Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Run your Race

This week I decided instead of introducing you to a Hero I will post a video that I find very impacting. As you watch it, ask yourself what you run your race for.
We are Heros in God's eyes, so let us run the race that He laid before us.

"I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:13-14)

Friday, February 6, 2009

Brave People of Influece

Recently I have been talked about some great Heros. I started off with Joseph and how he kept a soft heart all through his circumstances and how we have to make sure that our heart stays soft no matter what happens. The last Hero I talked about was Tristan. He was willing to make the tough choices even if it meant sacrifice. Are we willing to make the hard choices and be men and women of character?

Today I want to write to you about three remarkable men in the Bible: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

Have you ever heard of them? Well, I guess you have. We can find their story in Daniel Chapter 3 and it is quite a remarkable story I was reminded of it again this Wednesday during you(th).
So what's the story behind these men. Well, King Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most evil kings during the Babylonian times. He erected a huge statue everybody was supposed to be praying to. Anyone refusing to do so would be thrown into the fire. Of course, everybody bowed down and praised the statue. EXCEPT the three guys mentioned earlier. They were Jews and believed in the one God.
Later the King lets them come to him and asks them about it. Their answers is remarkable. We read it in Daniel 3:17

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty."

I find this absolutely amazing. Just read it again. They were brave enough to say to the most evil king of Babylonia that they will not bow before him and that their God will save them. Amazing! I love that about them.
These three men knew their God. They feared their God and therefore did not have to fear anything. They knew who He was and that He would always protect them if they fear them. When God is for us, who can be against us?
Read with me Psalm 34:9-10

"Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing."

Therefore when we fear the Lord, he will provide for everything else! Amazing. Those tree young men they knew their God. They knew they just needed to trust in the Lord.
And indeed God saved them from death. In the remainder of the story Nebuchadnezzar throws them into the fire, but they did not die. Their God was with them and protected them. He showed Himself powerfully that day. But not only were those three men heroically brave and affronted the king, but they also had a powerful influence on him and the coming generations.
Let us go back to Daniel and read chapter 4:1-3 (chapter 3:31-33 in the German Bible)

"King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: Peace and prosperity to you! “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations."

The most evil king ever wishes peace to everyone! He praises God! This is just amazing and it happened because three brave men who knew and feared their God stood up and made their stand. They had an impact on many other peoples, nations and generations. This is what makes them Heros in my eyes.

Hence in closing let me ask you a few questions:
Do you take God seriously?
Do you truly love and fear him?
Where are areas in your life where you should stand up and proclaim your God?

Remember, people who trust in their God, not only have everything provided, but also have big influence on others. Be that Hero, have this influence. Trust in your God, love Him wholeheartedly and honestly and fear him.

In this sense... let's live like Heros.

xoxo Ramona

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