What is confidence? Wikipedia defines it as "a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective."
This Sunday, we will learn the key to having confidence. Daniel demonstrated no confidence in man (Paul would later warn the Philippian church about placing confidence in the "flesh" - Phil. 3), but instead fully trusted God. After having stood by his convictions in Daniel 1, he then demonstrates confidence in the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe.
As God lays out the scope of human history and the changing of power by world empires, Daniel helps King Nebuchadnezzar to see that only God knows the future:
"27 Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come."
Notice the definition of confidence is "certainty that a prediction is correct." Daniel 2 is one of the most amazing predictions in Scripture, as it accurately predicts the future kingdoms in order throughout world history.
How should we respond to this amazing teaching in Scripture? By applying another Scripture verse to our daily living:
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him." (Jer. 17:7)
And another..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." (Prov. 3:5)
Dish Out
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Now What?
After all the celebration and full houses of worship on the annual Easter Sunday in the modern era, there seems to be a letdown, a return to the norm, a receding of the wave of attendance on the high watermark day of the Christian faith.
The weeks leading up to Easter are like a huge wave rolling onto shore, with great power and force. And when Easter Sunday hits, it's like the wave waters bursting onto the beach and climbing ever higher on the sand, creating a new high water line.
However, each successive week after that big wave of Easter, the waves of weekly worship stop short of that new high water mark. The sand not reached by the waters in the successive weeks soon dries out and is not moved and churned and moistened again for a long while. The grains of sand closest to the water's edge are the grains that are tossed and carried and salted and refined by the force and power of every wave that hits the shore.
It causes one to wonder...what kind of sand am I?
After Jesus Christ's resurrection...after the first ever Easter celebration, what do you suppose happened next? Three events are recorded for us in Scripture:
1. Jesus commissioned His followers (Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8)
2. Jesus challenged His followers (John 20:24 - 21:25)
3. Jesus counseled His followers (Acts 1:3-5)
So, this Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), my prayer is that the wave rolls further up the beach than last week. My prayer is that the Word of God will commission you, challenge you and counsel you to a deeper faith in the One who came, who died, who was buried, and who was raised!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
The weeks leading up to Easter are like a huge wave rolling onto shore, with great power and force. And when Easter Sunday hits, it's like the wave waters bursting onto the beach and climbing ever higher on the sand, creating a new high water line.
However, each successive week after that big wave of Easter, the waves of weekly worship stop short of that new high water mark. The sand not reached by the waters in the successive weeks soon dries out and is not moved and churned and moistened again for a long while. The grains of sand closest to the water's edge are the grains that are tossed and carried and salted and refined by the force and power of every wave that hits the shore.
It causes one to wonder...what kind of sand am I?
After Jesus Christ's resurrection...after the first ever Easter celebration, what do you suppose happened next? Three events are recorded for us in Scripture:
1. Jesus commissioned His followers (Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8)
2. Jesus challenged His followers (John 20:24 - 21:25)
3. Jesus counseled His followers (Acts 1:3-5)
So, this Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), my prayer is that the wave rolls further up the beach than last week. My prayer is that the Word of God will commission you, challenge you and counsel you to a deeper faith in the One who came, who died, who was buried, and who was raised!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Friday, March 26, 2010
Did Jesus Die?
As this Sunday is Palm Sunday, we know that it was on a Sunday that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (to fulfill prophecy; see Zechariah 9:9). He was greeted as a king! According to John 12:12-15, the crowds laid palm branches on the road before Him.
He declared Himself to be the Messiah, the Promised One of God. He knew what was ahead of Him. For the next few days, He answered with great authority and power the challenges posed to Him by the religious leaders of the day. He ate the Passover Meal with His disciples Thursday night, fulfilling His role as the perfect Lamb of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He agonized over the impending weight of the sins of the world being laid upon Him. He was betrayed into the hands of men. He was questioned, insulted, beaten, spat upon, whipped, scourged, flogged, and made to carry His own death device to Calvary.
As Jesus hung in excruciating pain, suffocating more with every gasp, He uttered some of the most beautiful words of grace...
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
"I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
"Dear woman, here is your son."
