Rev. Johnson V

Oct 23, 2011

The book of Daniel explains about God’s will in our lives to be excellent without making excuses. A child of God cannot claim to be ordinary. He was made special. The very purpose of his creation of mankind was people to be - of dominion and authority.

Daniels life is a classic example of being consecrated without being compromised. Being a slave, Daniel was promoted due to the excellence displayed in his life.

Basics of excellence in Daniels life:

Daniel 1:4-7: They had to have certain characteristics in them to be selected by the king

• They had to be Educated in the culture of Babylon. They had to be sensitive to what others are doing and why they are doing it.
• They had to learn the language of Babylon and talk the best in their language
• They had to follow the fashion of Babylon: Learn the fashion and culture of Babylon and adapted to that was adaptable in their culture.
• Their names had to be changed into the gods of Babylon.
• They had to take up any job in Babylon. They had to be ready for any job.

Daniel’s decision:

Daniel decided not to enjoy their food as it was sacrificed / offered to idols and they are a part of idol worship. He decided to be pure and not defile himself. He decided not to drink the wine that he drank before. He decided to not to defile himself.

Daniel 1:8: But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

The Results:

Daniel proved his excellence and he was found 10 times better. When you honor God he will honor you.

Daniel 1:20 - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Daniel had authority over even the black magicians of Babylon:

Daniel 5:10 - There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

Daniel 5:11 – For as much as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.

Spiritual discipline of Daniel:

Daniel 6:10 - Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

1. He prayed 3 times daily.
2. He knelt down and prayed – kept himself humble
3. H gave thanks to God even when he had a death warrant against him
4. He made confessions. He continued to speak positive to God
5. He opened the windows toward Jerusalem[God had given a promise to the people of Israel to pray toward Jerusalem even if they were captured as slaves and God will bring them back.

Daniel’s Excellence in our lives:

1. Be assured that Jesus is there to guide and protect us. John15:17,18  Jesus prayed to the heavenly father, as a high priest to protect his children from Evil in the world. God wants to shine his glory through our lives wherever he has placed us.
2. Interact like an ambassador. II Corinthians 5:20 - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
3. Be Sincere in whatever you do
4. Meaningful in whatever they do, like an artist
5. Skillful: Be diligent. Proverbs 22:29: - Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
6. Prayerful and dependant on God. Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
7.  Speak with Counsel and Wisdom James 3:2 - For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

God wants to bless and change our lives. He wants you to be excellent. He wants you to be victorious – not the tail but the head. He wants you to be a DANIEL.