GodsView : Got Backbone?

GodsView : Got Backbone?: No one would argue that we live in a world of compromise. In fact, compromise is often touted as a virtue; it's diplomatic and...

Got Backbone?

No one would argue that we live in a world of compromise. In fact, compromise is often touted as a virtue; it's diplomatic and reasonable. On the other hand, those who hold fast their integrity are viewed as difficult, hard-nosed, and unconcerned about the common good. You can understand how the world thinks that way, but shouldn't Christians be different?
Unfortunately, too many believers worry about what people will think, say, or do if they take a stand on godly principles. So instead, they compromise their convictions or maintain them under the cover of darkness. If you're one of those faint-hearted Christians, or if you know people who are, I'd like to encourage you to take a lesson from the life of one man, a man with a backbone.

The Test of Integrity
Following his first invasion of Judah and siege of Jerusalem in 606 B. C., King Nebuchadnezzar took hostage dozens of quality Jewish youths (who were probably in their teenage years) to help ensure the success of his long-range plans for world dominance. One of those youths was especially destined for greatness, and today his name is synonymous with integrity and an uncompromising spirit. His name is Daniel.
It wasn't captivity that tested Daniel's integrity, it was privilege. When the king ordered his chief official, Ashpenaz, to choose from among the Israelites, he sought youths with certain qualities. They were to be without defect, good looking, "showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge," with the ability to serve in the king’s court (Dan. 1:4). They were to receive privileged instruction for privileged positions.
The king ordered Ashpenaz "to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans" including mathematics, astronomy, natural history, agriculture, and architecture (Dan. 1:4). They were to eat the king's food and drink the king's wine, and after three years, they were to have a guaranteed position in the king's personal service. I doubt the other exiles were getting along as well.
Now you say, "Privilege, education, good food and drink, one of the most sought after jobs in the kingdom — who could have a problem with that?" Daniel.
Daniel didn't argue with the education, the training program, and the future in the king's court. He didn't even balk when Ashpenaz named him Belteshazzar, after a Chaldean god. Daniel drew the line where the Scripture did — he wouldn't eat the king's food or drink the king's drink.
"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank" (Dan. 1:8). Those enticing morsels and vintage wines — perks of the king's service — had been ritually dedicated to Babylon's false gods. What's more, eating food prepared to Babylonian standards was likely to put the young exiles in violation of God's laws concerning unclean foods (cf. Lev. 7:23-27; Lev. 11).
Daniel wanted no participation in any pagan feast, even to the slightest degree. That would be a form of idolatry that would provoke the wrath of a jealous God (Ex. 20:4-5). His decision, though immediately dealing with food and wine, was ultimately a decision about who he worshiped.

The Results of Integrity
Daniel's decision constitutes a basic part of genuine integrity and the uncompromising life: you must draw lines where Scripture draws them. If the truth of God's Word opposes the world's wisdom on a certain issue, you must align yourself with God's Word.
The more you read about and analyze the life of Daniel, the more clearly his personal integrity comes into focus. His uncompromising lifestyle stands in sharp contrast to the way many believers live out their convictions. Many Christians tend to waver and offer ambiguous explanations for abstaining from certain secular activities. But that wasn't how Daniel approached the opportunity to state his convictions.
Unashamed Boldness — If Daniel wanted to abstain from eating and drinking what the king provided, he could have gone about it a number of ways. He could have thrown it away when no one was looking and sneaked other food from the kitchen; he could have made arrangements with the kitchen staff; he could have started a vegetable garden out back. But Daniel, having made up his mind, chose the route of open boldness. "He sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself" (Dan. 1:8). He was respectful, but unbending. That's called courage.
Unearthly Protection — Daniel was in a foreign country, at the very heart of the empire that had just destroyed his homeland. And yet, "God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials" (Dan. 1:9). He proved the truth of Proverbs 16:7: "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Don't compromise and forfeit God's protection. Stand firm in obedience to God's Word and trust Him — He'll take care of you.
Unhindered Persistence — In his boldness, Daniel didn't hesitate to go right to the top. But when Ashpenaz feared the forfeiture of his head for granting the special menu, Daniel was undeterred. He appealed to a lower-ranking overseer who monitored him — presumably a man who would not be as afraid of Nebuchadnezzar since he didn't report directly to the king. Daniel showed another vital trait of integrity: persistence in doing what is right.
Unblemished Faith — When Daniel sought permission to go on a water and vegetable diet, he demonstrated unwavering faith in God. He said, "Please test your servants for ten days...then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see" (Dan. 1:12-13). Daniel did what was right, and trusted God for the results, no matter what. In this case, God caused Daniel to look healthier than all the other youths (Dan. 1:15).
If it had turned out that Daniel's appearance failed the overseer's scrutiny, I believe he would have trusted God without wavering, maintained an uncompromising lifestyle, and humbly accepted the consequences. I also believe that all true Christians will show the same fortitude in the midst of trials.
If you've fallen into a pattern of compromise, confess it as sin to the Lord. Repent and look at Daniel as an example of unwavering integrity. Then seek the Lord's help to live like he did. You must resolutely set your heart as Daniel did to fear the Lord, and the Lord alone. Borrow a little backbone from him, and you'll live your life with integrity before God.

