August
August 1st
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be my son”. Rev 21:7.
God is raising up a company of people called over-comers. They have to bare great trials, and painful burdens, but God is planning to bring them finally into great favor in His Kingdom and to give them much more than any man can expect or imagine. He wants us all to be over-comers. It is very clear that the promise in Rev 21:7, to inherit all things is meant for those who overcome. God wants to give them not merely all things of the old creation, but all of the new creation.
Many people do not know what salvation really is, and they have no idea what God has planned for those who will get to heaven. What a great eternal, spiritual and glorious inheritance is being prepared in heaven for those who overcome. Besides this, even upon the earth, they will be the instruments God will use to defeat the devil and put him to shame. It is a great privilege and honor to be such instruments in the Lord’s hand.
God has planned that we should be His partners and co-workers in fulfilling His eternal purposes. Some people ask why God did not punish Satan in the very day of his rebellion. If he had done so, there would have been no sin in this world. The answer is, God’s love towards man is so great that He has planned from eternity to make man His partner and co-worker.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. Psalm 55:22.
August 2nd
“As many as led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Rom.8:14.
Now suppose you tell you baby son, that you want him to be the heir of all your property, would he be able to understand? A baby can receive and enjoy only a few things at a time, and how can he comprehend if you say you want to give him everything? He can not grasp such a great thought. He does not know the value of even a naya paisa, how then can he understand the value of the whole inheritance. The child has to grow to maturity. In the same way unless you are spiritually matured you also will not be able to understand the God desires you to be His partner and co-worker in fulfilling His great, eternal purpose.
We see in the book of Daniel How God chose few young men, and through them put high authorities to shame, and at the same time upheld the law and justice which He had ordained. The people of Israel were continually rebelling against God’s word. Finally God had to punish them by sending them away as captives into Babylon. At the same time His great purpose for His people remained unchanged. Although they were captives, they yet remained God’s people. God still loved them. Nevertheless God could use only those who responded to His love. Very few there were who had a longing to follow God’s word and keep His commandments. These were the remnant.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings. Proverbs 28:20.
August 3rd
“In the light of the King’s countenance is life”.Prov 16:15.
The king gave a command that all the intelligent and promising young men should be brought together ( Dan 1:3 and 4 ). He knew that among these captives there were men of far greater intelligence than any of his own people. It is a wellknown fact that God has given the Jews extraordinary intelligence and ability. The Jews have always been an outstandingly clever race. The king of Babylon wanted to train these Jewish young men to hold high positions in his kingdom, and to use them to bring greater prosperity to Babylon.
These very same young men were used to defeat the purposes of the people of Babylon and instead bring deliverance to the captive Jews. That is how God works. He defeats the devil by using his own devices. I will give you an illustration. The Pharisees and the Saducees were always finding fault with the Lord Jesus and His words. The very same traps which they laid for the Lord became their pitfall. Once these men brought before the Lord a woman caught in the very act of sin ( John 8:4). According to the Law, she should be stoned. The Lord replied, “He that is without any sin among you let him first cast a stone at her”. This is how the Lord confounded them again and again.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.” Isaiah 58:8.
August 4th
“To him that over cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” (Rev.2:17)
Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself (verse 8). This is the secret of leading a victorious life. We should refuse to allow any defilement in our life. Defilement will break our communion with God. We cannot overcome defilement by our own efforts. It can be done only by simple faith in the efficacy of the blood of Christ. Even though the enemy may try to defile us a thousand times a day, we can be constantly cleansed by the blood and saved from defilement. By faith we must say: “I refuse to be defiled. I want to be cleansed. O Lord, I want your blood to cover me and cleanse me.” In this way we shall be able to conquer any temptation.
Daniel could not foresee all that was happen in his own life, but he knew that God was preparing him for a great purpose. Remember that you too are being prepared by God for a great purpose, and determine in your heart not to be defiled. As people see our determination and notice the way God is blessing us, they also will take courage and stand for the Lord. We see also that Daniel was prepared to eat only pulse (v.12). He and his three friends knew, by faith, that they would be healthier, brighter, and stronger than the other young men. We must ask with faith, just as Daniel and his friends asked and believed that they would receive from God more strength, intelligence and wisdom than all other young men.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord hath heard thy affliction”. Gen 16:11.
