THE LORD SPOKE (November 28)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Daniel 1

To survive in a foreign land, you need...

(1) companions (vs. 6-7) - From day one, God did not make us to stand alone. We function best in groups of two or more. The team concept is well established throughout Scripture (e.g. Jesus and his disciples; Paul and his ministry teams in Acts) and is a principle wisely followed on the mission field. Daniel and his friends were stronger because they had each other.

(2) convictions (vs. 8) - These are an anchor for the soul when “doubts and fears assail”. You better have them before you need them because they’re not easy to acquire on the battlefield. They come from a steady walk with the Lord, grounded in His Word.

(3) courage (vs. 12) - Trials will come; that’s never in question. Will your anchor hold? The courage and will to go on comes from strong convictions and grows in direct proportion to your relationship with the Lord, for He is the only legitimate source of life-sustaining courage.

(4) consistency (vs. 15) - Dependable, persistent, steadfast, undeviating, true, unfailing, responsible, constant, faithful, tried-and-true, stable, trustworthy - sounds like someone you’d want as a friend, doesn’t it? God also is pleased with these character qualities.

(5) confidence in God - Underlying the whole chapter, this is the secret of success! If we trust in man or in ourselves, we will probably fail. Confidence in the Lord will be rewarded every time.

The book of Daniel is not a “missionary text” but it certainly has some applications. Even the qualities which Nebuchadnezzar looked for in choosing the Hebrew servants (1:4) are very similar to any missionary manual you might pick up on the subject of qualifications for foreign service. Thankfully, God does make many notable exceptions at this point and has found ways to use many supposedly unqualified servants. Nevertheless, like Daniel and his companions, a good missionary candidate should have...

• youthful vigor
• good health and physical condition
• a congenial, out-going personality
• a high IQ
• a solid general education
• an ability to learn quickly and to adapt to new circumstances
• specific training for the task at hand
• a grasp of the language and literature (= culture!) of the people he’s working with

In missionary service, perhaps the primary qualification is a willingness to go. Daniel and his friends didn’t volunteer for their “foreign service” but, once in Babylon, they didn’t look back. Sure, they longed for home but they dedicated themselves to the task at hand. Will you?


Psalms 145-146

The hallelujah chorus has started. All the psalms from 146 through 150 begin and end with “Praise the Lord”. Every aspect of creation, using every kind of instrument, at every time and occasion, during every moment of life is called to praise the Lord. Here in Psalm 146, the psalmist proclaims he’ll continue to do so for as long as he lives (Ps. 146:2).

He praises God as CREATOR (vs. 6). The Maker of heaven and earth is steadfast and secure. He is our helper so our home is in Him. Because He “remains faithful forever” we have nothing to fear. Unlike every other prince (vs. 3) or object of trust, His Spirit never departs. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His plans are eternal and unfailing.

He praises the Lord as LIBERATOR (vs. 7). Because God “loves the righteous”, He “upholds”, “sets free”, and “lifts up” those who honor Him and put their trust in Him. He “sets prisoners free”. Whatever it is that binds you - a sin-marred past, a guilty conscience, a debilitating habit - He is able and desiring to liberate you if you’ll but ask Him.

He praises Jehovah as PROVIDER (vs. 8-9). The Lord delights in the weak and the needy - the “oppressed”, “hungry”, “prisoners”, “blind”, “bowed down”, “alien”, “fatherless”, and “widow”. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He will surely care for you.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne,
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting, thou art God,
To endless years the same.

Isaac Watts