…Giving What You Need For The Task
Daniel 1:17-21
Purpose - To see and show that when God calls us to certain tasks; even as captives in a foreign land; He provides what we need for those tasks.
OUTLINE -
I. GOD PROVIDED DANIEL, HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH THE GIFTS THEY NEEDED FOR THE TASKS THEY HAD (v. 17).
II. GOD PROVIDED THAT THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOUND FAVOR WITH THE KING (vv. 18-19).
III. GOD EVEN PROVIDED THAT THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE HE GAVE TO THEM EXCEEDED THAT OF THE OTHERS (v. 20).
IV. THE TIME OF DANIEL’S SERVICE WAS REWARDED BY ALLOWING HIM TO SEE ISRAELITES RETURNING TO THE PROMISED LAND (.v. 21).
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had shown themselves faithful to the Lord’s commandments. They had done so without causing too much of a rift within the court; and they had God’s approval and blessing. When we honor God, by keeping His word, applying it to our lives on a daily basis, He will also honor us and bless us. There is, however, no promise of that blessing being immediate; nor, should we be obedient, nor attempting to honor God because we know we will be blessed for it.
We honor and bless and obey the Lord and His Word because He is worthy; and we thank Him for the privilege of such service. By the blood of Jesus Christ we have the right to be called “The sons of God” (John 1:12). It is still a service we thank Him for, because He gifts us for that purpose.
I. AS GOD EQUIPPED THE FOUR HEBREW BOYS FOR THEIR TIME IN BABYLON; SO GOD HAS EQUIPPED THE CHURCH FOR THE DAYS IN WHICH WE LIVE (v. 17).
- “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV).
- “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6 (KJV)
- “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-15 (KJV)
- “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 (KJV)
- “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (KJV)
- “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29 (KJV)
II. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS FAVOR BEFORE THE KINGS AND PRESIDENTS OF THE WORLD (vv. 18-19).
- “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
- “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)
III. THERE IS GREAT WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THOSE WHO WILL TRUST THE LORD IN ALL OF LIFE (v. 20).
- “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 9:9 (KJV)
- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5 (KJV)
IV. GOD IS FAITHFUL WHO HAS PROMISED; THERE IS REWARD FOR ALL WHO WILL BELIEVE AND RECEIVE (v. 21).
- “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
APPLICATION -
i. God has equipped us through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit to live for Him, and serve Him in the time which we live;
ii. When you and I live for the Lord, faithfully serving, praising, thanking Him; then He will give us peace in our hearts, a pure conscience, and raise us in favor with the people of the world to accomplish His purposes;
iii. Let us be wise to seek godly wisdom; and to seek it from God by asking Him for it, then, use it rightly for His glory;
iv. You and I must trust the Lord to be faithful in CARING FOR YOU, and giving you what you need to do His will.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Camped Before The Mountain – Exodus 19:1-8
When we began this study of Exodus the intention was to see it as a journey. A journey from captivity and slavery, deliverance from Egypt and slavery, the journey through the wilderness. In this journey we witness God as the Deliverer, Sustainer, Provider, and the covenant making God. From chapters 1 – 15:21 we have seen the captivity and God’s deliverance of Israel from that slavery. From chapters 15:22 – 18:27 we see the LORD as the Sustainer/Provider even a Banner for the children of Israel, providing bread in the wilderness, water for thrist, protection in war with victory; and the leader Moses receiving instruction on settling differences of the people.
In chapter 19 we begin the section on the covenants of God and the Law. That will continue through chapter 24; at which point we begin seeing the means of God’s reminding the people of His presence and glory chapters 25 – 40.
Journeys are for the purpose of moving from one place to another. They Israelites had left the place Rephidim, and gone to the wilderness of Sinai. The place of Mount Sinai; the mountain of God (Exodus 3:1; Ezekiel 28:14, 16). Horeb (3:1) is another name for Mount Sinai.