August 5th
“The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three score days.” Rev 12:6.
In the end days it will happen that only those who hath the mark of the beast or the number of his name on their fore heads or upon their right hands will be allowed to buy or sell. In those days God will feed His people in a jungle, even as He fed Elijah ( Rev 12:6 ). Elijah was kept strong because he ate food given by God. So what ever food God gives His people in the end days, whether it be roots or leaves from the trees, will be quite sufficient to give them help and strength. They will refuse to bow down before the devil, to tell lies, and to give wrong statements inspite of all constraints brought upon them. If you also want to be an over-comer, then you must refuse to receive any benefit from the devil. All your benefits must come only from heaven ( Dan 1:13, 14, 15 ).
These young men asked the officers to test them for ten days. In the Bible the number ten represents testing. After ten days the faces of Daniel and his friends were found to be fairer and fatter and shining with God’s glory. If you claim, with faith, God’s blessing on all that you eat or drink, you will have more joy, energy and strength than other people. Believe that God is able to give you much more blessing through ordinary food, and your face will begin to shine.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly”. Proverbs 2:7.
August 6th
“We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” I Corinthians 2:7
The king of Babylon planned that these young Jews should become clever engineers, scientists and doctors who could bring greater prosperity to his kingdom, but God’s purpose was something different. He gave them divine wisdom, which helped them to understand heavenly things. Worldly-wise men will never understand the greater honor which rests upon the service of God. God servants are His partners and co-workers in a very precious way. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secrets unto His servants the prophets”. (Amos 3:7).
Many people do not realize the value of heavenly wisdom, but they attach great value to earthly wisdom. Only God can give us wisdom. These young men did not even pray for it. They only determined that they would not defile themselves, and were quite satisfied that the simple food consisting of pulse and water. So God gave them wisdom (Dan 1:17).
These four young men, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Aednego all came from the tribe of Judah. “Judah means praise”. Consistent with that name these four young men kept praising and thanking God for the simple food given to them. Like these four young men, we also should learn to be content and thankful. We should thank God for our trials and troubles. If we do this, God will give us divine wisdom. Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Thou shalt be called Hephzibah and thy land Beulah; for the Lord delighteth in thee” Isaiah 62:4.
August 7th
“Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom”. (Prov.4:7).
After the appointed time was over the four young men were found so welltrained that they were able to answer every question. God gave them skill and wisdom. Daniel received understanding concerning dreams and visions as well. All of us are now being trained by God according to our future ministry. If we obey Him we shall afterwards know what our calling will be in the difficult days of the end time.
Ask God to make you an over-comer like Daniel. Refused to be defiled by any temptation which the devil may bring upon you. In every circumstance in which the Lord places you, believe that the situation is allowed by God to prepare you for your future ministry. This will help you to be ready and watchful, and will prepare you for the future.
This work of preparing has several stages designed to prepare us for all the responsibilities we will have to bear in the future. In chapter 2 we see how God proved to magicians, astrologers and sorcerers of Babylon, that divine wisdom is superior to earthly wisdom. All worldly people are tested by God in the same way. When death or some other terrible situation faces them, they are filled with fear and are tormented day and night. It is only when you have true salvation that you will be free from fear; there is no other way.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless”. Jude 24.
August 8th
“The wrath of a king is as messenger’s of death; but a wise man will passify it.” Proverbs 16:14.
The mighty and holy God can and does live among His people. By the coming of Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as the son of Man, this truth has become very smple and easy to understand. One day when you are faced with a need, suddenly the light of God will shine into your heart and you will understand a hidden thought and use it to answer the question before you. God will the answer just at the time we need it. The King gave the decree that if the wise men of Babylon did not tell the dream and its meaning, they would be killed. (Vs 12,23).
