The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • A Book of Remembrance

    “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”

    Malachi 3:16

    God sent Malachi with a message for His people, beginning with the priests who were just practicing a religion and not serving God according to His Word. The priests, and then the people, had fallen into sin once again. Malachi addressed many of the same sins that Nehemiah dealt with in the lives of God’s people.

    God had Malachi remind the Jews of the great love God had for His people. Yet, God’s people were not living as His people – for they sinned and did not even recognize how great their sin had become. Malachi’s burden was to reveal to the people just how far from God they had fallen.

    One important thing God wanted the people to understand was written in the second chapter. “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart” (Malachi 2:2). Not only would they not hear God, they had not taken His Words to heart: “if ye will not lay it to heart”. The things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. So much so that these are the things that make one who they are (as in character, beliefs, attitudes, actions, etc.). This verse was directed to the priests in Malachi’s day. This means that they were not allowing God’s Word to enter into their hearts, making a difference in their lives. Because they had not heard or laid to heart God’s Word, they were in a sinful condition before God. The priests thought they were doing fine because they practiced a religious system, but God knew the condition of their hearts. Because of the condition of the priests, the people in like manner, were also in sin.

    Some of the blatant sins of the day were listed in Malachi. In the midst of that list, see what God said, “… Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts …” (Malachi 3:7b). God continually extended an invitation for the people to return to God, in repentance and change of heart, and God would return to His people. If they would return to God, obeying His commands, God’s people would not be able to contain the blessings He had in store for them.

    During this time, there were still a few people who truly feared God. God recognized those few who rejected the sin and obeyed God’s commands. “16. Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (Malachi 3:16-17). God not only saw them, He heard them. They are His “jewels” for they belong to Him. God knew them and wrote of them in a special book of remembrance. These people obviously loved God and sought to know Him more – for they thought upon His name. Remember that the things that one lays to heart are the things that are the most important to one. So much so that these are the things that make one who they are (as in character, beliefs, attitudes, actions, etc.). When one continually thinks on God, God will continually be in that heart and mind. That is when a change in one’s life can take place. Those that God saw that still feared Him, “spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it” (Malachi 3:16a). They obviously encouraged each other often, and God heard.

    This is a good thing to remember today. Much encouragement comes from sharing with others who also fear and serve God. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). God does not expect us to “go it alone”. We learn to not commune with evil ones, for they will corrupt our lives (“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” 1 Corinthians 15:33). Instead, we are to fellowship with those who walk in the light (because Jesus is the Light). “5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. … 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5, 7). God gives Christians with whom to fellowship and grow in Christ.

    As we read in Malachi, God keeps a “book of remembrance” of those who trust in God, fear Him, think on Him, and speak often with one another. One day, God will “open the books” (see Daniel 7:10 and Revelation 20:12). What do you want God to have written about you?

    Are you one who has “feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name” becoming more like Him?

  • Faithfully Follow

    “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

    Matthew 16:24-25

    Nehemiah helped rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem, reinforcing the city. Not only that, but many times the enemy’s plans were thwarted, and God’s people were able to complete the walls in fifty-two days.

    Once the city was reinforced and protected, it was time to organize the people. Nehemiah appointed jobs to people and selected men to be rulers in the city. He taught them of the importance of appointing guards to protect the gates of the city, controlling what was allowed inside Jerusalem. The people gathered together and asked Ezra to read the book of the Law to them. After hearing God’s Words, the people recognized their sin, repented, and began to live according to God’s Word. This was followed with a time of prayer. After acknowledging their sin, they made a covenant with God to obey His commands.

    Nehemiah returned to Shushan to serve the king again – just as he had promised. After a short time, he returned to Jerusalem. When he arrived, he saw much sin – beginning in the house of the Lord. Eliashib, the priest, was friends with Tobiah (their adversary) and had allowed him to move into the Temple. The Levites were working outside of the city instead of taking care of the house of the Lord. The people were working, buying, and selling on the Sabbath – breaking God’s commands. They had intermarried with the nations around, again; for the high priest’s own grandson had married the daughter of Sanballat, the enemy of God’s people. Nehemiah confronted the people and their sin. He warned the people of the great evil to transgress against God. The sin was corrected. Nehemiah prayed for God’s people. Take time to recognize just how often Nehemiah prayed. Knowing God’s Word and prayer are key in living right before God.

