Drawing From Daniel Recap
Being Spiritual vs Being Submissive
Nebuchadnezzar is clearly a spiritual man. Throughout his reign, he is seeking spiritual counsel as he is unable to understand his own thoughtlife. Daniel was part of that counsel and the Lord proves true and powerful. But even as the Lord displays His power and authority to Nebuchadnezzar, his heart remains prideful and unsubmissive to the Lord’s name. He did not want to know the Lord. Instead, Nebuchadnezzar wanted his spiritual life to serve his ends, to help him gain control over his own life, to accomplish his own desires. Though he was spiritual, prior to the Lord humbling him, he remained unsubmissive.
Highland, liking church, liking Christian music, gospel music, serving during the holidays – that’s just spiritual stuff, that’s not submission. To be submissive is to see our sinfulness; loathe it, as the Holy Creator of heaven and earth does, then we yield our prideful revelry to His Lordship. The evidence of our submission is seen in the Holy Spirit-flavored-fruits of our lives. It results in His glory and the good of others comprising our very lives. There’s a flourishing that comes from our lives submitted to His Spirit — ‘rivers of living water’ flow out of us! The invitation to repent results in us living life-abundant, in His life-giving and holy Name!
The Invitation to Repent is Not a Threat
In talking with Bart Scarborough lately, he has told me how much he appreciates a statement Trevor Hudson makes: ‘The call for repentance is not a threat; it’s an invitation.’ In Daniel 4:27, I hear in Daniel’s voice this invitational plea: “Oh, King, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed.”
When another prophet came to speak to another king in the Old Testament, the king was guilty. Yet, he admitted his iniquity and ran from it, pleading that the God in heaven was his only hope. He laid bare before the Lord his sinfulness, asking for forgiveness and pursued righteousness. He also spent his days showing mercy to the oppressed in unprecedented ways. He found hope in the holiness of God, Highland – so can we. His Holy name is salvation and endures eternally – through every circumstance we face, Highland.
I pray that we are known as a sinful people humbled before our holy God. Let us maintain a fruitful repentance. May we continue to break off our sin by practicing righteousness and rid ourselves of iniquity by showing mercy to the oppressed. Like Daniel, it is my hope that we are a ‘stream of living water’ in this desert; that all who partake would taste of the goodness of the Lord — leading to submissive-repentance.
Sunday Mornings at 9am
As we gather for Coffee & Conversation, join us. We worship and spend time together in God’s Word as we enjoy a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee. All are welcome. Jo Ellen leads our devotion toward the end of Coffee & Conversation, while Robert leads our Men’s Study in our educational building. His study begins at 9am.
David, Kimberly, Joshua & Elliot.
Sunday Mornings at 10am
Our church service (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. This Sunday, we continue through our series: “Drawing From Daniel — Finding Hope in the Holiness of God.” David Klaus will now step into our series. He will be preaching the next two weeks, Highland. He will be taking us through correlations found in chapters 5 & 7. This Sunday, we also begin Advent. To those are already scheduled to read, thank you! Talk to Kimberly Klaus if you would like to participate. Also, shoutout to Kimberly and Megan for pulling it altogether.
KIDS’ SUNDAY IS THIS SUNDAY
As the 10am service begins, please drop off your children who are 5 and up at the original sanctuary to get checked in. During the service, children will either be in the classrooms off the deck for a Bible lesson or a craft. Outdoor games will be held in the Stricklands’ backyard as well. Furthermore, if you’re interested in helping with Kids’ Sundays, please talk to Julie Jordan, Katie Sturgeon or Carol Wright. As soon as service concludes, please make arrangements to pick up your children.
Throughout the Week
Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm — Please help get bibles
Sara Catherine is working on collecting the Adventure Bible for the kids at M2540 for Christmas. She needs Bibles by December 17th because she will be handing them out on Monday the 18th. People can either bring bibles or money to buy Bibles.
Wednesdays, 9am
As Ms. Patti continues to rally around the Throne of Grace, all are welcome to join her! May we remain a people of prayer, Highland. Let us shake the grounds with the rally cry of our prayer-life, Highland!
Chicken & Rice drivers, thank you, guys!
Throughout the Weekend
Chicken & Rice this Saturday, 10am
Our team will hit the streets this week, offering the love of Christ to our neighbors. Shoutout to all who jump in and serve. Volunteers are welcome.
Upcoming December Events
Highland’s Annual Christmas Carnival
Date: Christmas Carnival, Friday, December 8th, 3pm-5pm
Location: Firehouse: 3402 6th Ave Columbus, GA 31904
Our annual Christmas Carnival serves to keep Christ at the center of Christmas. All children who attend will receive a present and get to hear about the birth of Christ. Inflatables and carnival-style food and games will be offered. Volunteers are needed to assist with the facilitation of these events. We need manpower to assist with crowd control, fostering safe use of the inflatables and cleaning up at the end of the event. Please click below for the link to Sign Up Genius .
Boxes of Love 2022
Boxes of Love
Date: December 16th, 2023
Location: 3402 6th Ave Columbus, GA 31904
Highland fam, to those who’ve brought in dish soap, thank you! As we move into December, please feel free to bring a bottle — we have just a few more to collect. Additionally, if you would like to support Boxes of Love through a contribution, that would also be meaningful. Please contact us to find out more. Finally, if you would like to do drives through the month of December through your work place for Boxes of Love, we can direct you as to how that would be a help as well.
Our annual Boxes of Love allows families of Highland Community Church to give to those in need. At 9am, we will need assistance prepping the boxes, packing the boxes, and delivering them to the homes of the recipients. Those who are willing to help transport the boxes should be prepared to start delivering at 11 am. We will also need volunteers to help clean up, thanks.
If you’re reading the email, see the original post to sign up.
Filling the Rooms
Highland, our plan to make our house a home is called: Filling the Rooms. Now that we’ve gone over the plan, let’s carry out the plan together. Please click on the link below and sign up to be part of filling the rooms. You can also ask questions or make recommendations, too.
I look forward to seeing you, Highland.
I love you,
Rob