The executioners were looking for Daniel and his friends to be brought forth and slain, and yet these four young men showed no sign of fear. That is one mark of the over-comers, they will have no fear. This faith in their hearts, they began to pray. ( Vs 16-18 ). Daniel was the instrument chosen by God through whom the dream should be revealed, but all the four young men had to pray. They all had a share in it. Daniel had a special gift to understand visions and dreams (Chap 1 :17 ). But when all four prayed with one mind, God gave the revelation to Daniel. To be an over-comer you have to learn to be together with the fellow believers, and not live aloof and standalone.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you”. I Peter 4:14.
August 9th
“Many were gathered together praying”. Acts 12:12.
In spiritual matters our burdens must be borne together. We should share our burdens and lay hold upon the Lord together. Many workers have lost their ministry and blessing by becoming independent-minded. That is why see Daniel seeking the help of his friends. He knew that God had given him the gift of understanding visions and dreams and their interpretation ( ch 1:17). In this case Daniel felt he should seek the prayer fellowship of his three friends. They all prayed together and were partners in this ministry. Their gifts were different, but they remained equal partners in the work of God.
If you desire to be an over-comer, do not hesitate to seek the prayerfellowship of fellow-believers. Tell them your difficulties and ask them to pray for you and pray with you. You will discover how very helpful it is. We have already noted the strong faith these young men had. The whole kingdom was mourning and weeping, but they had faith in the living God that He would not allow them to perish. We also should have such faith that even though many calamities may take place in our lives. The Lord knows to watch over us and take care of us.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” Isaiah 55:3.
August 10th
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory.” ( Psa 115:1).
God honored the faith of the young men and the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision (Verse 19). Now Daniel was ready to go before the king and tell him the dream and its interpretation, but he was in no excited hurry to do so. He was full of praise and thanksgiving to God, as we can see from his prayer in verse 20 to 23. we often err in this matter. We fail to thank God sufficiently when He reveals anything to us.
Notice how Daniel, in his prayer, utters these words, “what we desired of thee” (Verse 23). Thus he recognizes that because of their joint prayer, God had revealed to him the dream and its meaning. He refuses to take any honor to himself. Again before the King, Daniel refused to take any honor to himself. He said: “this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living” (verse 30 ). “There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets” (Verse 26,28). If you want to be an over-comer you should never rob God of His glory.
The apostle Paul said, ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’ (I Corinthians 15:10). He received much revelation from God, but he never took any honor to himself. Again and again he testified that it was only by His grace he was able to do all things. You should always hide yourself and say: ‘It is not I, but God.’
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “My Son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe thy ways”. Proverbs 23:26.
August 11th
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God shall help her.” (Psa 46.5).
God wants people who will seek those things which can never be shaken or moved. If we want to be in that kingdom we must so live that whatsoever we do or say will bring everlasting fruit, and by living and serving in this way we will be acceptable in that kingdom. This is God’s test to us, if we wish to be over-comers.
In his dream the king saw a huge image. The head was of gold, the arms of silver, the belly of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet, part of clay and part of iron. Comparatively it was only a small stone, which came and fell upon the feet of the strong image. The small stone which smote the image, now became a great mountain and filled the whole earth ( Verse 35). In this simple way God was saying that all man-made things will suddenly come to an end.
Whatsoever is of God alone will not be shaken or moved. The work of God, may begin in a simple way, but it will abide for ever. God is not using angels to preach the Gospel. If He had wished He could have done so. He is using humble men and women, like vessels weak and small, to preach the Gospel. In this way He breaks the strongholds of Satan, and establishes His kingdom.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Take of heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord”. Col 4:17.
August 12th
“Being found in fashion as a man He humbled himself.” Phil 2:8.
The Lord Jesus Himself came to earth like a small stone. He did not come with the pomp of an earthly king. He came as a man, yet without sin. Even today His disciples are few in number, but He is establishing His kingdom through them. Those who have received God’s word, even though they may be very simple people, we have no fear, but their hearts will be filled with perfect peace and joy. By faith they can see God’s kingdom established. Their eyes are upon that kingdom, and that is the secret of their peace and joy.