    One of the truly sad parts of the book of Nehemiah is that without the constant reproof and the presence of Nehemiah, the people did not continually obey God. They quickly forgot God’s Word, reverting back into their comfortable lifestyles – living however they wanted. If Christians are not careful, we too, will enter into that same trap that the Israelites fell into once they returned to Jerusalem. Christians tend to see and become part of the world in which we live – contrary to Biblical teachings. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). We are warned, and then encouraged to do the will of God.

    Christians are to remember what Jesus taught. “24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26). It is important for Christians to deny themselves and follow Jesus – daily!

    Christians today have a great advantage that God’s people did not have in the Old Testament. Each person who gives their heart and life to Jesus has God’s Spirit given to them – to teach them right from wrong. The people in Jerusalem had Nehemiah. Nevertheless, when he left, they forgot. God’s Spirit, that Jesus called the Comforter, never leaves a Christian – so we should never forget. Remember what Jesus told His disciples. “15. If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17.Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:15-17). That Comforter Jesus gave enables us to obey God’s commandments written in the Bible. We have no excuse!

    What should motivate Christians to please Jesus in all we do? “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). It would be good to remember what Jesus prayed for his disciples on that last night in the garden. “14. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14-16). Christians, today, have God’s Word and His Spirit. We must remember that we are not of this world, just as Jesus is not of this world.

    Do you pray often, choosing to deny the things of the world and faithfully follow Jesus?

  • Men who Served God

    “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

    Ephesians 6:18

    Zerubbabel was a man who lived in Babylon during the time of the captivity of Israel. He had the opportunity to take a group of Israelites back to their homeland, by the decree of Cyrus the Persian. Zerubbabel must have understood the importance of returning to the land of Israel, especially the city of Jerusalem. “And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor” (Ezra 5:14). Cyrus sent with them much of the treasure that had been taken when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. They returned to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel did not only lead the people safely back to Jerusalem, but he led in the rebuilding of God’s Temple. Take note that Zerubbabel is known as Sheshbazzar to Cyrus the king. “Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished” (Ezra 5:16). See how this is confirmed in Zechariah: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you” (Zechariah 4:9). All would know that the Lord of hosts sent Zerubbabel.

    Zerubbabel was one who could never be a king (even though he was in the kingly lineage), yet this did not stop him from wanting to help God’s people return to their homeland. He became all he could be, a great leader, for God and His people. He also became the governor of God’s people. But more that that, he helped rebuild the Temple of the Lord. Because Zerubbabel was faithful, much was accomplished under his authority.

    The second group that returned (many years later), was led by Ezra. He was a priest living among the remaining captives in the land of Babylon. He led a group to Jerusalem. What was his plan once in Jerusalem? “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10). The word prepared means “to be established; to stand firm; to be faithful; to be reliable; to be ready and prepared; to be determined; especially to be sure to bring something into an indisputable existence.” Ezra was on a mission. Not only was he going to know the Law of the Lord, and do it in his life, but also he would teach that Law in Israel to God’s people – making sure they lived according to God’s Words. This was an important. Ezra became a great leader in Jerusalem, and taught the people to live according to God’s Word. “This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him” (Ezra 7:6). Many recognized “the hand of the LORD his God upon him.”

    A message was delivered to a man named Nehemiah declaring that the walls were broken and the gates of Jerusalem were burned. He was the cupbearer in King Artaxerxes court. (King Artaxerxes had allowed Ezra to lead a group into Israel. See Ezra 7-8.) When Nehemiah received the message, he immediately prayed. “O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer” (Nehemiah 1:11). Nehemiah fasted and prayed for four months. After this, the king recognized Nehemiah was troubled and asked what troubled him. Nehemiah was in a unique position as the king’s cupbearer, for he was often in the king’s presence. Nehemiah told the king his heart’s desire – to return to the city of Jerusalem and rebuild the walls and gates. Not only did the king send him, but gave him many supplies.

