousness, I will not be loved any less even if I continue to compare myself to others. But to change-I know I have to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me and sanctify me-he will complete the good work he began in me (and in you!!) Philippians 1:6. I know this isn’t going to be an overnight immediate change since I’ve believed these lies for so long they have become a stronghold, I will have to trust the Lord to change me from glory to glory. I will have to believe 2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
I know I need a thankful heart, because a thankful heart is a happy heart (Yes, I’m now singing the Veggie Tales Thankfulness Song!) Thankfulness really comes from being content…check out what Paul said in Philippians 4:11. I will need to have my mind renewed daily Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Here are some verses that will align my thinking in this area.
Galatians 5:25-26MSG Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. Wow! That is a good word to think on and renew my mind!
Romans 12:6 MSG let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If I could really do that-be what I was made to be…If we could all just do that, wow!
1 Corinthians 4:7-8 MSG For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle.
One of the things I like about a blog is the ability to search for 'tags' in previous posts. When I journal, I recall writing something down or learning it, but it's usually difficult to find where I wrote it or when it occurred. I knew God had been working with me on this topic for quite sometime...but I found a post on my blog from over a year ago....wow! Hope I get this one soon! I know God's word is alive and active in me-my mind is constantly being renewed! I did find in my journal some notes from a sermon podcast I listened to by Robert Morris titled "The sin of comparison" at Gateway Church on 3-20-10.
As a side note, I don't think FB is bad! I think it can be used for great things like encouraging others and staying in touch with friends and family. This comparison thing is a struggle that I've had for awhile now, and in dealing with it there have been periods of time where I did not get on FB for weeks. That didn't solve the problem...so FB is not the issue, it's how I use FB or any other social media-my motives. Just like any issue in life...if I run from it, but don't get to the root of it I don't solve anything. I’ve had to check my motives and really trust God as we dig this out together. Most of the comparing I’ve done has probably not been online, but in groups of people (especially at church, school, etc.) Thanks for reading this...I didn't intend for it to be so loooong:)
I have so enjoyed having Zaleigh in Cubbies, learning God's word and hiding it in her heart! We have fun learning the verses and she loves game time!!! I was surprised this week at the revelation I got from her verse. "Luke 2:52-and Jesus grew in wisdom"
Sometimes, I think I know it all...of course, the older I get, the more I realize how little I know. So, just imagine me as a teenager, wow- was I a know-it-all! In the past I have been so afraid to look like I didn't know it all, that I have pretended that I did know it all.
This verse was comforting to see that even Jesus grew in wisdom. Even though he was God and he did know everything, he still grew in wisdom!! How much more do I need to grow in wisdom???
Thank you Lord for your Word. Lord I want wisdom more than riches, let me grow in YOUR wisdom, not the world's wisdom.
God has been teaching me about grace and who I really am in Christ. I have had a hard time learning this, and seem to continue to doubt what He really says about me is true. Because I accept Christ's sacrifice, I am the righteousness of Christ.
Last night I was convicted of some negative attitudes and wrong thinking...this morning I was living in condemnation about them...thinking to myself that I keep ending up here and will never be able to change, and wondering why I can't 'get this'! One of the things Pastor Charlie reminded me this morning is that condemnation is from the devil (Romans 8:1). Then as we read in Zechariah 3:1-7 I realized that I was listening to the accuser. These verses spoke to my heart what God has been teaching me through the Living Loved Living Free Bible Study and Search for Significance. I have been so slow in believing, but this demonstrates that Christ will put rich garments on me instead of my filthy clothes!
Verse 5 talks about putting a clean covering on his head...the mind of grace! Oh Lord, how I long for you to renew my mind day by day! Thank you that you are changing me, and the work has been done, I just need to trust you!!
