Kenneth was a shy eight-year-old who loved to read. On one occasion his Sunday school teacher asked him to read part of the story of Daniel. In reading one of the verses, he accidentally read “an exceptional spine was within him” rather than “an excellent spirit was within him.” Both phrases, however, clearly describe who Daniel was.

Daniel was recognized for his wise insight, great wisdom and prophetic visions. As he rose to power and prestige with the king, the other palace administrators became jealous of his privileged position. In their effort to get rid of Daniel, they were successful in persuading the king to outlaw prayer. It did not matter to Daniel and rather than give in to pressure, he continued to pray to the Lord, his God.

We all recall with pleasure the amazing miracle God performed by protecting him when he was thrown into the den of hungry lions. God was with him and guarded him against any harm. Daniel was faithful to God and God was faithful to him and blessed him.

Daniel was able to “show his exceptional spine” every time he was challenged to surrender to the demands of a sinful world. It was the “excellent spirit” that came from his relationship with God that gave him his “exceptional spine.” He knew that this God was sovereign.

Prayer: Father, give me a faith that will not flinch and a spine that will not shrink when tempted to compromise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Kenneth was a shy eight year old who loved to read. On one occasion his Sunday school teacher asked him to read part of the story of Daniel. In reading one of the verses, he accidentally read “an exceptional spine was within him” rather than “an excellent spirit was within him.” Both words, however, clearly describe Daniel.

Daniel was recognized for his wise insight, great wisdom and prophetic visions. As he rose to power and prestige with the king, the other palace administrators became jealous of his privileged position. In their effort to get rid of Daniel, they were successful in persuading the king to outlaw prayer. It did not matter to Daniel and rather than giving in to pressure he continued to pray to the Lord, his God.

We all recall with pleasure the amazing miracle God performed by protecting him when he was thrown into the den of hungry lions. God was with him and guarded him against any harm. Daniel was faithful to God and God was faithful to him and blessed him.

Daniel was able to “show his exceptional spine” every time he was challenged to surrender to the demands of a sinful world. It was the “excellent spirit” that came from his relationship with God that gave him his “exceptional spine” knowing that God was sovereign.

Prayer: Father, give me a faith that will not flinch and a spine that will not shrink when tempted to compromise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.

Two brothers were born in a farm house in rural Kansas. They attended a one-room school and were responsible to keep the fire going in the stove. One day the stove blew up.

Running from the building, Glen looked around to find his brother. He was no where to be found. He rushed back into the building, but it was too late to save his brother. He escaped with his life but suffered severe burns. Doctor after doctor told him he would never walk again. But he did.

Through all the pain and grief, suffering and struggles, he refused to be discouraged. Though there were times when he was disappointed with the progress he was making, he never gave up. He had a dream and was filled with the determination to make that dream come true. He dreamed that one day he would run faster than anyone in history, master the mile and set the world record. And he did just that – breaking the international record. The world remembers Glen Cunningham but not the fire.

We need to believe as Paul did, “...do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to overcome my handicaps and harmful habits, and plant deep in my heart and mind the purpose that You have for my life. May I only live to bring glory and honor to Your name, through Christ my Lord, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Daniel 1:9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel... (NIV)