King Darius preferred Daniel above his co-ministers and was planning to make him the prime minister of the entire kingdom. However, due to envy, Daniel's colleagues sought to find an occasion against him; but there was no error or fault found in him. The king was later misled to sign a decree that prohibited citizens from praying to any God or man for thirty days, except the king. Their intention was to trap Daniel and eliminate him.

Idle words are useless and they are very destructive. Lying, jesting, swearing, cursing, gossiping and all evil speaking should be avoided. They come from the unbridled tongue of the unregenerate soul. Endeavour to hide the word of God in your heart; it will cleanse and keep your tongue from uttering corrupt communication. If you keep God's word within you; they shall withal be fitted in your lips - Proverbs 22:18.

What is controlling your heart; silver or salvation? Those whose hearts are controlled by silver can do anything for money. These are people who have vowed to make it at all cost; by lying, stealing or even killing. To them, it is right to work in a brewery, tobacco factory, or sell their products. Beware of the love of money and come out from the company of those bound by it.

As professing believers we are daily exposed to the temptation to behave differently from what we have learnt from the word of God. But according to the Lord, His true disciples are those who will continue in the word of God, come what may. As His sheep they hear His voice and follow Him. We must therefore strive to live our lives as His children, wherever we go.

Jesus rebuked two of his disciples who sought for His permission to call down fire from heaven upon a Samaritan village that did not receive him. He told James and John that they did not know the kind of spirit they had and reminded them that he did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them. Although his disciples, they were quite unlike Christ, looking unto Elijah instead of the author and finisher of their faith.