Giving Hope TodayHow precious are your thoughts to me, O GOD! Ps 139:17

Nov 13th Campfire Bible Study–Archangels, 2Peter 2:4

Uriel:  “God is my light” or “God is my fire”

Uriel is found in the apocryphal books, but not the canonized Bible.  The Apocrypha is a collection of books found in the Roman Catholic Bible, the Jerusalem Bible, 1966, and the New English Bible, 1970.  These books were written during the apparent 400 year old dry spell between the Old and New Testaments.  Apocrypha means hidden or secret.
Books of the Apocrypha:
1 Esdra                                                                                 Baruch
2 Esdras                                                   The Letter of Jeremiah
Tobit                                                        Song of 3 Holy Children
Judith                                                                                Suzanna
Additions to Esther                                       Bel and the Dragon
Wisdom of Solomon                             The Prayer of Mannaseh
Ecclesiasticus                                                     1 & 2 Maccabees
Uriel orders Ezra to fast and mourn:
Ezra is a Priest and teacher of the Law who led to a return of exiles to Israel to reestablish temple and worship;  And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.                                                                                 Ezra 7:8
Uriel instructs Ezra in God’s ways;  Ezra questions Uriel: “Why do wicked nations prosper while Israel suffers?”  Uriel responds:  Weigh for me the weight of fire, or measure for me a measure of wind, or call back for me the day that is past.  Ezra admits he cannot do so.  Uriel responds:  “You cannot understand the things which you have grown up; how then can your mind comprehend the way of the Most High?”  Ezra corrected the intermarriage of Priests:
Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away, and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. Ezra 9:4
Uriel is in charge of Celestial Lights;  the Fiery area where rebellious angels are imprisoned.  Uriel interprets his vision of the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Sharon, 2Peter 2:4

Nov 2nd Campfire Bible Study, Archangels, Jude 1:9

Michael “Who is like God”

Michael is one of the four chosen archangels, the second one to be mentioned by name in the King James Version of the Bible,  to stand beside God’s throne with Uriel, Raphael and Gabriel.  Michael is the gatekeeper of Paradise.  Michael records the names of persons who earn everlasting life.   Daniel 12:1
Michael took God’s laws to Moses and brought future Revelations to Elijah.    Exodus 24:12
Michael is a patron and defender of Israel against her enemies:
Daniel 10:5-6; 10:21
Michael fought with Satan over the disposal of Moses body:     Jude 1:9
Michael is the leader of the righteous angels in a battle that ends with Satan’s fall from Heaven before Adam and Eve were in the Garden.     Revelation 12:7,8

Sharon, Jude 1:9

Nov 13th Be Prepared! Daniel 2:6

Be prepared For Battle Against Satan Every Day!
Know You Are Never Alone In That War!
Stick To Your Convictions Through God!
Trust The Lord To Uphold You in All Things!
Be Decisive, Be Dependant On God Only!
Do Your Part:  Pray, Study, Fellowship, Do!
Be Bold In The Lord; With a Humble Spirit!
Faith can Equal Promotion Through God!!!!
Sharon, Daniel 2:6

Nov 6th Daniel Does Not Eat It!

Daniel was a courageous 15 year old prophet, captured by the Babylonians, brought to the kings court, with his friends.  Staying faithful to his God, Daniel did not compromise his values by eating meat offered to idols or by bowing down to the idol of the day, even when ordered by a servant of the king!  When a king announced a “decree”; he meant:  anyone who disobeyed the kings “decree” could lose his head!  Or at the very least, be fed to the lions!  However, Daniel would not bow down to the the king.  Instead he made a deal with the servant; a challenge!  Daniel did not pray in secret.  He never prayed in darkness.  He prayed openly, with his friends, and in shared fellowship, he prayed.  Did he worry that a servant of the king might see him?  Or perhaps an enemy of his faith and would report him to the king?  Daniel was faithful, loyal to his Lord!  His challenge was rewarded and Daniel did not have to eat of the rotten meat!  Pretty brave for a 15 year old boy!  Our study progresses into the statute and its interpretation!  I definitely admire Daniel!  We, including me, could all take a page from his Book!  Numbers are relevant in the Bible:  10 means “testing”!  Daniel was put to the test in Chapter 1; can’t wait to see what happens in Chapter 2.

Sharon, Daniel 1:15

Sep 13th Judgment….We All Face It! Matthew 16:27

Is there anyone that is perfect?
2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad!”
If we are Saved, then is there Shame when judged?  And Why?
1 John 2:28,29: “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him”!
2 Peter 1:11,12: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. (more…)