Dealing with Despair (I Samuel 27:1)

I Samuel 27:1, “And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.”

David has reached a very low period in his life. No doubt that David was discouraged and decided to flee Israel for refuge in Philistia. David did not trust Saul and he had every reason to distrust Saul. Saul had shown himself unstable and emotionally imbalanced. His jealousy and hatred of David were well known. Notice: In the previous verse - I Samuel 26:25, “Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.” Saul had already once broken a promise to no longer hunt him. David knew Saul was lying and, as a result, he became very discouraged and fled to Philistia. In I Samuel 26:24, David sought the Lord. However, in I Samuel 27:1, David is not recorded as consulting with God. It is apparent that his faith lapsed. He focused on his circumstances, not on God. How sad it is when unbelievers believe and believers do not. It is one thing to encounter disappointment. It is another thing to allow disappointment to solidify into discouragement. When one is in this state of mind, one’s faith often fails. Therefore, the devil uses discouragement to get the eyes of God’s children off of Him in hopes that we might quit.

How often do we give in to these negative emotions or behaviors every day? These weaknesses of human character cause all kinds of problems, David was about to give in to doubt and unbelief and to live a life of deception and lies. For about seven years, David had been living under the most distressing circumstances imaginable, being hunted down by Saul who was determined to kill him. David never knew when the Saul would be coming around the next bend or hill with a battalion of soldiers to attack him. This pressure, and all the distressing circumstances discussed below, had been weighing ever so heavily upon David resulting in one of the most distressful, tension-filled lives imaginable. Finally, the strain took its toll and David became despondent and discouraged. He began to doubt the promises of God and was gripped by a spirit of unbelief. And this distrust was to lead him into a year and a half of deceptive living. Breaking under the pressure of his circumstances, David began to doubt God's promises. His faith wavered and he became despondent and discouraged, failing to trust the promises of God. David slipped into a period of critical weakness, a period when he failed to trust God's promises. He should have walked in faith and patience, waiting long enough for God to strengthen and encourage his heart. In his failure of doubt and unbelief, David teaches us to guard ever so diligently against failing to trust God's promises. So it is with us. Far too often we allow circumstances to defeat us. Some problem or difficulty, hardship, trial or temptation, happens to us, and we become stressed out. We become pressured, strained, distressed and we begin to doubt the promises of God. We begin to question the validity of God's promises and unbelief sets in. Unbelief grabs our heart, and we fail to rely on God's Word to us. We turn away from the Lord and take things into our own hands. We fail to trust God, fail to be patient, not waiting long enough for the Lord to work the circumstance out. Or we lack the faith in God's power, the belief that God will give us the power to overcome and conquer the pressuring, distressing trial. If there is any one lesson we need to learn, it is the lesson of trust and patience, believing in the promises of God enough to wait upon Him to meet our needs. We must learn not to give in to doubt and unbelief, failing to trust God's promises.

God had faithfully intervened over and over again to deliver David from the hand of Saul. God had demonstrated His power on behalf of David over and over again and had delivered him. He delivered him out of the mouth of the lion and the paw of the bear. He delivered him out of the hand of the great giant Goliath.
Did David forget how God delivered him?
NOTICE: David's pessimism compared to God's power.

1. From Saul's javelin twice (I Samuel 18:11).
2. From Saul's plan to have the Philistines kill him (I Samuel 18:21).
3. From Saul's javelin a third time (I Samuel 19:10).
4. From death in his own bed at the hand of Saul (I Samuel 19:15).
5. From Saul's attempt to kill him at Naioth (I Samuel 19:23).
6. From Saul's murder plan at the feast (I Samuel 20:53).
7. From Saul's murder plan at Keilah (I Samuel 23:15).
8. From Saul's hand at Maon (I Samuel 23:25).
9. From Saul's hand in the wilderness of Engedi (I Samuel 24:1-2).
10. From Saul's hand in the wilderness of Ziph (I Samuel 26:2).

In all attempts on David's life, he was providentially preserved. Be patient in your trial and wait on God (Psalm 27:14; James 1:1-4; II Timothy 1:7). Whenever you’re facing seasons of discouragement, begin by counting your blessings.

