Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 5:5-6

The Fear of God

Daniel 5:5–6

In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other.

The Fear of God

Man is plagued with many fears, some of them odd. Mysophobia is fear of dirt. Hydrophobia is fear of water. Nyctophobia is fear of darkness. Acrophobia is fear of high places. Xenophobia is fear of strangers. Claustrophobia is fear of confined places. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13. Unfortunately, many people who have learned to fear things that they probably shouldn't have never learned to fear God.

Belshazzar was one of those people. Whatever other fears he may have had, a fear of the God of Israel was not one of them. In the midst of a great feast, the king, a grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, ordered the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to be put on display. With utter disregard for the sacred nature of these utensils, and with no concern for God, Belshazzar profaned them by using them in his drunken revelry. It was not until a hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall of God's judgment that this arrogant king began to fear. But by then it was too late. His fate was sealed.

Many people today treat God flippantly. They use His name in vain. They trample His standards of righteousness underfoot. They flout their sin in His face. They treat God's people with disdain and contempt. Yet they show no fear. Only when it's too late for many of them will they realize what fools they've been.

Be assured that one day everyone will fear God. The best course of action is to bow before Him in fear as Savior now so you don't have to bow before Him in fear as Judge later. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Fear God now and you won't have to fear God later.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: James 1:17 Daniel 5:22-23

A Humble Heart

Daniel 5:22–23

"But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified."

A Humble Heart

Popular culture has lost its grasp on humility. When asked about the sin of pride, rap singer Queen Latifah replied, "Pride is a sin? I wasn't aware of that." Actress Kirstie Alley added, "I don't think pride is a sin. . . . I think some idiot made that up." And rapper Ice-T responded, "Pride is mandatory. That's one of the problems of the inner city. Kids don't have enough pride." Somewhere along the line these people have neglected reading the Bible. God clearly says that pride is sin.

Belshazzar, the last of Nebuchadnezzar's line to rule Babylon, also fell victim to pride. He surely had heard of his grandfather's experiences, but apparently they made no impression on him. Even though the Medes and the Persians were advancing on his kingdom, he was so confident of his defenses that he spent the evening in revelry rather than preparation. In his arrogance, he gave praise to the gods of materialism and failed to glorify the one true God, who could have saved his life. In thinking that he had it all, he lost everything.

Much of modern society is headed in the same direction. People take great pride in the advancements they've made in medicine, communications and other forms of technology. Yet they've failed to acknowledge that their achievements have been only by the grace of God.

The Bible's advice is still the best. Humble yourself before God. Lift up your accomplishments and confess that they are all gifts from the Lord, who is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). Give thanks to Him who holds your very breath in His hands. Set aside pride and grab hold of God.

All we have we owe to God.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 5:24-28

In God's Scales

Daniel 5:24–28

"Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

In God’s Scales

Some government officials claim that something has gone seriously wrong with the American judicial system. A few years ago the Heritage Foundation conducted a study that revealed that the average sentence for murder is only 15 years and the murderer is usually out in 1.8 years. A rapist gets an average of 8 years, but he’s out in 60 days. Burglars will likely serve only 4.8 days, and within three years 60 percent of them are arrested for another crime. Furthermore, an Arrand Corporation study confirmed that the average inmate has committed 187 crimes before he is ever sentenced.

God’s justice, however, suffers no such flaws. His scales are both accurate and just. In the midst of the king’s drunken revelry, Belshazzar discovered that God had been very much aware of his sins all along and that the time of restitution had arrived. The fingers of the hand that spelled out his doom left nothing in question. His kingdom had run its course, his soul was found wanting, and the instruments of God’s judgment (the Medes and the Persians) were at the door.

Christians can be thankful that even though human justice often fails, God’s justice never does. It is complete; no detail is overlooked. Furthermore, it is totally equitable. Those who are wealthy cannot buy their way out of judgment, those who are eloquent cannot talk their way out, and those who are powerful cannot force their way out. In God’s courtroom, no one has an unfair advantage.

