EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
FRIDAY JULY 17, 2026.
SUBJECT: THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD SHALL DO EXPLOITS!
Memory verse: "Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11 vs 32.)
READ: Hebrews 11 vs 32 - 34:
11:32: And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
11:33: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
11:34: quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weaknesses were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
INTIMATION:
Throughout the Bible we see mighty exploits done by the people of God-the people that know their God. The Old Testament records the lives of the various people who experienced these great victories. Joshua and Deborah overthrew kingdoms (the book of Joshua; Judges 4 - 5). Nehemiah worked righteousness (the book of Nehemiah). Daniel was saved from the mouths of lions (Daniel 6). Shadrach. Meshach, and Abed-Nego were kept from harm in the flames of a fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Elijah escaped the edge of the swords of evil Queen Jezebel's henchmen (First King 19). Hezekiah regained strength after sickness (Second Kings 20). Gideon was strong in battle (Judges 7). A widow's son was brought back to life by the prophet Elisha (Second Kings 4 vs 8 - 37).
The verses we read today summarize the lives of other great men and women of faith -those who knew their God. Some experienced outstanding victories, even over the threat of death. But others were severely mistreated, tortured, and even killed. It is noteworthy that having a steadfast faith in God does not guarantee a happy, carefree life. On the contrary, our faith almost guarantees us some form of abuse from the world. While we are on earth, we may never see the purpose of our suffering. But we know that God will keep His promises to us.
The prophecy of the exploits of those who know their God was fulfilled in part outside the biblical stories before the coming of Christ by the Maccabees, who were a small band of devoted God-followers, who attacked and defeated the forces of Antiochus Epiphanies over and over again. Antiochus was a God-hater who desecrated the holy temple of God. He even went so far as to sacrifice a pig to Zeus on the altar in the temple. The Maccabees took action leading to many victories, and their exploits became legendary.
We too, can experience victory through faith in Christ. Our victories over oppressors may be like those of the Old Testament saints, but more likely, our victories will be directly related to the role God wants us to play. Even though our body deteriorates and dies, we will live forever because of Christ. In the promised resurrection, even death will be defeated; death is swallowed in victory (First Corinthians 15 vs 54), and Christ's victory will be made complete.
The knowledge of God combined with the strength that comes from God is the most powerful and enduring force against the evil in the world. As believers, we should stand firm in Christ and the power of His might against the wiles of the devil. We should be committed to love His Word and stand firm on His truth, declaring it boldly, and observe Him perform His Word as we listen and obey as He commands.
Many believers think that pain is the exception in the Christian life. When suffering occurs, they will then say, "Why me?" They feel as though God deserted them, or perhaps they accuse Him of not being as dependable as they thought. In reality, however, we live in an evil world filled with suffering, even for believers. But God is still in control. He allows some Christians to become martyrs for the faith, and allows others to survive persecution.
Therefore, rather than asking, "Why me?" it is much more helpful to ask, "Why not me?" Our faith and the values of this world are on a collusion course. If we expect pain and suffering to come, we will not be shocked when they hit. But we can also take comfort in knowing that Jesus also suffered. He understands our fears, our weaknesses, and our disappointments. He promised never to leave us (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 20), and He intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7 vs 24 - 25). In times of pain, persecution, or suffering, we should trust confidently in Christ.
Our courage and doing exploits in the face of incredible odds and the rising tide of wickedness will come from knowing our God intimately. Not just knowing about Him, but living in intimate relationship with Him and experiencing Him in the day to day activities in our lives.
The Scriptures in Jeremiah 9 vs 23 - 24 says, “Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories who glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth, for in these I delight says the Lord”
My prayer is that we continue to seek the Lord for an intimate relationship with Him, and that He may give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in our knowledge of Him, and our eyes of understanding of Him being enlightened that we may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in us the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.
Prayer: Abba Father, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, by You all things consist, and all things are under Your control. In You I live, move, and have my being. Without You I can do nothing. My utmost heart desire is an intimate relationship with You, that I may know You and exceeding power of Your might working in me and for me as I hold tight to You, in Jesus’ mighty Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!