Gold speaks of worldly glory; silver speaks of earthly wealth; brass speaks of worldly wisdom and iron of human power. We can find these four things in every human heart. Love for earthly glory, wealth, wisdom and power. But none of these things can last forever. One day they will be destroyed. If you want to be an overcomer in God’s kingdom, all love for earthly glory, wealth, wisdom and power, must be completely cleansed from your lives. Then all will see Christ, the stone cut without ands, spreading and increasing in you. You will be willing for Christ’s life to fill you, and your eyes will be constantly upon the things of eternity. You will Want your labors to bring everlasting results.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord” II Chron 20:17.
August 13th
“If it be so, our Lord God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O King.” ( Dan 3:17 ).
King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that Daniel’s God is a God of gods and Lord of Kings ( V 47 ). He did not wish to accept the living God as his God. God had shown to him wonderful things, but the king had not turned to God with his whole heart.
So the king in his blind-ness, made a tall and great image representing himself and asked the people to worship it. Three young men refused to do so. They were determined not to bow down to an image at any cost. God has always prepared some men throughout the ages to be over-comers and to be His co-workers. Such men are always few but when they have been fully prepared, God uses them to defeat the enemy and confound all His devices.
Now notice the arrogant words of King Nebuchadnezzar: “who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” How foolish and blind he was! The three young men were quietly calm, through they had been threatened that they would be cast into the fiery furnace. See what a wise answer they gave. They said “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful (or, we have no need) to answer thee in this matter.”
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Trust in Him at all times… God is a refuge for us”. Psalm 62:8
August 14th
“But if not be it known unto thee O King, that we will not serve thy Gods now worship the golden image which thou has set up”. (Dan 3:18).
The king’s threats could not shake the young men’s faith. They knew that their God was the living God and He had all power, far greater than all the power of the Devil, or of the King before them. Without any doubt or question in their hearts, these three young men said! “O king, though we are to be cast into the fiery furnace we refuse to bow down to your image. Even if God allows us to be burnt in the fire we will never question Him”.
If you want to be an over-comer you should never doubt God. Even if He takes you through fiery trials you have no right to question Him. Believe that His way is perfect and is the best for you, and that whatever He is doing in your life, it is all for your good. That is true faith.
We are inspired by the noble example of these three young men. Even though they were threatened with death they refused to bow down before the idols. They said, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” ( V 17). We also must believe that the Lord will never forsake us, for He says: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth… Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18,20). The Lord will use that power to take care of us, so we should never fear to take a bold stand.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “All things are possible to Him that believeth” Mark 9:23.
August 15th
“Lo I see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God”. (Dan 3:25).
The answer given by the three young men made king Nebuchadnezzar very angry and he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times more. To make sure that they were burnt completely he caused them to be bound in their coats, their hosen, their hats and other garments (V 21). Then they were cast into the midst of the burning, fiery furnace. But the fire burned only their bands and loosened them. They walked in the fire as if they were walking in a garden. When we learn to be over-comers, God will protect us from even the slightest harm. The king was filled with wonder. His wonder was greater because he saw not three men but four walking in the fire.
The Lord knows how to protect His own. He will see to it that no harm comes to us when we stand for the Word of God and the testimony of our Lord. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon (V.30). All the persecution which came against these faithful young men only proved to be the means of their promotion, and also of confounding the king and the princes of Babylon. These young men knew their God, and that is why they came out triumphant. May the Lord make us also true over-comers like them.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Mercy and truth shall be unto them that device good”. Proverbs 14:22.
August 16th
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”.(Gal 6:14).
It seems to be God’s plan to call a few, prepare them and make them overcomers, and then use them to frustrate and defeat all the enemy’s devices. God is not depending upon the multitudes to fulfill His great purposes. It is true that eternal life is a free gift offered by God to all men, of whatever class they might be. If they are willing to repent of their sins and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Savior, they will be forgiven and justified in His sight. But if you want to be an overcomer, you must be willing to be brought fully into His possession, and kept under His Lordship and Kingship in every small detail of your life and ministry.
In our hearts we rebel again and again against God and we do not allow Him to take full possession of our lives. As a result we often commit mistakes and suffer much loss. Yet we remain stubborn and rebellious and continue to resist the work of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps God is using us in His service for the preaching of the Gospel and for the winning of souls. We know that we cannot do anything of ourselves, yet, rather than giving glory to God, we become proud and begin to glory in ourselves. Selfglorification sometimes comes unknowingly and we begin to glory in the things we have done, and wish that people would praise us and honor us.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord God is a sun and shield; … will give grace and glory”. Psalm 84:11.
