Personal Thoughts and Ministry

A Fervent Prayer.

9/28/2012

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord GOD, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my GOD, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful GOD, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: (Daniel 9:2-5)

Thus begins the prayer of Daniel for himself, his country, his brethren and for the sins that they had committed. Daniel recognized the times and seasons and sought forgiveness, solace and mercy at the throne of GOD. This was a man committed to His GOD, fervent in prayer, and full of understanding and because of that he prayed earnestly for the sins of his people and for the forgiveness that only GOD can give. This was no empty prayer with pleasant words and platitudes, but a deep felt cry for mercy and grace. This is the proper response of everyone who recognizes themselves for the sinner that they are.

It should also be the response of GOD's people, His Church; for their lack of discernment, discipleship and dedication to the Word of GOD. The church has not recognized the times, nor has it been salt and light as it should. We must repent: as people of GOD, as sinners whose actions and thoughts are an affront to a righteous and Holy GOD, and as His Church; we must repent and return to the work of GOD.

If you do not have a secure relationship with the Living GOD, receive Him today. If you do, share Him with everyone you meet.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

History is His Story.

9/27/2012

And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. (Daniel 8:16-19)

Here Christ commands the angel Gabriel to make know the meaning of the vision of the Ram with unequal horns and the He-goat with four horns. Gabriel explains to Daniel of the coming kingdoms of Media-Persia and Greece. Media-Persia was a single kingdom with unequal parts: The medes were the lesser to the eventual greater part, the Persians. Then Greece conquered them in the strength and leadership of Alexander, but his kingdom was split into four subkingdoms that warred with each other for a time until the strongest formed a uneasy rule and truce which would last until Rome subjugated them (But that is another dream.) History bears out the vision of Daniel that GOD gave him.

GOD who knows all, the beginning from the end saw fit to give Daniel a portion of what was to come upon His people, so he could warn them of what was to pass. When we look back, and see all of what GOD has done, we are in awe of His majesty, and power over nations. Even nations and peoples that defy Him and mock His Name.

GOD loves us so much that He directs even pagan kings to accomplish His will, to set the stage for the coming of His Son the first time as a suffering servant who would offer Himself in our place. The next time Jesus Christ steps out of Heaven into this world He will not be coming as prophet or priest, but as King. The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords who will judge the whole earth. Are you ready? Can you stand before the Judge of the whole world? Will you present yourself as payment or will you be covered by the blood He shed on the Cross for you? If not, get ready today while there is still time.

If you are ready, tell someone else of His love for sinners. Share Him today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

The King is coming....

9/26/2012

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. (Daniel 7:13-17)

Daniels vision that was given to him during the reign of Belshazzar the last king of Babylon was of four beasts that represented the four great kindgoms of the civilized world that Daniel knew. Babylon, Medes and Persians, Greece, and Rome. Each would be succesful, great and powerful. Each would be followed by the next, but still exist for a time. And finally the last would be terrible in a different way, and that final beast would rule for a time over the whole earth, until conquered by the eternal King whose Kingdom will never end. Our History bears this out. Babylon was conquered by the Medes and Persians, the Medes were a lesser part of the Persian empire; They in turn were conquered but not utterly destroyed by the Greeks. The final kingdom was established when Rome defeated the divided Greeks and 'peace' was established. This final kingdom will return in a same but different world beast who gets his power from both earthly subkingdoms but also the spiritual realm. This New World Order will be defeated when Jesus returns and establishes the Eternal Millenial Kingdom and defeats all His enemies. And only those that are in relationship with Him will enter into the joy of the Lord. All unbelievers will be cast out from His presence.

It is a warning, but I have good news. All those that repent, believe in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross for their sIn, and receive Him by faith will receive forgiveness, an abundant life here and now, and we will be with Him when He returns in His glory.

It's not too late. Respond to GOD's call and obey His command to you today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

Our GOD is GOD.

9/25/2012

Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel: for He is the living GOD, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
(Daniel 6:25-28)

When GOD delivers His people, especially in such a mighty way, even those who don't believe have to acknowledge the King of the Universe. This was quite a testimony, and declaration that the GOD of Daniel was GOD of all, and His Kingdom was for ever. We all need to praise Him for His works on our behalf, and for all His blessings. Those of us who know Him, and walk with Him are to worship Him at all times: In hymns, and psalms and spiritual songs making melody in our heart to the Lord. We lift Him up and talk of all His wondrous works to the children of men. That is what we are to be about. Sharing Christ with those that will listen, and living Christ despite those that don't, and waiting on Jesus while those that are without live for themselves.

We must be faithful like Daniel, to reach the lost even when we are doing the work of the Lord in whatever field He has put us in. Then those that see the work of GOD will praise Him, and testify of what He is doing. And those that don't know Him will have an opportunity to believe the Gospel, and repent and receive Jesus Christ by faith in His finished work on the cross. That is our message, the good news that we are to tell to all those that GOD puts in our path.

Pray that the lost will hear, that seekers will find Jesus Christ, and believers will be obedient to GOD's Word.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

Faithful and Delivered.

9/24/2012

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living GOD, is thy GOD, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My GOD hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his GOD. (Daniel 6:20-23)

After spending a sleepless night, the king rushes to see Daniels fate, and finds Daniel whole and well. Such it can be for the servants of GOD. No matter what trials or danger comes our way, our GOD is faithful; and if He chooses not to deliver one of His own from the danger, know this that He is Sovereign and has the authority to do so. He has His purposes: to glorify Himself, for all glory belongs to Him; and to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. And just as Daniel was delivered from the lions, because he believed in GOD; so can sinners, who believe GOD has provided forgiveness through the Cross and repent, be delivered from their sin. And all of us can be delivered from whatever it is that binds us and keeps us from serving GOD as He would have us to do. GOD calls us to obedience, faithfulness, and trust in Him. We must be like Daniel, no matter what comes.

