Sunday, September 28, 2008

A New Menu

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8 (NLT)
I am looking forward to a new small group study of the book of Daniel this fall. As a little background, the key players are the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Daniel and his three friends, and the chief official of the court. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the King chose some of the young men of that region, including Daniel, to join in him in service in the king's court. I noticed two things in the first chapter; one, it is OK to speak up if you have a difference of opinion or someone challenges your values. It was natural for them to eat food that had come from the King's table. Yet, Daniel asked permission to skip the food and wine offered to him because it had been part of the worship of foreign gods. Given such a choice, some of us might resort to ranting and demanding our rights—creating an even bigger problem. However, Daniel's greater allegiance to the one true God, Jehovah, gave him the desire and courage to stand firm, ready to suffer the consequences for his beliefs. This brings me to my second observation—provide a viable alternative when confronted with a conflict. Daniel suggested another plan—a diet of only fruits, vegetables, and water and further suggested a ten-day trial followed by an evaluation. In the end, Daniel and his friends passed the test. God protected these young men and gave them knowledge and understanding so that they became valued members of his cabinet. Sometimes it seems like we have no alternatives. The boss participates in shady business practices in the accounting department. The writer cheats and steals someone else's thoughts and passes them off as his own. The teacher favors certain students and requires reports on questionable topics in order to pass a class. Unfair? Yes, but there are options. Think of Daniel—speak up and offer an alternative—the next time you run up against such a situation. What better way to glorify God?

Friday, September 26, 2008

Debate

But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. James 5:12 (NLT)
Tonight Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama will face off in the first debate. The tension of the last few days continues to grind away at the endurance of the American people but it has insured that the electorate is now fully engaged in the process. The apostle, James, counseled the early believers about a variety of principles for living in a common society. Yet, he concluded that the key concepts of honesty and straightforwardness are imperative to right living and future success. The candidates will have an opportunity to express their ideas, opinions, and philosophy of governing to the posed questions. I pray that we will see and hear clear distinctions between these two men. The future of our nation and the legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren is at stake. Be assured that no problem, no election, no financial crisis, or no war is a surprise to our Heavenly Father. I am so relieved and thankful that God is sovereign and in control.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Pray the Vote

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. --Proverbs 21:1-3 (NIV)
I signed up for Pray the Vote daily email and the last sentence in today's verse caught my attention. In a political season, we all think our cause is greater and, depending on our commitment, we may be ready to die on an issue. I read and commented on another blog today about this very idea. However, doing what is proper, moral, and honorable is more significant to God than giving up our personal goals or desires even when they are worthy. God looks at the heart and character of the person unimpressed by what he or she does. Rather, the inner quality of humility that expresses itself with integrity, dignity and strength is what He desires. The sacrifice is then part of God's plan and purpose. I respect the stated purpose by The Presidential Prayer Team: Prayer is the most significant way you can impact our country. When you bring the political process before God, things happen—by God’s initiative, and in your mind and heart. It’s a powerful and empowering process. We urge you to try it and see! Sign up and let's all be praying for the next 40 days.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Technical Difficulties

Your road led through the sea,
your pathway through the mighty waters—
a pathway no one knew was there!
Psalm 77:19 (NLT)

For several days, technical difficulties waylaid progress on my website. My computer guru husband has been ready to tear his hair out (it would be tough since it has pretty much headed out on its own.) However, through perseverance, he is slowly working out the kinks and glitches. There is a huge hiccup in the financial market today. Even though rumors multiplied over the weekend, it was still shocking to wake up and find a major institution in such serious trouble. Reports from every media outlet reported the uncertainly and fear of the public. Now, the instability leads to finger pointing or passing the buck which underscores the need to find a solution. The children of Israel must have wondered how they would cross the Red Sea as they fled from Egypt with their attackers in hot pursuit. It seemed hopeless and they complained all the way. Yet, David, the Psalmist, describes an unforeseen solution to their impossible problem—a pathway that no one knew was there. Uncertainty. Fear. Anxiety. Loss. I am sure they experienced the same emotions that we deal with every day. Mark found workarounds to unlock the problems in the computer. We must remember that our security does not come from our bank account or IRA but from the One who knows the hidden path out of the entanglements of our lives. There is no escape from the difficulties of life but with God, there is always a way out.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Stand Firm

My eyes have seen, and my ears have heard the doom and destruction of my terrible enemies. Good people will prosper like palm trees, and they will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. They will take root in your house, LORD God, and they will do well. They will be like trees that stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. And they will say about you, "The LORD always does right! God is our mighty rock. Psalm 92:11-15 (CEV)
Seven years ago, our nation was hit fast and hard. Many of us woke up to what looked like a bad movie on the TV only to realize it was real and not fiction. Today, we reflect on that day of infamy—mourning the lost, giving thanks for those first responders and those who cared for the injured, always wondering whether another attack is immanent. Life changed that day and our grandchildren will never know the world that we lived in—assumed security, open airports, and complete privacy. No, now we must sacrifice freedoms for safety. God was not surprised at those vicious attacks. Although our world shook that day, He was there to hold us up and shelter us during that horrible storm. We don't know what tomorrow brings but as Christians, we stand firm on God, our mighty rock, because of our faith in Christ. Regardless of the prevailing winds of change, the Psalmist reminds us that just as the deep roots of the palm and cedar kept them strong and upright, so will trusting in Jesus keep us healthy and fruitful, even when we are old. The true test of the strength of a tree and the depth of the roots occurs in the midst of a hurricane. Will it stand or will it fall? When the firestorm hit America, it revealed her strength. Without hesitation, we resolved to fight, to be vigilant, and to seek out the enemy for punishment. September 11th will always remind me of that day when the world stood still. Never, never, never forget.