T.J.I.F.A.
THANK JESUS IT’S FRIDAY AGAIN!
PASS IT ON… & ON… & ON…& ON.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

SUBJECT: ‘ARE WE EXEMPT?’
ATTENTION ALL READERS! THIS QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED IN YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE. GET A LARGE MIRROR, AND TAKE AN UNBIASED LOOK AT YOUR MOTIVES AND YOUR
LIFE…THEN CALL ME IN THE MORNING.
NOTEWORTHY: SACREDNESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES; BY O. CHAMBERS
TJIFA’S BOOK SHELF: DANIEL EQUALS TRUST
REVELATION? MALNOURISHED CHRISTIANITY
QUICK QUOTES: DOES HUMANISM FIT INTO CHRISTIANITY?
MILL STONE …FORBID THEM NOT! – A CHILI ANALOGY
TESTIMONY TIME: GOD’S TWENTY SIX GUARDS
FRIDAY’S WORD: ‘DANIEL’
IN THE MIRROR: ‘COMMON SENSE’ WILL RULE ONLY UNTIL . . .
O TASTE AND SEE! A GREAT POT OF CHILI YUM, YUM. REAL EASY TO MAKE AND FUN TO ENJOY…TER
LOOKING FORWARD
SEE YA NEXT TIME!
TER & TJIFA STAFF
ARE WE EXEMPT?
Romans 3:1-5;
1”What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? 2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles
of God. 3For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man
a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”
Is America exempt from the Judgment of GOD? We know that Sodom and Gomorrah were not, and neither was Jerusalem. Babylon was not and neither was Egypt,
nor Judah. Will America be exempt from the wrath of GOD?
Romans 3:5-6;
5”But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6God forbid:
for then how shall God judge the world?”
There is a common saying: “If America is not judged, then GOD owes Sodom and Gomorrah, an apology.” (GOD makes no mistakes. What He does is sovereign
and perfect. It is more important for us to learn from our constant foibles, mistakes, and commissions than to put Almighty GOD on trial for His Righteous
Judgments.) “It is very natural for a people to see their acts of disruption in other’s lives as a necessary ordeal. It is also very natural to attempt
to blame higher ranking officers or those who rule over us for the obvious catastrophe in our lives or the lives of innocent others. GOD used Babylon
as a rod of correction in His Mighty Hand. GOD subdued Nations, Kingdoms and brought the known world under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon.
These mighty, fierce, and cruel people ruled the world; but only through and by the Will of Almighty GOD.
Romans 3:7-12;
7”For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8And not rather, (as we be slanderously
reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9What then? are we better than they? No, in no
wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There
is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none
that doeth good, no, not one.”
In the midst of this seventy year Israeli Captivity, Daniel walked as the advisor or Prime Minister to three Kings. He prayed openly three times a day,
which eventually reserved him a bed in the Lion’s Den, where he spent twenty four hours, and gratefully, climbed out by the Summons of King Darius. The
next day the men who reserved the Lion’s Den for Daniel were escorted to the same accommodations. They, however, were not as pleased with their out come;
or rephrasing that; they were never heard of after the door was shut.
Romans 3:13-20;
13”Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing
and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is
no fear of God before their eyes.
19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God. 20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
It has been said, “Absolute power corrupts…absolutely.” (Author Unknown) Babylon symbolized power, materialism, and cruelty. America is symbolized
by its conquering ability, rushing across the skies, under the sea, over the sea, and on land. America is world known for materialism, and freedom of
speech, actions, and expertise in all avenues. America is the delight of many people in third world countries. Our motto is “Bring me your poor …” If
anyone can get to America; their lives will never be the same. (Of course they will have to learn the skills of the survival of the fittest methodology.
{ Methodology-a set or system of methods, principles, and rules used in a given discipline}

American History recites the desire of the pioneers to find a ‘place’ where they could Worship GOD without restrictions. When they reached this country
of vast natural resources, being maintained by Native Indians, who seemed to naturally understand conservation. The Pioneers were free; well they were
free as long as there was only ‘one’ pioneer. One person is free to make choices that only affect of effect himself; but when another person interfaces
with that ‘one’ immediate conflict arises. Freedom is now compromised, and conflict becomes the tort (wrongful act resulting in injured party, twisted,
crooked, dubious) of the day.

