PROMISE FROM GOD

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times” (Dan. 9:25 NKJV).

This promise was given Daniel about the restoration of Israel and included the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Thus, we want to note the period of the promise, the patience in the promise, and the power of the promise.

Period of the promise - This promise was given during the period of Israel’s captivity. Things were pretty bleak for Israel and hence, this was a most encouraging promise. In times of trial, we need to focus on the promises of God found in His Word. His promises will give much encouragement and hope. We need to build our hopes and aspirations upon Divine promises, not on man’s promises. Man has trouble fulfilling his promises, but God has never had that problem.

Patience in the promise - “Shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks.” Bible students know these weeks represent years. But whether weeks or years, it is evident that patience is required regarding the promised restoration. The promise had been given, but the fulfillment will take some time. Patience strengthens our faith in God and our commitment to God. So let us not complain in the time of waiting; Scripture exhorts us to “let patience have its perfect work” (Jam. 1:4).

Power in the promise - “The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.” It is good and encouraging to meditate on God’s promises when we face difficulties in our work for Him. God is not limited by difficulties. In spite of the troublesome times, the city would be rebuilt. This was true with the rebuilding of the walls in the days of Nehemiah. God’s power comes with God’s promises - it will overcome whatever difficulties we face as we work for Him.

(Adapted from Analytical Biblical Expositor)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“A firm faith in the universal providence of God is the solution of all earthly troubles!”

Benjamin Breckinridge “B.B.” Warfield (1851 – 1921)

Theologian, Professor and Principal of the Princeton Theological Seminary

Word Study

Endure

In 2 Tim. 2:10 we read, “Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory!” (NKJV).

Endure is the Greek word hupoménō (ὑπομένω =hoop-om-en'-o). It is made up of two words: “hupó” which means under, and “méno” which means to abide or to remain. Thus, the word means to abide, wait, endure, undergo, be patient, suffer, stay behind. Literally, it means to remain under but not simply with resignation, but with a vibrant hope. In classic Greek hupoménō meant stay behind, left behind, to abide, to be patient under, submit, stand one’s ground. In the Septuagint hupoménō meant to wait or waiting on. In the New Testament hupoménō also means to wait, endure, bear patiently, or suffer. However, the idea of enduring is not just to ‘grin and bear it,’ but to remain under trials in such a way that we glorify God as we learn the lessons the trials are meant to teach us.

“Fear Nots” Found in the Bible

“And the Lord said unto him, peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die” (Judges 6:23 KJV).

Did You Know…

If an Israelite did not give to the needy among them, the Lord would find him guilty of sin (Deut. 15:9).

Bible Quiz

According to the Lord Jesus, what kind of faith was needed in order to move a mountain?

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz: How did Paul say we should let our requests be made known to God? “By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving” (Phil 4:6).

Names For God Found in the Bible

“STRONGHOLD”

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” (Nah. 1:7 NKJV).

1. Meaning – STRONGHOLD means a strong, fortified place and speaks of God as our place of safety and protection.

2. Insights – Although the Lord is wrathful and powerful against those who oppose Him, He is good to those who trust in Him. He is good in the sense that He is faithful, merciful, protecting, helpful, and caring. He is not capricious - subject to sudden, unpredictable and erratic behavior. Rather, God is faithful and is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). When life seems too much to bear, we can run to God who wraps His loving arms around us and keeps us safe through the storm.

Did You Know...Christian History

Francis Thomas McDougall was born June 30, 1817 in Sydenham, England. He was the first Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak (Province of South East Asia) from 1849 to 1868.

McDougall spent much of his childhood and youth overseas with his military father. Growing up, he was interested in medicine. He attended the University of Malta, but later transferred to King’s College, London, and completed his medical degree at London University, becoming a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1839. Continuing his education he entered Oxford. While there, he rowed on the university’s winning team. His physical prowess and medical training would prove valuable in his later career.

On leaving Oxford, McDougall found employment as the Medical Officer at the Trimsaran iron-works in South Wales. When the iron works failed, he decided to take holy orders and was ordained in 1845. For two years he held curacies in England, and for a short time worked at the British Museum. When a chance opened for him to go to Borneo (now called Kalimantan) as a missionary, he turned it down, but later repented the decision and in December 1847 sailed for the mission field.

McDougall arrived in Sarawak on 29 June 1848. He established a Medical mission there, and a ‘Home School’ in which children were trained from infancy in the principles of Christianity. McDougall had little success among the Muslim Malays who, coming from the peninsula, were overlords to much of Borneo. He did better among the Chinese traders who had settled Borneo, but best among the indigenous Dyaks. His work brought many of them to believe in Christ.

In 1853, McDougall returned home in order to manage the transfer of the mission from the Borneo Mission Society, whose funds came to an end, to the Society for Propagating the Gospel. In 1854, he was back again in Sarawak and the work of the mission grew. McDougall was appointed first Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, and was consecrated a bishop at Calcutta on 18 October 18, 1855. This was the first consecration of an English Bishop performed outside the British Isles. McDougall and his wife, Harriette suffered much in the years that followed. Illness racked their bodies, and their children died. A riot by the Chinese wiped out much of their work. In spite of this formidable opposition, Francis and Harriette persevered, unconquerable even when other missionaries fled. Harriette wrote delightful letters and sketches of their life.

Returning to England in 1868, McDougall was appointed Vicar of Godmanchester. Later he was Archdeacon of Huntingdon, then Vicar of Milford on Sea; and finally Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight from 1874 until his death. Among his achievements was a Book of Common Prayer and Catechism in Malay.

A Little Humor

Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“When you’re down to nothing - God is up to something!”