GodsView : Step Into the Encouragement Zone!

GodsView : Step Into the Encouragement Zone!: During the past few months our nation has witnessed devastating natural disasters that demolished entire communities and took the live...

Step Into the Encouragement Zone!

During the past few months our nation has witnessed devastating natural disasters that demolished entire communities and took the lives and livelihoods of many Americans. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have negatively impacted millions[i] of people and left behind billions of dollars in damages. As difficult and challenging as these events have been, and will continue to be for multitudes of people, these catastrophic events have allowed our nation to come together to help those affected. In response to Hurricane Harvey alone, companies have promised to donate more than $65 million to help with relief efforts—and that number is still rising. This is not including all private donations and time spent volunteering by people across the United States.[ii] It has encouraged the nation as we have observed neighbor helping neighbor—but we need to remember that we shouldn’t simply be observers when it comes to encouragement.
Practical and purposeful encouragement is something each of us can do, but too often we miss the opportunity in the busyness of our lives. I’ll confess I’m not a natural-born encourager. Often I’m so focused on my day that I don’t notice when others have a need. But I’m learning to be deliberate about it—even when it’s not convenient.

Living in the I-Zone (Interruption Zone)
            Sometimes our best opportunities to encourage someone come at the worst times for us. It’s one thing to provide help when it’s convenient. But we must learn to respond when it’s not convenient or easy. Think of it as living within the I-Zone—living with interruptions.
Leadership books tell us how to minimize interruptions, and we’re wise to figure out how to focus our concentration on the project at hand. But we must also accept the interruptions that come as divine opportunities.
The best examples come directly from the life of Christ. When He was on His way to visit a ruler named Jairus whose daughter was deathly sick, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who touched the hem of His garment and was healed of her infirmity. Mark records, “Jesus… turned around… and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?’” (5:30)
Think of the anguish of Jairus, watching anxiously as Jesus tarried with the woman. Then news arrived that his daughter had died. But Jesus simply stated, “Do not be afraid… only believe.” And the interruption became an opportunity for grace.
Or consider the time our Lord’s sermon was interrupted by four men tearing up the roof so they could lower their paralyzed friend to Him. Or the time His message in the synagogue in Nazareth was interrupted by a riot. We could even talk about the way His life was interrupted by crucifixion—and His death by resurrection.
Our Lord was a master at limiting interruptions and then at utilizing the ones He couldn’t avoid. He taught us to do the same, saying, “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). The second mile is sometimes outside our encouragement zone. Most of us can deal with the first mile, but the second takes effort. But how wonderful to know God is in control of our schedules and that sometimes interruptions are the ministry.

Living in the E-Zone (Encouragement Zone)
Once when facing a great political crisis William Gladstone, one of England’s most famous prime ministers, sat at home in the early hours working on a speech with which he hoped to win a great victory in the House of Commons the next day. At two in the morning, the mother of a poor disabled boy came to the door. Her son was dying, and she wondered if Mr. Gladstone would come and comfort him. Without hesitation, the great Commoner left the preparation of his speech and spent the night leading the child to Christ. Staying till the dawn broke, Gladstone closed the eyes of the dead child and returned home to face the day.
Later in the morning, he said, “I am the happiest man in the world today.” He had been able to demonstrate the love of Christ to a poor child. Shortly afterward, he made what was later called the “greatest speech of his life” in the House of Commons, carrying his cause to victory.[iii]
Don’t let the routine of your day stop you from encouraging someone who needs a special loving touch. Accept the interruption as from the Lord.  Go the extra mile for Christ, and you’ll find Him walking beside you all the way.

GodsView : Lord, Come Quickly!

GodsView : Lord, Come Quickly!: Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He m...

Lord, Come Quickly!

Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.
Jesus Christ is coming back soon. I believe that with all of my heart. The opening of Revelation 1:1 says, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him..." What does "which God gave Him" mean? Didn't Jesus know "the revelation" already? I mean He's God, the Second Person of the Trinity, right? Doesn't He know everything? Well, apparently (and I don't understand how the Trinity works because it's a mystery) He doesn't. Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
So, the Father who knows gave this revelation to the Son. The Son gave it to an angel. And an angel gave it to John, who wrote it down for us. And that's how we came to have it today. John wasn't told to go and hide with it; it was supposed to be revealed to all of us: "to show to his servants" (v.1). There are actually three terms or phrases in this verse that speak to the clarity of the book of Revelation; revelation, show, and made it known.
What was it that was being revealed? The Scripture answers, "the things that must soon take place" — not "should take place," not "might take place," or even "will take place," but "must...take place" (emphasis added). This statement is certainty rooted in the integrity of God Himself Who sourced this material. And when must these things take place? "Soon"! Underline that word soon in your Bible. Why do we study Revelation? Because Jesus Christ is coming back soon.
I want you to be ready. I want you to experience the sense that time is fleeting and we can't afford to be lax or lazy. Maybe the skies will break open today and Jesus Christ will return. This is not a moment for wasting time. This is the moment to think soon!

GodsView : A Matter of the Will!

GodsView : A Matter of the Will!: Each of us has been given our own independent will. It can be competitive or compliant. It can be an asset or a liability. It can al...