Topic: Daniel’s Dose: Adventure 9- Be careful of the people around you!
Bible Reading: Daniel 3
Memory Verse: Daniel 3: 12 (NKJV)
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Good morning ladies and gentlemen! How was your weekend? Were you able to spend some time with family? Were you able to pick up the phone to call a friend/ colleague / classmate? Yesterday, Mother’s Day was celebrated in America, Canada and a few other countries! Do you live in a country that celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday? Did you wish your mothers, aunties, grandmothers, friends, colleagues, etc. “A happy Mother’s Day?” I hope you had a great day with your mothers (either biological, spiritual or any other motherly figure in your life).
Today, we continue our adventures through Daniel’s Dose. Today, the Holy Spirit wants to draw our attention to the people around us! Do you know that it is not everyone around you that has your best interest at heart? You may show them love, however, they are waiting for the slightest opportunity, to destroy you! Unfortunately, though this may sound harsh, it is the truth. The hard truth that you and I have to accept and be aware of- especially as Christians!
Well, let us get right into this message!
There are many of you, that think that everyone around you or the people you have met; have your best interests at heart! However, that is far from reality. The mere fact that you are a Christian, causes people to spite you! Let us not begin the conversations about the number of jealous people around you- because of God’s abundant Grace over your life! Some of you may question yourself; thinking if you have anything special that someone else does not have! Well you do! That is your relationship with God!
As Christians, we carry light to the places we visit. We bring peace and joy to the people we speak to. Our lives are full of an undying love from our Father, in Heaven. You do not need to be driving a Maserati or own a mansion for people to notice this! Do not get me wrong! I am not saying that owning these things are bad! God blesses us with some of these things! The point I am trying to make is that; by virtue of being a Christian, many eyes are fixated on you! These people are waiting for you to slip or an opportunity to bring you crumbling down!
Little do they know that your Father is more powerful than them. He is always a million steps ahead of them. He protects you and guides you, however, you must also play your part. You must be careful of the people around you! The people you share private matters with! There are some people God has placed around you to help you. As a matter of fact, people are very important in our journey on earth.
We, sometimes, struggle with the people God has chosen to help us. Why? Well, our human nature would draw us to certain people. Some of the times, they are not right for us! It is very important that you pray to know the genuine people around you.
In Daniel 3, we see that the king, Nebuchadnezzar, has ordered the construction of a gold image. He, then, ordered all the people to bow down and worship the image as a god (when they hear a sound/ music play). Many people did as the were told. Except a few Jews, who believed and served a living God. A group of people called the Chaldeans (they are from Chaldea and were known for their astrology and witchcraft), reported these group of Jews to the king; so that they will be persecuted- according to the king’s order against anyone who does not worship the gold god.
These Chaldeans lived amongst the people. They lived amongst the Jews. I am sure that they were neighbors to the Jews. They were quick to report when Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had disobeyed the king. We can learn a lot from this!
There may be people around you; your neighbors, friends, classmates, colleagues, etc. who would be in a community with you! Most of the time, you do not know their background or beliefs. You are cordial with them, however, they have targeted you. They are looking for loopholes in your life to destroy you. I pray that such people in your lives would be exposed, in Jesus Name! I pray that you will prepare your hearts and minds to follow God’s direction and Word concerning our friends and the people we hang out with.
Some people make excuses to be friends with people. Others turn a blind eye to the glaring signs of people’s true character/ nature. I pray that you do not go through this battle! God has your best interests at heart. Trust that He wants to see you succeed. It might not be easy! You will be fighting against the flesh; however, it is very rewarding- more than the satisfaction the flesh can give you! Hallelujah!
Prayer points:
Pray for a strength.
Pray that God helps you to subdue your flesh.
Pray that you are able to set your eyes on Him.
Pray to God to help you choose great people around you.
Pray, asking God to help you to hear his voice clearly.
End by just worshipping and praising Him.
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank you for my life. I thank you for giving me another beautiful day. I ask that you guide me and protect me. I pray that I will choose you in every situation that I face. And that my life will be a testimony and an example to many that I have Christ living in me. Thank you, Lord, for sending your son to die on the cross and wipe my sins away. I lift your name high for you are Alpha and Omega. Amen!
Today, the Holy spirit wants to remind you to “Be careful of the people around you!” As you read this message, I pray that the Lord would help you to identify these people! You are blessed and highly favored. God loves you! Never forget that!
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
The prayer below is for anyone who does not know God or maybe has been apart from God for a while. God is here to pour His favor over your life. All you have to do is call out to Him. Make that decision today!
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each and every step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are;
Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.
I am excited that you made this decision. Welcome! If you would like some help or more understanding into anything, you can leave a message (adding your email address) and I would be willing and happy to help you out!