DANIEL & HOSEA

Happy Easter morning!  We are looking for God to bless this day abundantly.  Well, there is rain outside, but God knows best and it is not a hard rain at all.  We will have a good day and it could even stop any time.  I hope you are having a wonderful Resurrection morning wherever you are today.  Praise God for the resurrection, it was the seal of our salvation.  I'm in Daniel and Hosea today, and here are a few thoughts for you: 1) FROM FURY TO FAITH- What a testimony this would be to hear Nebuchadnezzar tell it in his own words.  How because of the three Hebrew children's defiance, he was "full of fury" (Dan. 3:19).  But when he saw that the fire of the furnace had no effect on them, and then saw the form of the fourth man like "the Son of God".  Well, then he came to faith and said in verse 29: "there is no other God that can deliever after this sort."  From fury to faith... I hope I get to hear his testimony in Heaven. 2) THE STUMP- In Daniel chapter four, we have the story of Nebuchadnezzar being cut down like a tree and leaving only the stump.  I spoke about this yesterday at our Men's meeting and many said I should share this to other men at conferences as I have opportunity.  The idea is that God is not impressed with who we are, He will chop us down when we are filled with pride.  This process affects many around us as it did with Nebuchadnezzar, and yet God will let others suffer to deal with our pride.  God is in no hurry to deal with us (took seven years with Nebuchadnezzar) and can take a lifetime if we are resistant.  And God will leave the stump and grow us again when we deal with our pride and humble ourselves before Him.  There is a great lesson here for men especially how God can deal with our lives.  3) FIND YOUR WAY HOME- In Hosea 6:1, it says: "Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up."   God enjoys seeing the wayward coming home.  Like the Prodigal son's father, He runs out to greet us.  "Draw night to God, and He will draw nigh to you."  Where are you this morning in your walk with God?  Come, and let us return unto the LORD.  Make that your plea, your prayer today if you are just a little wayward.  May God bless you today!  Enjoy the blessing of the resurrection today and everyday! Pastor Mike Mutchler