Daniel 6 3/12/02

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us this time to come together tonight. As we open up your word, we ask that you will let us see more about you.

jesusworker_99 says, yes jesus

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yes Lord

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We ask that you will grant us wisdom to understand what you would have us learn tonight.

jesusworker_99 says, yes father

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Lead us and direct us, Lord.

jesusworker_99 says, yes lordd

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We pray this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Amen

jesusworker_99 says, amen

mrs_pare says, amen

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Anybody here ever heard of a satrap?

jesusworker_99 says, no

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, I had not

Main Entry: sa·trap <img src="/images/audio.gif" border=0 height=11 width=16>

Pronunciation: 'sA-"trap also 'sa-"trap or 'sa-tr&p

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapEs, from Old Persian khshathrapAvan, literally, protector of the dominion

Date: 14th century

1 : the governor of a province in ancient Persia

2 a : RULER b : a subordinate official : HENCHMAN

mrs_pare says, no

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Okay, here's what you do.....you type in /define satrap and hit enter.

jesusworker_99 says, charlote learned colors

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, yep, she's learning a lot tonight.

jesusworker_99 says, it's not working\

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Use a / instead of \ Mary

mrs_pare says, /define satrap

jesusworker_99 says, got it

jesusworker_99 says, wrong slast

jesusworker_99 says, slash

jesusworker_99 says, ruller

jesusworker_99 says, ruler

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, King Darius appointed Daniel as an adminstrator over the 120 satraps of his government.

jesusworker_99 says, provice

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Yes, of his provinces.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Darius had chosen 3 men to be his officials that governed everyone else in his domain.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And one of those was Daniel.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If you turn to Daniel 6, you can see where we are going to start tonight.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Here we have a situation where Daniel was doing a very good job, being faithful to God and to his king, and carrying out his duty well.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But some other men were jealous of Daniel's being raised to this post.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, they plotted against him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But, the problem was that Daniel was a godly man.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They couldn't find anything to accuse him of.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In fact, the only things they could even think of to accuse him of were things having to do with his God.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, they thought and they thought....and finally came up with a plan.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They decided to persuade the king to make a command that would make it illegal to pray for the next 30 days....unless you were praying to the King.

jesusworker_99 says, ok

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: "O King Darius, live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, humm, clever plan

jesusworker_99 says, yep

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, By the way, that little phrase, "Live forever" was a nicety that you were required to say to the king...it was a comment of respect.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king, being a bit egotistical, as was the king he took over, decided this was a good idea.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In those days, there was a ruling in the land of the Medes and Persians that once the king made something a law, it could not, in any way, shape or form be repealed.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, yep

jesusworker_99 says, yep

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, This is why in the story of Esther that Ahasuerus could not change the edit that allowed his people to kill the Jews.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he DID add another edict that allowed the Jews to fight back....and that was all it took.

mrs_pare is away (Auto-Away)

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In this case, the king signed this law without really thinking about the consequences.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel had a decision to make.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, He saw the law and knew that God asks us to follow the laws of our country.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And, as always before, Daniel had been obedient and respectful of those over him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Hold your hand there and go to Romans 13:1

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

pattymack2 enters

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Romans 13:1-5

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Paul tells us that we are to obey those who are in authority over us.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, Daniel, being a godly man, wanted to obey the authorities.....

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he also knew that he had to be true to God.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, we can see in Daniel 6:10 what Daniel's response was.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice that he did not do it publically. There was no intention of his to flaunt his spirituality in the face of his government.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, There was also no intention to be disrespectful

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, All he was doing was a personal, private time of prayer.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If Daniel was in his own home, in an upstairs room.....ever wonder how these men must have seen him praying?

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, were watching him

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, to make an accusation

jesusworker_99 says, they heard h im

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They had to have been.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Yes, good point, Mary.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In those days, people prayed out loud. Nobody prayed silently.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Hannah did when she was so upset about not having a child and they thought she was drunk.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, these men spied on Daniel, just to purposely catch him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And of course, then they went running to the king to tell him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?"

