The king declared a decree based on what he saw had happened in Daniel’s life. I wonder if we paused at the end of the day and reflected on our lives – the ups and down, the attitude, the loss of temper, etc, that may have taken place that day, would we have something to celebrate with God, or would we be ashamed of it? What about others, would they have gained wisdom or godly example from us, like the king did of Daniel, or would they stay far enough away from us? Let’s meditate some more on this…

 

DATE POSTED Thursday, 2021-11-18
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BY: Ed Algreen

 

SCRIPTURE FROM: Daniel 6:26-27
TRANSLATION: The Voice Translation (Voice)

 

BIBLE TEXT: 26 I decree that all people everywhere who live under my sovereign rule ought to tremble before and fear the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be overthrown; His reign will know no end. 27 He saves and rescues those who fear Him, performing signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; For He has rescued His servant Daniel from the power of the lions.

 

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how we look at the characteristics and mannerisms of a family member and we commit to never repeat much of what we see? As young teenagers, we tend to be especially critical of our parents and the things they do that embarrass us! ‘Never will we do that’ is what we say about their mannerisms, for we clearly see the flaws!! But isn’t it interesting to look back in our maturing age and see how we are so much like our parents?!! In our Scripture today we see an example of a hardened king whose heart was changed because of the faithfulness of a true, earnest and faithful son of the Almighty. Like many of us, the king was accustomed to telling his subjects what they should must do, and if they disobeyed, or took too long getting it done, their life was abruptly ended. However, when Daniel was brought into the picture, King Darius noticed something different about him, much like I would hope that others notice with true followers of Christ today. For Daniel came with his life already under the command of one King, and he was so faithful to that King that he was not about to be redirected against those principles, even to the point, and threat, of death, when commanded by an earthly king. Friends, this man’s faith caused a hardened king to not only recognize the power of the King of all kings to whom Daniel answered, but he went as far as using that experience to command his kingdom to also respect and honor the King/God of Daniel. This stopped me in my tracks, and caused me to question what someone might say at the end of a day that they may have spent around me. What about you friend? Would there be some traits that your friend(s) might consider adopting? Do you suppose that they saw Jesus at all that day? Would they be drawn towards the God you serve, or would they try with all their power to go in the opposite direction? To each one reading this devotional, may I suggest that you consider this today in the things that you say and in the things you do? Seek God as you start your day and ask Him to give you opportunities to let your light so shine, that others might catch a glimpse of your Master. It’s all about Him, my faithful friend! Let others see Jesus in everything you do, say or think. People still need the Lord! May their hardened hearts be turned towards your God because they saw evidence of Him in you!

 

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Others are watching you, not for any good qualities of your own, but hoping to see the influence Jesus made in you!

 

PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, may Your light so shine through my readers and I today, that those to whom we come into contact with, will react much like King Darius did in observing Daniel. May others desire a relationship with our King and want to adopt Your commands and characteristics. I believe that as they do, and prove You faithful, they will feel compelled to draw close to You and give You full reign in their lives. May You be recognized and glorified through us today dear Lord, AMEN!

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