God has been challenging me lately – how have I been travelling as the man God intended me to be? Maybe a question we could all ask ourselves every once in a while. Are we standing firm in our faith, leading our families in the ways of God, being the example to others as men of God should?

We need to be men who are prepared to stand up in our faith, totally uncompromised, and live the purpose filled life that God has planned for us.

We are more than confident in what we believe when asked if we like Holden or Ford. Or who we barrack for in the footy. Why do we back down and go all ‘wishy washy’ when asked or challenged about our faith, or even when we are with our non Christian friends? By not standing up for the relationship we have with God we are not only cheating ourselves of a fullness with God, but as the men of our homes, we are holding back our wives and our kids.

Joshua said, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Notice he didn’t

say ‘as for my household’ or ‘as for my household and me’. He mentioned himself first. He lead from the front.

• Firstly, he was a foreigner in the land. Daniel was no longer in his own country mixing with people of his own nationality, but he still worshipped his God – not the gods of Babylon. The Bible tells us to be in the world but not of it (1 Peter 2:11). To be a light in the darkness.
• In all Daniel did, he did to the best of his ability and excelled. He didn’t subject himself to their rituals and their gods, but he was submissive, worked hard and gained their approval.
• No corruption was found in him. He was honest and diligent in all he did gaining respect and position.
• Daniel never compromised his relationship with God. Even though he was conspired against and a plan was put in place to bring him down, Daniel was faithful and committed to God.
• Daniel continued to make God number 1 in his life. Even when there was much opposition, and eventually being thrown to the lions.
• Note that God didn’t prevent Daniel from being thrown into the lion’s den, but kept him safe and enabled him to overcome in that situation. In a position that seemed absolutely hopeless, God was faithful and true to Daniel who was faithful and true to Him.
• Through Daniel’s obedience and unwavering commitment to God (even in what seemed at the time as a devastating situation) God was glorified and a whole nation was turned to Him.