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king answered, "The decree stands--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed."

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, As you can see, the king tried to come up with an idea that would save Daniel.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed."

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!"

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king had to follow his own law and Daniel was sentenced to be thrown in a lion's den.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king realised what these people had done to trick him, but he was hoping that God would still save Daniel.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Let me tell you just a bit about what a lions' den would have been like.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, ok

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They would take these lions and starve them for a long while before they fed someone to them.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, were there lions in them?

jesusworker_99 says, lol

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They wanted to ensure that the lions would be agressive and would eagerly attack the people for food.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, lol, Pare

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Usually the people would be dead before they even barely landed on the ground in the cell.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But, as we know, this time was different.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king."

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice, there were no wounds found on him....God had not only kept the lions from eating him, but from even touching him.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel made a choice.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, He decided that it was more important to honor God in this case.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he also did it in a respectful way, without trying to prove how evil the government was for making this law.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, I think there is a lot we can glean from Daniel's story about how we should relate to those who God has established as authorities over us.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We do need to respect the authority God has given them.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yes

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But we also need to be wise about serving God.

jesusworker_99 says, amen

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If we put serving God first, then we will usually be in obedience to the law.

jesusworker_99 says, yes

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But in those few times when there is a contradiction, choosing to humble your heart before God will make the difference.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And if God has placed those authorities over us, as Paul says in Romans 13, then we must understand that God is allowing their behavior.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And God always does things for a reason.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, ....and that reason is to bring glory to Himself for our ultimate good.

jesusworker_99 says, amen

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Even if we don't see it at the time

jesusworker_99 says, that is why we are having so many problems with yahoo lately

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, @ Mary

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, this week, when you come up against an authority that seems unreasonable, do what you can to be humble in front of the authority. But also remember that we are first to obey God.

jesusworker_99 says, amen

jesusworker_99 says, we have to obey yahoo i g uess

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, yep Mary, no other choice.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Well, maybe not obey in this case, Mary, but we should pray for them.

jesusworker_99 says, i guess

jesusworker_99 says, not obey yahoo chalk?

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice what Daniel did when things went bad.....he didn't complain to them, he went immediately by himself and prayed.

jesusworker_99 says, amen

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Because it's not a matter of obedience. We don't have a choice and obedience can only be when you have a choice.

jesusworker_99 says, we do have a choice chalk we can always leave

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, smiles, yes, Mary

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We are very seriously considering starting up one night in Cheetachat.

jesusworker_99 says, i think we should

jesusworker_99 says, oone night here and one night in cheeta

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Well, it will have to wait until I get this seminar and such over.

mrs_pare is away (Auto-Away)

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yep, we can decide that later.

mrs_pare is back.

mrs_pare says, smiles

pattymack2 says,

jesusworker_99 says, i think it should be mondays since mondays are our problem nights

mrs_pare says, I am hear

pattymack2 says, it is sooooo good to see charlotte here

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, This week, as things happen that we might not understand, let's try to be more like Daniel and respectfully obey God.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, ** the end **

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Anyhow, that is wonderful news Patty.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, charlotte aske, what is the wonderful news?

pattymack2 says, wow

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, asked

pattymack2 says, tell her, doug

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Well thank you Deb.

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, I did Patty.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, How many hours a week, Patty?

pattymack2 says, ok

pattymack2 says, no more than 45

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, that is cool!

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Isn't that great

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, An 8-5 type of job?

pattymack2 says, yes

mrs_pare says, THAT IS GREAT

pattymack2 says, yes it is

pattymack2 says, i am very excited

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, that is really wonderful, Patty. I'm so happy for you!!!

pattymack2 says, thanks

ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Humm, almost seems like a God thing to me.

pattymack2 says, yes, it kind of does

pattymack2 says,

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Sure does.

