Abide Together: Reflections on Daniel 6

Daniel 6 records the jealousy of the other leaders in Babylon toward Daniel under the reign of King Darius.  They tricked King Darius into issuing a decree for everyone to worship him for 30 days and those who did not would be thrown to the lions.  Daniel, knowing full well the decree, went right on worshipping the one true God. Darius, respected Daniel and his relationship with God, but had to abide by his own decree and had Daniel thrown in the lions den.  The Lord saved Daniel from the lions.  Darius ended up making a decree that all men fear and tremble before the God of Daniel. The thing that stood out to me the most while reading Daniel 6 was what Darius said before he threw Daniel in the lions den in verse 16, “You God whom you constantly serve will Himself delver you.”  Daniel had served the Lord in such a way that Darius could not help but notice.  Lord, help me serve You in such a way that others will take notice of You and glorify You.

– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezra 3

When I was younger, my parents had a house built. I can remember driving out to the worksite after the foundation had been laid. It was a fun day. My brother, sister, and I all claimed our rooms. Together, we imagined what it would be like to live in that house. We chased each other around a bit and ran between the 2×4 framed walls laughing about whatever it was we laughed about in those days. It was a fun day.

My experience must be pretty shallow compared to what God’s people were experiencing in this chapter. They had been out of their homes and unable to worship for years. The small community of Jews, had been assimilating into local culture instead of obeying God and worshipping. So when the altar was built and they celebrated the Feast of Booths, I would imagine that it was a huge celebration. They had come home and now were making this place home. The people of God were breathing a little deeper during this time and probably felt much like I did as I imagined living in my new home. Joy invaded their hearts and spilled over as they worked side by side to rebuild the temple and to provide the money and resources required. As the temple was completed, people shouted for joy and praised the Lord. The old men who had seen the old temple wept for joy that they had returned not just to their homes, but to God.

Although we have not been kept from God, I can’t help but think of the possibilities that stand before us at GBC. As we consider a new home, and imagine and dream of our future, let us remember that God is our true home no matter how this building project turns out. I also can’t help but reflect on how God’s people came together to see the temple become a reality. I see the same thing happening for us at GBC. The people of God are joining together to provide resources and money. I’d imagine that we will also be work side by side and be drawn closer to one another and to God as we prepare the space for our use. It is a joyous time to be a part of GBC!

Steve Corn

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezra 1:

As I read Ezra 1 I am reminded of God’s faithfulness.  I am reminded of his ability to accomplish his plans despite mans plan to thwart.  Our God had given the Israelites over to their enemies, but God was still in control.  I love verse 5  “Then rose up the heads of the father houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem.”  Our God is capable of stirring souls.  Even when we may feel that all is lost.  Even when God’s people had “been given over to the enemy”.   They were given over, they were never taken.  Our God was in control and knew what would bring him the Glory that he is deserving of.  He knew that the picture of restoration that would be displayed here would be a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ who was to come.  What a reminder that in our struggle, the restoration that God brings is so much more.

Thank you Lord for the ability to rejoice in this “light momentary affliction” as Paul says, because we are confident of your plan.  We are confident of your ability to work it all together for your Glory.  What a great God we serve that allows us to know that we will win this war.  Our God will prevail.  For those that have been saved, that have repented and believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life, that they will reign, and will inherit eternal life.

 

–  Josh

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Abide Together: Reflections on Daniel 5

Daniel 5 records when Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar & King of Babylon, had a drunken party to worship the false gods of Babylon. The LORD sent a hand to write a prophecy on the wall, which really shook Belshazzar. Belshazzar could not find anyone to interpret the writing, so the people told him about Daniel. Belshazzar sent for Daniel and Daniel interpreted the writing, which basically said that God had weighed him and found him lacking and was going to give his kingdom over to the Medes and Persians. That same night Belshazzar was slain. This account reminds me that the LORD alone is Sovereign and deserves my worship. HE will eventually knock down all who do not worship HIM as the one true God. LORD, help give You worship and praise alone in all things. 

– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Daniel 3

In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden image and commands that everyone in Babylon bow down in worship to the image. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refuse to so. They are thrown into the furnace that was heated 7 times hotter than normal. The Lord sends someone to deliver them from the flames that Nebuchadnezzar says looks like “a son of the gods.” This is most likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. Nebuchadnezzar then tells them to come out of the furnace and commands that no one speak against their God or face execution. The thing that stands out to me as I read this familiar account is found in verses 17-18. Nebuchadnezzar gives Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego another chance to worship the image and save their lives. They respond with, “If it be so, out God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will delver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” They believed that God was powerful enough to deliver them out of the fire. However, they were not sure He would. The first phrase in verse 18, “But even if He does not” – shows that their faith was not based on what they believed to be best, but it was based on the goodness of God and whatever He decided was best. Many people speak about having faith in God as long as the outcome is favorable in their eyes. True faith, trusts God with the results no matter what the outcome. LORD, help me always trust You in every circumstance, regardless of the outcome. Help me daily say from the new heart You have given me – “But even if He does not” … I will still worship Him alone. 
– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Daniel 1

In Daniel 1, Daniel and his three friends are part of the people whom the LORD allows King Nebuchadnezzar take captive to Babylon. They are actually chosen to be trained for 3 years to be a part of the king’s personal service. They are given new names that refer to some of the many gods the Babylonians worshipped. However, when they were asked to eat certain foods, Daniel and his 3 friends took a stand and would not eat the food that would dishonor their commitment to the LORD. The key to their commitment and the stand they took is found in verse 9 where it says, “Now God granted Daniel Favor and compassion…” & in verse 17 where it says, “God gave them knowledge and intelligence…” Daniel and his 3 friends success was based on the grace of God, not their commitment and hard work. HIS grace empowered their commitment and hard work, so that HE alone would get the glory. LORD, by Your grace empower me to be committed and work hard, so that You alone will get the glory.  
– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezekiel 37

In Ezekiel 37, the LORD gives Ezekiel a vision of what HE will do with the nation of Israel. HE shows Ezekiel a bunch of dry bones scattered with life. He tells Ezekiel to speak to them and he did. As he spoke the word of the LORD the bones came together and skin came on them and the breathe of life came into them and brought them life. The LORD said this vision was a picture of what he would do with HIS people. He would place HIS Spirit within them. This was the new covenant he had spoken of in Ezekiel 36. Not only would HE place HIS Spirit in them for the first time, but he would reconcile Israel and Judah and give them the land he had promised. The one king and shepherd that would reign over and serve them would be the Messiah, Jesus. In this vision the LORD promised to fulfill the Abrahamic, Davidic and the New Covenants in and through Jesus. The LORD is always faithful to fulfill HIS promises. LORD, great is Your Faithfulness, thank You. May Your faithfulness be on display in my life.
– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezekiel 4

In Ezekiel 4, the LORD has Ezekiel do certain things physically to illustrate his judgment on Israel and Judah, as well as their inability to do anything about it. Ezekiel obeys the LORD even though it is very difficult. Once again Ezekiel is an example of the priority of obedience to the LORD over comforts in this life. LORD, help me obey You even when it is uncomfortable and even painful.  
– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezekiel 2-3

What stands out to me in these 2 chapters is that the LORD calls Ezekiel his ministry will be to a people that will not listen to him. Most people would run from this call, but Ezekiel embraces the call. His desire to obey and honor the LORD was greater than his desire for comfort or “success.” LORD, may my desire to obey and honor you be greater than any desire for the things of this world. 
– Bryan McKenzie

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Abide Together: Reflections on Ezekiel 1

In Ezekiel 1, The LORD gives Ezekiel an amazing vision of HIS glory and HIS work in the world.  The LORD’s vision to Ezekiel brought hope as HE reminded Ezekiel that HE was Holy, Sovereign and still at work accomplishing HIS purpose in the world.  Ezekiel’s response to this vision is found in verse 28 where he writes, “And when I saw it, I fell on my face…”  Ezekiel fell on his face in reverence and worship of the LORD, who had just reminded him of HIS holiness and HIS faithfulness.  LORD, help me never forget that You are Holy, Sovereign and You are forever faithful in accomplishing Your purpose of redemption in this world.

– Bryan McKenzie

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