Man of Conviction

Read: Daniel 6:22-26

"I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever." - Daniel 6:26

Daniel chose to be different rather than to dishonor his vows before God. All of those around him watched with skepticism and derision, yet with an inkling of respect too. His work ethic and respectful submission to authority gained him favor in the eyes of the kingdom authorities. Jealousy in his fellow officials eventually got him thrown into the Lion’s Den; but Daniel’s faith in God miraculously delivered him from these ravenous beasts.

After this, God used Daniel to encourage his Jewish kinsmen. By living as a man of conviction, Daniel also rose in the ranks of government and ended up ministering for seventy years as a trusted counselor in Babylon. As he increased in power and influence, God also utilized him as a witness to an entire nation, who’s King eventually decreed that they all worship the one true God.

Though our current circumstance may be less than desirable, we can take courage from Daniel. He lived for God with total devotion, even through the dark night in the Lion’s Den. Let’s be men and women of conviction and trust and serve our Living God with our whole heart. He will make use of us as salt and light in a dying world of darkness, just as he employed Daniel in his day and time.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to walk down the straight and narrow path, even when all of our friends or family members want us to take the easy road. Help us to live up to our convictions on a daily basis and please provide for our needs abundantly above all we could ever ask or think.

Thought for the Day:

Regardless of your current situation, determine to live for God with committed conviction and dedicated devotion.

Grace for a Lifetime

Read: Daniel 3:12-18

"For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”  - Psalm 30:5

I love the fact that, although God is righteous and just and keeps us accountable to His Word, He also gives us His mercy and grace every day of our lives. To honor Him and to thank Him for all of the blessings He showers on me, I want to stand up without compromise for Jesus. I do not want to bow to modern expectations or to give up my traditional values, or to make excuses for sin as if it does not exist. I want to remain true to our living God.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon erected a huge statue of himself made of gold. Then he ordered everyone to worship it, whenever the palace orchestra played. Everyone bowed down, except three young Hebrew men who continued to stand up. You probably know the rest of the story. This trio chose to worship only the one, true and living God; so the King tried to reduce them to ashes. Sure, they could have rationalized their behavior and joined the crowd; but instead, they chose to stand up against the crowd, which made them stand out for God.

I want to stand up and stand out for God in my daily walk too. I want to remain true to His Word and His calling in my life - no matter what the circumstances, or who I am with, or what is expected of me by my family, friends, neighbors and associates.  

Prayer:

Lord, help us to realize that our preoccupation with worldly pleasures, popularity, monetary gain and our hesitation to live up to Godly values is actually sinful behavior. Continue to draw us to Your heart each day; and shower us with Your grace, as we attempt to walk in Your truth.

Thought For The Day:

Take a stand and live a God-honoring life, which is void of compromise.