We
serve the living God who always endures (Daniel 6:26). He is the same
yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). There is nothing that is too hard
for Him (Jeremiah 32:17, 27). In Christ all things are possible for us - His servants
who serve Him (Matthew 19:26).
I
am so thankful for a husband who consults the Lord in all things, and who does
not rely on his human resources and natural wisdom. He makes every effort to
follow God's Spirit, even when that goes against his natural inclinations or
desires.
Daniel
was a man of conviction as well (Daniel 6:22-26). This often caused him to
suffer jail time, or separation from his family and friends; but he never
backed down. He knew that God planted a seed for a miracle in every trial he
faced.
Daniel's
work ethic and respectful submission to authority, even when falsely accused
and jailed, earned him favor in the eyes of the authority figures of the
kingdom in which he lived. God used him as a witness to an entire nation.
God
also has individual plans for each of us. Plans to bless us and to care for us
and to provide for all of our needs - large and small (Jeremiah 29:11). He
makes it clear in His Word that obedience to His directives is more important
to Him than all of our sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22).
God
cautions us not to allow the good decisions in life to overwhelm us, and to
keep us from serving Him in the best choices. Busyness is not a sign of
holiness, only walking in the Spirit will help us to achieve that status (Galatians
5:15-25).
Prayer:
Father
God, even though our circumstances may be less than desirable, remind us that
people are watching our reactions. Help us to draw strength from the example of
people like Daniel, as well as from Your Holy Spirit within us. We want to
serve You with our whole heart. Use us as salt and light in this dying world
all around us (Matthew 5:13-14).
Help
us to remain on the straight and narrow path even when those around us take the
wide and easy road (Matthew 7:13-14). Teach us how to live up to Your Biblical
standards on a daily basis, and to bless You with our whole heart, soul, mind,
and strength (Mark 12:30). Thank You for continually providing for all of our
needs from Your abundant and glorious riches (Philippians 4:19).
Thought
for the Day:
God
blesses us far above anything we could ever ask for or imagine; therefore,
regardless of our current situation, we will determine to live for God with infinite
integrity, committed conviction, and dedicated devotion.
-
Ephesians 3:20
