I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into “The Pathway to Discipleship: A Yearly Devotion & Prayer Journal.” I contributed a week of devotions to this book, along with about 50 other pastors, teachers, and men of God. The book contains 52 weeks of thought-provoking and powerful devotions designed to help you experience a deeper walk with Jesus. Days 1-4 cover subjects essential along the pathway to discipleship, and Day 5 is for journaling, reflection, and prayer.
This beautiful, leather-bound book makes an attractive, Christ-centered Christmas gift that can be enjoyed all year. Why not pick one up for yourself as well? The book is not available in stores. You can purchase a prayer book for $15 in the Blackshear Place main lobby.
DAY 4
Serving God Is a Choice
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. Daniel 6:10-11
Every day is filled with choices and decisions. Some are small issues, such as what you will have for breakfast or what clothes you will wear. There is another choice that confronts you daily, and it’s no trivial issue. In fact, your decision on this issue will clarify all the other choices you will make. Here’s the choice: Will I or will I not acknowledge God by seeking Him in prayer today?
The Old Testament prophet Daniel is one of the tallest personalities in the Bible. He is one of the very few of whom the Bible records no bad report. God so favored Daniel that He entrusted him with visions of the end of time and the return of Jesus Christ. Why Daniel? Because Daniel made the correct choice to pray, and he made it every day. He kept daily appointments with God that resulted in God’s divine favor on his life. Daniel’s success is really no secret. He left his windows open for us to watch him! The biblical account records Daniel kneeling to talk to God three times a day. You may be thinking, I am just too busy to do that. Remember Daniel’s vocation? He was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire. Daniel was extremely busy, yet he chose each day to bow in God’s presence.
How deceived we are to view prayer as wasted time. Prayer is actually a time saver. Think about it: Instead of spending time in worry and turmoil, we can run to God in prayer and receive peace. Will you choose this day to come into God’s presence? It’s always the best choice when we get on our knees and seek God. It’s the most significant choice we make all day.
Lord, what a privilege it is to come into Your presence in prayer throughout this day. I thank You for hearing my praises and petitions. You are worthy of all the praises, and You are able in all my petitions. I bless Your strong name! Amen.
