Powerful Lives In Perilous Times
Summer at The Bayou - Part 5
July 27, 2025
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Romans 12:2 (AMP)
“3Then the king ordered Ashpenaz … to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family … brought to Babylon as captives. 4‘Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men … well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.’ 5 … They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. 6Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen … ” Daniel 1:3-6 (NLT)
Principles for Powerful Living:
1. Decide your PURPOSE.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies … ” Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)
2. Discipline your LIFESTYLE.
“12 … suggested a ten-day diet of only vegetables and water; 13then, at the end of this trial period the steward could see how they looked in comparison with the other fellows who ate the king’s rich food and decide whether or not to let them continue their diet. 14The steward finally agreed to the test. 15Well, at the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the youths who had been eating the food supplied by the king!” Daniel 1:12-15 (TLB)
3. Deflect OUTSIDE PRESSURES.
“9They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, … 10‘You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn … and other musical instruments. 11That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 … Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego … pay no attention to you ... They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.’ 13… Nebuchadnezzar … 14… said … 15‘I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue ... But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. … 16… ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power … 18But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.’” Daniel 3:9-18 (NLT)
“7 … ‘Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions.’ … 10But 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.” Daniel 6:7,10 (NLT)
“15Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NLT)
4. Dedicate YOUR LIFE to Him.
“16So 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… The king sealed the stone … so that no one could rescue Daniel. 19Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 … 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?’ 21Daniel answered, ‘Long live the king! 22My 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.’ 23… Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.” Daniel 6:16-17,19-23 (NLT)
5. Delight in BEING USED by God.
“40The Council accepted his advice, called in the apostles, had them beaten, and then told them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and finally let them go. 41They left the Council chamber rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for His name. 42And every day, in the Temple and in their home Bible classes, they continued to teach and preach that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:40-42 (TLB)
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