June 2010

Several people have commented on how much they enjoyed last month’s As I See It publication. For those who do not remember, the article was about all things working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

I have some more wonderful news: But there is a God in heaven  ( Daniel 2:28 NIV). King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream that all of his wise men and magicians could not interpret. Daniel asked three of his friends to join him in praying for God to reveal not only the king’s dream, but also its interpretation. In the middle of the night after praying long and earnestly, the vision came and it was entirely clear to Daniel. The next day he informed King Nebuchadnezzar no one upon earth, to include his wise men, astrologers, sorcerers, and magicians would be able to tell him the secrets of his dream. Daniel then stated: “but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king what shall be in the latter days”. ( Daniel 2:28 NIV).  Upon this he revealed the king’s dream and accordingly received many gifts and was made ruler over the province of Babylon.

Did you notice that the first thing Daniel did was to petition others to pray with him? You and I, in every hour of trouble, can say, But there is a God in heaven and He will deliver me.  The children of Israel were on the shores of the mighty Red Sea and in fear they cried out to Moses, “Why did you bring us here to die? Were there no graves in Egypt?” They stated they would rather die as slaves in Egypt than to die in the wilderness. Moses responded by reminding the Israelites that there was a God in heaven and He would deliver them. Moses encouraged them to stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord would bring to them that day.

You and I can hear Daniel screaming out to King Darius knowing there was a God in heaven, my God sent His angels and shut the mouths of the lions. (Daniel 6:21)  King Herod, you may kill James, persecute preachers, and imprison Peter, but remember there is a God in heaven and He said touch not my anointed.  As Herod sat upon his throne making a speech to the people, an angel of the Lord struck the king and toppled him dead from his throne.  The Bible tells us he was eaten by worms and gave up the ghost.

Have there been times of great distress for you? Have you been bound on every side not knowing which way to turn? Has your pathway been full of dangers and despair?  Oh, just remember that there is a God in heaven.

I went to the Bible to find scripture of God’s comfort. I found over one hundred twenty five great comforting text, but I believe the finest and sweetest one is in Matthew 11:28. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

One day when death comes knocking at our door, and it will,  I know there is a God in heaven who has redeemed us through the blood of His Son.. There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ. (Romans 8:1)  and that, my friend, means if Christ is yours, you need have no fears of death and until then He will keep you sound and safe and that’s the way I see it.

iHs

Griff