Today you should read: Daniel 6
Thanks for being a faithful Jumpstart reader! How is God using Jumpstart in your life? Please comment below and let us know.
I LOVE Daniel 6! What an incredible chapter! So much to learn from it!
Daniel was a leader (v.3)
Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps…
Daniel is a teenager – most believe between 17-19 years old. God’s hand was on him in incredible ways. He must have had great parents who instilled the Bible into him and taught him how to stand up for what is right.
Jealousy is real (v.4)
People don’t like it when our righteous lifestyle convicts them of their sinful one. This is true of lost and saved friends. Jesus told us:
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
Daniel was committed to God regardless of the cost (v.10)
When Daniel knew that the document was signed – the document that would send him into the den of hungry lions for not worshipping the king – he prayed anyway! With his windows open for all to see – just like he did every day.
He was NOT going to let this stop him from worshipping and crying out to God.
God is a faithful Father (v.22)
God protected Him. This was a major witness to a lost king and a watching world.
God is still the same… Be a leader – make a difference in your job or your school or in your neighborhood. Jealousy is real – people may not applaud your efforts – but that’s okay. Be committed to God regardless of the cost. Stay true and faithful to God and His Word because God is a faithful Father and He will protect and bless you.
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
JumpstartCPC.com 
The very lesson of Daniel……as well as others in previous Jumpstart devotions…..has been an encouragement and constant reminder to stay faithful and true to God and his Word regardless of the cost. He IS faithful and it is often easy to look past his blessings in the world in which we live. He has done so much for us and around us! A huge portion of gratitude to you, Tim, and the staff for continuing to lead us through Jumpstart daily.
Jumpstart is like a shot in the arm, a dose of Godly encouragement, and many days it’s medicine for the heart. Thank you for caring for me and the family through Jumpstart!
Jumpstart is of value to me because it helps me feel connected to my Center Point family. It feels good to go through a study of the Word with many other believers.
I love the story of Daniel too. It occurs to me, though, that we tend to focus on the protection of Daniel as to his benefit. Actually, it was to glorify God. I think, too often, we tend to want God to do things for us that improve our worldly situation, not that are in line with His will, which is always to our benefit spiritually.