April 8 | Daniel 6:10
“When Daniel knew the writing had been signed, he went to his house to the upper chamber and opened the windows toward Jerusalem and kneeled to his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks to God as he had done before.”
(Daniel 6:10)
Premeditated sin is when we choose to sin because we know Jesus will forgive us. We take advantage of Jesus’s goodness. The worst part is we think about taking advantage knowingly and willingly.
Daniel does the opposite, premeditated faithfulness. He knew what the law said. It was against Him and His people who refused to commit idolatry to live a comfortable life in a foreign land. They stood up for God. Daniel didn’t change His routine of prayer.
Many of us would be obedient and secret. We would go into our house, find a closet, shut and lock the door, and then pray. Only Jesus would know we were faithful. Daniel went to a window up on the top floor of His house so everyone could see him pray. He was a repeat offender.
He didn’t change a thing. The people who despised Him hoped he would change his routine. When your country changes its loss to persecute you, what will you do? Become a repeat offender against ungodly laws.
Action Step: Look at laws that persecute you as an opportunity to stand firm for Christ. Plan to break worldly rules and lift Jesus high with your obedience.
Jesus, I don’t want to betray or deny you. When persecution comes my way, I will worship You and lift You high. No one can stop me from praising You and giving You glory. Strengthen me to stand for You despite the coming storm against me.
