Today’s Reading, Daniel 1-3
Focal Scripture: Daniel 3:28
“Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”
What do people notice about you first? Maybe you always wear a certain hat and they know it’s you because they can see you from a distance. Perhaps it is your smile or the way you engage with others. Maybe your personality is so infectious it changes the environment when you enter a room. Impressions matter.
In today’s reading we see how impressions make an impact on others. At first the defiance not to worship false gods got them in trouble. People noticed that they were not willing to compromise their beliefs and a major impression was made. They violated the kings command and did not change what they believe to fit in with others. They demonstrated that they would only worship the one true God and put him first.
So what do people notice about you first? I hope and pray it is how serious you take your faith. It may seem over the top to some but following God should be what we are known for above all else. It makes an impression. It will put a target on your back by those who don’t understand but that is a positive. It means they are looking to see how serious you are taking what you believe.
I challenge you today to not compromise your faith. Take a stand even when others around you want to compromise. It may put you in a difficult situation but know that people are watching. They are looking for authentic faith. They want to see people who are committed to the Lord. They are looking for hope.
When you commit to worship the one true God everything changes.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Daniel 4-6