Prayer, Lord, too often through the eyes of the flesh, I see my battles bigger than You. Help me to trust in You and see them as You see them. There is never a problem I encounter that is greater than You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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God's Word…Our Personal Mirror (James 1:23-25)

James 1:23-25, “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

The Middle and High-school girls had had a little too much fun with their lipstick again. One day, at a Christian school, it was reported to the administrator that there were lipstick stains on the mirrors in the girl’s restroom. Upon the administrator’s investigation he learned that the girls had been kissing the mirrors. After several unsuccessful attempts were made for the girls to stop kissing the mirrors, the administrator came up with a clever idea.

The principal called all of the Middle and High-school girls together to watch him demonstrate how difficult it was to clean the smudged mirrors. Pulling a mop from the mop cart, the administrator began to scrub the mirror clean. Strangely enough, he never again had the problem with lipstick on the mirrors.

Most of us, before we begin our day, take a look in a mirror to be sure we are presentable. Mirrors serve a purpose. They reveal to us our true reflections. I want us to check ourselves in another mirror—God’s mirror, the Word of God.

As a mirror, the Bible serves two important purposes. Both are vital to our Christian walk.

It is silly to stare in a mirror, to see messy hair or a dirty face, and do nothing to improve one’s appearance. Similarly, God’s Word is a mirror to our souls; it discloses our sin. It is foolishness to see our sins, forget them, and so do nothing to correct them. When we gaze into God’s Word, His “perfect law”, we see that sin enslaves. When we reject sin, it brings freedom and blessing. For example, one sin, such as lying or getting drunk, often leads to another. Problems quickly multiply and entangle the sinner. Hearing and reading God’s Word is like looking at a mirror that reflects and reveals what is truly in our lives. It shows us the way we are and allows us to see what we need to change. With this knowledge, we can choose to respond either with honesty (making a change for the better), or with hypocrisy (refusing to change and pretending everything is all right). The right response is to ask and allow God to help us conform to the standard of His Word by putting it into practice.

It is self-deception and senselessness to hear about our transgressions and fail to resolve them. How ridiculous it is for a person to receive God’s Word but not put it into practice. The notion of a person forgetting what he or she looks like would be unrealistic, even ridiculous. Yet, that is what happens in a spiritual sense when we are exposed to God’s Word but then go our way without responding to what it revealed about our lives. We truly learn and retain things only as we put them into practice. If we fail to act upon or use what we know about God’s Word, we will not retain it and it will not become part of who we are. Basically, we will forget what the Word has shown us, and it will do us no good. A good practice any time we read or hear something from the Bible is to ask ourselves, “What difference should this make in my life?” and “What should I do now that God has shown this to me?” Then, we should ask God to help us apply His Word and immediately look for ways we can put it into practice.

1. Revealing who Jesus Christ really is. The Bible mirrors Jesus, showing Him to us in His glory and splendor. When we gaze intently into the Word of God, we see the reflection of Jesus Christ. Without that revelation in the mirror of His Word, we cannot know fully know Him or be changed into His likeness.

2. Revealing the condition we are in. The person in James 1:23 who “beholdeth” his face in a mirror is a person who gets up in a hurry and runs past the mirror. The word beholdeth here means he just glances, then he’s gone. This is done a lot. Many only take a quick glance at the Word of God. Many people even call this quick glance their “morning devotion.” In contrast, James describes the person who “looketh” and “continueth therein” (James 1:25). The word for look here means to stare into, examine, inspect, study, analyze. This is how we should look into the mirror of the Word of God.

We must sit down and absorb the Word because the Word is the mirror that reveals our true selves to us. When we examine intently into the mirror of God’s Word, we see our true reflection and can begin to deal with what we see. II Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Through His Word, God wants to show you what you are by nature and what you can be by grace. As you look in the Word, you become like what you look at. He wants to make you like the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know Your desire for me is to be like Your Son, Jesus. I desire to be the mirror You want me to be. I ask You to take control of my life. Help me to reflect Jesus so that others can be drawn to Christ, Your Son. I want to be like Jesus! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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What The WORD Instructs Us To Do About Worry (Philippians 4:6-7)

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Paul tells the church that they are to pray and he tells them why to pray. We are not to worry about anything, but trust the Lord in everything! Careful or anxious means to be troubled with cares, to worry, to strangle, to have a divided mind. This carries the idea “to divide, to cut into pieces, to be pulled in different directions”. Worry does exactly that to us. Worry is detrimental to us and harmful for us. It will affect your relationship with the Lord and your relationship with others. It will have a negative effect on your physical health and spiritual health. What then can a Christian do when he is surrounded with problems, persecution, and pain? Paul focused on a corporate prayer. Paul seemed to be referring to the body of Christ, not individual Christians per se. True Christianity is reflected when a believer is able to trust God and other members of the body of Christ, even when it is beyond his human ability to understand.

