Today’s Reading:
Daniel 6:10-23 (10)
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his window open towards Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." (v. 10 NKJV)
Daniel was one of the princes from Judah taken into exile in Babylon. He was found to be a man of excellence, so the king promoted him to a position of great influence and authority (Dan. 6:3). He refuses to compromise, even if his choices endangered his life. He was ready to endure personal discomfort in keeping the commandments, vows and promises of the Lord. Because of all these, his enemies were jealous of him.
He was a very busy man, but he still finds time to pray three times in a day. Because Daniel was a righteous man his enemies could not levy accusations against him. So, they looked for ways to stop his devotion and worship of God. They persuaded the king to make a decree that, for thirty days, no one was allowed to petition to any god but the king.
From his youth, Daniel has developed the habit of prayer and praise of God. This routine helped Daniel to develop a strong and active faith in God. By this he did not waver when faced with persecution (Da. 6).
God desires unwavering relationship with us. In our busy schedule, let us still have time to daily invite God into our lives and our day. Ask God to supervise whatever we will do for each day and ask him to take total control by the power of His Holy Spirit. We should always treasure our quiet time with God and be able to reflect on his mercies and faithfulness. As we do this, we get matured in our relationship with him and are able to learn more about God. Also, our time of devotion will increase. We should also teach our children the way of God from their youth, so that when they grow up, they will not depart from it.
When we hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength. When we trust and daily worship God unknowingly, when our enemies conspire to bring harm on us, like Daniel, we can rely on God's protection and He will be there for us.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, I invite you to be involved in my day; help me to be able to trust you and not lean on my limited ability and understanding, in Jesus name.
Father begin your revival in my life, family and environment, in Jesus name.
Father make me the apple of your eyes; and keep me under the shadow of your wings, in Jesus name.
Every power of rising and falling in my spiritual life, die, in Jesus name.
Father, uproot everything you have not planted in your church, revive your Pentecostal power and fire; reposition your church to suit your purpose, in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining the nation with your mighty presence. Bulldoze and destroy strongholds of wickedness and revive your work. Let there be love, peace, harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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