When God Weighs Us: Lessons from Belshazzar » Audio Archive » Cornerstone Connection

Cornerstone Connection

Christian talk radio with Gary Hamrick

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Broadcast Episode

Friday, March 14

When God Weighs Us: Lessons from Belshazzar

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Broadcast Episode Summary

The message “When God Weighs Us” reveals the importance of integrity and the consequences of our choices in life. Understanding how God evaluates our actions can lead to a deeper relationship with Him.

  • Recognize that God values integrity and honesty in our lives, as reflected in Job’s desire to be weighed on honest scales.
  • Understand that worldly wisdom may fail us, and turning to God for guidance is crucial during times of uncertainty.
  • Learn from Belshazzar’s arrogance and misuse of sacred things, and strive to honor what is holy in our own lives.
  • Reflect on the significance of the writing on the wall as a reminder that our lives are evaluated by God, urging us to live with purpose and faithfulness.
  • Embrace the call to return to God with openness, recognizing that following Jesus earns us rewards for our faithfulness.

When God Weighs Us: Lessons From Belshazzar’s Story

Today, Pastor Gary Hamrick explores the story of Belshazzar, a king who faced the weight of God’s judgment. The Bible tells us that God evaluates our lives, and this message highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness.

The Weight of Integrity

In Job 31:5-6, Job reflects on his integrity, saying, “If I have walked with falsehood…let me be weighed on honest scales.” This verse emphasizes that integrity matters to God. Belshazzar, however, was a man who lacked this quality. He threw a great feast, using sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine and worship false gods, showing contempt for the things of God.

As we consider Belshazzar’s actions, it’s crucial to reflect on what truly matters to God. Even when temptation arises, returning to God with an open heart is essential. Pastor Gary emphasizes that while everyone stumbles, it is our willingness to follow Jesus that catches God’s eye and earns us rewards for our faithfulness.

The Writing on the Wall

During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall, causing Belshazzar to panic. He called for wise men to interpret the writing, but they failed. This demonstrates a critical lesson: relying on worldly wisdom often leads to confusion and despair. The queen reminded Belshazzar of Daniel, a man filled with the Spirit of the Holy God. Daniel’s wisdom and integrity stood in stark contrast to the king’s folly.

When Daniel interpreted the writing, he revealed God’s judgment: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Uparsin.” This means that Belshazzar’s kingdom had been numbered, weighed, and divided. It serves as a powerful reminder that God weighs our actions and hearts. Belshazzar was found wanting, leading to the fall of his kingdom.

Application for Our Lives

So, what can we learn from Belshazzar’s story? First, we learn the importance of maintaining integrity in our lives. God values a heart that seeks Him earnestly. Second, we must be aware of the pitfalls of pride and false worship. Belshazzar’s arrogance led him to misuse sacred things, a lesson that calls us to cherish what is holy.

Lastly, the writing on the wall serves as a warning. It reminds us that our lives are not just about momentary pleasures but about our relationship with God. We must ask ourselves, “How does God weigh my life?” Understanding this can help guide our choices and actions.

As we reflect on today’s message, let us strive to live in a way that honors God, ensuring that our integrity shines even in challenging times.

Conclusion

The message “When God Weighs Us” underscores the vital role of integrity in our lives. Belshazzar’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and disrespect for the sacred. By understanding how God weighs our actions, we can navigate our choices more wisely and align our hearts with His will. This message encourages everyone to return to God, embrace integrity, and seek a deeper relationship with Him. For more insights and teachings, consider subscribing to the broadcast and exploring the resources available. What steps will be taken today to ensure a life that honors God?

Originally published as “When God Weighs Us: Lessons from Belshazzar” from Cornerstone Connection.

About Cornerstone Connection

Cornerstone Connection is the radio ministry of Gary Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA. It is Pastor Gary’s desire to teach God’s Word in a practical, relevant way that reaches listeners with the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ.

Cornerstone Connection is the radio ministry of Gary Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA. It is Pastor Gary’s desire to teach God’s Word in a practical, relevant way that reaches listeners with the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ.

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