{The story of a man named Harry Truman, not the past president, was told by Dr. Billy Graham in the book, “The Journey” by Dr. Billy Graham. This man lived
alone on the side of a mountain. He was evidently a nice person, who spoke to neighbors, and kept his home and garden well. Harry Truman prided himself
in knowing the history of this mountain and being self reliant and free in his ability to think for himself. The Government Surveyors, Seismologists,
Geologists, and many others began warning the people who lived on the mountain that it was best to evacuate the mountain, because it showed tendencies
toward erupting.

The mountain people began moving their personal belongings off the mountain, and many, as they passed Harry, stopped to tell him to COME.
Harry was living in America, the land of the ‘Free.’ He kindly told all passer-byes that, “I know this mountain, and I’m going to ride it out.”

Harry Truman was never seen after Mt. Saint Helen’s eruption. The volcanic ash left the mountain, that Harry knew unrecognizable. It is said that the
last time that any of the mountain people saw Harry Truman, not the president, he was ‘freely’ cultivating his garden.}

NOTE: This example may seem extreme but even though Harry claimed to know the Mountain, the spirit, molten lava of the mountain made no exemption for
Harry’s familiarity with the outside or surface relationship to the mountain. Are you familiar with the Spirit of GOD, or is your relationship with the
flowers, and the superficial, materialistic, imitative lusts of this world?

Readers, ‘The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord’ is near. It Approaches. Some as a thief in the night; but to us, we hear the ‘Midnight Cry;’ because
we are waiting and watching for His return. There is a great possibility that many horrible things will happen before He returns for us. We may be tried
for our faith. They may refuse, even on the brink of the Tribulation to allow us to buy food, or even to inhabit our own homes. We may be refused medical
care, or gas for our automobiles. They are even trying to turn our children against us, so that their job isn’t as hard. BUT. BUT. BUT. BUT. BUT.
BUT…GOD!
The word…BUT…declares an exemption!
You have no food? …BUT…GOD rained down Manna in the Wilderness on His People.
Exodus 16:4; 16:12-16.

You have need for medical help? Presently we, in Free America, are experiencing Health Care crises; …BUT GOD, who never changes said… Exodus 15:26 (KJV)
26”And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments,
and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”

Are you thirsty? Has your water been cut off? GOD, Our Father, Our Provider told Moses.
Exodus 17:6 (KJV)
6”Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may
drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
Are we exempt? Is America, this great Nation which has fed hungry Nations all over the globe, exempt? As a Nation, we are proud, boastful, and arrogant.
We exclude the poor, the lame, the halt, and the blind from flashy, showy gatherings, even Church meetings. We cluster ourselves in like breeds like
atmospheres, that exclude unlike. Just like a peanut cluster, these gatherings admit certain types of ‘nuts’ and cover their ignorance with the tempting,
tasty, temporary thrill of chocolate that’s here today, and gone tomorrow.

Romans 3:21-26;
21”But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22Even the righteousness of God which is
by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God;
24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:
that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

The heart of man will be scanned by the Righteous Eye of Almighty GOD. There will be no error in the process of elimination, exclusion, inclusion, and/or
exemption. His decisions are infallible, His heart monitor is accurate to every second that you and I have lived in our borrowed Life from Him. Can we
return it to Him as a ‘Born Again Believer’ or will that Soul be exempt from serving Him…Forever? BUT. BUT. BUT… WHICH WAY WILL THIS BUT TURN FOR YOUR
PERSONAL EXEMPTION? Every one of us has an obligation to know where we stand, personally with GOD. If we would take responsibility for our own Salvation,
we would be in line for the Good that GOD has stored for us. If, however, we defer our obligation to the Government, and trust in the hand of man instead
of the ‘Arm of GOD’ our sadness will be sealed in the Eternity, which has already started.
Romans 3:27-31;
27”Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
without the deeds of the law. 29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30Seeing it is one God, which
shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish
the law.”
Readers, are we, as a Nation exempt? Was Israel exempt from captivity? (They are GOD’S People.) Are you, like Daniel exempt? Did he go into captivity?
Did he rest in the Lion’s Den? Was he exempt? Are you ready to live?...Then let’s keep…
LOOKING FORWARD

SEE YA NEXT TIME! (WE’LL BE CLOSING DOWN THE PRESSES AFTER THANKSGIVING UNTIL THE SECOND FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY 2010.)

