HarveyDunn

I personally have a problem with panhandlers. I came from a family that worked hard for all that they had. My mother and father had a problem with just sitting down and relaxing. They did have some down time after they retired but they worked hard to make it possible to retire. I have always worked. I am nearly 82 and I just get a little perturbed at panhandlers wanting me to give them money. Today (2022), there is not an excuse not to have a job and earning a reasonably decent income. Everywhere I have traveled particularly in the Eastern United States there are signs looking for people to work. I am careful with my money; I tithe, I give, and I give alms. If I am aware of a need I try to help meet that need. Our church is a Pentecostal church, transitioning from the "old line" Pentecostal image. My pastor is nearly half my age and has picked up the mantra of many other churches today in wanting to present itself as a multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-generational body of believers in God. I believe that the mission statement is a good mission statement however the day of the choir has gone, only a praise team to lead the church in songs most of us don't know, a stage that looks like a disco tech complete with the lights and sounds, no familiar songs nor song books. Now tell me who are we trying to make a good impression on? I know the pastor is doing his best and I try not to be a hinderance to him and try to support he and the ministry of our church every opportunity that I have. I am the former associate pastor, retired in 2006.

James is dealing with the practicality and issues found both in his time and in the contemporary church. We say a lot but many times do not deliver the goods. Ask a church member about his/her church and you'll get replies like; come visit us we have great music, wait till you see the inside of the church it's beautiful, we have a great sound system and our praise team can really sing, etc, etc. Rarely do you hear; we're the church that does the food giveaway program weekly, we had 2 or 22 people get saved last Sunday, we open our church to help the hungry, downcast, and sick. I quote Barclay "To him real worship did not lie in elaborate vestments or in magnificent music or in a carefully wrought service; it lay in the practical service of mankind and in the purity of one's own personal life."

According to "Barclay James says there is and ethical law which the Christian must seek to put into action. That law is to be found first in the Ten Commandments and then in the teaching of Jesus. James calls that law two things: (1) He calls it the perfect law. There are three reasons why the law is called perfect. (a) It is God's law, given and revealed by him. The way of life which Jesus laid down for his followers is in accordance with the will of God. (b) It is perfect in that it cannot be bettered. The Christian law is the law of love, and the demand of love can never be satisfied. We know well, when we love some one, that even though we gave them all the world and served them for a lifetime, we still could not satisfy or deserve their love. (c) But there is still another sense in which the Christian law is perfect. The Greek word is teleios which nearly always describes perfection towards some given end. Now, if a man obeys the law of Christ, he will fulfil the purpose he ought to be and will make the contribution to the world he ought to make. He will be perfect in the sense that he will, by obeying the law of God, realize his God-given destiny." Quoted from Barclay The Royal Law is: "You must love your neighbor as yourself". If we do not love our neighbor as ourselves we break not only the Royal Law but the Perfect Law as well. To break one you have broken them all.

I believe that born again believers need to be continually discipled, taught and modeled living and practicing the kind of life that Jesus modeled. Jesus taught and lived what he taught, James is affirming the lessons of Christian life we should practice. James does well to remind us that what is heard in the holy place must be lived in the market place - or there is no point in hearing at all. The nature of self-deception comes from satan. If we can or allow ourselves to be deceived then we are less effective in our witness.

The Word of Truth IS the gospel. By the sending of that gospel it is God's purpose that man should be reborn into a new life. When we are reborn by the true word of the gospel, we become the property of God, even as the first-fruits of the harvest did. God's supreme object is the re-create life through the truth of the gospel, so that men should know that they belong by right to him.

Listening to Bible teaching is admirable however what good does it do if it is only heard? Why waste your time if you aren't going to put into practice what you have heard and learned. A student is generally required to take a test at the end of the lesson; take what you have learned and put it into practice. (b) I read and attended Bible study, isn't that enough?

The Word of Truth is God. When we accepted Jesus Christ into our lives and we became "born again" we had our spiritual birth. Spiritual birth = Born again by God's spirit.

When we are faced with trials we are given the opportunity to "try" God. He has given us the tools to survive daily trials and tribulations, in them we can either act in faith and be a "winner" or act in doubt and be a loser. To quote an old slogan from Zig Ziglar "Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation." With each success we become stronger, filled with faith and life becomes sweeter.

The promise is that "if any lack wisdom, let him ask God". You must ask in faith, do not waiver. God wants us to become faith believers and not doubt Him.

Human nature always seems to show up when accountability shows up! We don't accept responsibility for our own actions very well. Our sin nature is active and ready to surface if we don't allow the Holy Spirit free reign in our lives. We are tempted when our selfish being is allowed to **** and desire over a certain area of our lives. God gave us FREE WILL. God doesn't want robots to worship Him. If we are faithful to Him and desire His presence in our lives we will be able to keep sin at bay and Christ in the forefront of our lives. Sin has existed every since the heavenly rebellion and God kicked satan out and 2/3's of the angels went with him.

