Ephesians 5:18-20

Introduction: The CHRISTian life is the “REAL DEAL”!

**Be filled!
{By God the Holy Spirit}

**Be thrilled!
{By God the Son}

**Be Fulfilled!
{By God the Father}

After informing the Ephesian believers about their – BLESSINGS (Eph 1-3), their BENEFITS (Eph 4, 5), and their BATTLES (Eph 6), Paul admonishes them to walk cautiously (Eph 5:15), use their time wisely (Eph 5:16), and live joyfully (Eph 5:17). Next, he instructs both them and us about three (3) Daily Decisions that Determine if we are Devoted Disciples:

1. “Be Filled”! (Eph 5:18)

“18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

{The words “Be filled” are plēróō, which is in the present tense, and means continuous action. In other words, this is not a once and for all deal. But rather, it means go on being filled…over and over again.}

{The words “Be filled” are plural, which means it is for all believers not just missionaries and preachers}

{The words “Be filled” are in the imperative mood, which means it is a command not a suggestion}

{Notice the context: Especially see this essential “Be filled” is for both husbands and wives as well as parents and children – Eph 5:21-33; 6:4}

Are you “Spirit filled”? Are we under the control of the Holy Spirit?

2. “Be Thrilled”! (Eph 5:19)

“19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

{Do you sing and praise the Lord daily? We all could probably use a little improvement in this area.}

3. “Be Fulfilled”! (Eph 5:20)

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

{Thanks giving is thanksgiving! We all have a lot to be thankful for!!}

Conclusion: In short, the Holy Spirit “POURS into,” so that we can “PRAISE upward,” and “PURPOSE to serve outward”!

With…..

** Unlimited Resources

** Unchangeable Principles

** Unmerited Favor

** Unspeakable Glory

…..like the Ephesian believers, we can experience the abundant life in Christ.

***Bottom Line

Jesus is the “REAL DEAL”!

Proverbs 29:1, 2, 18

Introduction: 

**His Truth is Marching On

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He has loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on” (gloria)

1. Because of America’s “GODLY HERITAGE” in the Past! (Prov 29:2)

“2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

{America was built upon the principles of the Bible by God-fearing men for the purpose of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ- Rom 1:16}

{The puritans left Holland, and England – the Catholic and Anglican Church for the purpose of sailing to America, and establishing a Church separated from the dictates of the State. It was our forefathers’ intention to set up a Government based upon Scriptural teaching that would allow “FREEDOM” to worship the Lord Jesus Christ without the interference of the Gov.}

{Studying Church history after Pentecost until the 17th century, it becomes obvious that the Church – Catholic – had become doctrinally diluted. Then came the reformation.}

{After establishing the early colonies at Plymouth Rock, revivals and a spiritual awakening took place in the 1st and 2nd great awakenings in America. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, Finney, Wesley, and others blazed a trail of truth; consequently, Churches sprung up all across the southern part of America. “God’s Truth was Marching On”!}

**His Truth is Marching On

“I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps
I can read His righteous sentence in the dim and flaring lamps
His day is marching on”

2. Because of America’s “DIVIDED” Present! (Prov 29:1)

“United we Stand, Divided we fall”

“1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

“16When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.” (Prov 29:16)

** His Truth is Marching On

“In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free
While God is marching on”

{“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Prov 14:34}

3. Because of America’s “UNSEEN” Future! (Prov 29:18)

“18Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the a Lord,” (Psa 33:12)

** His Truth is Marching On

{Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John all predicted “Times would be Tough” before Jesus comes again…..
Iniquity abounding, Antichrist emerging, Deception prevailing, but Jesus is Coming}

Conclusion: But my dear CHRISTian friend…. 

“Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on, amen, amen”

Lamentations 3:17; 4:17, 22, 23, 25, 26, 5:21

Introduction: Do you think America is in trouble? Are we in a “BATTLE” or what? A “BATTLE”….

**for the family
**for the mind
**for the Church
**for the Bible
**for the souls of men

Jeremiah the prophet lists four (4) “BATTLE” fields we must win over the enemy.

{The book of Lamentations (lamentation – a passionate grief or sorrow, weeping) is a cry of Jeremiah over the city of Jerusalem. In the year 586 BC, she was overtaken and literally burned to the ground by the hostile Babylonians under the dominate reign of Nebuchadnezzar.}

Consider the following thoughts, relevant then and today.

1. How can we live Healthy CHRISTian lives in a Sin – sick nation? (Lam 4:17)

“17As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.”

2. How can we find “PEACE” today when there are TROUBLING signs for the future? (Lam 3:17)

“17And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity.”

3. How can we have “CHANGE” when there is so much Hard – heartedness? (Lam 5:21)

“21Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.”

