“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”

Utter chaos and decay. That is the state of our world. Freedom is almost forgotten and daily trampled. Remnants of true Christianity are strengthening themselves by the mighty grace of God and the promise of  the scriptures, while each day ‘losing’ a little more comfort.

We are not at that point *just yet* when we cannot pray in our own homes. But that serpent of old, the devil, is gearing up and in little ways inching towards our freedom of faith in the Lord Jesus.

Do not be afraid. “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.”

“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of this world, therefore the world hates you.”

Yes, I have written the senators and representatives. Yes, I vote and pray and pray some more. Yes, I do my best to sound the alarm of false teachings. Yes, I look to protect the sheep and teach the children. And I won’t stop.

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Whenever I drop off any of our kids anywhere that I cannot be with them (and even when I am around), my last words are usually “Be a Daniel! Love you!”

I want them to remember many have gone before them resisting the world and seeing God give them strength and deliverance. I want them to remember the battle is always “on” so they must put on their armor. Not to fight against their fellow-man or woman, but to battle against the powers and principalities of darkness. I desire that they know that as long as they call the Lord their God, they will have an adversary. But they will never be alone. Hence Daniel!!! He was never alone.

“Then Daniel said, O King, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him…”

I am not asserting a promise where there isn’t one. Remember Jesus’ words I just quoted above. But I do want to remind that God is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. (see Dan. 6:26-27)

I don’t want my freedom taken away. I don’t want harm to come to my kids. I don’t want to be mandated to obey an institution that is corrupt and denies the living God. Jesus had something to say about this…

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

Christians, do not fear. God has overcome the world. Do what you can, do what you must, and then remember Who is on the throne. Did you notice Daniel’s prayer was a prayer of thanks? Can you thank the Lord? Right now in these uncertain times? Can you thank Him when it costs you? Do not let fear override your love for the saving of souls. Resist the temptation to place anything above the gospel and love for Christ.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.