The Testimony

What porch could be-a-porch without posts! We forget they're even there, usually looking past or through them. Carried away as a teenager from his home in Jerusalem, Daniel spent his life captive to foreign and pagan kings. As you study his life, one thing becomes increasingly clear: Daniel remained devoted to God. When God's message to the king (Daniel 5) ) couldn't be interpreted, the queen said to Belshazzar, "There is a man in your kingdom... [a man of] extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel." (Daniel 5:11, 12). Because Daniel had been faithfully obedient to God, he had established a reputation, a testimony; consequently, Daniel's influence in a Godless culture is immeasurable. Truth is, every Believer has a reputation, a testimony, an influence; like it or not, we do! Our testimony is God-honoring ... or not. "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1). The death of a well-spent life speaks volumes! "The memory of the righteous is a blessing." (Proverbs 10:7). A person's spiritual influence long outlives a life devoted to Godliness: perhaps a parent or grandparent, a pastor or teacher. Like those porch posts: strong, reliable, faithful - Believers should be doing what we're commanded to do, day-in and day-out: testifying of Him Whom we love. God be praised for Daniel, for those who've gone before us to remind us to waste not one moment to be what we should be in God's Kingdom. The queen said, "there is a man in your kingdom" ... is that person you and I?