I. The Affliction of Worry
"Be careful for nothing." The command in this text tells us not to worry. Although we all do this, here is the threefold product of worry.

1. No help. Worry has never helped to solve problems. It only creates them. It does not ward off difficulties or problems or make life more enjoyable, yet we worry unceasingly.
2. No honor. Worry certainly does not honor God. It shows a lack of trust in God, it says we are not sure God has control of things and that He can take care of us.
3. No health. Worry saps our energy, leads to depression, ulcers and other health problems.

The one sure cure for worry is prayer for the following reasons:
Godly prayer takes the focus off the difficulty of the situation and puts it on the power of God (Ephesians 3:20). Through prayer, we renew our trust in the Lord’s faithfulness by releasing to Him all our anxieties and problems, knowing that He will take them because He cares for us (Matthew 6:25-34; I Peter 5:7). When we release our problems and concerns to God, He will replace them with His peace. This supernatural peace will guard our minds and protect our hearts as a result of our communication and companionship with Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3; Colossians 3:15). Through prayer, God strengthens us to do all that He desires of us (Philippians 4:13; 3:20; Ephesians 3:16). Through prayer, we receive mercy, grace, and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). As we spend time with God in prayer, He is able to assure us that in all things He is working for our good (Hebrews 4:11; Romans 8:28).

II. The Antidote of Worry
"But in everything by prayer." Prayer will help us to win over worry successfully. Notice: Prayer itself is not the answer, but a special kind of prayer is.

1. Pray honorably. "Prayer" - This word sums up the general solution to worry. It is, however, an honorable and respectful prayer. It is not one of criticism and complaint. This comes from the meaning of the word "prayer." The meaning involves an attitude of worship and devotion to the Lord.
2. Pray earnestly. "Supplication" - Much praying is nothing but spinning the beads, reciting a prayer list, or prayer book. "Supplication" is earnest prayer from the heart. It is the "Fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
3. Pray gratefully. "Thanksgiving" - May we all say 'Thank you”. If you are not in the habit of thanking God, you will not do well in thanking people. You will not get much from God if you have not learned to thank Him for the blessings He has given you. Lack of thanksgiving has more to do with our barrenness in blessings than we realize.
4. Pray completely. "In every thing" - Nothing is too small to bring to God in prayer. Nor is anything to big to bring to God is prayer. "Every thing" means "every thing." Many of our worries are trivial so this command is to pray for little things, as well as big things. When something bothers us, our text says to take it to the Lord in prayer. That is the real cure to worry.

God’s peace is the opposite of human anxiety. It comes when we call on God from hearts that are fully devoted to Christ and His Word (John 15:7). By committing our cares to God, we can determine not to worry about them because they are now His concern. This peace is an inner sense of calm and assurance delivered from Christ by the Holy Spirit within us (Romans 8:15-16). It is not based on emotions or circumstances, but on the solid foundation of our relationship with God. It involves a firm confidence that Jesus is near and that God’s love will be active in our lives for our good (Romans 8:28; 8:32; Isaiah 26:3). When we commit our troubles and concerns to God in prayer, His peace will stand guard at the door of our hearts and minds, preventing the cares, worries and heartaches of life from troubling our lives and robbing us of our hope in Christ (Philippians 4:6; Isaiah 26:3-4, 12; 37:1-7; Romans 8:35-39; I Peter 5:7). If fear and anxiety return, we can go to God in prayer with a thankful heart, and once again, He will send His peace to guard our hearts. Under God’s “protective custody,” we will again feel safe and be able to rejoice in the Lord.

