Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” — Daniel 6:21-23 (NASB1995) It was evident even to a pagan king that Daniel constantly served God. What a great witness and testimony! Nonetheless, Daniel was cast into the lions’ den for a night because he continued to kneel and pray and give thanks to his God, three times a day, after it had been forbidden by the king’s injunction. (See Daniel 6:10-12) At the break of day, the king went in haste to the lions’ den and found Daniel still among the living. Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of t...
Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. — Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NASB1995) When Nehemiah heard about the broken down condition of Jerusalem and the survivors being in great distress, he wept and mourned, but he also fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (See Nehemiah 1:3-4) In Nehemiah 2:4, when the king asked Nehemiah what was his request, Nehemiah prayed before he responded. (See Nehemiah 2:4) And the king granted him all that he requested because the good hand of his God was on him (See Nehemiah 2:8) Throughout the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah continually prayed to God when dealing with their enemies. In Nehemiah 4:20, ...
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! — Philippians 4:4 (AMP) James 1:2-4 (NLT) says: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Our joy is not to be based on the fluctuating circumstances of our lives. We experience fullness of joy in the Presence of Yahweh and He is always with us. No matter what season of life you are going through, have continual and contagious joy. Let your joy overflow and spill out onto those around you. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (See Nehemiah 8:10 NLT) We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always...
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