This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link below.
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Lord, I Will Praise You In This Pain (I Peter 1:6-7)

I Peter 1:6-7, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The Bible gives reasons for rejoicing in the midst of our afflictions that we can consider suffering to be beneficial. Clearly, Peter could hardly contain his joy as he wrote to his scattered flock. We can easily identify with such high spirits if, like Peter, we review all the blessings we have in Christ. Joy is normal to the Christian. But in this same passage Peter reminds his readers that they "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (I Peter 1:6).

1. PAIN (ROMANS 5:3-4)
​The reason the Bible instructs us to rejoice in our sufferings is because of what sufferings can produce. In Romans 5, Paul explains that we rejoice in our sufferings, “but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Suffering produces endurance and a Christlike character. Suffering teaches us patience and endurance, especially as we press closer to Christ through the reading of His Word. Through afflictions we learn more deeply "the fellowship of his sufferings," as Paul put it (Philippians 3:10).

2. PERPLEXITIES (II CORINTHIANS 4:8)
The pressures of life have a way of developing endurance in us, and this endurance can be exercised only when we are placed under pressure. The very trials we dread are thus used by God to strengthen us. II Corinthians 4:8, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” Troubles exposed Paul’s weakness, but at the same time, God showed His strength through Paul.

3. PERSECUTIONS (I PETER 4:12-14)
Peter also saw that our afflictions are opportunities to participate in Christ's sufferings (I Peter 4:12-14). “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

Questions to Consider:
Are you in the midst of trials and perplexities?
Do others notice your joy in spite of your suffering?

Points to Ponder:
God often performs His greatest work through our suffering.
How we respond to our sufferings speaks volumes of our faith to God in the trials.

PRAYER: LORD, thank You for helping me to see that there is a purpose for pain I endure. I understand that You are using hard times to refine my conduct and my character. I accept this trial as from You and for my good rather than resisting it. I can trust You because You love me. In Jesus name Amen!

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God’s Spiritual Scalpel (Hebrews 4:12)

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Gipsy Smith told of a man who said he had received no inspiration from the Bible although he had “gone through it several times.” “Let it go through you once,” replied Smith, “Then you will tell a different story!”

Gaylord Kambarami, the General Secretary of the Bible Society in Zimbabwe, tried to give a New Testament to a very belligerent man. The man insisted he would roll the pages and use them to make cigarettes. Mr. Kambarami said, “I understand that, but at least promise to read the pages of the New Testament before you smoke it.” The man agreed, and the two went their separate ways. Fifteen years later, the two men met at a convention in Zimbabwe. The Scripture-smoking pagan had been saved and was now a full-time evangelist. He told the audience, “I smoked Matthew, and I smoked Mark, and I smoked Luke. But when I got to John 3:16, I couldn’t smoke anymore. My life was changed from that moment.” The Bible is more than just words on paper?

God’s Word is likened to a spiritual scalpel. The word sword here is more in the sense of scalpel used for surgery rather than a long sword. The emphasis is not upon the length of the blade, but upon the razor sharpness thereof. It is quick living. It is also powerful in that it is effective and effectual. God’s Word has the surgical sharpness to pierce deeper than our mind and into our heart. The Word of God can accomplish so much in our lives if we simply take the time to open it and be receptive to what it has to say.

God’s Word surpasses logic and psychology. It pierces directly to the human heart (our spirit), just as the surgeon’s knife goes to the marrow. Let’s consider our body for an example. Within the leg is the bone which is not visible, even as our mind is not physically visible. However, even deeper still is the marrow, even as our spirit {or spiritual heart} resides at the deepest level of human existence.

The difference between a surgeon and a butcher is a surgeon uses the scalpel for restoring and healing whereas that butcher uses the cleaver for slaughtering. Scripture is like a scalpel wielded by God to perform spiritual surgery. In conjunction with the Holy Spirit, the Word of God cuts through the sin and darkness of the human heart to restore spiritual health and vitality for Christ. Without the Word, we are as good as dead. God’s Word, however, eliminates the disease of the human heart and breathes life where there is death.

We who love God understand firsthand how great the Scripture is. It has worked in our heart and we have never been the same since. The Bible is our spiritual lifeline and brings us the essential spiritual nourishment we need to live for God. Our relationship grows deeper with Jesus when we get in the Word of God and apply it to our life. Without Scripture we have no direction from God and will wander in the wilderness spiritually. The Bible is our foundation and this is what we build our life on.

