DANIEL & HOSEA

It's early Saturday morning in Memphis airport.  I had a good time with my parents, brother, sister, and their families.  I miss them dearly, but know God's will for my life is the good people who make up Grand View Baptist Church now, and in the years to come.  God is doing a great work, and we are humbled just to be a part of it.  I'm looking at Daniel and Hosea this morning, and here are just a few brief thoughts:   1) IS IT REALLY WELL?  In Daniel 3:15, the king tells the three Hebrew children that when they hear the sound of the music and "ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not,…"   Here is the thought:  If we bow down to the idols of this world, the world says all will be well!  But how can things be well, when we are out of harmony with the God of the universe?  How can things be well with the world and at the same time be well with God?  Are not they at opposite ends of the spectrum of truth and righteousness?  It is sad to see that many Christians are compromising their lives thinking that it will be well, but it does not turn out that way.  How can it be well, when your children go astray?  How does it turn out well, when your marriage crumbles?  One foot in church and the other in the world does not make for things to turn out well.  Now, the passage proves one thing in chapter three of Daniel, and that is that if you take your stand for God, it will end up well!!   2) HOW TO MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION- Daniel 12:3 says: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the star for ever and ever."  Let your life be used to win others to Christ and you will shine throughout eternity!  Only in eternity, will we see the wisdom of investing our lives to the cause of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  I have often thought of the day in Heaven when people we have led to Christ will come up to us with thankful hearts and let us know how grateful they are that we shared with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.    3) IF- Hosea 6:3 says: "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD:" IF we follow God, then God will let us know that we are following truth!  In the New Testament, it says it this way: John 7:17  "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  Same thought…. Follow God, do His will, and…. We shall know the truth from God!  Follow Him today!    May God bless you, and guess what…. Tomorrow is Sunday!!  I'm going to get me another cup of coffee.   Blessings on you! Pastor Mike Mutchler