This is a reminder that disobedience to God's commands and disregard for His holiness does not go unnoticed. God is patient and merciful, but there comes a point when He will pass judgment.
Life is filled with fiery trials and situations that test our faith, challenge our resolve and stretch our endurance. These "fires" can come in the form of persecution, loss, hardship, opposition or even spiritual battles. But for the child of God, no fire is ever faced alone.
Even though Daniel couldn’t control his circumstances, he could control himself; that is, he had the liberty to control his thoughts, his words, his actions, his motives and his heart. And he did.
This is the language of promise. This is the language of hope. This is the language of salvation. God is bringing something new to replace the old. He will save his people.
Let us be aware, that we are the watchmen in the parable today. All of us are responsible for telling people as the opportunity arises of their responsibility before God.
God would create a new heart in the people, a heart that would not be an unresponsive, stone heart, but a living, beating heart that would respond to Him.
Paul says that we need to rejoice, strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind in Christ, and live in peace. Being Christ minded will bring unity and peace to your life.