August 17th
“Walk worthy of God, who has called you unto His kingdom and glory.” ( I Thess 2:12 ).
On the second occasion, when the three young men merged unharmed from the fiery furnace, the king had said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him… because there is no other God who can deliver after this sort” (Dan 3:28,29). Only for the time being he glorified God.
In many cases, prosperity becomes the cause of pride. More prosperity brings more pride. Men becomes slaves to prosperity, and with a desire to continue in it, they are ready to please and honor men rather than God. Even believers fall into this snare of pleasing men, and then they are not willing to obey the full counsel of God.
When we fail to honor God, we also become spiritually blind. Times of worship are helpful in preventing this condition. When we cut short this time of worship and fail to thank Him sufficiently for all that He has done for us, we will not any more be able to enjoy His fellowship fully. Some people who realize the spiritual dryness in their lives, blame the preachers. It may be you have failed in sufficiently giving thanks and worship to God, and that is why you are unable to enjoy His presence.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”. Isaiah 40:31.
August 18th
“Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt 23:12).
Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar in plain language that if he did not repent he would be cut off. In spite of all this Nebuchadnezzar did not repent. He had said proudly, “See my kingdom, my buildings and my works”, but he had not realized that before God he was like an animal, and had no wisdom. Strength or education is nothing before God and men are only like beasts before Him. As long as you have the old sinful nature, you too are like a beast.
Even after we have been born again the Devil will try to carry us away from the position in which God has placed us. The Lord wants all who are born again to be co-workers and partners with Him. If we are over-comers this will be fulfilled in us, and we will become God’s instruments to execute His judgments. We will be given authority to judge kings and other powers, He will make us partners in that judgment also.
We think, naturally, that by exalting ourselves we will get more glory. But the simple divine law is this, “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). Although we know this and have read it in the Bible many times, yet we love to exalt ourselves. Wherever we go, when we are not given honor and praise we feel hurt. The divine law is that only by humbling ourselves will we be exalted.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God”. II Tim 1:6.
August 19th
“All His works are truths and his ways judgment; and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.” (Dan 4:37).
If we are over-comers, we will know that we must humble ourselves. Nebuchadnezzar had to become like a beast before he could learn that lesson of humbling himself. So many years it took for him to learn to exalt the true God. Do not be like Nebuchadnezzar. do not wait till you become like a beast. It is better to give all the glory to the Lord and extol Him at every opportunity. This is the secret of an overcoming life. You must be able to extol God by your words, by the testimony of your life, and by your ministry.
Now let us note these words spoken by Nebuchadnezzar to Daniel is a type of the over-comer. They will not be anxious, or troubled, or worried about any new thing, even if it is something they cannot understand at the moment. We may perhaps find some things around us during these days which are beyond our understanding. In the end days especially, we will see many signs and wonders happening, which are not of the Lord and which we are not able to explain adequately. But if we are over-comers we will not be afraid, because we will have full confidence that in His own way, in His own time, God will tell us the meaning and the interpretation of it all ( Amos 3:7 ).
God never forgets what we do for Him. All our labor will be amply rewarded. It is only when a man refuses to humble himself, even after every chance which the Lord gives him, that he will be cast away.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Proverbs 9:10.
August 20th
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear”. I John 4:18.
Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his Lords. While they were drinking wine, the commanded his servants to bring in the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon. Then they began to drink wine out of these vessels, and praised the Gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood and stone.
Through out the ages, men who are prosperous and at the height of their glory have blasphemed God. It is a surprising thing that sinful men takes such pride and pleasure in blaspheming against the living God, in speaking against His Word, and against His people. I will give you an instance. Although the Bible and Koran have a number of things in common we do not find the Hindus speaking against Muslims and Koran, but they will blaspheme Christ and the Bible.