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But the question of the hour is.......will you get to come to the reunion in July?

jesusworker_99 says, yep

pattymack2 says, i sure hope so, deb

Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, good!

pattymack2 says, maybe not the whole week, but a few days anyway

mrs_pare says,


	Daniel 6 3/12/02 Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us this time to come together tonight. As we open up your word, we ask that you will let us see more about you. jesusworker_99 says, yes jesus ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yes Lord Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We ask that you will grant us wisdom to understand what you would have us learn tonight. jesusworker_99 says, yes father Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Lead us and direct us, Lord. jesusworker_99 says, yes lordd Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We pray this in the precious name of Jesus, amen. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Amen jesusworker_99 says, amen mrs_pare says, amen Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Anybody here ever heard of a satrap? jesusworker_99 says, no ParepidemosOAMpastor says, I had not Main Entry: sa·trap <img src="/images/audio.gif" border=0 height=11 width=16> Pronunciation: 'sA-"trap also 'sa-"trap or 'sa-tr&p Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapEs, from Old Persian khshathrapAvan, literally, protector of the dominion Date: 14th century 1 : the governor of a province in ancient Persia 2 a : RULER b : a subordinate official : HENCHMAN mrs_pare says, no Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Okay, here's what you do.....you type in /define satrap and hit enter. jesusworker_99 says, charlote learned colors Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, yep, she's learning a lot tonight. jesusworker_99 says, it's not working\ Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Use a / instead of \ Mary mrs_pare says, /define satrap jesusworker_99 says, got it jesusworker_99 says, wrong slast jesusworker_99 says, slash jesusworker_99 says, ruller jesusworker_99 says, ruler Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, King Darius appointed Daniel as an adminstrator over the 120 satraps of his government. jesusworker_99 says, provice Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Yes, of his provinces. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Darius had chosen 3 men to be his officials that governed everyone else in his domain. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And one of those was Daniel. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If you turn to Daniel 6, you can see where we are going to start tonight. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God." Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Here we have a situation where Daniel was doing a very good job, being faithful to God and to his king, and carrying out his duty well. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But some other men were jealous of Daniel's being raised to this post. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, they plotted against him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But, the problem was that Daniel was a godly man. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They couldn't find anything to accuse him of. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In fact, the only things they could even think of to accuse him of were things having to do with his God. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, they thought and they thought....and finally came up with a plan. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They decided to persuade the king to make a command that would make it illegal to pray for the next 30 days....unless you were praying to the King. jesusworker_99 says, ok Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: "O King Darius, live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, humm, clever plan jesusworker_99 says, yep Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, By the way, that little phrase, "Live forever" was a nicety that you were required to say to the king...it was a comment of respect. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king, being a bit egotistical, as was the king he took over, decided this was a good idea. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In those days, there was a ruling in the land of the Medes and Persians that once the king made something a law, it could not, in any way, shape or form be repealed. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, yep jesusworker_99 says, yep Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, This is why in the story of Esther that Ahasuerus could not change the edit that allowed his people to kill the Jews. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he DID add another edict that allowed the Jews to fight back....and that was all it took. mrs_pare is away (Auto-Away) Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In this case, the king signed this law without really thinking about the consequences. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel had a decision to make. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, He saw the law and knew that God asks us to follow the laws of our country. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And, as always before, Daniel had been obedient and respectful of those over him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Hold your hand there and go to Romans 13:1 Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. pattymack2 enters Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Romans 13:1-5 Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Paul tells us that we are to obey those who are in authority over us. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, Daniel, being a godly man, wanted to obey the authorities..... Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he also knew that he had to be true to God. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, we can see in Daniel 6:10 what Daniel's response was. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice that he did not do it publically. There was no intention of his to flaunt his spirituality in the face of his government. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, There was also no intention to be disrespectful Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, All he was doing was a personal, private time of prayer. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If Daniel was in his own home, in an upstairs room.....ever wonder how these men must have seen him praying? ParepidemosOAMpastor says, were watching him ParepidemosOAMpastor says, to make an accusation jesusworker_99 says, they heard h im Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They had to have been. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Yes, good point, Mary. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, In those days, people prayed out loud. Nobody prayed silently. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Hannah did when she was so upset about not having a child and they thought she was drunk. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, these men spied on Daniel, just to purposely catch him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And of course, then they went running to the king to tell him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions' den?" Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king answered, "The decree stands--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed." Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, As you can see, the king tried to come up with an idea that would save Daniel. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, "Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed." Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king had to follow his own law and Daniel was sentenced to be thrown in a lion's den. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king realised what these people had done to trick him, but he was hoping that God would still save Daniel. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Let me tell you just a bit about what a lions' den would have been like. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, ok Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They would take these lions and starve them for a long while before they fed someone to them. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, were there lions in them? jesusworker_99 says, lol Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, They wanted to ensure that the lions would be agressive and would eagerly attack the people for food. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, lol, Pare Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Usually the people would be dead before they even barely landed on the ground in the cell. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But, as we know, this time was different. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice, there were no wounds found on him....God had not only kept the lions from eating him, but from even touching him. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Daniel made a choice. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, He decided that it was more important to honor God in this case. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But he also did it in a respectful way, without trying to prove how evil the government was for making this law. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, I think there is a lot we can glean from Daniel's story about how we should relate to those who God has established as authorities over us. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We do need to respect the authority God has given them. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yes Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But we also need to be wise about serving God. jesusworker_99 says, amen Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, If we put serving God first, then we will usually be in obedience to the law. jesusworker_99 says, yes Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But in those few times when there is a contradiction, choosing to humble your heart before God will make the difference. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And if God has placed those authorities over us, as Paul says in Romans 13, then we must understand that God is allowing their behavior. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, And God always does things for a reason. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, ....and that reason is to bring glory to Himself for our ultimate good. jesusworker_99 says, amen ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Even if we don't see it at the time jesusworker_99 says, that is why we are having so many problems with yahoo lately ParepidemosOAMpastor says, @ Mary Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, So, this week, when you come up against an authority that seems unreasonable, do what you can to be humble in front of the authority. But also remember that we are first to obey God. jesusworker_99 says, amen jesusworker_99 says, we have to obey yahoo i g uess ParepidemosOAMpastor says, yep Mary, no other choice. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Well, maybe not obey in this case, Mary, but we should pray for them. jesusworker_99 says, i guess jesusworker_99 says, not obey yahoo chalk? Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Notice what Daniel did when things went bad.....he didn't complain to them, he went immediately by himself and prayed. jesusworker_99 says, amen Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Because it's not a matter of obedience. We don't have a choice and obedience can only be when you have a choice. jesusworker_99 says, we do have a choice chalk we can always leave Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, smiles, yes, Mary Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, We are very seriously considering starting up one night in Cheetachat. jesusworker_99 says, i think we should jesusworker_99 says, oone night here and one night in cheeta Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Well, it will have to wait until I get this seminar and such over. mrs_pare is away (Auto-Away) ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Yep, we can decide that later. mrs_pare is back. mrs_pare says, smiles pattymack2 says, jesusworker_99 says, i think it should be mondays since mondays are our problem nights mrs_pare says, I am hear pattymack2 says, it is sooooo good to see charlotte here Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, This week, as things happen that we might not understand, let's try to be more like Daniel and respectfully obey God. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, the end ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Anyhow, that is wonderful news Patty. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, charlotte aske, what is the wonderful news? pattymack2 says, wow ParepidemosOAMpastor says, asked pattymack2 says, tell her, doug ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Well thank you Deb. ParepidemosOAMpastor says, I did Patty. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, How many hours a week, Patty? pattymack2 says, ok pattymack2 says, no more than 45 Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, that is cool! ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Isn't that great Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, An 8-5 type of job? pattymack2 says, yes mrs_pare says, THAT IS GREAT pattymack2 says, yes it is pattymack2 says, i am very excited Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, that is really wonderful, Patty. I'm so happy for you!!! pattymack2 says, thanks ParepidemosOAMpastor says, Humm, almost seems like a God thing to me. pattymack2 says, yes, it kind of does pattymack2 says, Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, Sure does. Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, But the question of the hour is.......will you get to come to the reunion in July? jesusworker_99 says, yep pattymack2 says, i sure hope so, deb Chalkbrd_OAM_Counselor says, good! pattymack2 says, maybe not the whole week, but a few days anyway mrs_pare says,