The greatest trial that I have had to endure is the loss of my 20 year old son Randy, twenty years ago. I served as associate Pastor at that time and my son had been a rebel and drug user. For several years I had to deal with the embarrassment of my son and his activities, me having to take him to counseling, etc. After all of his illicit activities he got his girlfriend pregnant. To shorten a rather long story Randy who had been living from couch to couch with friends and associates asked to come home. Randy rededicated his life to the Lord, cleaned himself up and began coming to church again. After suffering a disappointment one evening Randy resorted to his old way and ended up dying of a drug overdose. The girl that he left pregnant gave us a most beautiful girl that has been a part of our life all these 20+ years of which we are so blessed. I grew out of the tragedy and became a better pastor, counselor and person. And the girl that has blessed us all these years has also given us a beautiful greatgranddaughter.

Q1. (Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? To finish transgression. To put an end to sin. To atone for wickedness, To bring in everlasting righteousness. To seal up the vision and prophecy. To anoint the most holy.

Q2. (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanor as he prays? Daniel knows and recognizes that the end of their captivity is coming to an end. He believes that God is going to return them to Jerusalem. He also knows that during the captivity many Jews took on the practices of their captor, he is concerned over their condition. How does he prepare? Daniel puts on sack cloth and spreads ashes on himself to show his humility and desire for repentance for the people. He sat his face, he humbled himself, he pleaded, confessed the sins of the people and prayed. Why is this so important in this case? This was Daniel's calling. He understood the consequences of sin. He totally relied upon God to deliver His people and cause them to repent and turn away from their sin. In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? First recognize our sinfulness. Ask God to forgive our sin, for the Holy Spirit to fill us and intercede for us to the Heavenly Father on behalf of our prayer. Exhibit complete dependence upon Him. Fast and pray.

Q1. (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What practice on Daniel’s part leads him to pray? Daniel understood that the time of exile is wrapping up. The Jews would be returning to their homeland. It was his habit and devotion to the scriptures. he was a man who pondered over the scriptures. He begins to pray in earnest for his people, that God would forgive their sin and enable this restoration to take place.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe “one like a son of man”? Son of man is used to describe the one who is being seen or what is being seen "looks like a human being". Jesus also referred to himself as the "son of man" which he was and by declaring himself as "the son of man". By this declaration He wasn't placing himself in a situation of blasphemy. What makes us think he is a divine figure? Jesus Christ fulfilled biblical prophesy and scripture. He did what He said He would do, He arose from the grave and ascended unto heaven as seen by hundreds. What authority and glory does he receive? He deserves to receive all praise, glory and honor. As Creator He has ALL authority. Why do you think Jesus called himself “the Son of Man”? Had Jesus called himself "the Son of God" then his enemies would have cut short His ministry even shorter.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? The Ancient of Days (God) is seen as the heavenly judge. It is a courtroom scene and God is in control. His white hair represents age and wisdom and his white clothing represents purity and holiness. What happens to these beast-nations? The fourth beast is destroyed and its body thrown into the blazing fire. Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? Because of the evil that we see taking place all over the world. Without a strong faith and belief in God it would nearly impossible to believe that God has every in control. With our natural eyes it looks like the world is out of control. Through spiritual eyes we must believe that God knows the future, He knows what must happen and also when to remove His children out of the chaos.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy -- "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? "hallowed be thy name." My church, your church and the church around the block is guilty of not "hallowing His name". From the size of your church and my church, to the conduct within the church, the interpretation of the scriptures, to the dress of the congregation, from the songs played and or sang in our churches, the conversations of the members, the life styles of the members, must I go on? I am afraid that in many churches today God has written Ichabod across the door lentil. How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? I still have a long way to go. I am guilty of most of the above statements. God forgive me for not "hallowing Your name."

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar’s confession tell us about God? God is eternal. God's kingdom never ends. God cannot be compared with human beings. God is sovereign. God is the "King of heaven" God is accountable to none. Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? Yes What might your testimony sound like? My testimony is how God saved not only my marriage but He also saved me. Now after nearly 45 years I can acknowledge God's leading, guiding my life. How He has provided all that I ever needed and has even given me the desires of my heart.