While they were all drinking, suddenly the king saw a part of a hand moving before him and writing words on the wall, words that he could not read, for they were in a language unknown to him. At this, the king was filled with fear, and his knees smote one against the other. We have seen many times how men of wealth, knowledge, position and power start trembling when they see mysterious things happen, which they are not able to explain. Only perfect love coming into our hearts can deliver us from every fear. There is no fear in love ( I John 4:18).
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “There redeemer is strong, the Lords of hosts is His name”. Jer 50:34.
August 21st
“I have loved thee with an everlasting love” Jer 31:3.
Only God’s love is perfect and unchanging. His love is everlasting ( Jer 31:3). Even though God may rebuke and chasten us because of our folly, His love will never change. God does not love us a little, He loves us in all His fullness. That is why He gives us all He has. He left all His glory for us. He gave to the very last ounce of His blood for our sakes. Only such a love is perfect love, and only such a love can take away our fears. Sometimes we go through peculiar trials and sufferings, and at such times, no mother, however sincere and loving she might be, is able to share it with us. But the love of Christ is perfect, and He is able to share all our burdens, difficulties, sorrows and sufferings.
Those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their savior will be subject to many fears. In spite of their knowledge, wealth and power, you can frequently see the marks of fear upon the faces of great men. The Lord Jesus said that in the last days there will be many fearful signs, such as stars falling from heaven, earthquakes, and pestilences and wars. Then men’s hearts will fail because of fear ( Luke 21:26). At that time even God’s people will have to go through testing. But the Lord will keep them above fear.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “What is thy petition?.. it shall be granted thee.” Esther 9:12.
August 22nd
“Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom”. I Corin 1:30.
All the lords were able to see the handwriting on the wall, but only the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. The chief guilt was upon him, and he was the first to be judged. In the same manner, before God judges the sinner, first of all He will judge the Devil, who is responsible for man’s downfall, sin and defilement. He will be the first to be cast into the lake of fire.
God is speaking to you now. If you are still a sinner, God is saying to you, “O sinner, if you do not want to repent of your sins, be prepared for your day of judgment”. God in His great love and mercy, gives you warning again and again in many ways. Through sickness and calamities He calls you, that you may receive His salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ will become your wisdom, if you accept Him as your savior. The whole world may be weeping and crying, full of fear. Even at such times God’s children will go down upon their knees and pray. Then they will understand everything and they will be able to tell the meaning of it all.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”. Mark 16:16.
August 23rd
“He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.” (Eph 1:4).
There was a man in France called Voltaire. He was a great scholar, but he was an atheist and a blasphemer. Just before his death, he fell sick, and he was full of fear. Every night he would scream so much that no nurse would stay near or nurse him for more than one night. His face was so full of fear that it was horrible to look at.
I have seen people who did not know their God, dying full of fear. But those who know their God can go into the valley of the shadow of death without fear. I knew a young man who was a believer. He died suddenly whole on duty, due to heart failure. The office manager went to his home to tell his wife, and with great difficulty broke the news to her. To his great surprise she replied, “I shall meet him in heaven”, and she told him of the wonderful hope we have in Christ. The manager had expected her to break down in grief and despair. He went away surprised. The Lord never fails His people.
Have you still not come to Him today? He will free you from all condemnation. He will give you the answer to every question. He will reveal His mysteries to you as HE revealed them to Daniel, and make you an over-comer in every situation. God has desired us, His people, to be partners with Him in His great victory. He has loved us with an everlasting love, and He has chosen us in Him for a very high and lofty purpose which was in His mind before all creation was made. This is shown to us in Ephesians 1:4-23.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord hath spoken”. Josh 21:45.
August 24th
“Three presidents; of whom Daniel was first… because an excellent spirit was in him.” ( Dan 6:2-3).
In the first six chapters of Daniel we see how God was taking His servants through a long time of preparation which lasted about forty-three years. Though He was using them in mighty ways right from chapter one, He was all the time really preparing them for a greater ministry. Then from chapter seven onwards we see how God began to reveal through Daniel events which were to take place in the future. The plans for the coming centuries were made known right up to the coming of Christ, His death, burial and resurrection, and return to earth.