Prayer: Lord, I know that Your Word has the power to transform my life. Forgive me for the times I have just skimmed over Your Word rather than planting it deep in my heart. As I take it into my heart and get it deep into my soul, I ask You to use Your Word to release its power in my life! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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Getting Up After a Fall

Psalm 37:23-24, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

My favorite cereal is Honey Nut Cheerios. I like Honey Nut Cheerios not only because it tastes good, I also like it because you can’t sink the Cheerio no matter how many times you attempt to sink it. It keeps resurfacing to the top. You’re not defeated by getting knocked down in life, you’re only defeated when you refuse to get back up. The righteous may fall, but they will get back up. The question is not whether we ever fail, but whether we get back up when we do. You cannot be defeated by the enemy; you can only lose by giving up. Don’t let defeats or setbacks discourage you. Instead, commit yourself to standing firm and not giving up no matter how tough things get.

God will be faithful and just to guide and direct our steps (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6). God delights in the path of the righteous. Even as a parent delights in the steps of an obedient child, so does our heavenly Father (Psalm 11:7). Though the righteous may stumble along the path of life, He will be kept from falling over the abyss. God will grab you and lift you back up with His hand (Psalm 37:17; 63:8). Every parent has grabbed their toddler as he or she was about to fall. God has promised the same for the righteous.

Failure is not final with God. God is willing to give those who fail a second chance to serve Him. Many of God’s best servants experienced some failure in their lives. Those who came back to God were given another great work to do. Witness Jonah in the deep; Elijah (I Kings 19:1-4); Peter (John 18:15-27); Mark (Acts 15:36-41). Though met with trouble, God providentially preserved them.

Here are some promises to keep in mind when you fall short of your expectations:
Your steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23).
When you fall, you will not be utterly cast down because God is upholding you with His hand (Psalm 37:24).
The rock of your strength and your refuge is in God, not yourself (Psalm 62:7).
God has begun a work in you which will continue until you get to Heaven — you’re a work in progress (Philippians 1:6)
God’s grace is sufficient for you (II Corinthians 12:9).
God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (II Corinthians 12:9).
One of the best things you can do is learn to see yourself as God does. He loves you no matter how many times you fall. Remember this, and you will keep moving forward, no matter how many times you fall.

Prayer: Father, it’s so obvious that I am quite an ordinary sinner when I look at my life. It’s comforting and convicting to know that godly people can fall so far, and yet, You never give up on us. Help me to see areas of my life where I am prone to fall. Forgive me when I do and help me get back in line with Your will for my life. Never let me lose my sense of dependence on You. Keep me pressing on as I follow in Your Son’s steps, realizing it is Your plan to use my time here to grow me into someone more and more like Him. Your will be done, Father, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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​Our Appointment with the Lord (Romans 14:11)

Romans 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

One day, Jesus Christ will return to this earth. His presence and prominence will bring all of us to our knees. Every knee will bow. I’m not sure when it will happen, but I am certain it will happen.

We are reminded in Philippians 2:9-11 that Christ is exalted above all others. His name is above every name! Every knee will bow before His Lordship! Every tongue will confess His worthiness! None are left out in the completeness of the process. The blaspheming tongue, the cursing tongue, the lying tongue, the vicious tongue, the boastful tongue. Every tongue will one day confess Christ’s Lordship “to the glory of God.” Christ is exalted! And God will be glorified! Every name! Every knee! Every tongue!

Many people have avoided God all their life. But one day every person will bow their knee before Him and say these words: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Even if you have never believed or have never taken church seriously. Life is about one thing, it’s about entering into a relationship with God through Christ.

Who’s really in charge? It’s not Washington, or Hollywood, or Wall Street, or athletes, or entertainers, and it’s not you and me. It’s Jesus Christ the Lord. No matter what a person accomplishes in this world, a hundred years from today, if they didn’t get this figured out here, they will spend eternity in the lake of fire.

What answers would you give in these following blanks?

If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my life. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose His plan for my life.

If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my finances. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose to give, save, and spend according to His priorities.

If I were in charge, I would do ________________ right now in my marriage, but I’m not in charge. He is Lord, and I will do what His Word says.

Everybody serves somebody. Everybody has somebody in charge of their life. Forget the excuses—you choose who you serve. You don’t fall into servitude. It’s not an accident. You can’t blame your environment or your past. You choose who you serve. Your parents don’t choose for you. Your pastor can’t choose for you. As much as someone might love you, they can’t choose for you. Even God, who loves you perfectly, will not choose for you. There are simply some crucial decisions you have to make for yourself.

Prayer, Father, thank You for going as far as You had to go to find me. For the journey from eternity to the cross that Jesus took for me, and then for meeting me in the road I was taking to hell. Thank You for breaking through my half-hearted and misguided efforts to find You by effectively finding me when I was completely lost! I rejoice over the fact, that I will spend eternity with You and in joyous effort telling You how grateful I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Restore a Wounded Friend

This present world which we live in is broken due to the curse of sin going back to the garden of Eden in Genesis 3. As the result of man’s sin, the world, also mankind, which was perfect at one time, became imperfect. That is why every relationship since the first family has needed and will always need reconciliation with God. This can only be received through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Below are at least three ways friendships can be restored.

1. Godly friends will help bring us to the Lord in our helpless estate (Luke 5:17-19). Here, four men brought a paralyzed man, on his bed to Jesus. Obviously, this man could not get to Jesus on his own. There were four men who were willing to do whatever it took to get this man to Jesus. As we journey in this world, we cross paths with numerous people. Although they may not be physically paralyzed, but spiritually, they are buckled under the weight of sin and are in desperate need from the help of believers to carry them to the Lord.

2. Godly friends restore you when you have fallen (Galatians 6:1). All Christians now and then will make a mistake and fall into sin. The Bible commands us in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

As Christians, we have some duties. The spiritual Christians are to restore the fallen. We are to do it prayerfully and carefully. Christian duty is not to condemn or criticize the wayward brother, but is to restore him to a proper position. As brethren had fallen into such sin, it was the duty of those who were spiritual to restore them. In the restoration process, there must be discipline and repentance, but those who are spiritual should aim to restore that person with gentleness.

We see here that someone has fallen into sin and we see how we are to restore them. The first reaction we should have when another Christian falls into sin is restoration and repair back to completeness. Notice: The word restore means to repair or mend what has been broken. This fallen brother needs someone to tenderly help him. He needs to be restored and reinstated with all gentleness. In the ministry, we are taking broken lives and letting God put them together.

3. Godly friends will help us rebound and live for the Lord (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). We need godly friends who will tell us if we are living for the Lord. Godly friends hold you up when others will let you fall. Anyone can live a carnal life. It takes a courageous Christian to live a life that pleases and honors the Lord. We know that an obedient life glorifies God and counts in eternity. When a person is encouraged it always helps them to continue running the race the Lord has set for them.

Patiently, we are to deal with him, helping him to confess and forsake his sin and be restored to spiritual health. The spiritual brother is to restore the one who is overtaken. Not just anyone in the church should do this, but, a spiritual brother, one that is spiritual with an attitude of restoration. He is to restore the fallen one in the spirit of meekness; not meanness. When someone falls we are to help them get back on their feet without harsh criticism. As God’s children, we need each other to help us through those times. Yes, there are real impacts from sin that cannot be ignored or overlooked. But rather than writing people off because they have done wrong, we need to humbly reach out to them in love and do what we can to help them put the pieces back together.

We need to consider ourselves. Although we are saved, we too can be tempted. We are to take a good look at ourselves and realize that we have weaknesses and may be tempted to fall (Romans 7:18). Notice: If it were not for the grace of God we would be doing the same thing. Application: We can all be tempted with the same sin that this person has been overtaken with. One day we too may fall and we will need help from a spiritual brother in Christ to restore us. We are all capable of sin.

• What do you do when a brother or sister falls because of sin?
• Do you go to them and try to restore them?
• Will you decide to be a spiritual brother and do your part to restore the broken?
• If we are not willing to help people with problems, we have no one to whom we can minister.
• Pray for GOD to help you be spiritually mature and to rebuild lives.

Prayer, Heavenly Father, too often I see others who are stranded on the highway of life. Help me to be more passionate concerning the care and restoration for others who have fallen. As Your Word and Spirit does surgery on their heart, may they understand that only You can satisfy their longing soul and fill their hungry heart. Amen.
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Stephen (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55)

Acts 6:8, And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:5, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.
Acts 7:55, But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

1. Stephen Served.
Stephen had a godly testimony. Stephen was a good man of “honest report”. He was a gifted man, ‘full of...wisdom”. He was a godly man— ‘full of the Holy Ghost”. The Bible makes it clear that the source of Stephen’s fearlessness was the Holy Spirit. Three times the Bible records that he was “full of God’s grace and power” or “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55). He was filled with the Holy Spirit who allowed him to speak truth wisely, witness boldly, and to face death peacefully.
Stephen’s character displayed the character of God through the Spirit of God, and that Spirit who gave him a servant’s heart and courage. The Spirit who empowered Stephen is the same Spirit who fills Christs followers today. No matter the chaos, or opponents to the Gospel, you face today, you can have the same power, boldness, and humility as Stephen.

2. Stephen Suffered.
Stephen was a godly young man who followed the teachings of Jesus in a time when much uproar was found in the religious world. Stephen preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin (A supreme council of the Jewish people). Stephen was not filled with fear that day before his opponents. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he boldly shared the truth of God. Stephen preached a long sermon. He began with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:2) and ended with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:55). His purpose in preaching this sermon was to show how each leader of Israel had tried to bring them out of their tradition into a broader revelation of God’s will and purpose for Israel, and how in every instance they had rebelled against the truth. This was exactly what the Sanhedrin was doing as they tried Stephen for blasphemy. He charged them with rejecting the Christ of Israel. He began with Scripture and used the Scripture to reveal their sinfulness. When Stephen mentioned their crime against the Just One, it was then that they charged him like a rioted mob. Stephen suffered, and through that we see that Saul (Paul) was a witness.

3. Stephen Shined.
Stephen shined at his death. He died calling upon God to ask forgiveness of his enemies. The religious leaders looked intently upon Stephen they saw that his face was “as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Stephens death was not in vain. God honored his life and his death. Paul witnessed his death, and as a result, Paul would later accept Christ as his Saviour. Through His suffering he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:59-60). We know that those who exhibit godly character do not necessarily have literal shining faces. They do, however, glow with the countenance of the One who fills their heart. Sharing the Gospel of Christ is the greatest news you could ever spread. Although not everyone will receive it well, it always brings pleasure to the LORD.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know You want to fill me but will not until I remove the barriers. Please bring to my mind my unconfessed sins and help me repent of them. Will You fill me with Your Holy Spirit? Live Your life through me today. Make me the person You want me to be that You would be glorified, in Jesus name, Amen.

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God’s GPS (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When traveling abroad or to an area I’m unfamiliar with, I travel with my GPS. The GPS lets you know where you are and where you need to go. Once you enter your destination within seconds you have detailed directions anywhere in the world. It is so detailed that it allows you to begin your journey from the place you are currently at. From the location you are currently at it will take you to your desired destination. All you have to do is trust it (Psalm 119:105; 48:14).

God has a plan for your life. If we trusted the Lord the same way we trust our GPS, life would be far less complicated. Many people fail to embrace His plan because they do not realize the starting point. Right here, right now, God is inviting all of us to follow Him, to trust Him, and to listen to Him. Like a GPS, as soon as we deviate from the designed path charted for us, the device lets us know we have gone off course; so it is with the Spirit of God. Psalm 37:23, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way

He has mapped this way, He has scouted the trail, He has charted the course. He has already surveyed the scenery and knows the exact turns we should take. Start at your current location and listen to His instruction and guidance. Right here, right now you can begin to trust God. Not only will you get to your desired location, you’ll enjoy the trip.

Faith is like a GPS:
1. You Have to Listen to Others
2. You Have to Start Where You Are
3. You will have to Re-route from Time to Time
4. You will be Responsible for the Drive

At times in our Christian walk we come to a juncture and we need to know the direction God has for us. At other times the road may be filled with obstacles, littered with pot holes, or tied up in “construction.” Just like David, we need to hear God’s advice and counsel. Here is the great part; all we have to do is turn on our GPS (God’s Positioning System). He is our creator, our Father, and friend. God says in Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

He will never lead us down the wrong route or leave us when the road gets rough. Although we may not always understand why He steers us on a particular road, we can be confident that He knows how to get us safely to our final destination. Jim Elliot said, It’s His business to lead, command, send, and call…it is your business to obey, follow, move, respond.

Throughout Scripture we are reminded of God’s direction over our lives. He is our good Shepherd who leads us and He desires that we follow the path that leads to joy and contentment. When we pray for God’s guidance and for discernment through the Holy Spirit, we can rest assured that God will provide wisdom! We do not have to worry about our next step or about tomorrow because we know Who guides our way! God not only knows the way – He knows the best way, and He knows the way you should take today. By faith, trust Him, listen to Him, and enjoy the ride. Do not rush your day without going before God to seek guidance!

PRAYER: Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect. 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 gave. 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, nor that any 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, nor 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 to 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 that! 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 everyone 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 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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