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Post by william on Mar 12, 2016 21:50:44 GMT -5
Daniel: The Impact of a Godly Influence
Daniel 6:1-28
Daniel had the rare opportunity to influence four kings and their kingdoms with godly principles. Remaining true to God often meant putting himself in danger, but he never once wavered in his convictions. The record of his life shows us what is required of someone who wants to have a godly impact on those around him.
Complete confidence in the Lord’s ability to protect and provide empowered Daniel to make bold decisions. He delivered bad news to kings, even though such an act could have gotten him killed (Dan. 2:26-44; Dan. 5:17-28). What’s more, he challenged a law requiring him to violate God’s command to worship only Him (Dan. 6:7-11).
Daniel wasn’t intent on being popular; he was committed to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. And when he had to face consequences for choosing the unpopular course of action, he did so with a calm and Christ-like spirit. Offering no complaint, Daniel accepted the punishment of being thrown into a den of lions—he had, in fact, broken the law.
It is so tempting to think that if we do what is right, we should be rewarded or at least protected. But we live in a broken world, and sometimes doing what is right will get us punished. How we respond to the consequences of our obedience is actually as important as carrying out God’s will. Our reaction is being watched and evaluated by those in our sphere of influence, who want to see if we really believe our claim that the Lord is in control. God is using our experience and our witness to reach others for the kingdom.
I have had a really hard time since Wednesday, the devil has been attacking me nonstop thru my emotions, physically and spiritually as he has been with all of us it seems especially as of late. I almost forgot the saying "it's not a race but a marathon", let's all get our "drink" from our Father and keep running.
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Post by tkk2 on Mar 12, 2016 23:13:53 GMT -5
As mature Christians that's what satan wants....its not so easy to tempt us with sin....he tempts us now with doubt. God has got this. ..stay strong and stay the course....eyes on him. Personally I've found myself on long walks in prayer...its so beautiful. ..and the weird thing is I'm a runner. I would encourage you to get out and see and smell the beauty that's out there. It has a way of calming the heart and the mind. God bless William.
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Post by Sharon on Mar 13, 2016 9:11:57 GMT -5
I am putting this (and your response tk) in my prayer journal. Thank you guys for the encouragement!
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Post by marissaa91 on Mar 13, 2016 22:28:00 GMT -5
This was something so moving to me! Thank you for posting this, it really encouraged me!
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Post by Sharon on Mar 20, 2016 9:24:59 GMT -5
Reading over this again and TK your comment stood out to me again, that the enemy tempts us with doubt, not with sin, because we stand firm on God's rock. When doubt comes, let's pray away the enemy! There is power in the name of Jesus and just calling out his name is enough to make the enemy flee. Don't tempt me devil! I am a child of God to be used for his purposes.
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