    God had placed a burden in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. Moreover, Nehemiah responded to that call, after much prayer. With that prayer, we found he had great insight in recognizing the hand of the enemies as they tried, often, to thwart God’s plans. It saved his life many times. Not only that, but by Nehemiah’s leadership, the people prayed for God’s help. God helped them, and the enemies recognized that the walls were built by God’s hand. Even with oppositions, they completed the wall in fifty-two days! There is a verse that we too, can remember. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Not only did Nehemiah pray for God to work in his personal life, but in the lives of God’s people.

    Have you prayed, recognizing a place God has for you to serve Him today?

  • Who are You?

    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

    Romans 8:1

    Are you a natural man? The natural man see the things in this earth. Decisions are based upon what is seen or felt. Usually, one considers the abilities one has to accomplish things. The natural man is in the likeness of Adam. “1. This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth” (Genesis 5:1, 3). Did you notice something in those verses? When God made man, He made him in God’s image. However, after man sinned in the garden, his children were after his image – no longer perfect, but now sinful men. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Everyone is born as a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, there is hope. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19). Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin upon all of mankind. God gave One who was perfect, His only Son, who was obedient to God. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Jesus paid the penalty for sin – for anyone who would just believe. “16.For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18). That is the only work one can do to have the penalty for sin removed. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29). Believe on Jesus.

    Once one believes on Jesus, having the condemnation of sin removed, we are taught to do something different. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). One can no longer walk in the flesh as a natural man. We are taught to walk after the Spirit. There is a difference. When one has committed that life to Jesus, there is a change of thought and direction. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). This Christian chooses the things of the Spirit.

    Why is this so important? “6. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God… 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8:6-9). Each person must look into their heart and life to see if they have truly given that life to God by accepting Jesus. It is then one receives His Spirit, enabling one to live a life that is “spiritually minded”. Without Christ, one remains a natural man, unable to please God, for “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

    Once you know without a doubt you belong to Jesus and are “spiritually minded”, there is another question that must be asked. Are you a growing Christian? “1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal…” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). One who is not a growing Christian can only understand the simplest things about the Bible and the Christian life. To grow, one must read God’s Word and exercise that Christian life. Remember what Paul told Timothy: “6. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:6-8). Christians are to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” and exercise unto godliness which is “profitable unto all things”. Choose to be a spiritual Christian, nourished in faith and good doctrine, and then exercise unto godliness.

    Who are you? A natural man who cannot please God?

    Or

    Are you a spiritual man who is nourished on God’s Word and exercises unto godliness?

    How to become a spiritual man: How to be saved

  • Don’t Quit

    “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

    Galatians 6:9

    God stirred the heart of Cyrus to send His people home (to Jerusalem) to rebuild the house of the Lord. The first group to return to Jerusalem was led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of David.

    Once they reached Jerusalem, Zerubbabel remained a leader, and Joshua was the high priest. These two men led the people to rebuild the altar of the Lord. They then began to rebuild the Temple. However, when they completed the foundation, the troubles began.

    Do you remember what happens when God’s people begin to serve God? The adversaries make themselves known. “1. Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel; 2. Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do…” (Ezra 4:1-2). Adversaries means “one who troubles; an opponent; or an enemy.” Once the work of God had begun, the adversaries made themselves known. However, Zerubbabel recognized that they were not for God so he would not allow them to help. Although they declared they wanted to “help”, they were not trying to help the work of God. They were trying to stop it. This was not a one-time trouble. They caused difficulties for years and years, stopping the building of the Temple – which was the ulterior motive (see Ezra 4:3-5). The adversaries’ purpose had been accomplished, and the building had been stopped (see Ezra 4:23-24).

    When the adversaries came and the building stopped, God sent His prophet, Haggai, to encourage the people to build the house of the Lord. First, he scolded them for living in their nice houses while the Temple of the Lord was not completed. He reminded the people to “consider your ways”, and that God was to come first (see Haggai 1:4-8). Haggai then encouraged the leaders to complete the Temple. Once the people began to obey, God encouraged them. “I am with you, saith the LORD” (Haggai 1:13b).

    After the people decided to obey God, and God encouraged them that He would be with them, recognize what else God did for His people. “And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God” (Haggai 1:14). God did not leave His people alone. He stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel and Joshua to lead the people. He even stirred the spirit of all the remnant. God understood that His people needed to have physical leaders that they could see, hear, and with whom they could communicate.