TER
NOTEWORTHY: SACREDNESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES
The Undetected Sacredness of Circumstances
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God …” (Romans 8:28).
The circumstances of a saint’s life are ordained of God. In the life of a saint there is no such thing as chance. God by His providence brings you into
circumstances that you can’t understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions
to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you. Never put yourself in front of your circumstances and say, “I’m going to
be my own providence here; I will watch this closely, or protect myself from that.” All your circumstances are in the hand of God, and therefore you don’t
ever have to think they are unnatural or unique. Your part in intercessory prayer is not to agonize over how to intercede, but to use the everyday circumstances
and people God puts around you by His providence to bring them before His throne, and to allow the Spirit in you the opportunity to intercede for them.
In this way God is going to touch the whole world with His saints.
Am I making the Holy Spirit’s work difficult by being vague and unsure, or by trying to do His work for Him? I must do the human side of intercession—utilizing
the circumstances in which I find myself and the people who surround me. I must keep my conscious life as a sacred place for the Holy Spirit. Then as I
lift different ones to God through prayer, the Holy Spirit intercedes for them.
Your intercessions can never be mine, and my intercessions can never be yours, “… but the Spirit Himself makes intercession” in each of our lives (Romans
8:26). And without that intercession, the lives of others would be left in poverty and in ruin.
From: “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers

TJIFA’S BOOK SHELF: DANIEL EQUALS…TRUST
THE HOLY BIBLE:
“Revelation 14:4 (KJV)
4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed
from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Revelation 14:5 (KJV)
in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”

Readers, we’re still in The Book of Daniel on the Bible Bus. I pray that all of you are riding along, and enjoying every minute of this in-depth study,
by Dr. J. Vernon McGee. We’ve heard that Daniel the man, was exemplary in his actions, and was a Spirit filled man. (“an excellent spirit” vs 3.) He
was preferred by King Darius, who intended to set Daniel over the whole realm.
We are in the sixth chapter of Daniel. This is the most recognized and familiar chapter in this book, it also is the last of the historical chapters.
(As we read before, Daniel is written in two distinct divisions. The first six chapters are historical in nature, and the next six chapters are prophetic
in revelation.) Everyone can recall the ‘story’ of Daniel in the lion’s den; but the question that Dr. McGee raises is do you know the man, Daniel, who,
because of his faith, or his trust in GOD, went into the Lion’s Den without murmuring or complaining? Daniel prayed in an open window three times per
day; and this practice reserved him a place in the Lion’s Den.

Daniel 6:10 (KJV)
“10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon
his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Would you keep praying where everyone could see you, if you knew that this habit would land you in the ‘electric chair?’

“Mark 8:37 (KJV)
37Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:38 (KJV)
38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when
he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
The electric chair is a place of execution, where electric sparks and shocks keep nipping at your flesh until you pass from this life unto death. There
is no record of anyone surviving the ‘electric chair.’ As in Daniel’s day, there was no record of anyone ever surviving the nipping and biting of the
Lion’s Den. Daniel did!
Right now, we are seeing the end of an age of prosperity, good times, and relatively good health, and good medical care. Fear is prevalent and rendering
many immobile in their physical body, and in their mental creativity and ability. They are looking around asking,. “What should we do, what should we
do?” There seems to be no hope in this economically strapped society that is trying to replace the GOD conscience with man’s ideas, ways, and means; but
GOD saw this day before any of us were born. He has given us a road map. There are no uncharted territories or waters on the face of this earth.
“Revelation 14:6 (KJV)
6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people,

