PASTOR’S CORNER, David Hoffman, First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal

Daniel chapter 6 contains one of the most familiar stories in the Bible – Daniel, whom God protected, in the den of lions! You will find either lions’ den, den or lions 12 times in the chapter (verses 7, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20 twice, 22, 23 twice, 24 twice).

Daniel was a prominent person under king Darius in Babylon. Daniel served, in today’s terms, as the Secretary of State. He led king Darius to a personal knowledge of God in only two years. In 6:1-5, his influence as a diplomat in a foreign land is recorded among 120 satraps with three administrators over them. Darius wanted to set him over the entire kingdom (like Joseph under Pharaoh in Egypt) due to exceptional qualities that distinguished him above all other leaders.

PASTOR’S CORNER, David Hoffman, First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal

For many years, I recall my personal biblical model and mentor for ministry was Moses. He portrayed several characteristics for which I could relate. After enjoying life in the Egyptian palace under Pharoah’s daughter's care and protection for his first 40 years, he became a runaway due to killing an Egyptian who mistreated a Hebrew slave.

I will highlight several commonalities from both Moses’ and my own callings from God. I also want to emphasize how God worked in Moses’ life.

First of all, God creates interest to get our attention. Exodus 3:3 says, “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. . . I will go over and see this strange sight.” It’s a theophany, or divine appearance, when God calls us.

Secondly, God calls us by our personal name. 3:4 says, “God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” God knows us because He created us in His image. His fingerprints are all over us. (Check out Psalm 139!)

PASTOR’S CORNER, David Hoffman, First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal

My personal journey with Jesus began Feb. 12, 1975, more than 51 years ago. He is my Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd and best Friend! Reflect on when your journey with Jesus started. If Jesus is not your Savior, He can be so today.

Marriage is a journey. On August 18 this year, Barbara and I celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary! We are still BFF’s, but life has its way of throwing adversities and struggles in your path. That’s why you must have the Lord in your marriage as a triangle. The closer you draw near to Him, the closer He will draw a husband and wife to one another.

PASTOR’S CORNER, David Hoffman, First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal

In March 1987, my wife, Barbara, and I anticipated the first few days of Spring Break. We both taught full-time as well as held administrative responsibilities at Nazarene Indian Bible College in Albuquerque, NM.

We had the first three days off of Spring Break to rest, so we decided to take a trip to the Grand Canyon. We packed our luggage and snacks and headed west to Arizona.

I felt congested and tired, so I took some Tylenol. I shrugged away the weakness thinking it was just sinus or a cold. It was late when we arrived at Winslow, Ariz., so we checked into a motel. After I brought the last suitcase to the room, I felt very warm inside and began to perspire. I laid across the bed, then I ran a high fever. No medicine we packed touched the fever. I hardly slept all night. The next morning Barbara called the local hospital, and they told her to bring me to the emergency room. The nurse drew blood, and a few minutes later she began to wheel me down the hallway to a room. Barbara asked, “Where are you taking my husband?