(James 3:17 NIV)

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

(Daniel 6:4–5 NIV)

4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

A life of integrity grows out of intentional rhythms.

(Daniel 6:7 NIV)

7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

(Daniel 6:9 NIV)

9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

(Daniel 6:10 NIV)

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Vigilance prepares you for surprise!

(Matthew 26:40–41 NIV)

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Daniel 6:21–23 NIV)

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Take it Home:

1. Our faith is measured by how well we resist compromise.

(Hebrews 12:4 NIV)

“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood,”

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2. Resilient disciples develop healthy rhythms.

(Exodus 20 NIV)

“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.”

(Acts 2 NIV)

“They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

(Hebrews 10 NIV)

“Let us consider how we may spur one another one, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

(Psalm 1 NIV)

“His delight in in the Law of the Lord, and on this Law, he meditates day and night.” 1 Thessalonians 5: “Pray unceasingly”

3. Live with hope by keeping your eyes on Jesus.

(2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV)

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”