Color-Rogue

Photo taken 7-4-16 in Apollo, PA

July 4th isn't the time for foliage, so I'm not sure why this leaf decided to go color-rogue.  I snapped this photo because the one leaf was remarkably different from all others.  Then I thought about Daniel.

" . . . an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel . . ." (Dan. 5:12)

I pray that the same will be true about my children.  May they not merely exist in this world but make a difference for Jesus.

Technological Singularity

"Technological singularity is a hypothetical moment in time when technological progress reaches the point of no return – when the pace of technological invention skyrockets to the extent that humans no longer have any control over what happens. In essence, this would mean the emergence of intelligent, self-replicating machines that operate without human input.  The critical moment would be when machines take on an artificial intelligence that matches or exceeds the brainpower of humans. No one in the academic community doubts that this will happen - the question is not if, but when. The consensus is that it won’t be long in coming."
-- http://www.members.shaw.ca/shelldu/SignpostsJul-Dec12.pdf (Accessed 11.26.12)

"But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase." (Dan. 12:4)

7 Reasons You Should Pray More (Dan. 2:1-23)

You should pray more because...

1. People are troubled, anxious and unsure what to do (Dan. 2:1,3).
2. Worldly solutions don't always work and there are questions worldly wisdom can't answer (Dan. 2:2,4-11).  Read 1 Cor. 1:20; 2:5.
3. Lives hang in the balance (Dan. 2:12-13).
4. You need discretion and discernment ahead of time (Dan. 2:14-15).
5. The King can be persuaded to stay His wrath (Dan. 2:16).  Read Psa. 7:11; 1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Pet 3:9; Rom. 5:9.
6. God gives wisdom and understanding to those who ask (Dan. 2:19).  Read Prov. 2:1-7.
7. God is worthy to be praised when He answers (Dan. 2:20-23).  Read Psa. 100:4-5.

Are you similar to Nebuchadnezzar -- troubled, anxious and unsure what to do?  There is a solution.  Prayer.  Be like Daniel:  Ask God for wisdom and insight (Prov. 3:5-6; Jam. 1:5; Jer. 33:3).

Fuel for Your Prayer Life (Dan. 2:13-19)

 

Charcoal

Here are five things that will fuel your prayer life.

1. Urgency.  Your prayers will be more effective when you have a personal stake in the outcome.  "...they looked for Daniel and his friends to kill them." (Dan. 2:13).  Nothing fuels prayer more than a sober estimate of what's at stake!
2. Alignment.  Your prayers will be more effective when you don't sabotage them by wrong behavior.  "Then Daniel replied with discretion and discernment..." (Dan. 2:14)
3. Responsibility.  Your prayers will be more effective when you do your homework.  Ask relevant questions.  "For what reason is the decree from the king so urgent?" (Dan. 2:15)
4. Concentration.  Your prayers will be more effective when you set aside special time for them.  "So Daniel...requested of the king that he would give him time..." (Dan. 2:16).  Pray for the one thing with all the energy, sincerity and faith you can muster.  Focused prayer doesn't bounce all over the place.  Focused prayer is the sniper's shot, not the hunter's buckshot.
5. Agreement.  Your prayers will be more effective when you exercise the power of unity.  "Then Daniel...informed his friends..." (Dan. 2:17).  See also Mt. 18:19-20; Ac. 2:1.  You're after people with a similar passion, people who also understand what's at stake, people you trust.

The Vessels Were Carried Away (Dan. 1:2)

Read Dan. 1:1-2.

A "vessel" was something that assisted in worshiping the true God.  Solomon, king of Israel, made vessels of gold for the temple (1 Kin. 7:50-51).  Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried away these vessels.

What are some of the "vessels" we've allowed worldly culture to carry away? 

• Prayer.  Put prayer meetings on your calendar, but don't attend.  If you do go to prayer meeting or to the altar, stay long enough to appear spiritual but not long enough to see change in your life.  Whatever you do, don't pray out loud or get "emotional."
• Fasting.  This is a good idea but always find an excuse not to participate.
• Witnessing.  Don't tell someone else what's good for him.  It works for you and that's fine, but it's not your place to push your belief on anyone else.
• Services other than Sunday morning.  One service per week is enough.  Twenty-first-century Christians know you go to church Sunday morning and then take the rest of the day to do what you want.  Use the words "family" or "work" consistently and everyone buys your excuses.  Spiritualize your absences with the phrase "God understands my situation."
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Don't say it's unbiblical, just don't pursue it with the aggression you once did.  If you've had this glorious experience, don't get too excited.  Keep it quiet.  Continue to entertain the thought it might not be necessary for today.  Whatever you do, pastor, don't mention this unless it's Pentecost Sunday.  (I won't be here that day, so you're okay.)

Without these things worship is weakened, testimony is compromised and impact is minimized.  Resist the pull by the masses.  Think differently on these 5 things.  Think biblically.

Seven Observations about Holiness (Dan. ch. 1)

Read Daniel chapter one.

1. Holiness does not always make you feel comfortable.  It requires sacrifice, denial, effort.
2. Holiness begins with a choice, not a feeling.  You might not feel like pursuing holiness, but you are not driven by feelings.  You are driven by the facts of God's Word.
3. The thing you "feed" lives. It seems worldliness gets fed automatically.  Holiness must be fed intentionally.  There is no such thing as accidental holiness.  Accidental morality, yes, but not holiness.
4. Holiness works with people as much as possible.  This requires a firm stand, but never warrants rudeness.  Daniel "sought permission from the commander." (1:8)
5. Holiness leads to a reward.  Keep pursuing holiness (Heb. 12:14). The reward is worth it.
6. You are the only person who can defile you.  Others might violate you, but only you can defile you.  Make up your mind you will be holy.
7. Once you determine what holiness requires, God will how you how to do it.

Make a Full Break with the World (Dan. 4:7-9)

Read Daniel 4:7-9.  Nebuchadnezzar is the King of Babylon.  Daniel is God's true prophet (one who speaks for God).
Nebuchadnezzar knew his magicians couldn't help him.  He knew his worldly wise men couldn't help him.  He knew his dream was significant and needed interpretation.  He knew Daniel could interpret dereams, for he'd done it before (Dan. 2:24-25). 

In spite of all that Nebuchadnezzar knew, he still hung onto the magic and worldly wisdom.  Neither one worked, but he wouldn't make a clean break with them. 

Christian, are you holding onto the world?  Haven't you discovered it is inferior to what Christ offers?  Or is it that you love the world? (1 Jn. 2:15-17).  When did Jesus alone become insufficient?

The Difference Between a Critic and a Wise Man (Dan. 4:19-27)

Read Daniel 4:17-29.

Critics point out only what's wrong.  Wise men, such as Daniel, point out why something is wrong and what to do about it.  Wise men offer solutions!  Joseph was another example (Gen. 41:25-36).  We need fewer critics and more wise people.  Critics are hurtful, but wise people are helpful.