Several years ago, a pilot was making a flight around the world. After he had traveled two hours from his last landing field, he heard a noise in the plane which he recognized as the gnawing of a rat. For all he knew, the rat could have been gnawing through vital cables and wires of the plane. It was a very serious situation, and the pilot was very concerned and anxious. At first, he didn’t know what to do. It was two hours back to the landing field and more than two hours to the next field ahead. Then he remembered that rats are rodents, and they are not made for heights, they are made to live on the ground or under the ground. Therefore, the pilot began to climb. He went up 1000 ft, then another 1000 ft, and he continued to climb. At 20,000 ft the gnawing ceased, the rat was dead. The rat could not survive in an atmosphere of those heights. More than two hours later the pilot brought the plane safely to the next landing field and found the rat dead. Worry is a like a rodent in that it cannot live in the secret place of the Most High! Worry cannot breathe in the atmosphere made vital through prayer. Worry dies when we ascend to the Lord Jesus through prayer and His Word. We need to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! Be at Peace with God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have the peace of God through our trust and dependance on Him in everything.

Prayer, Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a heart that desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen

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Following God's Call (Matthew 4:19-20) 
​
Matthew 4:19-20, And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
 
On January 22, 1886, Evangelist Dwight L. Moody addressed his church members in Chicago saying: "I tell you what, and what I have on my heart I believe we have got to have gap-men, men to stand between the laity and the ministers; men who are trained to do city mission work. Take men that have the gifts and train them for the work of reaching the people." This formal meeting, held at Farwell Hall, resulted in the group founding the Chicago Evangelization Society, which was later renamed the Moody Bible Institute.
 
During that same year, Moody was in New York City when he met William Evans. Evans was a 16 year old boy working as a typesetter. Moody was impressed with Evans and told him to pack his trunk and head for "my school in Chicago." Evans was on his way within days, becoming Moody's first graduate. William Evans held various Presbyterian pastorates, and, after several years, became Director of the Bible Course at Moody Bible Institute. He then served for three years as dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA). He was also a respected Christian author and leader. And it all started when he had the courage to leave everything and to follow Jesus.
 
Jesus sees two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew, throwing their net into the water (Matthew 4:18). They have already met Jesus in Judea the day after His baptism (John 1:35-42). Jesus invites them to follow Him, Simon and Andrew leave their nets and follow Jesus. Their lives change forever. In Jesus' day, disciples would literally and physically follow their masters, or teachers, to learn from them and imitate them. Today, we follow Jesus through Bible study and church attendance. Discipleship can be summed up in one word: follow.
 
There was no delay in obeying Christ's calling. This verse is an example for us that this is the only way to respond to Divine commands. It is interesting that Jesus first and last statement to Peter was “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19; John 21:22). “God’s call is for you to be His loyal friend, for whatever purpose He has for your life.” – Oswald Chambers
 
Whatever the price is to follow Christ, it is more than compensated for by the rewards of following Him. I must testify, that every time, the LORD has called me to follow His leading in His work I have followed. He has never failed in giving peace and provision. I must say that I have seen already in my lifetime, much fruit from the laboring in Tennessee, Arkansas, New York, Mississippi, Georgia, Belize, and now Florida and abroad.
 
Question to Consider:
Is God leading you to do something for Him in your life?
Is He directing you to serve Him through your church?
 
Points to Ponder:
Don’t silence Him through doubt, delay, or disobedience but follow His direction.
Remember to always be sensitive to the Lord’s direction.
 
PRAYER: Father, I want to be a true, totally committed Christ follower. Enable me by Your Spirit to passionately, deeply, and completely follow You. Make me into the disciple You want me to be. In Jesus name AMEN!
 
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Jesus is the Model…Paralleling Daniel and Jesus (Matthew 26:36, 39)

Matthew 26:36, 39, “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Notice the parallels between Daniel and the Lord Jesus in the Gospels.

Thinking of Jesus. He, too, had an excellent spirit, for He came as the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:20-31). And when Jesus was conspired against, like Daniel, His integrity held fast (Matthew 27:14; Mark 15:3-5). The entire Sanhedrin conspired against Him. The chief priest rose up in alliance with worldly powers to undo Him. Yet, His response was to go into the garden to pray (Luke 22:39-46). Like Daniel, this was his life pattern (Daniel 6:10).

The Lord was confronted by Pontius Pilate. The Gospels record that Pilate attempted to do everything in his power to see that Jesus was released, but, like Darius, to no avail. In the end, he washed his hands of the matter and delivered Jesus over to crucifixion. Just as in the end, King Darius “Then…commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:16). On the cross, Jesus would quote (Psalm 22; Matthew 27:45-46) as He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” A psalm includes these words, “Save me from the mouth of the lion!” (Psalm 22:21).

