Daily Read “ Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18, Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 28:21-22 
   
Daniel 6 is a tremendous and thrilling chapter of the Bible filled with truth that is relevant for your life today. It is a powerful and encouraging display of the uncompromised walk of a righteous man.
 
Excellence, integrity, and favor brought promotion to Daniel lifting him in status above other governors and leaders. He found great favor in the eyes of King Darius without compromising his walk before God.  As you recall from previous chapters, Daniel was brought into a pagan society, but never once strayed from walking righteously before Jehovah God.
 
The other governors and subordinates became jealous and envious and tried finding fault in Daniel. After discovering there was no basis for accusation, they tried using His faith in God to destroy him.  Without understanding the diabolical plans of the governors, in ignorance, Darius signed a decree of death for anyone worshipping a god over the king.
 
Upon hearing this, Daniel did not run in fear nor did he hide his faith, but he openly and boldly worshipped and prayed as he had always done.
 
As Daniel, you live in a society and environment that reeks with paganism and anti-Christ mindsets. Each day presents its own temptations to temper your faith and compromise your walk. Political correctness and tolerance are the catchwords that try to camouflage and candy coat the sin and depravity that runs rampant in our nation.
 
In the midst of temptation, Daniel rose up and stood his ground. He never made his walk with God a secret and he still found favor with King Darius. He remained steady and was not about to change who he was for any man.  He had a decree written on his heart ...I WILL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME!  As he continued to openly worship God, Daniel knew he was signing his death sentence, but he was willing to lay down reputation, status, and even his life before the Lord.
 
When temptation confronts you, what will you decree before the Lord?
What is written on the tablet of your heart?
 
In Psalm 5:12, it says, "For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous with favor. You will surround him as with a shield.
 
Regardless of what the enemy brings against you, remain faithful and walk uncompromised before God and He will bless and shield you with favor.  He will promote you even in the middle of an economic crisis!
 
Daniel did not die, but he lived against all natural laws because he served a supernatural God. Not only were the mouths of the lions shut, but God permanently shut the mouths of Daniels accusers!
 
Take great encouragement today knowing your awesome God is at work in the unseen realms to knock down every weapon that forms against you and to condemn every wicked tongue that brings accusation. The glory of the Lord is your rear guard and he will shut the mouths of your enemies.