Be A Man Who Stands Alone

This morning I was challenged along with the other men that I pray with on a weekly basis, not to be like the Pharisees.

1. Pharisees were committed to obeying all of God's commands. VS. Behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God's rules for living.
2. Were admired by the common people for their apparent piety VS. Their piety was often hypocritical and their efforts often forced others to try to live up to standards they themselves could not live up to.
3. Believed in a bodily resurrection and eternal life VS. Believed that salvation came from perfect obedience to the law and was not based on forgiveness of sins.
4. Believed in angels and demons VS. became so obsessed with obeying their legal interpretations in every detail that they completely ignored God's message of mercy and grace.
5. Were more concerned with appearing to be good than obeying God.

My friend David A. said that the Pharisees had "Head Knowledge VS. Heart Knowledge". I for one was truly challenged as I want to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. As I reflected on the words of the men in my Prayer Group I thought to myself how Daniel was a man who stood alone. Each time that Daniel stood alone, it looked as if he would lose; but God used the struggles that Daniel experienced to give him greater honor and spiritual insight.

Brothers in every age God is looking for Daniels - men and women who understand scriptural principles and have purposed to stand for them whatever the cost. When David was speaking I truly heard what the Father wanted me to hear. When we choose to be a Daniel, we open up our life to the tremendous potential of greatly influencing all of those around us and bringing great honor and glory to the God whom we serve.

Men as a boy he had been challenged by the courageous pronouncements of the prophet Jeremiah against the wickedness of the king and the nation in which he lived. His people refused to change their ways and scoffed at the punishment which the prophet predicted.

A few years later that very judgment fell on the nation as foretold. Their king was chained and led from his country with thousands of others to a heathen land. This young man was among that captured group. Everything had been taken from him - his home,his family, his possessions, his freedom. But these circumstances revealed what was of lasting value. He observed that compromise with evil always results in punishment to the compromiser and to those around him. He visualized the compromises which he might face and made the decision that he would not defile himself or violate God's word in any way.In so doing he chose to be governed by a higher and stricter law than that which the one hundred twenty-two men followed. Not only were standards higher but his motivation to keep them was stronger. He was keenly aware that God was watching and evaluating every one of his words, thoughts, actions and attitudes.

His Very Name Daniel Means, "God Is My Judge."

Thank you all for praying for me and know that I'm praying for you.

It's my prayer to be the man that God wants me to be, and to be able to "Stand Alone" if need be...

God's Servant,
Jim