November 27

Daniel 3-4

Until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes (4:32). When we say that only God is worthy of worship, few people agree. When He humbles someone, however, they know very quickly who is in charge and who is not. Nebuchadnezzar’s trip on the Crazy Train found him humbled by unclean spirits that are used by God to achieve His purposes, as is all creation. His wisdom stretches beyond our imagination. He knows exactly what to allow and whom to correct with what measure. He never fails, never falters, never stumbles, and He loves you.

2 Peter 1

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence (1:3). A young man in Africa asked me for some money. I responded that he already has what he needs, and not he thinks I’m stingy. I showed him this verse, and he was not moved, but that does not alter the truth that in Christ we have what we need to level up.

The problem is not having, it’s using what we have. The same young man had an inside track to an education, paid for by others, but he partied more than he studied, and we both know what happened during final exams.

Unbelief shows us what we don’t have. We all struggle to believe the glorious promises of God–they defy our experience many times. Just because people do not believe does not mean God’s word is not true. Better to assume He is truthful, and we are ignorant (I’ve found that to be my situation many times–He is always on target, but I am slow to understand). Trust His word more than your experience and you’ll see experience align with Bible!

As for the feeling that one is unworthy to receive the glorious promises of God–sonship, heir, child, beloved, righteousness and faith of Jesus, all you need–your worthiness is not the key. Jesus holds things together. He’s the key. He’s the righteous One. His righteousness is yours when you receive Him (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:24-25).

Many people want status without obedience, wealth without work, and holiness without sacrifice. Many more want someone else to pay the bills while they rave on. Jesus told people who worshiped wealth to sell it all and follow Him. They wanted what Jesus had without following Jesus—good luck with that.

Peter’s proposition is true. You have all you need to get to the next place God wants you. How might you live differently if you believe you have everything you need?

Psalm 119:97-112

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies… At some point, David decided to believe God’s word. God gives all of us the same choice. Believe Him or test Him, obey Him or fight Him, trust Him or trust your half-educated professor or your limited experience. The choice determines how life goes. David chose to praise God when things were not going well. That is the faith that pleases God.

Proverbs 28:17-18

He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. Running with crooks is a terrible way to test God. He knows your heart and so do you. He knows if you fear His wrath and stand in awe of His glory, or if you’re hurting people.