Revelation 14:7 (KJV)
7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the
sea, and the fountains of waters.”
Readers, our affections and worship must be on Creator GOD. We can protect the flesh, only for a time, then it will go into the ground, where it belongs,
and you will be left with nothing. Worship GOD! Trust Him. Have faith in His Word of Comfort and Wisdom. Daniel trusted GOD outside, and then inside,
and finally outside the Lion’s Den. Come, let us study his life and learn to pray unashamedly and trust emphatically The One and Only Wise GOD.
Are you in His Will? Read His Word!
TER
REVELATION? SERIOUS BIBLE STUDY – SUPERFICIAL CHRISTIANITY
Is serious Bible Study on your agenda or are you one of many ‘malnourished’ Christians?
THE MALNOURISHED CHRISTIAN
By Walt Huntly
If someone should ever ask you,
Why some Christians are so slow,
And like under nourished children,
They just never seem to grow?
Chances are, they’re on a diet,
And too weak to even stand.
For the pulpit where they worship,
Only serves the pabulum brand.
How can any New Born Christian
Ever grow to be a man,
When he’s always on the bottle,
Or the ‘baby pabulum can?’
That’s OK while we’re playing,
Patty Cake and Peek–a–boo,
But to grow in grace and knowledge,
We need Bible Meat to chew.
Why not spread the Gospel Table,
With some meat to help us grow,
Strong to serve Our GOD and Savior,
As we journey here below?
Let us have a full course message,
That will give us strength to stand,
And to those who need milk feeding,
Give to them the pabulum can.
From: Read by the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee, on Radio Broadcast ‘Through the Bible.’
10-29-09
QUICK QUOTES: DOES HUMANISM FIT IN CHRISTIANITY?
THE KINGDOM OF ANTICHRIST
There are two kingdoms ahead of us. They may be closer than we think they are. The kingdom of Anti –Christ is everything that the Kingdom of The Lord
Jesus is not. It, today, is moving ever closer and this kingdom is in direct contradiction to the Kingdom of GOD. It will be a kingdom set up by man,
and it will be set up by man’s philosophy and man’s psychology.
The following quotes are from “The Most High GOD – A Commentary on the Book of Daniel” by Dr. Renald Showers (Jan. 1, 1982).
“This is a time of humanism, a time of instability, war, and false prophets and PROPOSES christs. The rejection of GOD’S Rule which started for man in
the Garden of Eden seems to be reaching a frenzied pitch. Man is determined to prove that he can rule the world in an orderly and meaningful way without
GOD. He asserts that the ultimate purpose of everything is the glory and exaltation of man. This man centered mania, not only makes him refuse to submit
to the rule of GOD, but also renders him incapable of submitting (Romans 8:7). Because man rejects the rule of GOD, his pride drives him to do things opposite
to what GOD has ordained.
GOD ordained capital punishment for murderers; but man tries to abolish it.
GOD regards human life as being valuable because He created it in His image; but man destroys it by millions through abortion.
GOD instituted marriage, and ordained that it be permanent; but man divorces, and suggests that marriage be abolished.
GOD demands justice in society with the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the criminal; but man pampers the criminal at the expense of the
innocent.
GOD ordained the family as the nurturing place of future generations; but man proposes that government replace the family.
GOD declares that the fear of the Lord is the starting point of wisdom; but man forbids any reference to GOD in the classroom.
GOD instituted moral absolutes to govern man; but man says that utopia can come only through the rejection of these absolutes.
GOD ordained distinctive appearances and roles for the sexes; but man tries to obliterate those distinctions.
GOD instituted sex to be used with in the bounds of male, female marriage; but man perverts sex through pornography, fornication, adultery, and homosexuality.

