Seek First – Kingdom Focused Devotionals

If you have been a Christian long you have already discovered that conviction can be costly.  When we choose to live by conviction, it may result in ridicule or even persecution.  Is it worth it?  Ask Daniel. 

            Because of God’s favor, Daniel was promoted by King Darius to a leading political office in Babylon.  He began to distinguish himself from other officers “because he possessed an extraordinary spirit” (6:3).  The king decided to appoint him over the entire kingdom.  The other officers attempted to find some way to accuse Daniel of corruption but were unsuccessful (5). 

            A plan was devised.  The officers convinced the king to enforce an injunction that anyone making a petition to any god or man besides the king would be case into the lion’s den.  As soon as the petition was signed, Daniel entered his house, opened his window, and prayed.  The king had no recourse but to enforce his own foolish law. 

            The king spent the night fasting.  At dawn he rushed to the lion’s den and cries out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” (6:20). Daniel’s service was not one of convenience but one of conviction. 

            God’s deliverance may take many different forms.  But when we live by conviction, we can be assured of His presence and protection. 

Prayer:  Help me to be like Daniel; a person who constantly serves You.  Amen

“It seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders which the Most High God has done for me” (Dan. 4:2).  This declaration comes from the mouth of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. 

            You may be familiar with the story line of the book of Daniel.  God’s people had been taken into captivity.  The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, conducted an experiment by bringing some of the Israelite youth into his court for training.  Four of these youth had a tremendous impact on the king and his country.  Through all the testing, these young men proved themselves to be ten times better than the conjurers and magicians of the land (1:20). 

            These young people were instrumental in the spiritual awakening that occurred in the life of Nebuchadnezzar.  First, Daniel interpreted a dream for the king that none of his wise men could understand.  Next, when the Israelite youth were cast into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship a golden idol, God delivered them unharmed.  The king makes a decree that no one can say anything offensive about the one true God (3:29).  Daniel records the story in the king’s own words who declares his intention of telling of the signs and wonders God has done. 

            If a pagan king wanted to declare God’s wonders, how much more should we be excited to do so? 

Prayer:  Father, help me today to tell someone of all the mighty things You have done for us.  Amen