All that King Darius could do for his favored servant is commend him to his God, and hope for his deliverance. The man who had allowed himself to command he be treated as a god (Daniel 6:7) now had to hope that the God of a conquered people would do what he could not, and “deliver you!”


And so, over the mouth of what must become Daniel’s tomb “a stone was brought and laid … and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel” (Daniel 6:17). A large stone was pushed over the opening so no one could get out or in. Christ arose from the tomb regardless of the stone covering the entrance of the grave. No stone of men will stop God. HE is the ROCK OF AGES!

· This is true of Jesus, so then we who are in Christ must exercise the gift of His Spirit given to us.
· We must be willing to pray, even if ruled against.
· We must be ready to obey Him, even if obedience is in some way outlawed.
· In Christ, you and I must hold fast to our integrity when others rise up against us.
· And in Christ, we are empowered to do that very thing.

The highest goal of our lives should be obedience to God in all circumstances. This is not easy or perfectly attainable in this life, but Christ gives us hope. Like Jesus, we can pray for courage and a spirit of complete obedience. God gave it to Daniel—and He will give it to us.

Prayer: Lord, my desire is to be submissive and obedient to You and to those in authority over me. Forgive me for those times I have chosen my will over Yours. Lord, I commit myself to You and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.

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Daniel (Daniel 6:1-3) PART 2

Daniel 6:1-3, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

Joe Lee told an early work experience that helped shape the future course of his life. He got a job in his teens on one of the largest cattle ranches in California. One day, he was instructed to drive cattle from one pasture to another. On the way, he saw that a fence had fallen and the cattle had gotten out. Rather than continuing, he stopped, rounded up those cattle, and spent the rest of the day fixing the fence.

Concerned that he would get in trouble for not finishing the job, he called his boss. When he told him what he had done, rather than getting reprimanded he was praised for taking initiative. “Act like you would if you owned the place,” his boss told him. That principle of integrity, taking diligent care of everything placed in his hand, made Joe Lee a great success in the business world, but most importantly as a Christian.

Daniel 6 opens with the head of gold being replaced by the silver kingdom, the breast and arms of Media-Persia. King Darius arose to power around 538 b.c. When Darius took over the Chaldean kingdom, he appointed 120 princes to oversee the affairs of the Chaldean province. Over these princes, Darius appointed three presidents of whom Daniel was first in authority. Daniel was the leading president of three presidents that oversaw 120 princes.

Daniel was the most outstanding of the three administrators who assisted Darius in ruling the empire. Because of Daniel’s exceptional qualities, including his extraordinary intelligence, the king planned to give him a new position above all the other leaders and administrators. Because of God’s goodness, Daniel’s mind was still sharp and his abilities still strong at 80 years of age (Exodus 7:7; Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:10-11; 24:29). This was a new king, but he already knew that something was different about Daniel. The king discerned an excellent spirit in Daniel. Daniel was preferred above all others because of his excellent spirit. His reputation as a man of wisdom was outstanding, and his character was impeccable. The king preferred Daniel because of his honesty and integrity. Standing for the Lord is not always easy, but Daniel displayed how to do it well. I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Daniel's character could not be drowned by floods, burned by fire, corrupted by rust, stolen by thieves, or destroyed by moths.

Daniel was highly respected by the king but despised by the other leaders. They diligently sought for ways to get him removed. Daniel was accused of violating news laws in which they had created. This law was used to get Daniel in trouble based on his commitment to God. Daniel may have lost his position, but he did not lose his integrity. Today, there are laws formed by government that violate the laws of God. Very soon, there will be harsher laws put in place that will challenge the believer’s commitment to Christ. There will come a time when those who choose to obey the Lord will be threatened with death.

There may be times when we may face persecution, deprivation, prosecution, or execution. God, however, wants us to know that faithfulness to Him is always the right thing in spite of the difficulties. Faithfulness and obedience to Him yield rich rewards and blessings. We never have to be ashamed of our faith in the Lord though the world may try to intimidate us into silence.

Questions to Consider:
Do you have an excellent spirit?
Are you easy to work with?
Do you work hard and do your best at what you do?