4. How can we have “HOPE” in Hard Times? (Lam 3:25, 26)

“The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”

Conclusion: Not only is our beloved nation of AMERICA in a BATTLE, but so many CHRISTians are warring against evil forces!

“22It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

2 Timothy 1:9-14

1. Are you SAVED? (2 Tim 1:9, 10)

When did you Confess you were a sinner in need of forgiveness and a Savior, Jesus Christ, who died in our place and rose again from the dead?

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things passed away….all things become new” (2 Cor 5:17)

{The word “called” is kaléō, which means to invite, summon}

2. Are you SECURE? (2 Tim 1:12-14)

“12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

“13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

3. Are you SERVING? (2 Tim 1:11)

“11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

Conclusion: Have you done an “EVALUATION of your SALVATION”? How did you score? What do you need to do? This should be a daily process for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!

2 Kings 5:1-19

Introduction: Have you ever been in a crisis? A crisis has a way of CHANGING you! Right? During a crisis, FAITH in Jesus, either rises or falls!! Do you agree? But when FAITH rises in a crisis, it will have a tremendous impact on you…..you will never be the same. In fact, it can be a catalyst to bring someone who is not a believer into a dynamic relationship with the living God. Are you dealing with a crisis? Listen. Let your FAITH in the God of the Bible “RISE up”!! Watch how three (3) steps changed an unbeliever into a believer as he was going through a crisis.

1. The kind of FAITH that changes can start in a Crisis! (2 Kings 5:1-10)

“1Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. 4And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 5And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. 6And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. 7And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. 8And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. 9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.”

A. Look at a brave army commander (2 Kings 5:1)

“Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.”

B. Look at a compassionate little girl (vv 2, 3)

“2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.”

C. Look at a confident prophet of God (vv 8-10)

“8And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. 9So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.”

{Don’t you want to be used of God in a mighty way?}

2. The kind of FAITH that changes can involve climbing some steps in a Crisis! (2 Kings 5:11-15)

“11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? 14Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

A. Look at his preconceived notions (v 11)

“11But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.”

B. Look at his pride (v12)

“12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.”

C. Look at his pardon (vv 13, 14)

“……Wash, and be clean? 14Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

{People need the Lord!}

3. The kind of FAITH that changes ends in a brand NEW LIFE”! (2 Kings 5:15-19)

“15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. 16But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused. 17And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD. 18In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing. 19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he
departed from him a little way.”

A. Changed into a heart of gratitude (v 15)

“15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.”

B. Changed into a heart of worship (v 17)

“17And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD.”

C. Changed into a heart that was forgiven (v 18)

“18In this thing the LORD pardon thy servant, that when my master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon: when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon thy servant in this thing.”

What a blessing to be “Forgiven and clean” before a holy God!!

Conclusion: Do you know someone in a crisis? Will you talk with them about the God of the Bible? Be sure to tell them that although they may not be physically healed – as Naaman – they can have their sins forgiven, which is spiritually & emotionally healing!

Do you need a CHANGE?
Does your FAITH in Jesus need renewing?
Will you share the “GOOD NEWS” that the blood of Jesus Christ will take away all the guilt and shame of sin…..and restore a clean conscience!

Ephesians 6:10-20

Introduction: There are definitely opposing forces we face every day as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can you tell?
Principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world are the arch enemies of God; and yet these evil, demonic creatures are subject to His will and purpose. Bible Prophecy records the final overthrow of these hordes of hell. Satan and his emissaries will be cast into the lake of fire!

Paul understood from personal experience what he wrote about these unseen, disembodied spirits. Furthermore, writing to the Church of Ephesus, which was a seedbed for these fallen angels, all Churches are given instructions how to war against these evil creatures. Three (3) primary strategies are suggested that, which would do us good to practice today.

1. The first Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WEARING God’s ARMOR”! (Eph 6:10-17)

“10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

{Not only do they operate from the 1st heavens – Eph 2:2 – but evidently they have an orderly hierarchy in which to launch their attacks}

{When traveling on mission trips to remote areas in foreign countries, the manifestation of evil spirits seems to be more evident by entrenching communities, as well as binding people down with both possession and oppression like recorded in Mark’s gospel with the example of the Gadarene demoniac…..who was freed by the power of Jesus Christ}

** God’s Armor is to be kept on 24/7

2. The second Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WATCHING in PRAYER”! (Eph 6:18)

“18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”

**WATCHING in Intercessory prayer

Notice -“For All Saints”

a. Starts with Jesus (John 17; Heb 7:25)
b. Continues with the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:34)
c. Flows thru the saint to the saints (Eph 6:18)