If you are suffering under an injustice, just hang on. Appeal your case to God. The One who judges both heaven and earth will execute justice for you as well. Trust Him to do what is right in His own time.

God’s justice has no loopholes.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 6:3-5

An Honest Politician

Daniel 6:3–5

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

An Honest Politician

It's been suggested that to put honest and politician together creates an oxymoron (two words that contradict each other), and sometimes it does seem that way. A few years ago a cartoon from The Wall Street Journal showed a young, freshman congressman saying to an older member, "Hi! I'm a freshman—when do I get corrupted?"

But not all politicians live so fast and loose. Daniel held a high political position. He had been personal advisor to at least three kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius). And certainly he must have had his share of opportunities for financial kickbacks, sexual improprieties and palace intrigues. But even those who hated him confessed that they could "find no charge or fault." He not only professed to walk according to the moral standards of his God, but he practiced them faithfully as well.

Today we stand in great need of men and women who are willing to serve in public office with Christian integrity. Likely someone in politics is subject to greater-than-average temptations. Yet as Daniel demonstrated, God is able to give the moral strength to fulfill such a position honestly and uprightly.

As you exercise your duty in the voting booth, consider the moral character of those you vote for in addition to other qualifications. And search your own heart. Are there skeletons from your past that need to be confessed and removed? Let God make an "honest politician" out of you.

We must never allow honesty and politics to be strange bedfellows.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 6:10

Practiced Prayer

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Practiced Prayer

During the Revolutionary War, a soldier who had crawled into the brush was caught and accused of communicating with the enemy. His plea was that he had only gone in there to pray. The gruff commanding officer said, "Soldier, are you in the habit of spending hours in private prayer?" "Yes, sir," the private replied. "Then get down on your knees and pray now!" thundered the officer. Expecting soon to meet his Savior, the soldier prayed a simple yet inspired prayer. When he finished, however, the officer said, "You may go. I believe your story. If you had not been often at drill, you couldn't have done so well at review!"

Daniel was facing a similar crisis. His enemies had convinced King Darius to sign a decree making it a crime to pray to anyone but him for a period of 30 days. But Daniel also was no beginner at prayer. Long before he found himself in this major predicament, he had been in the habit of praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem. When this decree put his life in danger, it was only natural he would turn to prayer. Prayer got him into trouble, but prayer also would get him out.

For many people, prayer is something to do only during a critical situation. If you're in trouble, you pray; otherwise you leave God alone. But this is foolish. Only the person who has developed an aptitude for prayer during the mundane times of life is able to pray effectively in a crisis. It takes a lot of practice to perform well under pressure, even in prayer.

Don't wait until trouble comes before you pray. Make it a daily habit. Let your voice be so familiar to God that He won't have to ask, "Who's there?"

Prayer is for every day, not just for special occasions.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 6:21-23

In the Eye of the Storm

Daniel 6:21–23

Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you." Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

In the Eye of the Storm

Hurricanes are whirling storms that can measure several hundred miles in diameter. Their devastating winds begin to be clocked at 74 miles per hour and may exceed 150 miles per hour. Yet in the center of these storms is a space about 20 miles in diameter where everything is perfectly calm. Surrounded by roaring winds and heavy rains, the eye of the storm is a site of serenity and tranquility.

Daniel occupied such a spot. While confined in a den of lions, he was surrounded by a pride of hungry felines that would have liked nothing better than a good Kosher meal. Yet through the intervention of God's angels, Daniel had nothing to worry about. In the midst of a terrifying situation, he experienced God's perfect peace and calm.

The storms of life are bound to hit all of us at some point. The strong winds of adversity and the heavy rains of affliction show no respect for a person's age or circumstances. Yet in the midst of these trials, God offers to those who have placed their trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, a place of perfect peace and safety. Isaiah testifies, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isa. 26:3).

If you feel like a hurricane is blowing through your life, a hurricane of debt, depression, disease or deprivation, look to God, who is able to keep you in its eye. Cast your cares upon Him, and He will provide a place of rest for your soul.

When you're in a storm, stay close to the eye.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 7:1-3

You Can Depend on It

Daniel 7:1–3

"In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other."