    God gave them the encouragement they needed. “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:4). Three times God said to be strong. This is the same encouragement God gave to Joshua when he was preparing to lead the people into the promised land years earlier. The secret of Joshua’s successes was his faith in the Word of God (see Joshua 1:7-9), its’ commandments, and its’ promises. God’s Word to Joshua was “Be strong!”. This is the same message for His people today! See the following:

    • “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
    • “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).
    • “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).

    God had specific words for the leaders. When the leaders acted upon those words, the people followed and the work began again. Zerubbabel, Joshua, the high priest, and the remnant of the people stepped up and began working on the Temple again – and God kept the enemy from stopping them.

    Just as the adversaries stopped the building of the Temple, even today, Christians have an adversary who is set about to stop the work of the Lord in this world. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

    Knowing Satan wants to defeat (and destroy) Christians, how can we survive his attacks? “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). When we submit to God and His will in our lives, we can defeat Satan.

    “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). We are to never quit serving God as the Israelites did when the adversary opposed them. We must not only recognize who the adversaries are that try to stop God’s work, but we must continue with what God has for us to do. God will also encourage us through His Word (the Bible) just as he encouraged the Israelites through His prophet, Haggai.

    Have you chosen to ignore your adversary, be encouraged through God’s Word, and complete the work God has for you?

  • Faithful Daniel

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

    2 Timothy 2:15

    Daniel was faithful to God throughout the captivity days of Judah in Babylon. Not only did God give him the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and interpreting dreams, but God also gave him many visions of what would happen in the future.

    Daniel read God’s Word that had already been recorded. As he read Jeremiah 25:11-12, he understood that it was a confirmation of a prophecy from Leviticus 26:33-35. He realized that God had promised that after seventy years, the captivity in Babylon would end, and God’s people would get to go home (see Daniel 9:2). Daniel also recognized that the captivity was because of the people’s sin. When Daniel read God’s plan, he understood God’s will for him. He did what God said to do; he prayed for forgiveness of sin. Read how his prayer began. “3. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 4. And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 5. We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments” (Daniel 9:3-5). Read Daniel 9:3-21 for the entire prayer. It was important that Daniel was in God’s will (to immediately repent and pray) so that he would be in a position for God to reveal Himself to him. It is after this prayer that God revealed to Daniel some of the most specific details about God’s plan of redemption.

    After recognizing that Daniel was a great student of God’s Word, we should realize that this was imperative in his understanding of what God was doing in his life and the life of his nation. The more he read God’s Word, the more God revealed understanding to Daniel. Daniel knew that God had a plan, and His plan would come to pass. Daniel is probably the most outstanding character of the Old Testament, yet we have recorded Daniel’s personal confession as he threw himself upon the mercy of Almighty God. The more holy a person is, the more that one will be more conscious of his unholiness. It is then one humbles himself completely before God. This is the condition one must be in to truly hear from God and recognize the plan God has for that life.

    Daniel understood God was moving in the lives of His people. He could do nothing to help, but he recognized the importance of praying according to God’s will. We are to recognize that God has a plan in this day. Although we might not see anything we can do in it, we do have a personal responsibility to pray that God’s will is done in all things. It may be then that God can reveal His specific plan for you.

    See only a few of the things that we should learn from the life of Daniel:

    • to be faithful to speak God’s Words to others;
    • to not compromise our walk with the Lord;
    • to trust God’s protection of our life while we serve Him;
    • to be faithful to read God’s written word (the Bible), knowing that God will reveal Himself and His plans to His people.

    Christians must be very careful to not become guilty of spiritual pride – too proud to confess our sin. It is necessary to continually examine our lives and make sure there is nothing hindering our fellowship and communion not only with God, but with His people. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Remember David. Although he sinned greatly (recorded for us to recognize), he had learned to repent and say “I have sinned” and he was known as a “man after God’s own heart” (see 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22).

    Throughout the Bible, we recognize a principle that the more we study God’s written Word, the more God gives us of His revelation. The more we exercise ourselves in knowing His will, the more He reveals His will to us. God reveals Himself and His plans to those who belong to Him – just as He did to Daniel. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). (See also 1 Corinthians 2:12-13.) Today, we need to read the Bible for answers.

