The time to set our convictions is not when we are in the fire but rather TODAY. What will we take a stand for...what would we die for? WOW! Even writing that statement gives me some chills. Yet as I listen to the agenda of Satan being carried forth in this world through abortions, pornography, drugs, alcohol, homosexuality and a multitude of other sexual sins, and the atheist goal of destroying all that is a part of America's godly heritage, I know that I better be set in what I am willing to stand for and what I must stand against.
The Old Testament book of Daniel is about a man of convictions. A Godly man who had purposed in his heart what he would and would not do.
Daniel 1:8- But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.
It is easier to resist temptation when our convictions are set in stone prior to the temptation arising.
When Daniel chose to obey God over the king's decree- he found himself being thrown into the lion's den. Daniel had purposed in his heart that he would obey God over man long before being thrown into the lion's den.
Daniel had 3 friends named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Many of us might remember being told about these men when we were little. These 3 men were wise like Daniel. In fact we read their story in the book of Daniel. At Daniel's request, the King appointed these men to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon.
When these 3 men refused to bow down to the king- they were brought before the king and questioned concerning the charge against them. Let's look at their reply:
Daniel 3: 16-18
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."
These were not 3 men who just spoke "off the cuff" when brought before the king. These were 3 men who had long ago purposed in their heart whom they would serve....only the Lord God Almighty!
We are in the midst of times and will continue to face times when we will be called to stand for Christ. Are we ready? Have we purposed in our heart that we will not bow down to any other god, and that we will never go against our God.
Friends, now is the time, today is the day to have these issues settled in our mind and heart. We must be unshakable, unmovable, even in the toughest of times. It is not easy, and I fear it will get harder. Yet, Jesus went to the cross for us, we must be willing to do the same for Him should that be asked of us.
Now is the time to get to know the Savior- now is the time to plant His Word in your mind and in your heart. Now is the time to call upon Him to help you take a stand. And while we pray for this world to repent and turn back to the One True God, we stand ready to follow Jesus even if no one goes with us.
Dare to be a Daniel! This was a song I learned as a little girl but it still fits today. Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! (remembering, while we may stand alone humanly speaking, Jesus always stands beside us!)
To God be the glory! I love you dear readers and I lift you up in prayer. If you have any prayer request, please don't hesitate to share them with me. I would love to join you in praying for the concerns of your heart!