When he had given up the Spirit ("No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded."), Jesus died. In fact, His death was so certain that when the Roman centurions, who were experts at execution, came by to break His legs, they did not (another fulfillment of prophecy - "not one of His bones will be broken.").
Jesus laid down His life for the world. This is the ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus took up His life in His resurrection from the dead. This is the ultimate victory!
See you this Palm Sunday to worship the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
Randy
He declared Himself to be the Messiah, the Promised One of God. He knew what was ahead of Him. For the next few days, He answered with great authority and power the challenges posed to Him by the religious leaders of the day. He ate the Passover Meal with His disciples Thursday night, fulfilling His role as the perfect Lamb of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He agonized over the impending weight of the sins of the world being laid upon Him. He was betrayed into the hands of men. He was questioned, insulted, beaten, spat upon, whipped, scourged, flogged, and made to carry His own death device to Calvary.
As Jesus hung in excruciating pain, suffocating more with every gasp, He uttered some of the most beautiful words of grace...
"Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
"I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
"Dear woman, here is your son."
When he had given up the Spirit ("No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded."), Jesus died. In fact, His death was so certain that when the Roman centurions, who were experts at execution, came by to break His legs, they did not (another fulfillment of prophecy - "not one of His bones will be broken.").
Jesus laid down His life for the world. This is the ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus took up His life in His resurrection from the dead. This is the ultimate victory!
See you this Palm Sunday to worship the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
Randy
Friday, March 12, 2010
Why Pray?
If God already knows what's going to happen, and if God is sovereign enough to control or allow what happens, isn't prayer just an exercise in futility?
Simply put, what is the real purpose of prayer? There are three reasons that come to mind...
First: Prayer acknowledges both the fallenness and the frailty of man. That is, we offer prayers because we are helpless and because we are powerless as it relates to the present and the future.
Second: Prayer demonstrates an active and real faith in God. A person who prays to God believes that God cares and that God will "work all things for the good of those who love Him."
Third: Prayer aligns the praying person's will with the perfect will of God. There is power in studying the prayers of Scripture, specifically those of Jesus. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus emphasizes "Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed:
"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39)
These two examples emphasize the importance of aligning our will with God's will. Interestingly, the Bible declares that "with God, all things are possible." Even Hezekiah learned that God's possibilities are always beyond our meager capability to understand His grandest purposes. (I will let you look that story up for further study!)
So, prayer matters. Prayer works. Prayer is imperative to the Christian life.
Pray more frequently. Pray more fervently. Pray more faithfully!
Dish Out
Simply put, what is the real purpose of prayer? There are three reasons that come to mind...
First: Prayer acknowledges both the fallenness and the frailty of man. That is, we offer prayers because we are helpless and because we are powerless as it relates to the present and the future.
Second: Prayer demonstrates an active and real faith in God. A person who prays to God believes that God cares and that God will "work all things for the good of those who love Him."
Third: Prayer aligns the praying person's will with the perfect will of God. There is power in studying the prayers of Scripture, specifically those of Jesus. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus emphasizes "Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed:
"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39)
These two examples emphasize the importance of aligning our will with God's will. Interestingly, the Bible declares that "with God, all things are possible." Even Hezekiah learned that God's possibilities are always beyond our meager capability to understand His grandest purposes. (I will let you look that story up for further study!)
So, prayer matters. Prayer works. Prayer is imperative to the Christian life.
Pray more frequently. Pray more fervently. Pray more faithfully!
Dish Out
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Are You Patient?
When is the last time you were impatient? Months ago? Weeks ago? Days ago? Hours ago? Minutes ago?
The classic quote comes to mind..."patience is a virtue." What does that mean?
Well, God has a lot to say about our being patient - first with Him; second with others.
First of all, we must understand that patience is one of God's attributes:
"The Lord, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." (Ex. 34:6-7)
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
As for us, God's Word says that the source of our patience is wisdom (Prov. 19:11). And that a man gains wisdom by "fearing the Lord." (Prov. 9:10)
Patience is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
God's Word also defines love as patient. (1 Cor. 13:4)
Therefore, we see that patience is developed only to the extent that we are in constant fellowship with God! We get impatient when we fail to see the world or circumstances or people through God's eyes!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Dish Out
The classic quote comes to mind..."patience is a virtue." What does that mean?