    The events in lives of people recorded in the Bible are nothing if we do not turn them into personal examples of how God expects each and every one of His children to live. We can read about Daniel, acknowledging that God was able to use him mightily to reach kings of enemy nations, revealing God to them – all because Daniel was committed to reading God’s Word and to walk with God, daily.

    Daniel was truly a mighty example of a man who consistently walked with God.

    Do people recognize you as one who studies God’s Word and consistently walks according to His plan?

  • The Handwriting on the Wall

    “And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;”

    Daniel 5:22

    Daniel was now an older man. King Nebuchadnezzar no longer ruled. A new king reigned in Babylon. His name was Belshazzar, and he was King Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson. We know little about him, except for the time he drank wine before his thousands. “1. Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. 2. Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein” (Daniel 5:1-2). Father in this verse means “grandfather.” King Belshazzar called for the vessels from the house of the Lord to be brought to him. Remember King Nebuchadnezzar had stolen the vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem (see Daniel 1:1-2). These vessels belonged in the house of the Lord and were consecrated to God (set apart for a special purpose). Recognize that Belshazzar misused these vessels. “They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone” (Daniel 5:4). Belshazzar was using them to praise false gods (of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone).

    Read what God did. “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote” (Daniel 5:5). When King Belshazzar saw a hand writing on the palace wall, he was so scared that his knees began to shake together! He sent for his wise men to tell him what the message meant – with a promise of great reward (see Daniel 5:6-7). However, none of them could tell the king what the writing meant. This frightened King Belshazzar even more.

    Nevertheless, when the queen heard what was happening, she told the king that she knew of someone. “11. There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; 12. Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation” (Daniel 5:11-12). Notice the reputation that preceded Daniel! Also, recognize the confidence the queen had in Daniel – for we read the king then requested Daniel’s presence. If Daniel would give King Belshazzar the meaning, Daniel would receive great reward (see Daniel 5:13-16). However, Daniel did not want rewards for delivering a message from God to the king (see Daniel 5:17).

    The first thing Daniel did was remind King Belshazzar of his grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar, and the response he had made when God spoke to and dealt with him (see Daniel 5:18-21; also see Daniel chapter four). Next, Daniel brought the responsibility of the writing upon the wall to the king. “22. And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; 23. But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified” (Daniel 5:22-23). Daniel rebuked King Belshazzar for praising the gods of silver, gold, brass, iron, wood and stone, and not acknowledging God who had given him life.

    Nebuchadnezzar had humbled himself before God, but Belshazzar had refused.

    King Belshazzar had not believed in God like his grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar.

    Read the message God had for King Belshazzar. “25. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians” (Daniel 5:25-28). King Belshazzar had been “weighed in the balances” by God, and Belshazzar had been found wanting (means “deficient; lacking; to fail”). Although Belshazzar had a great kingdom, he had rejected God. The God in whom Nebuchadnezzar, his grandfather, had believed and trusted. For that, God was going to take the kingdom from Belshazzar and divide it among his enemies.

    Belshazzar fulfilled his promise to Daniel, giving him honor and gifts (see Daniel 5:29). Recognize that it did not really matter that the king declared Daniel to be the third ruler in the kingdom. Why not? “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain” (Daniel 5:30). The handwriting declared King Belshazzar would lose his kingdom that night – and he did. He also lost his life. With that came the demise of the Babylonian reign. Belshazzar no longer lived, nor did he rule over Babylon any more.

    Nebuchadnezzar had a choice. He chose to believe in the one true God.

    Belshazzar had a choice. He chose to disregard the one true God.

    What choice have you made?

    How to choose wisely: Choose the one true God

  • Nebuchadnezzar

    “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”

    Job 42:5

    When Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him, he called his wise men to tell him what his dream was and what it meant. When Daniel was called, he told the king that no man could tell the king his dream and the meaning, but the answer to his dream came from God in heaven (see Daniel 2:28). After Daniel revealed the dream and its meaning, we read King Nebuchadnezzar’s first acknowledgment that the God of Daniel is the one true God. “The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret” (Daniel 2:47).

    After the dream of a great image (where his kingdom was the head of gold), Nebuchadnezzar, the king, made a huge image of gold (see Daniel 3). The people were commanded to fall down and worship that golden image when they heard the sound of the music (see Daniel 3:5). Anyone who did not worship it would be cast into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6). When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not fall down and worship the image, someone told the king (see Daniel 3:12). Though they were captives in a foreign land, and they were rulers there, they had chosen to serve the one true God with their lives.