It is the same in our own lives. The early days of our Bible reading, studying books about the Bible, and listening to many good sermons, are really training us for the deeper mysteries which we shall find hidden in God’s Word when He has fully trained us. After years of study, we shall be saying to ourselves during our devotees, “I never knew of that verse before! That fragment seems quite new to me!” The Lord was also training Daniel in the life of prayer. In Daniel 6, we read how king Darius ruled over a kingdom so vast that it needed one hundred and twenty princes. Over these were three presidents, but Daniel was preferred above them all. Daniel did not seek for preference as so many seek honors in politics today. He did not try to use the influence of friends and relatives, neither did he use flatteries and bribes, yet one day he received orders that he had been appointed the chief Governor over all the other Governors.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours". Duet 11:24.
August 25th
“whatsoever Ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men.” Col 3:23.
At one time when in America, I had a long period of un-employment. After I a had searched much for a job, a man said to me, “ Can you cook Indian food? It is so hard to find a good cook hear. There is to be an Indian medical conference and many doctors will be hear for seven days. If you can cook Indian meals for them I will pay you”.
I said, “I can cook for a few, but have never attempted doing it for such a large number”. “Well”, replied he, “you try, and if you can not manage we will remove you”. I prayed a whole night and the next day I started the cooking. I continued prayed all the time I was cooking, and the Lord showed me what quantities of various ingredients I was to use each time.
After the meal a lady came to the kitchen and saw me in my long white coat and white cap. “Mr. Cook she said, “I have been to India, and eaten in many hotels there, but I have never tasted food like this! Who taught you?”. “My Lord taught me, I replied. My job as cook continued for ten months, and every day I provided a new taste. They called me a good cook, never realizing that I was cooking only through the wisdom God gave me in answer to prayer. My point is that God gives wisdom for the daily tasks. It is the same divine principle- by learning to pray for everything by faith, we can have the same experience as did Daniel and His three friends.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary; be strong; and do it”. I Chr 28:10.
August 26th
“They could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful.” ( Dan 6:4).
Daniel was hated by those men over whom he was promoted. They became jealous. “Why should he be over us?” they sneered, and began to scheme against him. We too shall find that others will become jealous of us if, through prayer and faithfulness, we obtain success or promotion.
Though king Darius was a good king, like most other rulers he was too fond of flattery, and this gave Daniel’s enemies their opportunity. But how were they to find some fault with which to accuse Daniel? Though they placed spices all around him, and searched into every action and association, they at last had to declare, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God”. (V.4). they had seen the faithfulness of his prayer-life. He was a very busy man with many important matters to attend to, but he never cut short his time of prayer. When the time for prayer came, he never missed his time of communion with God, three times every day.
If you want to be an over-comer you must be faithful in all your duties at home and outside. Do not work to please men, but God. Remember, the Lord Jesus Christ is watching you all the time.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee the finest of the wheat”. Psalm 147:14.
August 27th
“The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.” (Prov 10:29).
Then Daniel’s enemies came before the king and said: “We have never seen such a wonderful king as you; so we want people to pray to you only and not to any other God for thirty days. Please sign this decree to that effect.
The king was much flattered. “I am such a good king,” he thought “these people love me so much, they want to pray to me,” and without really thinking the matter out, he signed the decree. He had no intension of doing any evil against Daniel, but he loved flattery, and these cunning crafty counselors had blinded him. It is the same in our own time. Many rulers blinded by flattery, sign documents and frame rules that are not for their country’s good. Daniel might have said, “I should not pray openly now,” and might have commanded the servants to close all the doors and windows. Instead, without fear or complaint, he opened wide his windows, and kneeling down gave thanks to God as he had done before. What a faith!
After forty-three years of divine training, Daniel was now facing his final test. The decree was signed; to pray to anyone but king Darius for the next thirty days meant being cast into a den of lions. Here we find the whole kingdom against Daniel. He stood as one man alone without a single person to help him. He did not seek help from man, but trusted in God only.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places.” Isa 45:3.
August 28th
“He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” ( Dan 6:10).
Daniel prayed three times a day before his opened windows, and gave thanks to God. Here is the simple way of overcoming. Learn to praise and thank God. Do not allow any fear or doubt to come into your mind, even though you know the enemy is working against you.
