Daniel Gives Thanks

Sermon Notes

[Daniel 6:1-3] Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. [2] The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king's interests. [3] Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel's great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. 

Gratitude is an act of rebellion against FEAR.

[Daniel 6:10-12] But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. [11] Then the officials went together to Daniel's house and found him praying and asking for God's help. 

Faithfulness in SMALL HABITS builds unshakable faith.

[Daniel 2:23a] I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength.

We need to TRAIN and PREPARE for the difficult times.

Prayer should be a daily DISCIPLINE, not a CRISIS reaction.

[Daniel 6:16-22] So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." [17] A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. [18] Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. [19] Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. [20] When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?" [21] Daniel answered, "Long live the king! [22] My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty."

Gratitude is a form of REBELLIOUS faith.

[1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Give thanks even when life is DIFFICULT.

[Hebrews 13:15] Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.