Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Ezra 1; Daniel 6
Daniel 6:10-13
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.
11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.
13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.
This is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. Even people who have never gone to church often know the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. However, the most impressive part of this story is not the part of Daniel using lions as pillows while he waits for the king to let him out. Although I would have liked to have seen that! The most impressive part of the story is found in verse 5, “Now when he knew that he writing was signed…he kneeled… prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
I often ask our church, “How much does it take to get you to quit?” Daniel had the character, commitment, and courage to do what was right even in the face of persecution. He was willing to do the right thing, even if it was going to cost him his life. Daniel trusted God to handle the part he was not to control. We should have the same confidence in God as we trust Him faithfully each day. We must be about our Father’s business. We must do the right thing even if the government passes foolish laws to interfere with what God has called us to do. We must have the confidence to trust God to do the right thing in the midst of persecution.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to trust your heart when I cannot trace your hand.
- Lord, please help me to never doubt what is true about you, even when circumstance is difficult.
- Lord, please help me to have the character, consistency, and courage of Daniel.
Political
- Representative Beau LaFave
- Representative David LaGrand
- Senator Kim LaSata