Episode 185
Dream A Dream

“This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” Daniel 4:18

Open your heart and dream again. Allow that dream to grow and develop Ask God to bring your dream to fruition. Dream big, Dream faithfully Dream with God and watch your dream come true.

Episode 184

Dare To Be A Daniel


There are choices to be made. Daniel was faced with the choice of a lifetime. His job was high profile in the kingdom but his faith was not just talk, it was a life style reflected in how he lived and worked every day.

Episode 183

Lord When?


Again, someone has set a date for Christ’s return and the day has come and gone. The earth and its people are still here. 89 year old Harold Camping, founder of Family Radio, which airs on 66 U.S. stations, was in his own words, “flabbergasted.”

The Question

Episode 182

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise is to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:28-29

Nebuchadnezzar’s failure to submit himself to a God he acknowledged and respected might have saved him from some of the experiences to come but now he comes face to face with the reality of God and will not ask the critical question, what must I do? How can I become a servant to this great God?

Not Too Late

Episode 181

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”Luke 23:39-43 (New Living Translation)

The voice of the second criminal was softer and kinder. He did not deny his guilt. This repentant criminal knew in his heart that this Jesus was different. And Jesus stopped and saw what no man could see, a repentant soul ready for the kingdom.
(image courtesy of http://clipart.ochristian.com/)

God Can

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 (New Living Translation)

Three young men respectfully and without hesitation refused to bow down to an idol god and were sent to what should have been certain destruction. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach us much about faith and courage. (image courtesy of La Vista Church of Christ).

Praying Friends

Episode 179

Daniel went and asked the king to give him some time so that he could explain the dream’s meaning. Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah about this matter. He told them to ask the God of heaven to be merciful and to explain this secret to them so that they would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise advisers in Babylon.
Daniel 2:16-18.

Drinking buddies are a type of friendship. Some use a euphemism,
friends with benefits to describe a relationship that exist only for mutual
convenience and gratification. We have shopping friends, workplace friends,
and sports buddies but in times like these we all need praying friends.

Revealer of mysteries

Episode 178

(image courtesy of http://karenswhimsy.com/)
The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:47

God revealed the dream and the interpretation to Daniel. When he shares this with the king the king willingly acknowledges the greatness of Daniel’s God. Daniel was promoted and at Daniel’s request the king also elevated Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Faithful

Episode 177

At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:15-16

Nebuchadnezzar understood the importance of surrounding himself with the best and brightest. He also understood that if he could win the allegiance of the youth they would be a powerful addition in his government. The captive Hebrew youth would be taught everything they needed to know to be successful but would they remember their God or take on the gods of the Babylonians?

The Lord Is There

Episode 176

... “And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.” Ezekiel 48:35

Do we think God will continue to overlook our sins and forgiven them when we choose to live a life of spiritual adultery? We too must repent and return to God. When we do we can live in that city, The Lord Is There.

Shepherd With Justice

Episode 174

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Exekiel 34:16

To be a shepherd is to be a leader. It is an opportunity to help others. It is a calling not to personal gain and well being but to protect the flock. It is the joy of knowing that through your actions the flock has been preserved.