The power of dreams

God speaks in dreams. We would do well to pay attention to our dreams. The Scriptures are full on dreams and interpretations. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that greatly troubled him (Dan 2:3). God is the revealer of mysteries (Dan 2:22) and he wants us to know what is in our hearts (Dan 2:30). When you have a dream, give it some thought. What is God revealing to you? What is he telling you about yourself? This revelation must be carefully weighed as we seek to know the Lord and his will for our lives. It is one of the way the Spirit speaks to us (Joel 2:28).

The darker the night, the brighter the light

The darker our culture becomes, the more the word of God will seem like a joke to them. Those who believe the Bible will be ridiculed as backward and ignorant (Jer 20:8). As this happens, it is tempting to hide; to say nothing about God’s word or what He has done in our lives. Like Jeremiah, we will find that it is impossible to hold it in (Jer 20:9). As the Scriptures prove to be true, we’ll be compelled by the love of Christ to speak the truth. Sometimes taking a stand is lonely, but remember the mighty Warrior is at your side (Jer 20:11, Mat 28:18-20).

The road to success

Twenty one years ago today my first daughter was born and I was called into the ministry. Today she graduates from basic training in the U.S. Army. Jeremiah told Baruch, his scribe, “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it!” (Jer 45:5) This is good advice for me and for my daughter. The ministry and the Army both have roads to status and prestige. There are many opportunities to compromise your integrity along the way. “Great things” are not worth the best thing; an honest daily walk with the Lord. If he wants you in high places, He can put you there without compromise. The ministry and the Army are really about service. In the kingdom, the way up is down. (Psa 75:6-7, Mar 10:45)

Marks of a leader

“A beautiful palace does not a king make.” (Jer 22:15) The trappings and privileges of leadership do not make a leader. A leader is one who does what is right, cares for the oppressed and demonstrates his walk with the Lord by the way he treats people. (Jer 22:15-16). Leadership is not about rank and privilege. It is about service. What is your goal? What is your motivation? Are you in it for yourself? Do you realize that God gives you power and influence to help others? Have you come to your royal position “for such a time as this?” (Est 4:14).

Universal worship

One day the whole earth will worship the Lord. We will worship in our own lands (Zeph 2:11). We will also go to New Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts (Zech 14:16). We will all worship in one “pure speech,” perhaps Hebrew (Zeph 3:9). After the Lord allows us time to receive His grace in Jesus, he will judge the earth and the remnant will all know God (Hab 2:14) and worship him together (Phil 2:10-11).

When all else fails

It is very easy to begin believing in our own strength and wealth. Most of us can’t handle too much success. We quickly begin to trust in ourselves rather than God. Though we may not commit blatant idolatry, we worship ourselves and forget God (Hab 1:11, 2:9, 13). It doesn’t take much to dissolve this illusion. Strength fails and wealth disappears. Then we must acknowledge our dependence on God. Though all material things fail, yet I will rejoice in the Lord (Hab 3:17-18). Why not learn this lesson now? Trust in the Lord now before your strength and wealth betray you.

The only reliable refuge

Trouble comes to every life. There is no avoiding it. The only question is, “How will you react?” You can blame God and run from him or you can seek refuge in him. It is true that he causes some trouble as discipline or punishment for sin. It is also true that nothing happens without his permission. But neither of these facts make him responsible for evil. In fact, he is the only reliable refuge from the trouble that we ourselves cause. The Lord is good. A strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him (Nah 1:7).