GOD made man to have true meaning and purpose of life only in Him; but man tries to find true meaning in drugs, alcohol, the occult, materialism, philosophy,
astrology, cults, transcendental meditation, fame, and power.
Man has his false prophets and Christ’s to encourage him in his rebellious attempt at self rule. These deceivers tell man that he is good and perfectible
by nature. They teach that through the process of evolution man is moving toward divinity. Some, so called, Theologians declare that in order to have
utopia man must proclaim himself the great ‘humanity divine.’ Others state that the true gospel is the good news that man is deified. Having willfully
rejected the Truth about GOD man is worshiping and serving himself rather than his Creator.”
“That is the finest statement that I have found anywhere of humanism and of the present day philosophy of the world.” By Dr. J. Vernon McGee.

MILL STONE…FORBID THEM NOT! ‘A GREAT POT OF CHILI’ It’s getting cooler now, and I asked my grandchildren what they would like to have for dinner. The
answer was unanimous. “Chili!” They answered in unison. Their answer paved my way into the kitchen, and their grandfather’s way to the grocery to get
the fixings for chili.
Chili is not hard to make and the result is always comforting to share. This pot, however, had more in it than any other pot of chili that I have made.

I made it early on a School day, so they would be reasonably surprised when they arrived home; but again, this particular pot of chili was extraordinary
in its application. (The recipe is in ‘O Taste and See!’) When a pot of chili is complete, it is quite beautiful. It beckons the onlooker to taste and
then even devour a hefty bowl. This particular pot reminded me of the Grace of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11).
Everyone who looked into that pot of chili, saw the same thing… ‘their own bowl.’ No one wondered if the chili was to be eaten, no one thought of himself
too highly to eat a bowl, no one decided that since they knew not the composition, they wouldn’t partake, no one set themselves apart in unbelief thinking
that it wasn’t really a pot of chili. Contrary to all of the foregoing, everyone looked and grabbed a bowl to be filled with a good portion.
Can we see the ‘Great Congregation’ of GOD and join in as quickly as possible? Can we just get a hold of our faith, and know that there’s a place for
us in the Kingdom of GOD? Let us walk soberly until He calls us to, “Come.” And then let us join Him and all the other Saints around the table to the
Feast in His Heavenly Kingdom.
I asked my Grandson what he thought about when he saw the pot of chili. His reply. “Let’s eat!”
“Let us eat in a place, not made by hand,
Let us eat bread, a plenty, in that Glorious Land.
In that wonderful place where day never ends,
We’ll sing ‘howdy, howdy’ when we meet with our friends,
And this will be my special treat,
While thanking Jesus we all say…
“Let’s eat!” TER
TESTIMONY TIME:
Readers, a message was sent to me via E-Mail. I’ve heard it told in the past, however, never have I seen it written. When it was sent to me by a relatively
new Reader, I asked her permission to send it to the Readers of TJIFA. She agreed so here it is; and she said, “Pass it on!”
GOD’S TWENTY SIX GUARDS:
Here's a message that will bring you chills. Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them
later'? Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'

Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by
this....

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan. While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks
I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies.

This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day
journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured.

I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. Then traveled two days, camping overnight , and arrived home without
incident....

Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city I was approached by the young man I had treated.

He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle knowing you would camp overnight.

We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.’

At this, I laughed and said that ‘I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.’
The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My friends also saw them, and we all counted
them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'

At this point in the sermon one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact
day this happened.

The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
'On the night of your incident in Africa it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here
in the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?’
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.

The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were. He was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26.