    King Nebuchadnezzar was angry (see Daniel 3:13), but he gave them a second chance to bow to the golden image – with the warning, “but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15b). Read their answer, “17. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).

    Not only did God spare their lives, miraculously, but Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God as the most high God. This is the second time recorded that Nebuchadnezzar recognized God, and His dealings in the lives of the young men from Judah. Nebuchadnezzer said, “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (Daniel 3:29).

    Daniel chapter four is different. It is written by King Nebuchadnezzar. It begins with a declaration from King Nebuchadnezzar that this is his personal testimony of how he came to know the one true God.

    It began with a dream of which none of his wise men could declare the meaning. “But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream …” (Daniel 4:8). Notice that Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that he had named Daniel after his god, but he recognized that the spirit of the one true God was within Daniel. He told Daniel his dream (see Daniel 4:10-18).

    After hearing the dream, Daniel was troubled. He understood that it was bad news for Nebuchadnezzar, yet good news for his enemies (see Daniel 4:19-26 for the interpretation of that dream). Read a key part: “That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:25). Moreover, read the invitation Daniel gave to King Nebuchadnezzar. “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity” (Daniel 4:27). Daniel counseled him to turn from his sins.

    Just as God warned in a dream, “All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar” (Daniel 4:28). One year later, Nebuchadnezzar said, “… Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). While the words were in his mouth, God spoke telling Nebuchadnezzar that, “The kingdom is departed from thee” (Daniel 431b). God proceeded to tell him that he would be driven from men to live with the beasts of the field and eat grass for seven years. It happened that same hour (see Daniel 4:33). But at the end of that seven years, recognize what happened. “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34). Understand what took place. Once Nebuchadnezzar recognized the God, his understanding returned and he was reestablished in his kingdom (see Daniel 4:36). Read the declaration made by King Nebuchadnezzar. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (Daniel 4:37). When Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God and what God had done in his life, Nebuchadnezzar was changed – for now he knew God.

    Nebuchadnezzar had to come to the same place Job had reached: “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6). He had heard of God, but now he knew Him.

    Have you come to the place where you have not only heard of God, but know you know Him?

    The only way to know God is through His Son, Jesus. Click here to learn how to know God.

  • Purpose in Your Heart

    “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

    Daniel 1:8

    The book of Daniel tells of Daniel and his three friends. The happenings in these lives are some of the more familiar events in the Bible. Most people have heard these “stories” often. However, it is important to understand that these are not just “stories”, but historical occurrences in actual people’s lives.

    Daniel was most likely born during the reign of the last good king of Judah, Josiah, and lived while the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke. If you remember, King Josiah sought the Lord, removed idol worship, and repaired the house of the Lord. While the repair of the Temple was taking place, they found a book of the Law of Moses (see 2 Chronicles 34:14). After hearing God’s Word, King Josiah read it to all of the people in Judah. “And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book” (2 Chronicles 34:31). There was a change in the king’s life. He chose to serve God.

    Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were most likely taken during the first siege of Nebuchadnezzar when many nobles and princes were taken captive (about nineteen years before Jerusalem fell). Remember that God allowed Babylon to come up against Jerusalem because they had predominately forsaken God for idol worship).

    King Nebuchadnezzar wanted the best of the young men of Judah to be set aside, to teach them the things of the Chaldeans. It appears the objective here was to make them forget everything about their previous life in Judah, becoming as the Babylonians. We read of four particular young men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Each of these young men obviously had parents who had not forsaken God (notice the meanings of their names below), but who still served Him in spite of the idolatry around them. Keep in mind that they heard the Word of the Lord read, and hearing it had obviously made a difference in their hearts and lives as well. The names of these four young men were changed. It appears that the name changes were to make them forget the God of their youth, and instead acknowledge the false gods of Babylon. Notice what their names mean and what their names were changed to:

    • Daniel means God is my judge; Daniel was changed to Belteshazzar:Prince of Baal, Bel will protect
    • Hananiah means God is Gracious; Hananiah was changed to Shadrach: illuminated by the sun-god
    • Mishael means Who is like God; Mishael was changed to Meshach: who is like the moon-god and
    • Azariah means God is my Help; Azariah was changed to Abednego: servant of Nego

    Their new names honored Babylonian gods.