Well, God has a lot to say about our being patient - first with Him; second with others.
First of all, we must understand that patience is one of God's attributes:
"The Lord, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." (Ex. 34:6-7)
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
As for us, God's Word says that the source of our patience is wisdom (Prov. 19:11). And that a man gains wisdom by "fearing the Lord." (Prov. 9:10)
Patience is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
God's Word also defines love as patient. (1 Cor. 13:4)
Therefore, we see that patience is developed only to the extent that we are in constant fellowship with God! We get impatient when we fail to see the world or circumstances or people through God's eyes!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Dish Out
Friday, February 26, 2010
What is God's Will?
Moses said to Jethro, "...the people come to me to seek God's will."
So the logical question becomes, "What is God's will?"
Jesus said, "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
So the logical question again is..."What is God's will?"
Jesus also said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."
So the logical question remains: "What is God's will?"
Paul wrote the following: "Do not conform any longer 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."
Okay. Okay. So..."What is God's will?"
And of course, Paul also said this about God's will - "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
Come on, Man! Tell me pleeeessse! "What is God's will?"
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality..." (1 Thess. 4:3)
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18)
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." (1 Pet. 2:15)
So, to sum up the answer to the question, "What is God's will?" God's Word says:
Be Holy. Be Thankful. Be Good.
Are you in the center of God's will?
Dish Out
So the logical question becomes, "What is God's will?"
Jesus said, "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
So the logical question again is..."What is God's will?"
Jesus also said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own."
So the logical question remains: "What is God's will?"
Paul wrote the following: "Do not conform any longer 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."
Okay. Okay. So..."What is God's will?"
And of course, Paul also said this about God's will - "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
Come on, Man! Tell me pleeeessse! "What is God's will?"
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality..." (1 Thess. 4:3)
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18)
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." (1 Pet. 2:15)
So, to sum up the answer to the question, "What is God's will?" God's Word says:
Be Holy. Be Thankful. Be Good.
Are you in the center of God's will?
Dish Out
Friday, February 19, 2010
Are you Wise?
This Sunday I am going to share an amazing story of God's grace and providence with our church. I cannot wait to share it because most people have never heard the story and most will not believe it when they do hear it, but it is all true!
As most of you know, my life verse (check out our website at www.c3charleston.com to find out) is one that deals with the subject of wisdom, and that verse will become the backbone of the message this Sunday as James teaches us how to receive wisdom and reject pride. I cannot wait!
Many of us have met people who we would consider to be wise. The definition of it is very different depending on the source from which you quote it. The Bible says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Prov. 9:10; Psalm 111:10) This fear literally means having a healthy and continual reverence for the Creator of the universe, the Sustainer of the universe, the Provider of grace and the Eternal Father of the Redeemed. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty."
Too often, we are thrust away from the throne room of heaven and into our everyday activities of temporal living. Our gaze must remain on the heavenly, the spiritual, the eternal. Once we get in the habit of maintaining that perspective, we approach closer and closer to the realm of true wisdom!
Blessings this week and I look forward to seeing you all Sunday!
Dish Out
As most of you know, my life verse (check out our website at www.c3charleston.com to find out) is one that deals with the subject of wisdom, and that verse will become the backbone of the message this Sunday as James teaches us how to receive wisdom and reject pride. I cannot wait!
Many of us have met people who we would consider to be wise. The definition of it is very different depending on the source from which you quote it. The Bible says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Prov. 9:10; Psalm 111:10) This fear literally means having a healthy and continual reverence for the Creator of the universe, the Sustainer of the universe, the Provider of grace and the Eternal Father of the Redeemed. "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty."
Too often, we are thrust away from the throne room of heaven and into our everyday activities of temporal living. Our gaze must remain on the heavenly, the spiritual, the eternal. Once we get in the habit of maintaining that perspective, we approach closer and closer to the realm of true wisdom!
Blessings this week and I look forward to seeing you all Sunday!
Dish Out
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