3. The third Strategy against the “Powers of darkness” is “WITNESSING in POWER”! (Eph 6:19, 20)

“19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

{The word “utterance” is the word lógos, which means word}
{The word “boldness” is parrhēsía, which means freedom in speaking}
{The word “mystery” is mystērion, which means hidden or concealed}
{The word “gospel” is euangélion, which means good news}

Conclusion: Aren’t you glad we can war against the invisible enemy with the “the whole armor of God”? This battle is not a “flesh and blood” confrontation. Honestly, it seems like there are very few CHRISTians who realize we have an enemy, and who know how to engage the enemy…..with the WORD of GOD! But Jesus did (Matt 4:1-11)!! Therefore, He has called us to fight in this lifelong skirmish. However, in this battle, we are not “FIGHTING FOR VICTORY, but rather “FROM VICTORY”!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Genesis 50:15-26

Introduction: Do you “LOVE OUT LOUD”? How can we “LOVE OUT LOUD”? How many of you would like to be closer to your family? Children? Grandchildren? Parents? Brothers and Sisters? Friends? Even though we live in a dysfunctional world, our Lord has made provisions for us to build better relationships. Taking a closer look at the life of Joseph will give us several incredible insights as to how to develop “LOVE” that lasts a Lifetime!

Notice (4) ways Joseph demonstrated how to “LOVE out LOUD”:

1. The first way to “LOVE out LOUD” is to SHOW them in every way! (Gen 50:22-26)

“22And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. 23And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. 24And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. 26So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.”

2. The second way to “LOVE out LOUD” is to TELL them in every day! (Gen 50:20)

“20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

3. The third way to “LOVE out LOUD” is to FORGIVE them in anyway! (Gen 50:15-17)

“15And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.”

{God had a plan for Joseph, and He has a plan for you and me}

4. The fourth way to “LOVE out LOUD” is to ENCOURAGE them all along the way! (Gen 50:21-26)

“21Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”

The Death of Joseph

“22And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. 23And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. 24And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 25And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. 26So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.”

** Our God is a God of FOREKNOWLEDGE!

His Will was revealed early  in Joseph’s life!

Joseph cooperated to fulfill that purpose.

** Our Lord has a plan and a purpose for you and me.

Conclusion: Can we “LOVE out LOUD”? What is keeping us from this kind of LOVE? God first LOVED us!

I Love the song….

*** I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore….very deeply stained within, seeking to rise no more. But the MASTER of the sea heard my despairing cry…and from the waters lifted me, now safe am I….Love lifted me….when nothing else could help….Love lifted me!

The “LOVE of God” through the Lord Jesus Christ can lift you up!! Jesus proved His Love (Rom 5:8; 1 John 4:10). John says it’s an “Out of this world kind of LOVE” (1 John 3:1,2). After we receive His LOVE, then we have the capacity to LOVE in return because the LOVE of God is expressed thru our hearts (Rom 5:5). Not only can we LOVE the Lord Jesus but we can LOVE each other, too (1 John 4:8-20).

Well, when will you purpose in your heart to start “LOVING out LOUD”? It’s available. Why not now?

Deuteronomy 6:4-13

Introduction: Have you ever tried to put God in a Box? Of course that’s impossible! However, unknowingly, we can act as if God is in a Box. The religious rulers were known for a “false practice” that was “man-made,” which portrayed God was in a BOX 📦! Moses describes three (3) ways we can demonstrate to our children and loved ones that our God is not in a Box📦! And our Faith in Him should not be in a BOX 📦!

Is yours?

1. TEACH them that our God is not in a BOX 📦! (Deut 6:4-7)

“4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

{The word “Hear” is sama, which means obey}

** Teach them in the morn
** Teach them at noon
** Teach them at night

Start instructing them when they are born.

2. SHOW them that our God is not in a BOX 📦! (Deut 6:8,9)

“8And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”

{The word “sign” is leot, which means covenant}

** By what you do
** By what you see
** By where you go

“10And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, 11And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; 12Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 13Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. “

** Don’t forget the Goodness of God
** Don’t forget the Blessings of the Lord
** Keep Serving the Lord

Conclusion: We are to…

“Teach the Word of God – Intentionally,” 
“Talk the Word of God – Relationally,” and
“Take the Word of God – Practically”!

That’s taking your Faith out of a BOX 📦! By the way, our God overcame the grave (Box) and He lives forevermore!

Joshua 4:1-7, 8-24

Introduction: What a thrill to be able to visit the “Promised Land,” called Israel! Indeed, it was a life-changing experience. While there, I discovered and confiscated numerous kinds of ROCKS…..some on the Temple Mtn, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Mt Carmel, Mt of Olives, Engadi caves, Dead Sea, Golan Heights, Negev desert, tunnels of Petra, Garden of Gethsemane, Nazareth, Jezreel valley – Megiddo, and even in the hills of Bethlehem. After arriving back home, this collection of ROCKS developed into a message entitled, “If these Rocks could Talk”!

