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What happened? What has interfered with my goal of daily blogging? I must admit that I can have always find excuses to keep me from this habit, even good and fun excuses count. I loved watching the Olympics and of course they were televised too late, and that impeded my morning thoughts as I was trying to just wake up. I filled my days with so many other tasks that even at the end of them, I found myself exhausted and void of writing wit. I have purposely tried to develop simple living, prioritize what matters, but there always seems to be the unexpected, even a minor head cold kept me from my goal. Instead of thinking that I must have extra time, I must just do what I have thought and planned for, so today I'm back to blogging once again.

Although I may have not written on this site, I never did give up my morning time alone. I have a habit of getting up before the morning sunrise, sipping coffee, reading from the Word, thinking and praying about my days. . .

I read how once again jealousy can cause such misery. Daniel was a shining star in the Persian kingdom. He was faithful and accountable for all he was in charge of. The King was so delighted with his outstanding performance that he was ready to appoint him more responsibility, even the whole kingdom. But instead of his fellow governors supporting him, they let jealousy rule their hearts. Unable to find any "dirt" or corruption in Daniel's work, they plotted a personal, religious attack on him. It's always easier to attack people personally, especially when their beliefs, their appearance, the way they conduct themselves, even when their religious views are different than our own. When we feel passed over for that promotion, when we feel our work was just as adequate, that is when envy can grow within. Yet according to the story, Daniel's work was extraordinarily outstanding.

What follows then is a scheme that gets the King to pass a law that only allegiance and petition can just be for the King himself. If someone is caught swearing to another, a grizzly death will find them thrown down into the lion's den. But all those plots and threats did not deter Daniel from being who he was. He didn't panic, he didn't quit his job or resign from his position, he didn't change his habits or his lifestyle. He didn't compromise his beliefs in the midst of public pressure, even the threat of death. He just did what he did everyday, he kept on working and kept on praying to his God at least three times daily. Too often we get stressed when falsely accused of doing wrong; we want defense, we want instant relief, we want to run, escape. But perhaps, the message is once again to stay the course, continue to be the person who God has enabled you to be. You may have to ultimately face the den of hungry lions, but you may find that in the pit, God has shut their mouths . . .


" . . . So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." (Daniel 6:23)

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 11, 2010 at 5:22 PM

    I’ve Googled half the morning searching for your blogs.
    God's Perfect Plan - For me to find your blog page and read this today April 11, 2010.

    With my immediate family situation, I was feeling beat down and thrown into the lions den (of life) today. You have reminded me of Daniels story.
    As I sat with my cup filled with hot coffee reading, I am again in awe of how loving, caring and merciful Our Heavenly Father truly is.
    After reading your blogs, the Holy Spirit reminded of:

    Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

    Philippians 4:7-9
    7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

    Thanks Mary for the inspiration, God has PERFECT TIMING!

    ReplyDelete

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