Commitment

A True Man of God

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Many things can speak to the character of Daniel. From the beginning of the book to the end his traits can be seen. These characteristics show Daniel to be a true man of God.  Are we people that others can see as being true children of God? When others look at us, do our characteristics attest to this? If we examine ourselves honestly, how would we answer these questions?

Daniel is a man worth emulating when it comes right down to it. We can see that fact by just looking at a few of his traits. Daniel is a man that stands by God. Daniel was unwilling to waver from his convictions even though he faced death. Daniel is a man of prayer. We know that Daniel went to God in prayer at least three times a day. It would not be hard to believe that on some days he may have prayed more for special circumstances, as when he got a vision. He is a good leader of the people. When praying to God, Daniel spoke for the people, telling God of the sin that they had done. Daniel did not blame others like most would but took on that burden with them. These are just a few characteristics of many that Daniel has.

Going back to our self-examination, can we say that we have any of these traits? If we cannot say yes to these traits, then we have a lot of work to do to be true children of God. Therefore, here is our three-part challenge. First, we need to read through the book of Daniel. Second, we need to read through the book again, but this time, picking out and listing Daniel’s characteristics. Third, take that list of characteristics and work on making those our characteristics. May we always be the true children of God.   Jacob Saarloos

 

Making the Choice of God

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Choices are something that we are all faced with every day of our lives. Sometimes those choices are just simple everyday occurrences like what to eat for breakfast, but we do come across those choices that shape who we are from time to time. To see an example of this let’s look at Ahaz king of Judah and his son Hezekiah who was later king of Judah, which is recorded in the book of 2 Kings starting at chapter 16.

When Ahaz became king he was in the midst of a war with Israel and Syria. Ahaz had choices to make.

God wanted to help him and was ready to

if Ahaz would simply turn to Him. Ahaz chose to turn to man rather than God and sought the help of Assyria. Ahaz showed his character and how he wanted to find a way himself rather than to rely on God in his life. This may have worked in theory for Ahaz because Assyria did come to his aid and rid him of the problem of Israel and Syria. Unfortunately, because Assyria was brought into the land and paid for their assistance they became greedy and eventually turned on the land of Judah. Ahaz made his choice to rely on someone other than God and it brought despair to the people.

Hezekiah, on the other hand, chose to not only trust in the Lord but to cling to Him as well, and because of this, the Lord was with Hezekiah. You can see this because at a time when Hezekiah was ill he prayed to the Lord and the Lord swiftly answered through Isaiah and healed Hezekiah and also gave him 15 extra years to his life. Hezekiah’s choice of God was not only beneficial for him it also helped the people, because when Assyria came down upon them God struck down 185,000 of their men in one night.

Hezekiah chose God. Can we make that same choice in our lives when times are tough? When we get down or are struggling is God the one that we look to? We will all face choices at times that aren’t as simple or easy as choosing breakfast, but it will show our character. Are we going to be like Ahaz and chose man or like Hezekiah and chose God?

Jacob Saarloos

Are you religious or are you converted?

Posted on by Bob Mathews

In spite of its frantic pursuit of religion, America has never been less spiritual. Jesus came into a world that was very religious, if not Jewish, then pagan. Jesus did not come to establish a new religion, but to convert the world, because while they were religious, they were not saved.

Religion is from within, redemption (conversion) is from above. Religion brings one to worship, conversion brings one to God. Religion is a response to the void within man, conversion is a response to the voice of God. Religion can restructure your life, conversion can restart your life. Religion may get you thru life, conversion will get you to heaven. While religion might affect your diet, conversion will affect your destiny.

I do!

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Those two words are the words that end the taking of an oath in court, but more importantly, at the end of the oath that you take at your wedding. You were probably asked, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Do you take                 to be your lawful wedded husband; do you take                 to be your lawful wedded wife?”

When you became a Christian you were asked if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and you said, “I Do.”

In the wedding, it was for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death parts you. And to this you said, “I Do!” You did not have to (unless there was a shotgun behind you), but you did because you wanted to. Hopefully, because you loved that woman or man.

There is another oath you have taken if you are a Christian. When you became a Christian you were asked if you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and you said, “I Do.” When you were baptized you were saying, “I DO want Jesus to be my Lord and Master, my Savior and King,” and that was not just on Sunday, but it was everyday in every way, because you wanted to be joined to Christ. Even though you became a member of His church, you did not do it to become a member of the church; hopefully, you did it because you fell in love with the man called Jesus and you wanted to be joined to Him and follow Him in good times, as well as bad times, and that is the oath you took.

How are you doing on your wedding oaths—both to your physical wedding partner and to your spiritual groom?