There are three (3) ways you can ROCK your World!

1. The first way to Rock your world is by “ROCK FINDING”! (Josh 4:1 -7)

“1And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, 2Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, 3And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night. 4Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man: 5And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: 6That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? 7Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.”

{After crossing over the Jordan River – ON DRY GROUND- God instructed Joshua to take some 12 “stones” and set them up as a object lesson, “a sign” for the next generations to witness….demonstrating our Lord’s FAITHFULNESS}

Do we have some “Signs” of our Lord’s Faithfulness?

*** How about “Answered prayers” for Healing, Help, Hope!

2. The second way to Rock your world is by “ROCK COLLECTING”! (Joshua 4:8, 9)

“8And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.”

{Do you and I have a set of “ROCKS” stacked up inside and outside of our homes as reminders to our children and grandchildren, etc. of our Lord Jesus Christ’s FAITHFULNESS?

*** A ROCK of SALVATION- when saved – forgiven

*** A ROCK of DELIVERANCE- mind altering drugs, lifestyle of immorality, etc.

*** A ROCK of FREEDOM- walking in fellowship with Jesus

*** A ROCK of USEFULNESS- serving our Lord

*** A ROCK of LEAVING – a Lasting LEGACY

3. The third way to Rock your world is by “ROCK TELLING”! (Joshua 4:19-21)

“19And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho. 20And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. 21And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? 22Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 23For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: 24That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.”

Application: Start a ROCK PILE today!

*** Look around, there are ROCKS everywhere

4. The fourth way to Rock your world is by “ROCK CLIMBING”! (Joshua 4:7)

“7Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.”

{Our FAMILIES these days desperately need some “ROCKS to REMEMBER” – “memorials”(v .7) and then to learn to do some ROCK CLIMBING!}

Conclusion: Why should we ROCK our world?
Here’s why……..

“24That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever,” (Josh 4:24).

That’s it!!

{Hopefully our children, grandchildren and extended family can do some ROCK FINDING, ROCK COLLECTING, ROCK TELLING, and ROCK CLIMBING for themselves. That’s the way…..we can ROCK our world!

Daniel 10:12

“12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.”

Introduction: What can we learn from the book of Daniel? First, we can learn that we are not in CONTROL! Everything is not under our CONTROL!! But isn’t it good to know that our God is in CONTROL!!! Several learning lessons can be developed from the book of Daniel.

1. We like Daniel, have to learn to come UNDER AUTHORITY! (Dan 1:8-2:1f)

“8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

“13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

2. We like Daniel, have to learn to live a life of HUMILITY! (Dan 4)

{Nebuchadnezzar had to enroll in God’s humility class 101, because he thought he built Babylon by himself}

“34And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

{Peter writes about humility.}

“Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

“6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1Peter 5:6,7)

{I heard about a man who was given an award along with a medal for being humble…. when he put it on ……and was showing it off……they took it AWAY!}

3. We like Daniel, have to learn about God’s SOVEREIGNTY! (Dan 5)

“3Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem”

“5In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6Then the king’s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.”

“and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: 24Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. 25And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”

{God always has the final say so; He is in Control}

4. We like Daniel, have to learn to face ADVERSITY! (Dan 6:1f)

“10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. 11Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”

“19Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23Then was the king exceeding 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 manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.”

{Regardless of his circumstances and threats of persecution, Daniel kept his daily habit of prayer to the living God}

• Daniel was despised
• The decree sent by the king
• Daniel’s devotion
• Daniel down in the den of hungry lions
• Daniel’s deliverance

5. We like Daniel, have to learn to prepare for the ENEMY! (Dan 7:7, 8, 24, 25)

” 7After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.”

“24And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws:”

6. We like Daniel, have to learn to look forward to the fulfillment of Bible PROPHECY! (Dan 9:24-27; Dan 11:1-45)

“24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

**Looking ahead, one can see the Bible will be FULFILLED in the future (v 27)

7. We like Daniel, have to learn about the urgency of ETERNITY! (Dan 12:1-3)

“2And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

Conclusion: Studying the book of Daniel reveals some interesting insights for daily living. Dealing with “Authority, Humility, Sovereignty, Adversity, the Enemy, Prophecy, and Eternity” are pertinent issues we face today. Yet, discovering how Daniel dealt with these challenges and was “Blessed” by God certainly prepares and equips us with godly wisdom to overcome our obstacles. Like Daniel, we can conclude with ASSURANCE & CONFIDENCE that our God is in Control! Therefore, “DARE to be a DANIEL”…..”DARE to STAND ALONE”….”DARE to have a PURPOSE TRUE”….”DARE to make it KNOWN”!