    When King Nebuchadnezzar gave the order to eat the king’s meat and drink his wine, and their names, which had honored God, were taken from them, these young men recognized that their commitment to God was being challenged. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). When Daniel purposed in his heart to obey God rather than man, recognize what God did. “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs” (Daniel 1:9).

    In Daniel’s asking the prince of the eunuchs to permit these four young men to eat vegetables and drink water for ten days instead of the king’s choice foods, it was to allow the Lord to have a chance to prove Himself (see Daniel 1:10-16). When these young men appeared in better condition than any of the others did, they were allowed to continue their diet for the three years. Read what God did for them when they choose to walk in the ways of God. “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). Even more than that, see what was discovered when they were presented to King Nebuchadnezzar. “19. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:19-20). Because of their decision, choosing to remain faithful to God’s Word, God blessed them. “And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus” (Daniel 1:21). Especially notice God allowed Daniel to live through the entire captivity.

    These four young men had been born in a land where they had learned of God. They were carried away to a pagan land. There, they chose to continue to serve God.

    Today, most people have been born into a pagan land. It is your choice: to trust in Christ and “purpose in your heart” to live for Him, or to live like the pagans.

    Have you “purposed in your heart” to obey God and His Word, in spite of the condition of the world around you?

  • Repent and Turn

    “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

    Ezekiel 18:30

    Ezekiel was taken captive by the Babylonians in the second taking of the people. God called Ezekiel to speak specifically to the children of the captives in Babylon. The children would live there, but after seventy years would be allowed to return to the land of Israel. “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 3:11). Ezekiel was to give the Words from God. The people had to choose if they would receive the message and act upon it, or not.

    One important message God gave to Ezekiel was a warning with a specific call to His people: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin” (Ezekiel 18:30). Ruin means “stumbling block; it is an obstacle, a cause of falling or sinning”. They must understand that God would judge each life. It was up to each individual person (“every one”) to repent and turn from his or her sin (transgressions). God did not want sin to be their “ruin”; the obstacle between them and God. In turning from sin, they were to turn to Him – the same as it is today. Remember: the people of Israel were evicted from their land because of their sin against God, forsaking Him for idol worship, and refusing to repent (see 2 Chronicles 36:14-21). The obstacle of the people’s sin separated between them and God. However, the children who came after them would not be held accountable for their parents’ sins. Each one of them had the choice: the choice to repent and turn to God, or refuse to repent and remain in sin.

    Remember what they should have already known. God did not want the people to die in their sins. He had made a provision for them, if they would only hear and obey. Each person had a choice: life or death. Moses had presented the choice to them many years before.

    “14. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

    15. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

    16. In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live…

    17. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

    18. I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land…

    19. … I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14-19).

    Moses had presented them with the choice as to how they would live here on earth and in the land God had promised His people. Ezekiel was reminding them of the same choice. Moreover, Ezekiel wanted the people to understand that this decision related to more than this earthly life in the here and now. There was an eternity to consider.

    God never changes. God wanted to save people in the Old Testament times, New Testament times, and He still wants to save people today. However, God allows each person to choose – to believe, or to not believe. Understand that every person is a sinner before a holy and righteous God (see Romans 3:23). Moreover, all of man’s righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight (see Isaiah 64:6). But we should recognize how to have life eternal. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Whosoever believes in Jesus can have life! Instead of choosing continual sin, one must choose Jesus by faith: then he or she can have life. God wants all to understand: He judges each individual person on his or her response to Him. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

    One must receive the righteousness of Jesus, who takes our sin and replaces it with His righteousness: “For he hath made him (Jesus)to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). That comes by belief.

    Just as Moses told the people: “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Paul recalled the same thing, quoting it in Romans: “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:8-9).

    God leaves the choice with each individual as to whether he or she will believe. What happens if one chooses to reject the gift of salvation that Jesus offers? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

    What do you choose?

    To turn from sin, receiving everlasting life.

    Or

    Have you chosen to have the wrath of God abide upon you?

    Choose to Live by turning from sin: How to be saved.