You Can Depend on It

The following statements are taken from official documents, newspapers and magazines widely read during their day. Listen to what the "authorities" had to say:

"Anyone traveling at the speed of thirty miles per hour would surely suffocate" (1840).

"Electric lights are unworthy of serious attention" (1878).

"No possible combination can be united into a practical machine by which men shall fly" (1901).

"This foolish idea of shooting at the moon is basically impossible" (1926).

"To harness the energy locked up in matter is impossible" (1930).

It's obvious that the accuracy of all these "prophecies" left something to be desired. They were all based on human wisdom, and every one of them turned out to be false.

Yet the prophecies Daniel shared were quite different. As he foresaw the rise of these four great beasts, which represent four earthly kingdoms, he was not drawing from his own knowledge and wisdom. Instead, he was relating a vision that was given to him directly from God.

While people may disagree as to which kingdoms these beasts represent, the rock-solid assurance we have is that God is still in control. After describing these frightening apparitions, Daniel proceeded to describe a scene in heaven in which "the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his [the fourth and last beast's] dominion" (v. 26).

If you are frightened by the future, take confidence in this: God is still on His throne and He always will be. The courts of heaven are in session and they will rule in our favor (v. 27). That's something you can bank on.

Fear God and you don't need to fear the future.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 7:9-10

An Awesome God

Daniel 7:9–10

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

An Awesome God

Many things in creation are said to be awesome. The Grand Canyon could be described as awesome. The Pacific Ocean can instill a sense of awe. The sweeping mountain ranges of the Alps or the Himalayans or the Rockies inspire awe. But nothing is more awesome than God.

As Daniel turned from a vision of four frightening creatures, representing four powerful earthly empires, he saw a sight that put all these others things in their place. To counterbalance the awesomeness of these man-made kingdoms, he beheld the Ancient of Days, arrayed in garments of white, seated on a throne of fire and surrounded by innumerable worshipers. Suddenly, everything else became insignificant.

It's easy to become overwhelmed by earthly things. They may be awesome in beauty or size. They also may seem awesome in the sense of being threatening. Sometimes our problems are awesome. There are even days when the little tasks of life loom as awesome. At those times we need to step back and get a perspective on what real awesomeness is. We need a fresh view of God.

If you are feeling overawed by earthly things, take time out to worship God. Don't come to Him with your typical inventory of things you want or need. Leave behind your list of prayer requests for others. Instead, come before Him to seek His face alone. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you as He really is—and be prepared to be awed.

God is not just filled with some awe; He is awesome.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 9:1-2 John 14:1-3 1 John 1:4 Isaiah 41:10 Matthew 28:19-20

The Book of Books

Daniel 9:1–2

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord, given through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

The Book of Books

John Wanamaker, an outstanding American businessman of the 19th century, put together one of the most successful careers of his time. When asked what he considered the best investment he ever made, he replied, "I have made large purchases of property in my lifetime involving millions of dollars. But when I was only 11 years old, I made my biggest purchase of all. From my teacher in a little mission Sunday school, I bought a small, red leather Bible. It cost me $2.75. I paid in small installments from my own money that I had earned." John Wanamaker knew the value of the Bible and he lived by it.

Daniel also knew the value of God's Word. While he was studying the "books" (among which was the Book of Jeremiah), he realized God had set a limit on Israel's captivity. While some assumed the Jewish people would never return to their homeland, Daniel discovered in Jeremiah that God had ordained a period of 70 years for the fulfillment of Israel's chastisement. What a joy and encouragement this must have been for the elderly prophet. God had not forsaken His people; Israel would flourish again as a nation.

Much of the Bible has similar solace for God's people. It offers words of comfort (John 14:1–3), joy (1 John 1:4), encouragement (Isa. 41:10) and instruction (Matt. 28:19–20). When we fail to make the Scriptures a daily part of our lives, we miss the greatest resource for living we have been given.

Are you wondering what to do with your life? Are you afraid and uncertain about the future? Are you troubled by guilt and regrets? The Bible has just what you need—answers. Purchasing a Bible is the best investment you'll ever make. Reading it is the best use of your time.

