September 8

Daniel 6:1-28, 9:1-27; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-11; 1 Chronicles 3:17-19

There is a cost to every decision we make. If we decide to do one thing, we are giving up the opportunity to do all the other things we might have done. Further, sometimes there is a real cost in deciding to follow God. Daniel chose to remain obedient in praying to God alone rather than the king. The result was being thrown into the lion's den. The moment the edict was issued it may have seemed easier to not pray, but the consequences of that disobedience would have been even more severe. Whenever we choose to disobey God, we distance ourselves from him and begin to reap the results of darkness. Daniel 9 describes the consequence of disobedience for Israel, which were exile, shame, disaster, and God's wrath being poured out on them.

There may be moments when we feel like the cost of obedience might be too high─but know the cost of sin is always greater. “For, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 3:36)? Let us always choose to obey God no matter the immediate consequences because the results of disobedience are always greater.

Father God, help me to follow you in the easy and difficult times. Thank you that my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Amen. 

Where do you experience the temptation to obey the world rather than the commands of God?

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