Bible Reading: Daniel 8, 9, 10, 3John 1
Memory Verse: “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” Daniel 9:2 (KJV)
Yesterday, we looked at the Excellent Spirit part 1 and three of its characterstics. Today we will look at other characteristics of Excellent Spirit. One of it is studying the word of God. The bible says in Joshua 1:8 (KJV). “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Excellent Spirit will give you success and a requirement for that is meditating on the word of God regularly. We saw that Daniel Studied the word of God and meditated on it for him to understand how long Jerusalem would be desolate. Daniel 9:2 (KJV) says, “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”
He followed up his meditation of the word of God and prayer with fasting and in the process God did not only hear him, He gave him understanding and revealed more of His plan to him. Fasting helps to subdue the flesh and lift up the Spirit. This makes it easier for one to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. So to be excellent in Spirit, one has to fast regularly. This also brings with it the need to be disciplined. It was discipline that made Daniel to insist on not eating the apparently more enticing meal of the king and choosing ordinary vegetable in its place.
Lastly, it takes humility to carry the power of God that has helped Governors and Presidents and still maintain a low profile. Or how do you explain the situation in which the King called for the wise people in his kingdom and could not even remember Daniel inspite of the various critical situations he had walked through unscathed in the kingdom. Daniel 5:8 (KJV) says, “Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.” It was the queen that now reminded the king of the great man; Daniel in his kingdom (Daniel 5:10-12). No wonder the word of God says in James 4:6 (KJV), “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God certainly has key characteristics He expects in any vessel that will house His Excellent Spirit. Are you ready for him?
Action point: Check these characteristics and begin to cultivate those that you lack.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero