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. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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