OUTLINE -
I. THE PLACE WHERE MOSES FIRST HEARD GOD SPEAK FROM THE BURNING BUSH (vv. 1-2).
II. THE PLACE WHERE ISRAEL CAMPED/STAYED FOR ABOUT ELEVEN MONTHS (v. 2 chapters 19- 40).
III. MOSES GOES TO THE MOUNT TO RECEIVE A WORD FROM GOD, INSTRUCTION, AND A MESSAGE FOR THE PEOPLE (vv. 3-6).
IV. MOSES DELIVERS GOD’S MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE (vv. 7-8).
STUDY QUESTIONS -
1. Horeb was the original place where Moses first met God at the _____________ ______________. (vv. 1-2)
2. The “Wilderness of Sinai” is the location of… (vv. 1-2; 3:1)
A. …Mount Hermon. B. …Mount Carmel.
C. …Mount Sinai. D. …Both A and C are correct.
edit for #2 A. Mount Hermon should be Mount Horeb.
3. The children of Israel stayed at ______________ ____________ for ______________ months. (v. 2; Numbers10:11)
4. Moses went up to the God, and the LORD called Moses from the mountain. True False (v. 3)
5. “Eagles wings” is a ________________ for the delivering, protecting, ____________ power of God. (v. 4; Deuteronomy 32:11-12).
6. Under covenant with God Israel would be a “treasure” and a kingdom of “priests”, a _____________ ______________. (vv. 5-8)
-Tim A. Blankenship
ANSWERS – 1. burning bush; 2. D; 3. Mount Sinai, eleven; 4. True; 5. Metaphor; 6. holy nation
Due to heavy snowfall that remains on roads, there will be no services at Carr Lane Baptist Church on Sunday January 31, 2010. Don’t forget or neglect the reading and study of God’s Word throughout the coming week; and may God richly bless you all.
As it stands at this time we will, the Lord willing, have our Wednesday night Bible Study in Exodus, and Prayer at 7 pm.
-T.A.
When You Purposely Stand For Him
Daniel 1:8-16
Purpose – To see by faith, that God cares for His people when we must take a purposeful stand to forward His name and His faith.
OUTLINE -
I. DANIEL TOOK A PURPOSEFUL STAND NOT TO EAT OF THE KING’S PROVISIONS (v. 8).
II. DANIEL IS REMINDED OF THE POSSIBLE COST OF TAKING THIS STAND – ESPECIALLY FOR HIS FRIEND (vv. 9-10).
III. DANIEL IS NOT STANDING ALONE – HANANIAH, MISHAEL, AND AZARIAH ARE STANDING WITH HIM (vv. 10-13).
IV. GOD BLESSES THEIR FAITH AND THEIR STAND (vv. 14-16).
We must all consider the fact, as Christians, that we are strangers in a foreign land. Some may not like, nor appreciate that statement, but if our citizenship is in heaven, and with God, then, we are indeed strangers in this land. It matters not what nation we live in; we are strangers in a foreign land. We are even “captives”, yet ambassadors in this foreign land, until the Lord returns to call us home to be with Him.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were ambassadors of God in Babylon. It seems, that they were about the only godly witness there. That is not so however. There was Ezekiel the prophet; and Esther and Mordecai [evidently cousins] (Esther 2:5-7). These were captives in Babylon, and there could have been many more. We have the four teenage boys taking a stand which was probably unheard of. It is a very encourageing thing to see teenagers take a stand for their godly convictions; not in rebellion, but in obedience to God.
I. THERE ARE TIMES AND SOME THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THIS WORLD THAT CALL US TO PURPOSELY STAND FOR GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 8 ).
II. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS HIS PEOPLE INTO GOOD FAVOR WITH OTHERS, AND WE SHOULD BE LIVING TO GIVE THEM CAUSE TO SUPPORT OUR STAND (vv. 9-10).
III. LIKE THE CONVICTIONS OF DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS TRUE CONVICTIONS CANNOT BE LAID ASIDE (vv. 10-13).
IV. GOD PROVES OUR FAITH WHEN WE ARE FAITHFUL (vv. 14-16).
APPLICATION -
i. Take a purposeful stand for God and all that is godly and righteous in the world, even if no one else does.
ii. Take a purposeful stand and trust the LORD for the good favor of others.
iii. Take a purposeful stand all the time on your convictions; and stand when they are being attacked as well.
iv. When we take that purposeful stand trust that the LORD will reward the faith of the faithful – I suppose that is what Paul; inspired by God; meant when he wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
-Tim A. Blankenship
Outside Leadership? – Exodus 18:1-27
At an opportune time in the days of Israel’s wilderness journey God shows us that we are never too old to learn. We must be humble and godly enough to receive instruction outside of our educational boxes, denominational boxes, etc.. Jethro; the father-in-law of Moses; comes to him with Moses’ wife [Zipporah] and their sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Though we are not told specifically why Zipporah left she is not mentioned from the last time (having to do with circumcision; 4:24-26) until here.
OUTLINE -
I. JETHRO COMES TO SEE MOSES’ ACHIEVEMENTS AND BRINGS HIS WIFE AND SONS WITH HIM (vv. 1-6).
II. MOSES, AARON AND THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL WORSHIPED GOD AND FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER (vv. 7-12).
III. JETHRO QUESTIONS MOSES CONCERNING HIS WORK AS A JUDGE AND ITS AFFECTIVENESS (vv. 13-16).
IV. MOSES LEARNS FROM HIS FATHER-IN-LAW A BETTER WAY OF JUDGMENT AND LEADERSHIP (vv. 17-26).
V. IT WOULD BE PERTINENT TO NOTE THAT MOSES’ FAMILY REMAINS WITH MOSES (v. 27).
Study Questions -
1. Jethro was a ‘priest of Midian’ and came to Moses, because he had heard of all the good God had done for Moses and Israel. True False (v. 1).
2. Though it is not known for sure why Zipporah had returned to her father, there are at least two possible explanations – (vv. 2-6)
A. She was too weak for the journey. B. She became angry by the circumcision of her son and returned.
C. Moses sent her on ahead following the victory with Egypt. D. Both B and C.
3. Jethro was a priest of ___________ in Midian. (vv. 7-16).
4. Would it have been the right thing for Moses to worship God along side Jethro; seeing that Jethro was an outsider and a “priest of Midian”? (vv. 7-12)
5. At the time of Jethro’s arrival, it appears that Moses was the one who “judged” all of Israel. True False (vv. 13-14).
6. The ____________ men were to meet certain qualifications to be ____________ of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens of people. (v. 21)
7. How can we say that Zipporah and sons stayed with Moses? Can we? Why? Why not?
-Tim A. Blankenship
ANSWERS -
1. True; 2. D; 3. God; 4. Open for discussion; 5. True; 6. godly, rulers/judges; 7. Open for discussion – We are only told that the “father-in-law departed”
We were unable to have worship services on January 03, 2010, and my wife and I attended worship of Stotts City Baptist Church on January 10, and our son’s ordination service that day.
The sermon points for this day may be found at the Sermon Points for 01/03/10
T.A.
Today’s Reading is Genesis 39 – 41-
From these chapters we see Joseph in Egypt; first as a house servant to Potiphar whose wife had an eye on Joseph. She tempted him, but Joseph was a young man with good and godly character and refused her. His reward for that was her lies which condemned him to prison, and God blessed Joseph in prison.
In Chapter 40 we find Joseph in prison and the “butler and the baker” are imprisoned with Joseph, they have dreams and Joseph interpret them. Joseph’s interpretation is that one will get their job back and the other will lose his life by hanging.
In the final verse of chapter 40 we find these words,
“Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.” Genesis 40:23 (KJV)
The butler promises to remember Joseph by speaking for him to get him set free, yet “forgets” about him. It seems he is so overjoyed or something that it completely slips his mind. Joseph, however, was forsaken by God. The time for Joseph’s fulfillment just had not come.
In the 41st chapter we find the Pharoah – king of Egypt having a couple of dreams and no one is able to interpret them. The butler then remembers Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams, the king sends for him, and Joseph is placed as a ruler over Egypt to prepare for a world wide drought.
One thing we can see from these chapters is the proof of faithfulness, and the knowledge that God is always faithful to fulfill His will. Joseph was faithful to God, believing God despite his sad consequences. He didn’t blame God, or deny God, or become angry with God and sin with Potiphar’s wife.
Be faithful to the end of your days and God will bless you greatly. Even when you are blessed be faithful to the end. God is faithful.
READING FOR JANUARY 16, 2010 is Genesis 42 – 43.
T.A.
The Reading for today Genesis 37 – 38
The focus on today’s reading will be verse 20 of chapter 37,
“Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Genesis 37:20 (KJV)
Joseph was what some would call a dreamer. The son of Rachel and Jacob, he was the first son of Rachel of only two sons; the youngest being Benjamin. His elder brothers of Leah; elder sister of Rachel; despised him, and couldn’t stand his dreaming.