There are many books, but only one can change your life.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 9:4-5

Corporate Guilt

Daniel 9:4-5

And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments."

Corporate Guilt

American culture places a great deal of emphasis on the individual. Our heritage admires the hardy pioneer who single-handedly carved his farmstead from the wilderness. We have a sense of awe toward the lone gunman of the Wild West who tamed a lawless town. We take as our role model the rugged individualist who made it on his own in the business world. Therefore, we seldom stop to think that God holds us accountable not only for those things we do as individuals, but for the actions of others as well.

Daniel, however, understood very well this concept of corporate guilt. When he went before the Lord in prayer, it was not just a personal and individual matter; it was a group confession. He prayed, "We have done wickedly," "We have rebelled," "We have departed from Your precepts and Your judgments." Daniel personally had been very scrupulous to uphold God's standards. But he accepted his part in the corporate guilt of his people. He confessed national sin as if it were his own.

We may feel that it's unfair of God to hold us responsible for the sins of others. We aren't the ones having abortions, spreading pornography or dealing in drugs. Yet we are part of a group of people that is doing all these things—and much more. As a member of a society, we are responsible for the actions of our society and, in a sense, participate in its sin as well as share in its guilt.

As you pray today, confess your personal sins to God, but do more. See yourself as one who is responsible to confess the sins of your family, your church and your nation. Recognize that you are not only an individual but part of a corporate body.

Sin is everybody's responsibility.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 10:12 Proverbs 3:34 James 4:6 1 Peter 5:5

Humble Prayer

Daniel 10:12

Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words."

Humble Prayer

A young seminary graduate stepped up to the pulpit, very self-confident and immaculately dressed. He began to deliver his first sermon in his first church. There was a problem, however. The words simply would not come out. Finally, he burst into tears and left the platform obviously humbled. Two elderly women were sitting in the front row. One remarked to the other, "If he'd come in like he went out, he would have gone out like he came in."

What's true of preaching is also true of praying. When the messenger from God arrived to speak with Daniel, he assured the prophet that God had responded to his prayers because Daniel had set his heart to understand and to humble himself before his God. Daniel's spirit of humility made him a powerful force with God. As Proverbs reminds us, "Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble" (Prov. 3:34; cf. James 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).

A vital key to effective prayer is a humble spirit. Prayer moves the hand of God, but it must be humble prayer. We cannot enter God's presence with a list of demands or a detailed plan that we only want Him to bless. Instead, we must go with open hearts and open hands ready to receive whatever He knows is best for us. We must bow humbly before Him, willing to place ourselves at His disposal to meet His will, whatever that may be. That's the type of attitude that gets God's attention and response.

Consider your attitude in prayer. If you go with a grocery list to be filled or a sense that God somehow owes you an answer, you'll likely come away empty-handed. But if you come to Him recognizing that you do so only by His grace, unworthy to stand before His throne, and yet privileged to come through Christ, then you are ready to pray. Attitude is everything.

Only the humble can get God's ear.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 10:13-14

Powerful Prayer

Daniel 10:13–14

"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."

Powerful Prayer

The English poet and hymn writer William Cowper wrote:

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight:
Prayer keeps the Christian's armor bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees,
The weakest saint upon his knees.

Cowper rightly recognized that Satan fears the prayers of God's people more than anything else.

Prayer is often described as simply "talking to God," and that's true. But it's also an act of spiritual warfare. When we pray, we are invading Satan's territory. Through prayer we can defeat the plans of the Devil and bring about events that will glorify God. These are not situations that Satan takes lightly. He will oppose sincere prayer every way he can.

As you bow to pray, recognize that you are undertaking serious business, not just having a little chat with a good friend. You are engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a mortal enemy and crashing through his strongholds to enter the throne room of God. That's an incredible privilege. Don't take it lightly.

