by Sandy Kirby Quandt

During the exile of God’s people from Jerusalem to Babylon, Daniel found favor with King Darius and so distinguished himself among the administrators by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

As you might imagine, the other administrators weren’t happy with that thought. So, they tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs. Problem with that was … they couldn’t find one thing wrong.

No corruption. No untrustworthiness. No neglect of his duties.

Nothing.

They reasoned the only way they would find anything against Daniel was if it had something to do with the law of his God. The True and Living God Jehovah.

They came up with a decree and took it to King Darius. It said anyone who prayed to any god or man other than the king in the next 30 days should be thrown into the lion’s den.

If you know the story, you know Daniel didn’t obey the decree.

He went home and with opened windows, prayed three times a day to his God. Just as he had done before the decree.

To read the rest of the story, as they say, turn to Daniel 6.

So I’m wondering …

Are there people in our lives who try to discredit us before our superiors because of our faith in God?

If so, how do we respond?

Do we give in a little to satisfy them, maybe compromise on a few things, to get them off our backs?

Or do we go home, open our windows unafraid they can hear us, and pray to the True and Living God?

I know some of you who read this blog have stood your ground when asked to be unethical in your business, and I applaud you. To those who are in that tough spot right now, I say hang in there. Like with Daniel, God will deliver.

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Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 (NIV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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One of my posts is scheduled to appear on Christian Devotions November 21, 2015. Please stop by and check it out.

For those of you not accustomed to speaking country, if after listening to the following song you had difficulty understanding the words, here are the lyrics written by Ralph Stanley.

Well I read about a man one day, he wasted not his time away
He prayed to God every morning, noon and night
He cared not for the things of Baal, trusted one who never fails
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night

Oh Daniel served the living God while upon this earth he trod
He prayed to God every morning, noon and night
He cared not for the king’s decrees, but trusted God to set him free
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night

They locked him in the lions den because he would not honor men
But he prayed to God every morning, noon and night
The jaws were locked, it made him shout, God soon brought him safely out
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night

Oh Daniel served the living God while upon this earth he trod
He prayed to God every morning, noon and night
He cared not for the king’s decrees, but trusted God to set him free
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night

Now brother let us watch and pray like Daniel did from day to day
He prayed to God every morning, noon and night
We too can gladly dare and do and pray to God He’ll see us through
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night

Oh Daniel served the living God while upon this earth he trod
He prayed to God every morning, noon and night
He cared not for the king’s decrees, but trusted God to set him free
Oh Daniel prayed every morning, noon and night