If you don't know Christ receive Him today, and if you do, tell someone else of His faithfulness in your life today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

Preferred, or faulty?

9/21/2012

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his GOD. (Daniel 6:3-5)

Can such be said of us? That none can find fault in us, nor occasion against us? That is our goal, and in Christ we can achieve it, just as Daniel did. We can, through the power to overcome sIn within us (the Holy Spirit), be faithful. Faithful to our GOD: And by putting Him, not first, but in the midst of all; we can be faithful to our families, our work, and our community and church as He directs and teaches us of His Word, His ways, and He accomplishes His work in us, to be more like Him.

Are we like Daniel, do we strive for perfection; or do we settle for mediocrity and compromise? What is your goal for the Kingdom? What does the world think of you? Are one of theirs? Of course, if you have never been Born Again as the Bible states, you are still in this world and not a child of the King. In this unredeemed state, you cannot become like Christ, because you have never received Him. You must recognize this spiritual condition, repent and return to GOD.

And Christian, while you are maturing toward Christlikeness, you must be about Kingdom business. Tell others of what Christ has done for you, and what He continues to do.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

The Hand writing on the wall...

9/20/2012

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
"Then was the part of the hand sent from Him; and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians." (Daniel 5:5-6,24-28)

Our GOD is still in control; of nations, people, and events. And He is the judge of all men. Here, because of the blasphemy and idolatry by Belshazzar, GOD condemned the king and the nation and fulfilled the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar as to the overthrow of the kingdom.

GOD has judged everyone in the same way. Without Christ, who provides us a pardon for our sins, we are already guilty and condemned. All of our deeds, thoughts, and attitudes are unrighteousness and separate us from a Holy GOD. We have been counted and are unworthy. But, GOD who is rich in mercy, loves us enough that He will not utterly cast us out. He came to provide the way of salvation. All those that repent, believe in Him and His finished work on the Cross, and receive His pardon will be delivered from this condemnation.

All of us have a choice: we can either reject GOD and serve idols like Belshazzar, with the same results; or we can turn away from our sIn and to a righteous and Holy GOD and earnestly surrender to Him to be saved.

And for those that are in Christ, tell someone of this promise today that they might hear the gospel and be saved.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

He is Worthy of all praise.

9/19/2012

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the High GOD hath wrought toward me. How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! His Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of Heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase. (Daniel 4:1-3,37)

When GOD works in our lives our proper response is to praise Him; to declare His mighty works toward His creation, and His people. He is worthy. His ways are perfect. His thoughts are above ours, and yet directed toward us. How wonderful it is to know that the Creator of the universe not only continues to work on behalf of His creation, but seeks a relationship with us and wants us to return to Him. He seeks us, and draws all men unto Himself in order to establish a right relationship; a relationship that was lost when Adam sinned and rebelled against a righteous and Holy GOD.

Only in Christ can that relationship be restored. Only through the blood of Jesus Christ, which He shed on the Cross of Calvary can we be forgiven, and made free. Free from the penalty of sIn. Free from the power of sIn. and one day free from the presence of sIn. But it is our choice to accept this free gift. GOD gives us that choice so that we will truly love and appreciate Him, and what He has done for us.; and praise and worship Him for it.

If you don' t know Christ in truth, receive Him today. And if you do know Him, tell someone of His love today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

The fourth in the fire.

9/18/2012

Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of GOD. (Daniel 3:22-25)

Though our enemies try hard to bring hurt to us, even to their own destruction; Our GOD is there. While we might have to go through the trial, He is there. Sometimes He delivers us from the effects, other times we endure whatever comes our way. In all things we glorify GOD that He may be worshiped, and our testimony is sure and our integrity intact. Our trials may not be as harsh as this experience, but GOD will be with those of us that know Him, and wants those that don't to receive Him and be delivered from their sIn.

May we who are called by His Name, stand for Jesus no matter what or who comes against us. Knowing that He is able to keep us either from or through whatever He allows; gives us strength to stand and remain true to His Word and tell others of what GOD is doing in, through and for us.

I pray that those who are separated from GOD because of their sIn, will repent and receive Him today; that they may have Life, eternal and abundant, just as He promised.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

Fully persuaded...

9/17/2012

Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that GOD that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our GOD whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:15-18)

Despite all the pomp and circumstance, these three stood. Not only physically, when commanded to bow down and worship, but spiritually; because they obeyed GOD and not man. They believed GOD would deliver them, but remained steadfast and obedient regardless of how GOD brought them through. They were resolved, convinced in their heart and mind, determined before (just as they had with the meat offered to idols) to remain faithful to their Saviour and Lord. We need such as these today in the Church. Those that will not compromise at the alter of convenience. Those that will stand against tyranny and oppression, not at the point of a gun; because that will never change hearts and minds, but with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. True strength and resolution comes from a relationship with the Creator by faith in His finished work on the Cross of Calvary. A true relationship, not role-playing 'church' but a real and lasting salvation that GOD gives to those that repent, believe, and receive.

Dare to be like these three and stand. And if you don't know Christ and have come to realize that you can't stand like this without Him (and you can't) then receive Him today.

Stand up Christian, and be who Christ calls you to be. Be His witness to someone today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet

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