EPIC Life - Daniel 3

Daniel is actually the first full book of the Bible I read when I was in High School. I picked it because it was my name. :) But I grew to love Daniel as one of my favorite Bible characters because of his EPIC, unwavering, uncompromising life he lived in obedience to God. EPIC Life is our last theme for the Fall Recharge season at Ingham Okoboji, and it really has to do with obedience, integrity, and living out the small things in life to point the spotlight to God. Daniel 3 is about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three contemporaries of Daniel who followed his example of uncompromising devotion to God.

Daniel 3

1. What stuck out to you from this chapter?

Obviously God's miraculous rescue was pretty amazing, but I know (like they stated in verse 17) that God is able to do that. What really stood out to me was their 100% commitment to obey God despite their impending destruction. I love their statement, which paraphrased might sound something like this, "I know God COULD save us if he chooses; He is TOTALLY able to do that. But if he chooses not to, He is still good and worthy of our lives and our praise. So we will not bow down." That is how I want to live my life, even if it might cost me status, money, popularity, or whatever. 

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

Well, their story is very similar to Daniel's close encounter with the lions in chapter 6. But overall it reminds me of how Jesus described living an EPIC life in Matthew chapter 6 when he said, "Let your light shine before all men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not out to make a name for themselves, they were out to keep God's name holy and revered above all. It led to a kingdom-wide (albeit temporary) revival of worshipping God. It also reminds me of Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Father if it's possible, please remove this cup (of suffering) from me. But not my will but yours be done." His life ended in death (and then later in eternal life and glory). 

3. What does this mean for my life?

It's very similar to my answer to #1, but I want to not compromise on the small things. This might included infringing on copyrights by burning music, not telling little "white lies" that cast a better picture on myself, making sure to use my time effectively at work, not promising things I can't deliver on, making sure I deliver on promises, not losing my temper at my kids, not gossiping about a coworker, etc. I want to make sure to be faithful in the little things in life.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Nebuchadnezzar was quick to switch his allegiance to God after seeing this miracle, but I wonder what made him switch back so quickly? Did he truly believe in God? Was he just a nominal, band-wagon follower while it was cool? It seems he has a similar disposition to Pharaoh in Egypt, that is believing after the wonders are shown, but hard-hearted and habitual in worship to self and other "gods". 

I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts. Thanks for reading and keeping me accountable. Tomorrow I will begin reading in the book of Acts, starting with chapter 1 and going through the whole book in 28 days. Join me for a chapter or two, or the whole book! 

In Christ,

Dan

EPIC Fail - 1 Samuel 4

EPIC Fail - 1 Samuel 4

I never thought I would become a tea-drinking blogger, but here I sit - drinking tea and blogging. :) Today is day 3 of 5 in reflecting on our Fall Recharge theme at Ingham Okoboji. These youth retreat weekends start on Oct. 24 and run 5 weekends in a row until just before Thanksgiving. So I'm just sharing some of our main thoughts for the upcoming weekends. Beginning Friday, Oct. 17, I'll start reading the book of Acts, one chapter at a time. I hope you'll join me for that, but here's today's reading:

1 Samuel 4

1. What stuck out to you from the chapter?

The main part of the story we're using for the recharge is v. 1-11, but what stuck out to me as I read the chapter this time is that when both Eli and his daughter in law received news of the loss, it was the loss of the ark of the covenant that devastated them the most. As hard as hearing the news of his son's deaths, the news of the ark being captured was what made him flip (literally, falling over backward and breaking his neck). What it shows me is not that Eli didn't love his sons, but that he loved God and treasured God above all else. He couldn't bear to think that the object in which God chose to manifest Himself to the Israelites was carelessly used and lost for a battle that doesn't seem like it was led by God.

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

The use of the ark in this careless manner reminds me of how Esau carelessly and flippantly traded away his blessing and inheritance for a bowl of stew. Something that should have been treasured was used to satisfy his fleeting desires.

3. What does this mean for my life?

I often catch myself making plans, moving forward with them, and pray that God would bless me in that. That is very similar to what the Israelites did. They decided to go into battle, without the specific "go-ahead-I'll-win-this-battle-for-you" blessing of God. Then when things weren't going well, they decided to bring God into it, still without God's blessing. This was the EPIC fail they experienced. I have to be careful to remember not to just ask God to bless my own plans. Rather, I need to seek God's plans and will for my life as best I can. Then I need to be obedient to His desires. In that situation, we don't even need to ask for God's blessing because it will be His leading all along. He will bless it.

