SEPTEMBER 24, Daniel 6:4-9 

Fill in the blanks:

If ye were of the __________, the world would __________ his own: but because ye are __________ of the world, but I have __________ you out of the world, therefore the world __________ you. ( John 15:19)

This verse describes Daniel’s relationship with his colleagues. The princes and other presidents hated Daniel and were envious of his position.

They wanted to find something against him so that he would be kicked out of his high position. A Christian who is doing his work with honesty and an upright spirit goes against the grain of the world. The world likes to cheat and conduct dishonest dealings in order to further their selfish ambition. With Daniel in charge, all these corrupt means were unacceptable so the world hated him. Daniel’s light exposed their evil deeds. But because his life was so good and without any fault or error, they could not find anything against him to cause his fall.

Are you living a life that is so different from the world that people can tell you are a Christian? Daniel did. That’s why the only way they could cause Daniel’s downfall was to find fault him in his total devotion and commitment to God.

They devised an evil scheme and approached king Darius. They lied to the king that all the presidents, governors, princes, counselors and captains had decided to set a law and requested the king to make a decree to throw into the lions’ den anyone who prays or asks for help from any other god or man, other than the king for the next thirty days They knew that this plan would definitely trap Daniel who prayed three times a day.

With this decree, Darius was made to feel like he was a god. He also thought that all his leaders had discussed and agreed to this law. Darius signed the decree. According to the law of the Medes and Persians, once a law is set, no one can change it, not even the king himself. The evil scheme succeeded in trapping Daniel.

Thought: God will grant courage in times of trouble.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, though the world may hate and persecute me, help me remember that I am not alone and that You are with me all the way. I pray that you will strengthen my faith. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.