The dreams he revealed to them had to do with the family; all the brothers and even his parents one day bowing down to him. He was dreaming that one day he was going to be a ruler. This just didn’t set well with them, and besides daddy seemed to favor Joseph above them all.
Something we should be able to learn from the early years of Joseph is that there are multiple problems in a family such as this. The man Jacob had married two wives, then when the youngest sees that she cannot bear children, she gives him her “handmaid” as wife, and has children through her; a surrogate mother of sorts.
The focus verse here was that Joseph’s brethren were set on seeing that those dreams just didn’t come to pass. They were probably counting on the supposed fact that he would die in captivity. The will of God will not be thwarted by any freewill, or actions of sinful men.
If you ever get to a point in your life where you think you have gone too far to come back to God, there is too much sin in your life for God to forgive and cleanse, or there has been too much working against you to make things right with God; you are best to think again. God’s will and plan is being fulfilled as you think.
Here is how the Psalmist spoke of Joseph,
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Psalm 105:17-19 (KJV)
TOMORROW’S READING Genesis 39 – 41
Be thankful for the sovereign will of God today.
T.A.
Bible Reading Today Genesis 34 – 36 -
From today’s reading we look at 35:27-29.
In chapter 34 we find the story of Dinah the daughter of Jacob who is assaulted and the man who assaulted her tries to marry into the family, which would violate the will of God.
In chapter 25 we find several major events. Jacob returns to Bethel; the place where he first met God, and his journey of faith began. Then at the birth of Benjamin Rachel dies, and is buried. Then after several years of being back in the land of Canaan Isaac dies and Esau and Jacob come together as brothers and bury their father.
Here is the text,
“And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” Genesis 35:27-29 (KJV)
Isaac had called on Esau to hunt a deer and prepare the meat, and he would give him his blessing (chapter 27), but Rebekah and Jacob conspired against them to have the blessing for Jacob.
It just appears to me that Isaac was in too much of a hurry, and caused a problem that shouldn’t have been. We read in the text above that Isaac was one hundred and eighty years of age when he died. Jacob was in the land with his uncle Laban for about 21 years before returning, and its seems a few years have passed in returning to the land of Canaan, and then Isaac dies.
No one knows the hour of their death. Isaac didn’t know his own, and this is proof of it.
Since we do not know the time of our death and we do know that it can come at any moment then, we ought always be prepared. Maybe that is what Isaac was doing??? Don’t we always need to be a blessing for our children and bless them every day? Sure we do.
Bless the kid-o’s today as they go to school. Remind them that you love them – tell them “I love you”. It goes a long way, and for a long, long time.
Have a good and godly day.
T.A.
BIBLE READING JANUARY 14, 2010 Genesis 37 – 38.
Today’s Reading Genesis 32 – 33 -
In these two chapters we find Jacob returning to the land of Canaan, and meeting his brother Esau who was angry with him when he left; so angry in fact that he wanted to kill him.
On the way to meet his brother Jacob meets the LORD in the form of a man, and “wrestles” Him. We all have our wrestling matches with God through our discontent, at times even being angry with God, disobedient, and then God gets hold of something in our lives that causes some pain, and we lose the match, but end up winning with God receiving the glory.
The final verse of chapter33 tells us,
“And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.” Genesis 33:20 (KJV)
We can see in this that his heart is set to the LORD and His will; no longer Jacob’s will. God has done and continues doing a great work in Jacob’s life, whose name is now Israel (32:28).
“El elohe-Israel” means “God, the God of Israel”, and seems to mean that Jacob has aligned himself with the Holy One of Israel, the Mighty God of Israel who is the God of all that is. Jacob has returned to the place where Abraham first erected an altar many years previous to this. The altar is renewed, the covenant is renewed, and the journey of faith continues.
One thing to keep your eye on in the coming readings and studies is that the descendants of Esau continue holding a grudge, so Esau’s peace with Jacob is only external, but not of his heart. I believe I can say that because the children hold the grudge, that is the children of Edom, and continue to attack the descendants of Jacob for many more years.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”.
THE READING FOR JANUARY 13 will be Genesis 34 – 36.
Have a glorious day in the LORD.
T.A.
