07 November 2007
WHY DO WE NEED A DANIEL TODAY? - Remembering a great Saint of God Pastor T.U.Thomas on Pastor's first Anniversary
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself..." (Daniel 1:8). This is one of the best decisions a young man can ever make in his life. All his future blessings depended on this vital decision.Most of the modern Christians want to be happy, not holy. They go to a church where the songs, sermons and everything will suit to their worldly lifestyle. Consequently, a good number of Spirit-filled Christians have already defiled their minds, and some of them sad to say, even their bodies.
Daniel lived in Babylon in the midst of luxury and laxity. Wine, women and any other thing under the sun to defile oneself was available in abundance there. He lived in a world full of temptations. Very easily he could have defiled himself with all the filthiness of Babylon. He was far away from his home. Perhaps all his family members might have been killed as the enemies invaded his country. He could have found a thousand excuses to fall into temptations and sins. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defiled himself." Some young men have no backbone. In an emotional moment they may make a decision not to defile themselves, but the next moment, when the temptation knocks at the door of their heart, they cowardly open the door and wallow in the mire of filthiness.
Dear friend, have you ever made an unbreakable decision to be uncompromisingly pure and clean? Have you ever made a decision to lay down your life to preserve your purity? How much zeal do you have for purity? Do you know that for every truth there is a price to pay? The greater the truth that you want to stand on, the greater the price that you have to pay.
The key of success for Daniel's life and ministry was nothing but the power of purity. He had such a zeal and love for purity that even those heathen who did not know the true living God saw the beauty of purity shining all over Daniel (Dan 1:15). His life brought a great impact on them and they consented to Daniel's request to keep his life clean. Daniel's zeal and love for purity was fully followed by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When you stand unmovable for the truth of God, God will raise up many to follow your example.
As these four young men made a bold stand for their God (in Babylon there were almost a million Jews brought as captives from Israel, out of them only four young men made the difference), He bestowed upon them special graces. "As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (Dan 1:17). Many Christians do not know that true knowledge, skill, and wisdom are connected with purity. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure..." (James 3:17). Even Solomon, the wisest man in the world could not get this wisdom, because he defiled himself with strange women.
"And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel..." (Dan 1:19). Our King wants to have sweet communion with us: the king "found none like Daniel." Saints who love purity are matchless; they are very special to our God. This world may appreciate great preachers, singers, faith healers, miracle workers, etc. However, some of these great men may not even make it to heaven, if they do not love purity from the heart.
What this present generation desperately needs is not great preachers and singers. The greatest need of this modern generation is a Daniel, a man of God who made an unbreakable decision to be holy. Holy in thoughts, feelings, imaginations, attitudes, and in every aspect of life. God needs a Daniel who is all out for purity. Only in such saints can God bestow ALL WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING to rule the (coming) world. Only such ones are matchless and very special in the sight of God. "The King found none like Daniel." Why don't you surrender RIGHT NOW to be a Daniel?
May God bless you.
Pastor T.U. Thomas
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)