Daniel & the Lions, Daniel chapter 6

Verse 3 - In all that we do, we should do it for God. It will make us shine. Daniel is said to have a spiritual life - with powers, but he was only brought to authority because he had "distinguished himself".

John 15: Remember the word that I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me they will persecute you.

Will the promise of persecution stop us? Or we will carry on to live on God's word?

1) Pride and self worship - will blind us to what is right

2) It is a strong temptation to use other people to boast our "glory"

Verse 7 - How could Darius have possibly not known that Daniel was worshipping God? OF COURSE Daniel would not abide by this new law! His enemies knew this, and this would be the only way to get him into trouble! Darius wasn't thinking/seeing clearly because of his pride. 

Can we be like Daniel who, in verse 10, continued to serve his God despite the man made law? Are we willing to be ostracised and faithful to God?

End of verse 10 states "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." We can only be faithful one day at a time. It takes a process. 

Throwing a man into a lion's den is no less certain of resulting in death than throwing a man into a fiery furnace. His opponents think that they have won, but all of a sudden, it is them who are thrown into the den. Evil is punished straight away.

This passage also foreshadows for us God punishing everyone who does not believe in Him by sending them to hell. Because God is good, He will punish us for our sins. But in His great love, God sent us Jesus as a substitute sacrifice to those who will believe.

Daniel lived in Jesus's light despite living in a harsh culture.

Reasons why Tim and I are so successful

It amazes me to see couples around me unable to maintain their relationship. My relationship with Tim comes somewhat effortlessly. We work at it, yes, but it does not take up an insane amount of energy. We just put in love.

And I guess that's what's different. We were taught how to love by God and we do love right. Am I being arrogant? No, I don't think so, simply because I will also say this: we have made many mistakes along the way. But our moral compass is being derived from the holy spirit, and we are both individually accountable to God. And this simple factor, I believe, is what differentiates us from the many couples out there.

How I love my God, for He has given me the ability to love not only Tim, but all those around me.

12th July recollections

During worship on Sunday at CCC, I felt my heart swell up, and I felt so touched by God. It was almost as if He was around me, He was pouring His love into my soul. And for that I am so so overwhelmed. That feeling of security and of warmth. It was amazing. I want to pray that in the future, I will also be able to get that kind of feeling, that I will always be able to feel God's love so intimately.

Sermon:
What does it meant to be salty & light?
If we are the salt & light, we WILL be persecuted. 

Sale is not even alive, but everything that it comes into contact with salt is affected by it's living nature.  Salt itself is a gift; its gift of presence. Salt melts ice; salt heals. It melts down the icy hearts of people. By loving people, we too can heal them. Salt perseveres meat. In the same way, we can help people preserve their relationship with God.

What bowl do we have to put on the light? Ourselves. When we make things all about us. Light gives direction. As we abide in Christ, we are showing people the way to God. People observe; light illuminates. We should shine for all to see. Light gives life; we need light. It brings a positive spin to all that it comes into contact with. Similarly, our lips are meant to speak life. We should say more happy, positive things to others.

Encouraging quirks

Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me.
Lay any burden on me, only sustain me.
Sever any tie but the tie that binds me to Thyself.


Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you
He is mighty to save
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.


Hosea 14:9
The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

In regard to my studies

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27