This week we take a break from our study of 1 Timothy to celebrate all that God has done in and through our Summer Fun ministry. During the past three weeks our children have been learning lessons from the life and book of Daniel.
This wonderful Old Testament book of prophecy can be summed with the words to the familiar children’s song, “He’s got the whole world in his hands”. Do you remember it? It’s a simple song that affirms a Biblical truth, our world is not spinning out of control, but is firmly in the hands of the Lord Almighty. This is what the book of Daniel teaches us.
Take some time to read Daniel chapter one. From the very start the author makes it clear that nothing happens outside of God’s control. He is the one who delivers the kingdom of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar’s hands (1:2). He is the one who caused the chief official to show favour to Daniel (1:9). He is the one who gives knowledge and understanding to his servants (1:17) and so this theme continues throughout the book. God has the whole world in his hands.
Daniel makes it plain for us in his prayer of praise…
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” (2:29-23)
As you prepare your heart for worship:
Ask God to affirm his hand at work in your life.
Give thanks for the fact that this world is “in His hands.”
Pray for the children as they finish summer fun. Pray that they would recognize the truth of Jesus Christ and accept him as their Saviour and Lord.
Pray for our summer fun leaders. Pray that as they close out the program they will do so with energy and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Pray that our worship will glorify our Lord and exalt his name.
With thanksgiving for you, Pastor Tom.