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar’s life? Pride in his achievements -- the self-made man complex. "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (4:30) Pride in his terrible power, that everyone feared him, and didn't dare to challenge him (5:19a). This isolated him from truth, and made him more vulnerable to believe that whatever he thought was right. Pride in his absolute authority to condemn and execute, to promote, and to humble at his own whim (5:19b). Pride that hardens his heart (5:20a). Pride distorts our perception of reality. In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride always appeals to our senses; our sense of worth, sense of ownership, sense of spirituality, sense of well being, and in most all ways that comes from worldly desires and pleasures. I am guilty of declaring doing "good" things and expect to get a certain response, I am guilty of comparing myself with others by dress, looks, education, occupation, etc. Now that I am in advanced years, retired and out of the mainstream of life I find that I am much more in control of what I say, how I say it and how I attempt not to be prideful. Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Humility is best when it is something that is hidden. By that I mean prefer others over yourself, you don't have to be the authority about everything keep your mouth shut even if someone else has an answer that is less accurate than yours. Be sensitive to your surroundings; do not seek to be the leader, in charge...step back let someone else be in the drivers seat.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? Renouncing and repenting of sin takes both a mental assent and a physical action. By doing what is right to the poor and oppressed he would have demonstrated his change in heart and have compassion on them for their needs. What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? Repentance is changing one's way of life, their belief system and walk in a different direction. If one truly repents then others can see the change that you have experienced. For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? It is not necessarily meeting the needs of the poor but to have a compassionate heart toward them, where you can help and assist them then take the opportunity. It is not giving them entitlements without effort on their part. Many times the poor need to be trained in a vocation that they could endeavor in to meet their needs, no one actually benefits in the long run by just giving to them without some effort on their part. That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar’s ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? It is always within the reach of each of us, whether we do anything is the question. In what way can God’s decrees be conditional? "If we then God can or will". Throughout the Bible we are told of God's decrees that were amended because of "cause and effect". God says He will destroy, the people repent and God holds back His judgement.

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? It means that although the king is in the place of rulership he only is ruler because of the "Heavenly Father". We western Christians have a hard time understanding that whoever is ruling over us (presidents, governors, etc). Daniel recognized that the king was only in place because God ordained it. In what ways is this hard for a king? For an "ungodly king" it is nearly impossible for him to recognize this truth. In the time frame that this event took place it was through cunning, power, strength and even murder that many kings ascended to the throne. They accepted the praise and honor for being on the throne and not directing it to God. It is only reasonable to expect that spiritual things can only be understood by spiritual beings. In what ways is this hard for us? We too want to accept the praise and adoration for "OUR" job well done. We like the strokes that we get and the acknowledgement. How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? Instead of passing on the praise to God, knowing in our spirit that without Him there is nothing we can do on our own we deny God.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Even though Daniel had lived a long and fruitful life, one that had been with trial and turmoil, with success and reward he knew that speaking the meaning of the dream was going to be difficult. First, even if it was "king worship" the kingdom seemed to be prosperous and well under the kings rule. The king had recognized those who served in his ranks who were out for self gain and recognition, he was not blind to the events happening around him. Secondly, what he would have to tell the king was a hard thing because the king was to be toppled, stripped of his authority, and become as an animal in the field. How do you sugar coat that? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? Saying the "hard things" are never easy even if you don't like the person you are directing your comments to. However, if you have to point out issues to your brother and sisters you never really know how they will take them. Will they rise up against you? Will they take offense against you? Will they feel you are trying to take advantage of them? When faced with a situation like this it must be handled carefully, prayerfully and with Godly counsel.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions’ den to testify about God? 21 Daniel answered, 'O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.' Daniel once again took no credit for his salvation but publicly declared that God had delivered him. He was living, talking breathing proof of the power of God. What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? Daniel had won the heart and trust of the king, his life was his testimony. Had Daniel focused on the injustice done to him it would have been out of character for him. The king who was sovereign could easily have been offended by such actions and any number of things could have been done to Daniel. What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God’s mercy to you? 20 years ago my 20 year old son overdosed on drugs and died. By and through God's mercy my wife and I have lived through the incident and have had a testimony of how God can help you through the darkest times and valleys of your life. In his death he left a girl pregnant and now she is living with us and is a blessing to us. Although she never knew her dad she has many of his positive traits and we are enjoying the opportunity of watching her in college and being with us.

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel’s prayer practices? Daniel prayed according to scripture. How he prayed was the accepted practicing of observant Jews. He prayed privately toward Jerusalem. he prayed regularly three times while kneeling, with bowed head, giving thanks and praise, petitioning God and seeking His mercy. I believe that this practice wasn't just because observant Jews were expected to pray this way but also that Daniel sought after God, desired to be in His presence and looked forward to being with God. Which of these have you adopted? I pray daily with bowed head, I offer praise and thanksgiving to God to what He has done in my life. I petition God to divinely intervene on behalf of others that I mention in name, in situations, for the peace of Jerusalem and divine intervention on behalf of the United States. During corporate worship I raise my hands while singing praise and worship. I have never really been completely satisfied with my prayer life and desire an even closer relationship and presence of God when I pray. Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? Focused prayer, more prayer and praise and less petitioning.

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel’s character qualities as a government official from verse 4? Notice the character qualities of this government official. Daniel is: Trustworthy. He tells the truth and can be counted on to be faithful to his responsibilities. Diligent. He keeps up with all his duties and doesn't let anything slip. Honest. He doesn't take money or bribes from those trying to break the rules or be preferred over others. He hasn't been corrupted by how he might further his own interests while in office. How do such qualities reflect on Daniel’s God? Daniel had represented himself as "a servant of the most high God". There was no one in the kingdom who could question who he was and what he stood for. You might say that at that time and place he represented what the Kingdom of God looked like. Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? Since becoming a Christian I have tried to hold true to these attributes and yes, they have seen these qualities in me.