Points to Ponder:
This was a great testimony for Daniel and a challenge to all of us to have the same kind of attitude.
As Christians representing the Lord, we should do our best to bring honor to Him.
God remembers, records, and rewards you for your faithful and devoted service to Him.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, I thank You for Jesus, Your Son. He is the perfect example of integrity and character. Teach me Your ways and guide my heart. My desire is to be more like Jesus in all my attitudes and actions in a manner that is pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Daniel (Daniel 1:8) PART 1

Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Now more than ever has there been a crucial need for God’s people of strong righteous character to purpose in their hearts not to compromise. The society we live in today is rampant in immorality, mischief, inequality, persecution, and self-indulgence, a time when scarce few rise up to wave the banner for integrity and righteousness. Daniel lived in a time of inexcusable immorality, anarchy, and violence when there was little uprightness and morality on earth was scarce. Notwithstanding, he stood firm for the Lord against the temptations and the enticements of an ungodly nation. In all ages, God’s people have always been faced with the pressures to compromise their personal walk with Him. Every day we face the temptation to compromise our commitment to the Lord. We must decide to be dedicated in our devotion for the Lord, regardless of the amount of pressure we face to compromise. We will examine that the pressures Daniel and his three friends faced by the king of Babylon were the same pressures we face today.

By God’s standards, Babylon’s moral and spiritual climate was totally corrupt. It is very likely that what Daniel and his friends were being taught often contradicted God’s law and principles. Daniel made up his mind from the start not to compromise his spiritual values and convictions even if it meant death. Consider the fact that Daniel no longer had his parents or family around to guide or influence his decisions. Yet his love for God and His law, learned as a child, so filled his heart that he never lost his desire to serve the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7).

I imagine it would have been fairly easy to “give in” at this point. With no parents, no pastor, no godly influences, conforming to the wicked lifestyle of the Babylonians would have been simple. No matter how much pressure others may put upon us to compromise, we must stand fast and not give in to the seduction of sin. No matter how appealing, attractive, or alluring the craving may be, we must take a firm stand for You. We must purpose in our hearts that we will not defile ourselves. Swimming against the current only makes you a stronger swimmer. Daniel believed in being holy before the Lord. Holiness is not an option for the believer, but it is the clear command of the Word of God (I Peter 1:15-16).

What helped Daniel remain faithful to the Lord in a corrupt society was the fact that early in life he had “purposed in his heart.” Surround yourself with those (parents, pastor, wise friends) who are wise (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). He had already determined, come what may, that he would stand for the Lord regardless of direction society was heading. This purpose was not short term, as in until it got inconvenient, it was for life. A lack of purpose in one’s life leads to an easy target for Satan. Once we purpose in our hearts, it will be easier to demonstrate it in our lifestyle. When we make wise choices, it leads to right results (Proverbs 20:18). Purpose in one’s life will help prevent them from changing or giving up. The first priority of every person should be to cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23). The actions we take in our life are purposed in the heart before they are ever carried out by our actions. Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We should serve God out of a pure heart, for this is what God loves the most and desires. Daniel made this decision in his heart before anyone else ever knew about it.

The desire to love God and serve Him starts in the heart. It goes against the flesh of mankind and is a radical concept to this world. Paul was an advocate of swimming against culture’s current. He wrote, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1–2).

A believer who conforms to this world, at some point, will yield to the great pressure that they are under to change. The believer who is transformed is yielded to the Holy Spirit of God who transforms them from within. Something is going to shape your life, but the question is, will it be the worldly philosophy we are conformed to, or the truth of God that we are transformed by? Will you be conformed or transformed? What are your goals for this year? I encourage you to follow the example of Daniel as you strive to make a difference.

Those who are determined to stay faithful to God when confronted with temptation can depend on Him for the strength to resist. However, those who have not prepared their minds and hearts to stay true to God and His Word will find it difficult to resist sin and to avoid conforming to the world’s ungodly ideas and lifestyles. It is much easier to avoid temptation than to resist temptation.

