He changes times and seasons, he removes kings and sets up kings, he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. – Daniel 2:21
Did you ever step on a scale and think, “That can’t be right?” Or perhaps you spent an afternoon out and returned home exhausted. It may have crossed your mind that you need to get in better shape! Now, consider the status of your spiritual life. Would you be buff or out of condition?
Today’s verse says God has the final word on who leads nations. You may wonder at His purposes as some implemented policies in this country run counter to God’s Word. American believers have had it relatively easy compared to Christians in the rest of the world and throughout history. However, the free exercise of religion has increasingly been marginalized and undermined. It is helpful to contemplate the lessons learned by believers in the early church, who lived amid open antagonism toward the gospel.
When Peter was in prison, expecting to be killed, believers had an all-night prayer meeting. Before Jesus began His ministry and selected His disciples, He spent time in prayer in the wilderness. John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, despite having been banished to the Isle of Patmos. How long has it been since you “toned up” your spiritual life? Are you spiritually fit and healthy?
The practice of prayer is vital to spiritual well-being. Praying regularly when life seems stable and calm keeps you in condition to pray all night when necessary. Intercede for officials in the United States as you spend your time in prayer. When you get in good spiritual shape in times of peace, you will be prepared to pray through trouble as it comes. Pray for God’s will to be accomplished in and through the current administration.
Today’s Verse: Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 26:36-46
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
