Daniel 6:10 9/15/2020*

“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.”

Daniel had just learned that praying to God was a capital offense.  So, he went home and prayed “just as he had done before”. 

Daniel did not become filled with indignation and begin to pray as an act of civil disobedience.…He had been praying all along.  

He did not make a sign, or t-shirt about praying…or insult others on Facebook for not praying… He simply continued to talk to God as he had already been doing.

There is a difference in discipline and passion. Great men require both, but passion is common - discipline is rare.

It is normal for people to fight for their beliefs …but when the struggle begins many do not have power because they have lacked discipline prior to the battle.

Athletes do not begin training the day before the game – they work diligently long before the season starts… That is what qualifies them to play.  

In the same way if you want to be a warrior for God you must prepare before the fight arrives.  You should be in the habit of talking to God … You should have a routine of scripture reading, and memorization… constantly training as a soldier of the cross.

The day may come when you are commanded not to pray – or to bow to an idol.  If you have not been praying up until that point, you will not have the strength you need – You do not suddenly become a soldier when you are attacked – that is just when it becomes evident that you are one.

It is revealing that Daniel – even when condemned to die - is the only one in the narrative who was never anxious. He had walked with God – and regardless of the world’s actions - He would continue with God “just as he had done before”.  

There is strength in consistent discipline – and that strength is available to you - if you will make it your habit to daily spend time with God and prepare. 

“We must all suffer one of two things:  the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment.” – Jim Rohn