When Daniel realized how near he was to the end of the seventy years of captivity, he turned his attention toward the books (Bible) and prayer. Our reaction to the events of our time should be the same. The Challenge: 24/7 Plan.

The sign was a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. This was a sign the shepherds would understand. Micah prophesied of one coming to reign for ever with dominion even unto the tower of the flock, the tower of Edar. Historically where temple lambs were born and swaddled to insure no blemish or brokenness for sacrifice would be the place in the vicinity of Bethlehem where this Saviour would come. In essence, forecasting his purpose on earth -the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world.

When we emerge from our trials and troubles, we should come forth as more than conquerors. We should walk away victorious but with tangible spoils from our battles. Spoils won in battles were dedicated to maintain God's house. Likewise what we get from our difficult circumstances should maintain the original splendor of the church. Solomon's Temple was exceeding magnifical because much of the materials were trophies of war. The people didn't just see gold and silver but they saw where they had overcome the Ammonites and the Moabites. The church was and ever should be a monument of victory.

When Jesus died on the cross, he made a way for all segments of society to be saved. Nearness to God was no longer dictated by class restrictions. Now Gentiles were not only brought nigh to God by Jesus' blood but Jew and Gentile had access to God.

Loneliness isn't just a reality. Loneliness sometimes can be an idea. There have been people in crowded rooms that still experienced the feelings of loneliness. The enemy of our souls wishes to intimidate us with this idea that we are all alone and no one has ever been where we are. Nevertheless, a scripture treasure is where Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them comfortless but he would come to them. We are not alone.

It is disappointing to invest yourself and everything you have into a person only to have them fail you. Samuel knew what this was like. He emptied his horn on Saul. Although Saul failed, God had Samuel to fill his horn because there was another anointing he wanted him to be instrumental in... David. Be sensitive to God because when you think it is finished he may have you involved in someone's start.

Periodically we must cast our eyes over our shoulder in order to see where we are compared to where we were. In that reflection we need to note the "But God" moment in our lives. An impossibility swings on the hinges of possibility with those two words. Only hindsight can help us realize that God often works in a person before he works through them.

Ezra brought back the second group of captives from Babylon who desired to return to Jerusalem. Those who returned were free from their captivity but still lived in the vicinity of the Persian Empire. Therefore, they contended with the regulations and litigation that flowed from that empire. Likewise us who have been born again contend with the influences of living in a fallen world, not to mention our flesh we must deal with daily. Nevertheless, God provided the church as a nail where we have moments of grace and receive a little reviving in our bondage. Get to the sanctuary and experience a little reviving. It will carry you!

The general instruction when in a siege or a struggle was to refrain from cutting down any fruit bearing trees. The wood from such a tree may have adequately been made into a bulwark but primarily it was a supplier of life. When the dust of a struggle settles, you need fruit bearing trees to help sustain you. Therefore, do not sacrifice today what you may be or future generations may be in need of tomorrow.

The benefits Paul has already told were readily available to the church stem from a relationship with God. If you break your relationship with God, you cease to exist in him. Therefore, we reject the benefits of the church when we reject God. Above all other matters, know God.