Lessons from Daniel (2)

A consecrated Christian is one who is close to God, and who has a sense of devotion. We are learning from Daniel and we see his intentionality and determination not to defile himself.

Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

Consecration is what we learn from Daniel.

Daniel 6:1 – It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

If you can obey and consecrate yourself to God in even the simplest matters, you will find it easy to do the same in the tough times. Daniel had that purposefulness in his heart – to stay with the Lord.

Daniel 6:4 – Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him

No fault was found in him because he was faithful. In 1 Timothy, Paul told Timothy that a bishop (by implication, every believer) must be blameless. Peter was faithful – Jesus called him the Rock. You are a believer, be found faithful (preach the gospel with so much gusto and passion, be faithful with the gospel and be blameless in prayer). Faithfulness has to do with your consecration (you know what Christ did for you, and you are determined to see men yield to that which Christ has done).

Daniel 6:5 – Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

They knew that the only way to get Daniel was through his service to God – even with that, Daniel remained faithful.
Read Daniel 6:8-16.

Daniel’s consecration covers a hard time, and because he had his consecration intact, the pagan king declared the name of the Living God.
So, what is your consecration? Where is your faithfulness? What do you stand for? Your eyes should be fixed on Jesus. Core consecration elements include;

– Prayer times;
– What you do for the church;
– Your preaching and teaching; and giving.

Don’t be an ordinary Christian, be a Christian like Daniel – consecrated to the faith. Jesus is looking for faithful servants because service to God ought to be faithful. Daniel purposed in his heart and it did not end with the purposing – he acted it out, and he had the confidence to pray to God.

Say this: I am faithful; I stay consecrated and faithful to the work God has chosen me for.

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Exodus 11-13

TEACHING OF THE DAY
The Word and the Spirit (3)