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the strength I have in You to remain committed in my walk with You. I am encouraged by the example of Daniel and his three friends and the choice they made in obeying Your Word rather than compromising with the world. Often, I’m tempted to compromise my commitment to You. May I be determined to remain faithful to You and steadfast in my commitment to Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:16-28) – PART 5

The king was in great distress as this had to be the hardest command the king ever made. The king's great concern was not the dynasty he ruled, but Daniel, the godly man. He was putting his best man in government in the den of lions which was normally certain death. Take note of what Darius said to Daniel as he was about to be face his execution. The testimony which Daniel had “he served God continually”. A powerful lesson remains to this day regarding how important faithfulness is to the Lord. Our lack of holiness is why many of our prayers are not answered and why God does not work on our behalf.

To secure that Daniel would not get out, and that no assistance would come in, a large stone was pushed over the opening. What is worth noting is that no stone of man will stop God. The angel got into the den regardless of the stone. Psalm 91:1, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalm 34:7, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Hebrews 1:14, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

That evening, Daniel spent the night with the king of the beasts, but most importantly, the King of kings, the Lion of Judah, was near him. The king, who should have slept, didn't rest, and the man who should have stayed awake for fear, rested in God's care. There was no supper, no stereo, no any sleep because the king was so disheartened. Sin never brings peaceful nights, only restless nights. God protected this godly man and can protect us any time He wishes to do so. When we are in those helpless situations, our Lord proves to us He is strong. A living faith in a living God will give courage and strength for every emergency in life.

Sometimes God prefers to keep us safe in the lions' den rather than safe from the lions' den. We may go through troubles and trials and not be spared the storms of life, but God can keep us in turbulent times just as easily as He can keep us from difficult times. Often it brings more glory to the Lord to save us in our troubles than to save us from our troubles.

God has a way of turning the tables against the wicked. The accusers of Daniel were executed by the lions. These men reaped what they had sown. They desired Daniel to be eaten by the lions, but they and their families were eaten by lions.

It was not Daniel that took revenge against these men. God vindicated Daniel and took care of the "revenge" issue through the king himself. The scales of justice were leveled in the end. This is why the Lord urges us to not take revenge against others. Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

God honors faithfulness. Because Daniel remained faithful to God, even to the point of death, God was with him and delivered him from his enemies, from the decrees of the king, and from the power of the lions. We may never face a den of lions. We may never face a burring fiery furnace like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. But, we might face some of the trials other saints of God have been called on to endure. We might face times of sickness, sorrow, distress, persecution, death, and hardship. Through it all, the Lord simply demands that we be faithful.

• He has promised us that He will never leave us, Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20.
• He has promised us grace sufficient for every step we take, II Corinthians 12:9.
• He has promised to guide every step we take, Psalms 37:23.
• He has promised to meet every need we have in life, Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:25-34.
• He has promised to hear us and help us when we call on His name, Jeremiah 33:3; Philippians 4:6-7.

Prayer: Lord, You have delivered me from countless circumstances. You have parted waters for me and have delivered me from fiery trials by Your sovereign hand. While my enemies were encouraging me to doubt and deny You. You hastily answered my simple cry for help. Thank You for preserving me from my persecutors. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:11-15) – PART 4

Once the decree had been declared the conspirators didn’t waste time. Daniel's enemies were watching and waiting to report Daniel's behavior to the king. These men knew Daniel would never pray to any man, nor would he ever cease from praying to God. They knew it would happen quickly. And when it did, they first reminded Darius of his decree. These conspirators were counting on Daniel to be true to his conviction (Acts 5:29). It should be noted that when there is a conflict between human law and divine law, God’s law always takes precedence.

They did not want Daniel, a Jew, being promoted. They knew, obviously, that the king favored Daniel. In fact, that was why they wanted to get rid of Daniel. It was after the Scripture says that the king "thought to set him over the whole realm" (Daniel 6:3), that the plotters took action. Proverbs 29:27, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”

Once Daniel had prayed to the Lord as he had done many times before, the conspirators did not waste any time at all. With urgency they went straight to King Darius and reminded him of the law he executed. It was now time to promptly carry out the sentence and take Daniel directly to the lions.

