Just Do It

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened to Jerusalem. Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just has he had done before."
Daniel 6:10

     This decree said "anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days except to you, O King (Darius), shall be thrown into the lion's den." (6:7) Now, the concept of being thrown into a den of hungry, prowling lions would be scary to most. Perhaps Daniel, fearing for his life, could have reasoned, "It's only for 30 days. Maybe I should just cease my daily way of praying to save my skin." However, Daniel wisely relied on the salvation of God, not on himself, and he went home and did things just as he did before.
     Being an American, I enjoy freedom of religion, but I may not always have that. Things have a way of changing. However, no decree from any government is going to alter my faith. My help comes from the name of the Lord.

Get the Seeds Out of the Shed

     In the Parable of the Sower, found in Luke 8: 4-15, it is the same man who is scattering the same seed, yet not all seeds grow. Why? It depends on where it lands.

     When telling the gospel story, one never knows how it'll be received. Will the hearer have a hard heart? Will they accept Christ, believe in him and persevere? Or will the worries of life choke their faith?

     It's more important to scatter that seed, not worrying about the outcome. What good does it do to keep the seed bag sealed, sitting in the shed? But if we open our hearts and mouths to those who may not know about the gospel, we may just sow on "good soil." Those who have a noble and good heart who hear the word, retain it and, by persevering, produce a crop.

The Broken Chains of Bondage

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me to preach 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."
Isaiah 61:1

Let Freedom Ring! Sound the Liberty Bell! God has sent Jesus to release us from the slavery and imprisonment of Satan.

     My favorite, most treasured symbol of America is the Statue of Liberty. She holds a torch to light the way while the broken chains of tyranny pool around her feet. These words of Emma Lazarus, engraved on her pedestal, could have been taken from scripture:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

     Only Jesus provides true liberty from the imprisonment of darkness, from the tyranny of evil. He has set the captive free and broken the chains of slavery. Believe upon his name and this truth shall set you free.

Jesus, The Patriot

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love."
Galatians 5:13

     I've heard it said that "freedom is not free." On Independence Day, I reflect on my patriot forefathers who gave of life and limb for my liberty.
     Romans 8, verses one and two, tells me of my spiritual Patriot who died for my liberty:

"Therefore, there in now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life sets me free from the law of sin and death."

     This freedom far outweighs freedom of speech and religion. With this brand of liberty, I am free from sin and death! I do not have the freedom to do whatever I please, but to imitate Christ by serving others in love.

God Bless America

"It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them."
Psalm 44:3

God loves America. He has blessed her with liberty and prosperity. In turn, we have said, "In God We Trust." Our stores used to remain closed on Sundays; folks went to church. Kids prayed in school and we were "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all." Have we lost sight of our origins?
God lifted his countenance upon our great nation because he wanted us to be a safe haven for worshippers.The government must stay out of religion so believers are free to worship as they choose.
This Independence Day, I pray that we remember to remain dependent on God. Only by his right hand are we victorious.

God, the Problem Solver

"Moses was troubled. He asked the Lord, 'Why have your brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive these people? Did I give them birth? ... I cannot carry all these people by myself...If this is how you're going to treat me, put me to death right now.'"
Numbers 11:11-15

     It's interesting that this sort of bald grumbling by Moses does not anger God, rather the Lord saw the depressed state of Moses and he listened to him. Then, God came up with a solution. He spread the burden among seventy elders, bringing relief to poor Moses.
     Sometimes, we all feel burdened by other people or our circumstances. Maybe a mother of young children or a person who works in a busy office feels the pressure of caring for others. Even pastors need a break now and then. God understands this. If we, in all honesty, cry out for some help, God will never let us down. He will come up with a solution!

How to Sleep Like a Baby

"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you...When you lie down, you will not be afraid, your sleep will be sweet."
Proverbs 3: 21, 24

     When a furious squall arose on the lake and swamped the disciples' boat, "Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion." (Mark 4:38) They shook him awake saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" They may have been wondering how anyone could sleep through such a bad storm.
     When my youngest daughter was almost a year old, we took her to her first fireworks on the Fourth of July. She slept through the whole thing! Amazed, I wondered why she could not hear the noise but slumbered sweetly, unconcerned.
     What is the key to getting a good night's rest?
     After Jesus stilled the storm, he said, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40)  Jesus says we have the same faith and peace available to us that he has. When storms of life prevail, I can be asleep in the stern on a cushion if only I have faith.
     "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) Just like the baby at the fireworks, I can be sure that my Heavenly Father cradles me in his arms, stroking my hair and whispering, "Fear not. You are worth more than many sparrows."
     Sleep sweetly, precious child of God.