This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever feel such prodding to pray? Go along with it. You don't know what it can mean to that person.
Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
Contributed by C., a new TJIFA Reader. Welcome on Board! FRIDAY’S WORD: ‘DANIEL’
DANIEL (Dan' iehl) Personal name meaning, “God is judge” or “God’s judge.” 1. A son of David and Abigail, the Carmelitess (1 Chron. 3:1), who is also called
Chileab in 2 Samuel 3:3. 2. A priest of the Ithamar lineage (Ezra 8:2; Neh 10:6) who returned with Ezra from the Babylonian captivity.
3. Daniel of Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3 is spelled differently in Hebrew from all the other forms in the Old Testament. This Daniel was a storied figure of
antiquity mentioned with Noah and Job. He was famous for wisdom and righteousness.
Due to the similarity in the spelling of the name and the common attributes of wisdom and righteousness, some interpreters identify this Daniel with the
Daniel of the canonical book of Daniel.
Most interpreters, however, take note of the differences in the spelling and also the fact of antiquity. Some identify the “Daniel” of Ezekiel with “Danel”
of ancient Ugaritic literature.
4. The most common usage of “Daniel” refers to the hero of the Book of Daniel. This young man of nobility was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of
Babylon, and elevated to high rank in the Babylonian and Persian kingdoms.
The Babylonians sought to remove all vestiges of Daniel’s nationality and religion. For this reason, they sought to change the name of Daniel to Belteshazzar.
(Dan. 1:7; 2:26; 4:8, 9, 18, 19; 5:12; 10:1).
Daniel was transported from Judah to Babylon in his early youth at the battle of Carchemish, 605 B.C. The text does not indicate his precise age. He was
trained in the arts, letters, and wisdom in the Babylonian capital. Eventually, he rose to high rank among the Babylonian men of wisdom.
He was active throughout the long reign of Nebuchadnezzar (604-562 B.C.). No mention is made in Daniel of the times of Evil-Merodach (561-560 B.C.), Neriglissar
(559-555 B.C.), or Labashi-Marduk (555 B.C.). However, much information is provided concerning Daniel’s involvement during the reign of Nabonidus (555-539
B.C.). While Nabonidus was absent from his country for extended periods of time, he put his son Belshazzar in charge of the affairs of government.
Daniel was in Babylon when the forces of Cyrus, the Persian, captured Babylon. Successively, Daniel was a high governmental official during the reigns
of Cyrus (539-529 B.C.) and Cambyses (529-522 B.C.). He served also during his old age into the reign of Darius I, the son of Hystaspes (522-486 B.C.).
Daniel would probably have celebrated his one hundredth birthday during the reign of Darius.
He had outstanding physical attraction. He demonstrated at an early age propensities of knowledge, wisdom, and leadership. In addition to his wisdom, he
was skilled in dream interpretation.
Throughout his entire life he demonstrated an unshakable faith in his God. It took courage to resist the temptations and threats which confronted him repeatedly.
He recognized that God was continuously judging him. He remained faithful.
J. J. Owens
From: “Holman’s Bible Dictionary”

IN THE MIRROR: It’s Oswald Chambers who said, “For every detail of common sense in life, there is a truth God has revealed by which we can prove in our
practical experience what we believe God to be.”

That one thought alone can take us into a number of different areas of thinking because, don’t we think in terms of “common sense” in our everyday living?
When I read those words, I challenged myself to see some of the many ways in which Jesus used to assist us in this sensitive way of life so we could always
be able to discern ‘truth’ when it was vitally necessary.

One of the common practices in Jesus’ day was ‘almsgiving’ (Matthew 6:1-4), and yet people who would be looking on saw this in one respect, and Jesus, who
seeing it through the eyes of God saw it for what it was, and had an obligation to show it for what it really was. (That’s that ‘truth’ that God reveals
for the purpose of us having the ability of knowing Him for who He really is.)

Also if you want to look while you’re there anyway, at (Matthew 6:5-6), where Jesus had to reveal the hypocrisy of some of the prayers taking place in the
synagogues. A definite common practice of that day, and everybody was fine with it — until Jesus comes along and says, ‘underneath, their purpose is to
be seen of men.’ I hope we can all relate to the fact that there can be a harmful difference between seeking the ‘glory’ of men – and reaching the heart
of God.

In (Matthew 6:16-18) you find Jesus making a very necessary contrast before the people once again. The common practice of the hypocrites were to “disfigure
their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.” What’s Jesus response to this every time? “They have their reward.” What I see in this is a clear
example of a continuing wrong practice, a perpetualness, that could happen without a way of proving what is of God, and what is clearly not the way God
sees a thing.

Now if you’ve read that 6th Chap. (You didn’t think I was going to miss where we’re going to shout, did you?), you hear Jesus telling us, three different
times, “Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Oh, we’ll want to turn over the pews with excitement on that one spiritual nugget.