Prayer is not a playground; it's a battlefield.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture:

Willing or Not

Daniel 12:2

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Willing or Not

In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave covered with huge slabs of granite and marble and fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there were a resurrection, it could not reach her. In time, however, a seed began to grow and push its way out from beneath the slabs. As the trunk enlarged, the stones were gradually shifted and the steel clasps were wrenched from their sockets. But the dynamic life force contained in that little seed is only a faint reflection of the tremendous power of God's creative word that someday will call to life the bodies of all who are in their graves. Willing or not, they will be resurrected.

A messenger from God revealed this same truth to Daniel. As this angelic messenger opened the door to the hallway of time, he revealed to the prophet many things: the rise and fall of various kingdoms, the invasion of the army from the North and, ultimately, the resurrection of the dead. For those who are prepared, whose names are written in the Book of Life, it is a resurrection to everlasting life. For those unprepared, it is a resurrection to everlasting shame and contempt.

This Old Testament message is also echoed throughout the New Testament. The apostle Paul declared that "the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thess. 4:16), while the apostle John saw the dead who were "judged, each one according to his works" (Rev. 20:13).

There is no way that you can avoid the resurrection, but you can be ready for it. Make sure that your name is written in the Book of Life. If you haven't done so already, receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and be ready and willing for what is sure to come.

Only a fool fails to prepare for what he knows is coming.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Daniel
Scripture: Daniel 12:3

God's Stars

Daniel 12:3

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.

God's Stars

We are enamored with stars. When Robert Redford was in Santa Fe making a movie, a woman encountered him in an ice cream parlor on Canyon Street. Overcome with awe on the inside, she tried to stay calm on the outside. After leaving the ice cream parlor, however, she realized that she didn't have the ice cream cone she had paid for. Hurriedly she returned to the shop to ask for it. Redford, overhearing the conversation, quietly said, "Madam, you'll probably find it where you put it—in your purse."

God also has stars, but they seldom get the reactions that people like Robert Redford do, at least in this world. Yet God's messenger told Daniel that those "who turn many to righteousness" will shine like the stars for all of eternity. Earthly stars from stage and screen fade away and are forgotten by later generations, but God's stars are eternal.

Righteousness in its simplest form is having a "right relationship" with God. Those who have that right relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and share with others how they may have such a relationship are God's brightest stars. It's not a matter of being rich or famous. It's not necessary to be on television or in the movies. You don't even have to have a well-known name. All you need to do is share Jesus Christ with others.

Do you want to be a star for God? Do you want to shine forever? Then commit yourself to sharing Christ with others. Find a Gospel tract and become familiar enough with it that you can share it with someone else. Write the story of how you came to know Christ. Ask God to give you the opportunity to share that testimony with others. Let your light shine, and God will make you a star.

Earthly fame is fleeting; God's stars shine forever.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living from Isaiah
Scripture: Isaiah 1:18 Matthew 15:19 1 John 1:7 Hebrews 9:13-14

The Trouble Within

Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

The Trouble Within

A pastor discovered that the clock at the back of the sanctuary was unable to keep the correct time. Repeatedly he set the hands to the appropriate hour and minute only to find by the next week that it was either too fast or too slow. Finally he gave up and hung a sign above the clock that read, "Don't blame my hands. The trouble lies deeper."

That is where the trouble lies with us when we do wrong. We can blame our environment, our education, or even our parents, but the real trouble lies deep within our own hearts. Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matt. 15:19).

Fortunately, God has provided a solution for that heart problem—the blood of Jesus Christ. Even the most crimson sin is washed away when the blood of Calvary's cross is applied. The apostle John wrote, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). And the writer of Hebrews says, "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:13-14).

God assures you that no matter how colorful your sins may be, they can be washed white like snow. If you're still struggling with how to be cleansed from your sin and forgiven by God, accept what the Bible says as true. Confess your sins, ask for your heavenly Father's forgiveness and begin to live with a pure heart and a clear conscience. The difference is as striking as crimson and white.

Scarlet sins are no match for Christ's blood.

____________________

This devotional is freely distributed by Back To The Bible.
Did you enjoy this devotional?
Send it on for a friend to enjoy.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.backtothebible.org/aboutus/email_entry.htm
____________________