Instantly, Darius knew he had been set up and duped! He clearly understood his mistake and serious error in judgment. Why hadn't he asked these men if Daniel had agreed to this proposal? Better yet, since he had such respect for Daniel, why hadn't he consulted him before he issued this disastrous decree? Perhaps the answer is pride. After all no man could pray to any man or god except King Darius for thirty days. King Darius was probably thinking, "How could I have been so foolish? Why did I not see this?" Darius realized what had been done and how he had been made an unknowing and unwilling part of the plot of Daniel’s enemies. As a result, King Darius was disgusted with himself. Darius was in turmoil over this tragedy of injustice. He would lose his appetite. He did not eat or enjoy "instruments of music." His couch was like a bed of thorns. Sleep said to the king, "You shall not know me tonight, nor will you know my warm and comforting embrace."

King Darius was about to lose the best man in his administration. He responded by setting his heart diligently to find a way to deliver Daniel. Daniel’s accusers reminded the king that he could not change the law once the law was enacted. Darius was stuck. Any attempt to deliver Daniel himself was no avail. He had no recourse but to execute sentence against Daniel. What is worth noting is the fact that Daniel was a man who had such a sweet spirit, celebrated character, true testimony and loyalty to his LORD that a heathen king wanted to defend him and to save his life.

Daniel did not alter his ways, even to appease the king. He remained consistent in spite of the danger, the pressure to conform, and even the command of the king. God give us saints who will take their stand for the Lord and will be faithful and consistent in spite of what they face in life, I Corinthians 15:58. When you stand for Him, He will stand with you, Psalms 55:22. When faith is exercised faithfully and consistently, it has the power to move those who know us to consider the Lord for themselves!

Prayer: Lord, You have delivered me from countless circumstances. You have parted waters for me and have delivered me from fiery trials by Your sovereign hand. While my enemies were encouraging me to doubt and deny You. You hastily answered my simple cry for help. Thank You for preserving me from my persecutors. In Jesus name, Amen!

This was PART 4 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 5.

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Dilemma in the Den of Lions (Daniel 6:10) – PART 3

Daniel 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Nathan Hale, a great American patriot during the evolutionary War, was captured and hung by British soldiers. His now famous final words were, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He was willing to die for his nation and its freedom. Here in Daniel 6, we find a man that would rather die than to give up his prayer time with God.

These 120 conspirators plotted against Daniel that they might destroy him. They just used a falsehood with King Darius in Daniel 6:7. They lied to the king by telling him that all the presidents and princes were in agreement on making a decree that prevented anyone from asking a petition from any God or man, except the king. Then they flattered the king by elevating him to equal ground with Deity.

Darius, having been lied to and flattered with praise, signed the decree. Daniel, knowing the writing was signed, went into his house and his windows being opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, kneeled down and prayed three times a day and gave thanks as at other times. Daniel was a busy leader but not too busy to pray. If we are too busy to pray then we are too busy! We, as God’s people, need to maintain a constant attitude of prayer. We shouldn’t wait until disaster strikes before we try to pray. Daniel’s prayer time was already open. He prayed and thanked God as he always did. Here was a man who had a consistent walk with God. Daniel was such a godly man that no threat would stop him from praying.

Daniel knew full well what this decree meant and to whom it was aimed. Daniel is one of many in the Bible that were devoted to the Lord in the face of death. It did not change him at all, and his enemies were counting on it! He was not going to pray to any man. He was faced with the conflict between man's law and God's law and chose to follow the Lord, no matter what the cost.

Daniel was in his mid to late eighties and had a very consistent walk with God through the years. There was nothing more precious to Daniel than his relationship with God. He was a man of high integrity and was about to be tested and revealed for all of us to see. Daniel placed a high priority on prayer; his prayer life was by conviction. Psalm 55:17, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” It takes diligence to pray consistently and frequently.

E.M. Bounds describes the depth of its meaning to have a devoted heart. “The word prayer expresses the largest and most comprehensive approach unto God. It gives prominence to the element of devotion. It is communion and intercourse with God. It is enjoyment of God. It is access to God.”

Points to Ponder:
We will be tested to see where our priorities are.
We must honestly ask ourselves how much of a priority do we place on prayer.

Questions to Consider:
How precious is your prayer life to you?
Have you committed a time and place where you will pray to the Lord regularly?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I’m often reminded to pray and leave the results up to You. As You stopped the mouths of the lions from killing Daniel, I depend on You to deliver me from our adversary, the devil. As I humbly turn to You, help me to follow You faithfully all the days of my life. In Jesus name, Amen!

This was PART 3 of the series titled “Dilemma in the Den of Lions”. Please visit the website tomorrow for Part 4.

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