Do you ever think about the best time to go to God is in secret?; When there’s no pride to get in your way (nobody sees you down on those knees); No shame
or embarrassment (only to yourself, and you’ll get over that when God goes to loving on you because you gave Him perhaps the one great opportunity He’s
been looking for).

Another great point of food for thought is that, ‘who you are in secret is who you are.’ (It’s alright to think about that one for a while.) I can see
whereas Oswald Chambers would make a statement that “we can prove in our practical experience what we believe God to be” if we’re but willing to approach
God how Jesus teaches us. The reward of eternal life alone is enough to keep us spiritually stimulated until we see Jesus face to face.

We’re so fortunate God never ask us to believe without sufficient evidence for what we believe. I believe it’s psychologically impossible for man to believe
anything without what he considers as ‘adequate’ evidence. Yes, he’ll go into his own imagination if he so chooses, but still consider the fact that it
is by his own choosing that he does so.

I personally enjoy the ‘secret place’ in our giving for the coming holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — with Christmas always being the biggest because
of Christ’ birth. Did you receive your JCPenny catalogue in the mail yet? Excellent cover, beautiful red design. I was impressed when I saw it, and it
read at the top, “Every Day Matters” and at the bottom the words, “joy of– giving – christmas/ 09": Large print ‘giving,’ smaller print ‘joy of,’ and the
smallest print ‘christmas’ without so much as a capital ‘c.’ I’m not going to make as though I know why Christmas didn’t deserve to be capitalized, when
even my computer knew the wording was wrong. But I do wish to amplify the single word . . . GIVING!

Giving — because we have multiple opportunities coming up whether we browse through our favorite catalogue, or whatever your means are, we can exercise
our faith in What, and Who we believe God to be, and look forward to that “open reward” that Jesus says comes only from the Father. Am I suggesting to
look for that home, boat, or automobile upon going to Him in secret?

I’m glad you asked!
No! Even better than that. Look into any of the epistles and witness how the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of so many, and how they learned that Christ
within, was greater than anything ‘without’ (1st John 4:4). It’s no stretch to say that God rewards us with Himself. This is what Jesus challenges us to
receive. Once He’s allowed in there, the same God that ruled in the life of Jesus while on the earth, will rule in our very own hearts also.

In your life, and in mine, ‘common sense’ will more than likely rule — until — we make our decision to discover truth in God’s Word. Once we learn that
we can trust God explicitly in that particular field, you’ll discover the principle of how and why, “For every detail of common sense in life, there is
a truth God has revealed by which we can prove in our practical experience what we believe God to be.” God Bless, SLC
O TASTE AND SEE!
A GREAT POT OF CHILI
INGREDIENTS:
3 LBS. GROUND TURKEY (BROWNED)
1 WHOLE ONION CHOPPED
1TBLSP. MINCED GARLIC
½ TSP. BLACK PEPPER
1-2 CHILI SEASONING PACKAGES
1 CAN TOMATO SAUCE
1 CAN DICED TOMATOES
2 CANS WHOLE KERNEL CORN
4 CANS CHILI BEANS

DIRECTIONS:
INTO THE BROWNED TURKEY ADD ONIONS, GARLIC, ALL SEASONINGS, AND STIRRING CONSTANTLY COOK UNTIL ONIONS ARE TRANSLUCENT.
ADD CAN DICED TOMATOES, AND THEN TOMATO SAUCE, HEAT TO BOIL
ADD CORN AND BEANS. ALLOW THIS MIXTURE TO COME TO A HIGH BOIL, STIRRING CONSTANTLY, WHEN IT HAS COOKED ON HIGH AT LEAST 5 MINUTES, TURN THE FIRE DOWN,
AND SET YOUR CHILI ASIDE, TO SOAK.
DON’T SERVE IMMEDIATELY; ALLOW THIS POT TO SET, STIRRING IT OCCASIONALLY. SERVE WITH TOSSED SALAD, OR ANY COMBINATION OF WONDERFUL SIDES. THIS IS A GREAT
POT OF CHILI, AND IT IS JUST WHAT IS NEEDED ON A CHILLED DAY.
ENJOY! TER