Many of us find prayer very difficult in the beginning. That was my problem. After my conversion, I could read the Bible for a whole day without tiring, and usually read many chapters at a stretch. But I could not pray for more than ten minutes. I could go down on my knees and then go to sleep. I wanted to pray, but could not pray long enough. It was really a struggle and a battle to get through sometimes.
But now I find that though I spend many hours in prayer, still it is not enough. When I finish my quite time I feel sad I cannot spend one or two hours longer. That will be your experience too, when you learn how to pray as God trained Daniel to pray. Daniel learned how to pray, and that was the only fault they could find with him. Daniel gave thanks to God. There was no murmuring or complaining. Thanking, praising and worshipping God is the secret.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure.” Duet 28:12.
August 29th
“The wicked worketh a deceitful work.” ( Prov 11:18).
When the princes brought their charge against Daniel. The king suddenly realized how he had been fooled and deceived. He had signed the decree without thinking. That is how many officials to get into trouble. They don’t look into the papers sufficiently before they sign them. We should never sign any paper before we have properly read and understood it. Though Darius was a good king he was foolish. Sometimes we can be both good and foolish, and that is why human goodness is often no real goodness at all. If we trust God, He will give us true wisdom, and thus save us from all evil schemes.
The king found he was helpless. He longed to deliver Daniel from the lions’ den, but every effort failed. Though he tried all day, he found he could not succeed because when he had signed that paper, it became “a law of the Medes and Persians which altereth not.” Now princes said, “Non, No, You cannot alter the laws of the Medes and Persians.” Then the king realized that men had deceived him. He was now bound by his own word, and was forced to issue the command himself that Daniel was to be cast into the den of lions. ( Ch 6:16 ).
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “Have peace one with another “ Mark 9:15.
August 30th
“But to him that soweth righteousness, shall be a sure reward.” (Proverbs.11:18).
The king said to Daniel: “The God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee”. Even though the king had no experience of God himself, he knew one thing. Daniel was a man of God, who faithfully served God and God must deliver him.
The king spent the whole night fasting and very early in the morning he came to the den of lions to see what had happened. He called out with a sorrowful voice, “O Daniel, servant of the Living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Vs 20. His voice was sorrowful because he had no experience of God. “Who knows?” he thought “the lions may have eaten Daniel up”. It is only what we have the living God with us that we have real faith. Otherwise our hearts are filled with doubts and fears.
Daniel replied; “O king, my God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.” V 22, 23. Then the king was very glad that his friend Daniel was safe, but he ordered the wicked deceivers who had tried to fool him to be cast into the den of lions instead of Daniel. God often allows our enemies to prosper for a while, and they themselves think they are prospering. But they do not realize that they are going to be punished.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “I make a covenant…; … I will do marvelous” Exodus 34:10.
August 31st
“He that overcometh, and keepeth my works until the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” ( Rev. 2:26).
Daniel had suffered because of his testimony, but God delivered him because of his faithfulness. It is only when we are found faithful like Daniel that we shall find God delivering us. We must be faithful in our duty, true testimony, honoring God night and day, using our knees three times daily without fear or shame, constantly praising God and thanking Him for all things; then we shall find He will send His angels to work on our behalf, and the enemy’s schemes and plans against us will be confounded.
Through all this God was preparing Daniel for a higher ministry, and this was the method of His training. Now God was able to give him those wonderful revelations, that were not possible before. Perhaps God is putting us through a time of preparation, and we must be prepared for it. We may be taken through extreme sorrow, trials and sufferings and disappointments. Through these we shall receive a strong and divine faith, divine vision, and God’s excellent spirit, then we shall be given the revelation of heavenly mysteries which at the moment are hidden from us.
In the beginning, our worldly minds are so confused and puzzled, that we cannot see spiritual things clearly. But when we have gone through our periods of divine training, God will make all things clear to us and work on our behalf. May the Lord help us to be true over-comers. May He take all murmurings and complaining out of our hearts and give us true string faith.
Today’s calendar’s Bible verse: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes”. Psalm 118:9.