Devotion is the Notion

Those who opposed Daniel

wanted to bring him disgrace.

Setting him up a dinner date

with the lions at their place.

But Daniel was a man of faith.

God took care of him

and the lions didn’t hurt

in a situation that looked grim.

The king proclaimed

that all should be devoted

to the God of Daniel

and Daniel was promoted.

Envy didn’t do anything

But faithfulness got it done.

Jealousy led to death

but devotion helped a ton.

So let us continue being faithful

and asking for God’s help.

Remembering about Daniel

and the promises God has kept.

The promise of a Savior,

courage in times of doubt,

love that brings victory,

That we can share about. 

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-22-2014

Inspired by Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Photo from Google Images

Questions for Reflection - Study of Daniel 5-8

This past week, I wrote of my study in Daniel 3-4 and there are also two poems this study has inspired.  Please check them out at these links below:

Boldness Through Prayer

Comebacks After Setbacks

The plan now is to post some thoughts as I spend some time in Daniel 5-8. Over the next two weeks, I will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

 Image Source – Google Images

Daniel 5

Compare and contrast Belshazzar and Nebuchadnezzar. What is the message from God? How does the king respond?

Daniel 6

What is Daniel’s position under the third king named Darius? What happens to Daniel? How do you react when misfortune or ostracism results from godly actions on your part?

Daniel 7

What issues are brought up in Daniel’s dream? What do the beasts represent? As you participate in the establishment of God’s kingdom, what situations, tasks and problems do you find personally tough?

Daniel 8

Having seen who is ultimately in authority, what revelation is given to Daniel in his second dream? Who is represented by the symbols? What is Daniel’s reaction to what God shows him of the future?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978

First United Methodist Waco Podcast

Christ Notes

Family Times

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

The Lesson of Growing Good Corn

Photo Credit: snowsoulmate via Flickr

There was a Nebraska farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon...

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. 

"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."

He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.

So it is in our world. Those who choose to be at peace must help their neighbors to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all. 

The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.

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Source:Indianchild.com

Today's post comes from coach Muller, a friend who has a blog called Good Time Stories. For great stories, be sure to check out his blog.