Today’s Scripture: Daniel 6:10 NLT Tyndale: But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
We all remember the story of Daniel in the lion’s den we heard as children and have seen the beautiful paintings depicting that scene. Do we have a picture in our heads and our hearts as to what Daniel’s day to day life and practices were leading up to that date in the den?
From the first chapter of Daniel until now we know Daniel decided to feed on God. Yes, we have Daniel being supernaturally blessed along with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego for their unwavering resolve to worship only God.
Here in Chapter six we catch a glimpse of Daniel’s life before the den. He knelt “as usual”; He prayed three times a day “just as he had always done” and he gave thanks to his God.
Is that too much to ask from us today? Don’t we have so many things to be thankful for? There are miracles, there is peace, and there is victory found on our knees thanking our God.
If someone was writing about your “usual” practices, what would they write?
Today’s Prayer: My God, I am thankful to You for Your love for me. I am thankful for Your prophets and Your Word that we can learn from. I am thankful for those people who have gone on before whom teach and instruct me. Thank You for Your Spirit that fills me and guides me. I confess my sins to You and thank You for Your mercy. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
I have always been impressed with Daniel and how his adversaries knew they could trap him. They knew his practice! You raise a good question Tom, one that is “easy” to answer but also hard. I know what I want to say, but also know that my practice is not nearly consistent enough for it. Good thoughts.
Thanks Bill! Daniel is strong and helps remind us where we need to be and where we need to go! Thanks!
Thank you so much, Tom! What a compelling reminder to be consistent – day to day, moment to moment – in practices that bring us closer to and glorify God. Consistency requires a decision. We will not remain consistent unless we decide it is important to do so. Daniel understood the importance…and God blessed him greatly! May we follow his lead and commit to consistency. Thank you again, Tom, and God bless you abundantly!
Thanks Caroline! Yes it is a decision and it is great to know it is a decision with more rewards than we can fathom. It reminds us of our thanksgivings and allows us to know the God of heaven and be known and loved by Him. Just wow! Bless you!
Thank you so much, Tom!!
Beautifully said! We can indeed know and love – and be known and loved by – the God of heaven. I second your “WOW!”
May God continue to bless you and your work for Him!!
Caroline
Thank you Caroline! Praying blessings upon your ministry as well!
Wonderful post. Daniel gave us so many wonderful behaviors to show us what a life truly surrendered to God looks like. When I look at my own life, the strength comes from the consistency in doing things that put God first.
Rachel
Thanks Rachel, the strength, the joy, the peace and glory that comes from putting God first is rich, rich, rich in so many ways. Bless you!