Finding Integrity in Prophecy

I've decided to take on the very weighty task of studying the book of Daniel via Beth Moore. As described on Lifeway Christian Resources' website, those joining me will embark on a "faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials." 

Recently, the adult small group I attend (the hosts, anyway) decided to take a break. This is an answer to prayer. I don't mean that I didn't want to still meet with this great group, but it has been a long time in coming for me to host a Bible study for whoever will come. I've even had people ask me if I was going to lead another one. In some ways I feel apprehensive though, because last summer I open-ended an invitation to study the book of Ruth with a Kelly Minter study. It seemed at first that many would join me and as the weeks drew closer to the start date, the numbers dwindled. Then after a few weeks, I realized it would be just me. 

It can be an unusually good gift from God to do a Bible study on your own however. I was enlightened with incredible things that, had I been accompanied by anyone, I may not have discovered the treasures I gleaned. Sometimes, I think, when you are alone with God, he does his greatest work in you. I believe last summer was one of those occasions. Many wounds were healed because I allowed God to become for me who He always has been, and will always be.

Lyrics to a song that Ms. Minter penned with Sarah Hart have really touched my heart. It's entitled, "I Lay Down". She writes about complete surrender. The bridge reads like this:

You are my hope, You are my peace

You have always been and will always be

I once was lost, now I've been found

I lay down, I lay down

To hear a sample of Kelly Minter's music click here.

I have hope, so I let go. I want peace, so I surrender. The One who can give both does- when I exchange my burden for his freedom. Speaking of hope and peace, back to the Daniel study.. 

The reason I want to study the book of Daniel is to gain insight on a topic that is of obvious concern to many people. Lately it has been so threatening that even network television has covered areas of prophecy, specifically the second coming of Christ. Though, I strongly believe it has more to do with proving Christianity in general pointless and foolish, but I digress. Now, I've read the book of Revelation, and I have a good knowledge base, and eschatology is exciting to me. That and an admirable woman of God leading the way, have convinced me it's time to study such engaging and educational literature! 

You know, the Bible says that God's people perish because they aren't aware of what they need to know (Hosea 4:6.) Unfortunately, we have seen in our day by this example, how little scripture God's own people know. My prayer is that as I go through this study, transparently, loved ones and even strangers would come to believe the truth and stop believing man-made lies about God and what he says. Perhaps some will give their life, surrendering to Him, completely. 

So, if you'd like to join in on the fun of frolicking in freedom-giving fresh fare of "foolishness-in-the-eyes-of-the-world," then be sure to get your copy of Daniel: Lives of Integrity; Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore and be ready to begin on Sunday, June 12 at 6 pm in my home. Otherwise you can catch glimpses of my study here on a weekly basis.

Prized Possession

I was given a Bible that belonged to my grandma shortly after her death. It has taken me a few years now to really decide how I wanted to present it to the world. The book itself stands alone. A treasure among treasures, this has been the best gift I have ever been given. Almost as precious as the Word, is the great value given to it by it's previous owner. There are marks and highlights and notes that fill the pages. I can see with my own eyes which passages inflamed her heart.

Tucked inside the front cover, I counted seven bookmarks. One has a little girl on the front holding flowers. It has a vintage look, with the prayer-poem "Day by Day" on it. Another looked as if a young relative, perhaps a grandchild, crafted it from yarn. It's a light-green cross. 

A list of scriptures that deals with subjects like dreams, prophetic visions, and apocalyptic revelations from God lined the backside of a photocopy from a book about prophets of old. Notes on a Bible study of the book of Daniel, favorite hymns, more prayer poetry, a "How To Pray" in the A.C.T.S. style, maps of the Holy Land, and last but not least a bulletin dated April 9, 2004 were folded and filed in the front cover of her prized possession.


The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:1-17 had numbering each one separated by "1st, 2nd, 3rd," and on and on. By the way she lived her life, at least the life I saw her live, she didn't believe anything other than Jesus saves us alone by what He did on the cross, and we have victory because of his resurrection. Clearly, she knew of His saving grace. "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." -John 6:40 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." -Acts 4:12


One of my last memories of her was shortly before she passed into eternity. We were talking in my living room about different members of our family not being saved. I told her of a dream that I recently had about my younger brother. He was wrapped in the arms of a man wearing a bright white robe. She just said that's a promise to hold on to. I think about that and am reminded by another passage underlined- John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." Promises made by man are often neglected and forgotten, but the Promises of God last forever and are always brought about in perfect timing. 

Her faith in God's power to overcome for those who trust in Jesus filled our conversations. At each opportunity given, she spoke of how her children were going to serve the Lord. She believed it. She spoke it. It has come to pass.