Daniel & Hosea

What a wonderful day we had yesterday!  My church was glorious!  I enjoyed myself so much and the place is packing out.  We need more room already and this next Sunday we hope to cram in as many as possible and still will not have room for everyone.  But, what exciting times these are.  I taught a class to brand new people to our church and had 27 in it.  They are eager to hear about the history of our church and what we believe.  I am thrilled with the response.  God is moving! Today, I'm looking at Daniel and Hosea.  Daniel was just a child when taken into captivity and was there for over 70 years.  He stands for God as a young man in chapter one, and in chapter six, he stands for God as an old man.  How marvelous to stand for God all of ones life!  That is the goal I have!  I know I'm not perfect, but I want to please the LORD as best I can all my life and be useful in His work.  Here are a few blessings: 1) SEVEN WORDS THAT WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING- They are found in Daniel 2:28: "But there is a God in heaven..."  This changes everything!  You are weak, But there is a God in heaven; You are broke, But there is a God in heaven; You feel all alone, But there is a God in heaven; You feel discouraged, But there is a God in heaven; You feel you need help and guidance, But there is a God in heaven.  Yes, these words change everything!!  Let these words change your situation today....But there is a God in heaven!! 2 WORDS OF CONVICTION-  In Dan. 3, the Hebrew children face the king's wrath for not bowing down to his idol, and they tell him that their God is able to deliver them from the furnace of fire, but now come these words of conviction in verse 18: "But if not..."  Even if God chooses not to deliver us, we are still serving Him!!  Praise God!!  Even if cancer is not healed...I'm still serving Him.  Even if my heart condition gets me... I'm still serving Him!!  God can bless me, God can help me, God can turn my situation around completely, BUT IF NOT.... I am still going to serve Him, and I'm not bowing down to any dumb idols.  Job said:  "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."  Words of Conviction.  Let us be people of conviction... people who what the blessings of God, BUT IF NOT... will keep on serving Him! 3. A DOOR OF HOPE- In Hosea 2:15 it talks about "a door of hope".  The statement reads: "And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;"  That caught my attention many months ago.  The valley of Achor for a door of hope.  Now the "valley of Achor" is where Achan was stoned with stones and then burned with fire, and they raised "over hm a great heap of stones unto this day.  So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger.  Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day."  (Joshua 7:26)  Now here is what is interesting... "Achor" means "trouble".  God is saying a valley of trouble will become a "door of hope".  What does it all mean??  Well, I've pondered it myself many times and here are my best thoughts on it:  This valley of trouble that Israel found themselves in was because of sin that was not dealt with.  But when the sin became dealt with, that same place became a place of hope instead of trouble!  If you are in a place of trouble, why not humbly deal with the sin in your life thoroughly and repent and ask God's forgiveness and cleansing so that the depth of your valley might also be a "door of hope".  No matter where we are, if we keep ourselves right with God.... that place is a door of hope.  God can swing open the door of blessing when His children are getting right with Him!!  Let your valley be your door of hope.   Start today.... it will take some time.... get serious with God.... seek His face.... and let the door of hope start opening for you!!  Well, I've got to go for now.  My God richly bless you today and everyday!!  Pastor Mike Mutchler