4. Do I have any questions about this chapter?

Why would anybody name there kid Ichabod after reading this? (just kidding) I think a real question I have is this: Why didn't God say something when they started to bring the ark down? Like a simple, "Why are you doing this? I haven't blessed this battle. You're going to lose 30,000 people if you keep moving forward." That would have been nice.

Thanks for reading, please share your thoughts. May God bless your day as you seek to orient yourselves to his will.

In Christ,
Dan

EPIC Beginning - Genesis 1

EPIC Beginning - Genesis 1

So as I continue on to Day 2 (out of 5) with reflecting on our upcoming youth recharges at Ingham Okoboji, we decided to start where Maria from The Sound of Music advised is "a very good place to start" - at the very beginning. So our EPIC Beginning takes us all the way back to Genesis 1. It was fun to re-read a chapter of the Bible that is very familiar.

GENESIS 1

1. What stuck out to you reading this chapter?

As I was reading this chapter I was struck by hearing that everything God had made was "good". I'm sure you'll agree that sometimes it's hard to look around at the world today and think, "Wow this is good." It's hard because, of course, something happened and humanity walked away from the perfect goodness of God for our own desires. So our world today reflects that compounding investment in our selfishness and sin. But it was refreshing to be reminded that God's design was initially "very good." In fact, God's design for life is always very good. 

2. How does this relate to other scripture I know?

Genesis 1 isn't the only book of the Bible that starts out with the words, "In the beginning..." The gospel of John also begins that way. Here's what it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." It goes on to say that the Word is Jesus, who was with God in the beginning. It's why we believe that Jesus was present in creation.

3. What does this mean for my life? 

My two daughters love the song "Speak Life" by TobyMac. When God created the world, it doesn't say that he used tools, or his hands, or hired out a contractor. :) He SPOKE life into deadness and darkness and chaos and brought everything into existence. Since we are created in God's image, I also believe that our words have the power to bring life into someone else. This chapter was a great reminder for me to use my words to bring encouragement into other's lives, rather than negativity - to build others up rather than tear them down. 

4. Do I have any questions?

I have hundreds of questions about God creating the world, most of which I'm sure I'll never have answered until I sit in the presence of God in heaven for all eternity. I hope he caught it on camera though because it sure would be fun to watch over and over again. It would sure make for some great Vine videos. :)

I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Respond below, share your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook. Also, because I'm new I would be very open to suggestions about this blog. Is is too long? Too boring? Does it need more or less of something? Does it leave enough room for people to respond? Feel free to share those thoughts and comments as well. God's richest blessings on your day.

In Christ,
Dan

EPIC Reflections - Psalm 107

EPIC Reflections - Psalm 107

My intention for this blog is to read through books of the bible, one chapter at a time, but occasionally I will diverge and do a few side readings. The next five (and actually the first five) blog entries, including this one, will be some reflections on the main texts for our upcoming Fall Recharge youth retreat weekends at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camps. Here's the first one. If you haven't read the chapter yet, feel free to click on the chapter reference to read it online.

PSALM 107

1. What stuck out to you reading this chapter?

Everyone has a story. This psalmist was trying hard to keep the stories of God's people alive. There are so many amazing stories in the Bible, but they are all connected. In fact, the whole Bible is one big EPIC narrative, telling of God's power, might, mercy, and love. It's amazing to think of how God has worked in countless ways to bring glory to himself, and blessing for his people. The verse that stuck out to me is Psalm 107:2, which is the main verse for our Fall Recharges. "Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story!" What a powerful command.

2. How does this relate to other scripture I know?

The prophet Jeremiah stated this desire to tell about God's goodness in a really great way.But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9). I also think of Jesus's command to the disciples in Acts 1:8, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." What does a witness do? Tells the story of how God has worked in their life.

3. What does this mean for my life? 

This chapter really helps me to do two things. First, to see every story in the Bible as a part of a larger story. In fact, my own life story is a part of a larger story of God at work in the world. Second, this chapter encourages me to tell my story. God has redeemed my life, lifted me out of the slimy pit, rescued me from the dominion of darkness, and given me hope and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I want to tell that story.

4. Do I have any questions?

Well, verses 23-32 describe merchants going out on the seas and encountering storms. To what incident(s) was this was referring? I'm not familiar with any Bible stories (that would have happened prior to this Psalm being written) other than Noah's where God calmed the seas and rescued a ship. Maybe it's a story that was commonly known in the day, but just didn't make it into Scripture. That's my question.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Respond below, share your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook. Also, because I'm new I would be very open to suggestions about this blog. Is is too long? Too boring? Does it need more or less of something? Does it leave enough room for people to respond? Feel free to share those thoughts and comments as well. God's richest blessings on your day.

In Christ,
Dan