Big Idea | Thriving as a Disciple Requires an Unwavering Commitment to Faithfulness Despite the Odds!
Daniel 6:1-3 ESV – It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Daniel 6:10 ESV – When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.
Daniel 6:16 ESV – The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”
Daniel 6:18-22 ESV – Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him. Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”
Daniel 6:25-28 ESV – Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
Faithful in Prayer!
1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV – Pray without ceasing.
START WITH HUMILITY!
Daniel 6:10 ESV – He got down on his knees…
Daniel 6:10 ESV…three times a day…
BE CONSISTENT IN YOUR PRAYERS!
FOCUS ON GRATITUDE!
Daniel 6:10 ESV…and gave thanks before his God.
Faithful in Obedience!
In my soul I feel just that terrible pain of loss, of God not wanting me, of God not being God, of God not really existing. I don’t pray any longer. – Mother Teresa
Please pray. I have very little courage. But I trust him blindly in spite of all feelings.
She knew that warm feelings and bright words from God are unnecessary; faithfulness to Jesus is all. Serve God even when emotion, peace, conviction fail. Put love into action. Stay faithful anyway.
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT – I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 22:37-39 NLT – You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
2 Corinthians 5:19, 20 NLT – For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
