Dare to Different by Pastor Yared Dondo

From the Altar



Pastor Dondo

Opening Scripture Daniel 1:18-20

“18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom”.

From above scripture Daniel and his fellows made a difference in their society,they were ten times better than all magicians and enchanters of Nebuchadnezzar.

As Christians we have to ask our selves the followings questions;

•          Why are we here on Earth

•          Where are we going

•          How will we go there

We should be transformed so that we can transform others

In this world we can experience pressure from every part like health, finance, relationship, family and many more, we will be able to stand them if we have been transformed

There are Three that we can learn from Life of Daniel;

1. He Knows he was

Though he was in captive he date to be different, he understand who he was, he knows his position that he was not ordinary.

In our society there a lot of opportunities, resources and potential we should take a advantage of them to move forward because the same spirit that was in Daniel is in us also.

Ask yourself why are you in that job, business ,school, partnership and determine to make a difference wherever you are




Pastor Dondo Preaching the Word of God

2. Daniel has balanced self –esteem

Daniel 1: 8 “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way”.

Daniel resolved not to defile himself by eating the royal food. This is a sound decision it can be made by a person who understand who he is.

Understand your position in Christ and resolve not to compromise your standard as Christian

Daniel also has self-respect for his health;

As Christian you should choose what to eat ,so that we cannot defile ourselves, some brethren are compromising with kind of drinks that it is not sin to take them

According to 1 Corinthians 6:19 the word of God says “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”

Put your body order as Daniel resolved not to defile himself.

A lot of Christians are living artificial life ,they are not real maybe they want to have a car or house even though they cannot manage. Be content and live within your means

Some years ago we did not have car or houses but resolved to we live a content life by  giving God things priority, and at his certain time he has raised us, Amen!  We have given years  in mission to some churches in village. Do not be misled by what you see now, we were not like this some several years ago , Its by God Grace we are here, Amen!

I urge you today honor God with your life and body as Daniel did.

 

-Daniel has self confidence

From Daniel 1:20 “In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

He used his natural skills and ability to be the best, you can be like him today.

You can have an excellent spirit , resolve in your heart today and you will leave a legacy in your society.

But be careful with arrogance spirit it is not from God, we only need self-confidence and God want us to be humble.

Arrogant people have pride ,Open with me Psalm 10: 4 : In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God”

A man who is pride is self-centered he does not love God, avoid pride.

Reading from John 1:12-13,the Word of God “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

We are children of God, so are not ordinary, we are different ,wherever you are do not compromise your standard because you are not like them, dare to be different

Daniel resolved in his heart he will not do anything which is contrary to his God

He trust God alone and he was humble to God and submitted his life to God, he was protected from destruction.

Daniel 5:17 “Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.”

Daniel was bold to refuse the gifts from King, can you do the same? Are you able to say no to corruption?

Be content with your life, some people aspires to live a life that is above their means which has made them to fall in the trap of debts.

 

3. Know when his strength comes from

Daniel knew his strength comes from God alone, he did not depend on his own ability he trusted God

Daniel 6:10 “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.”

He prayed and praised to God even at difficult moment ,can you praise God in difficult moment

If you want to see God and move to another level do not depend on your own understanding, trust God

Our God is able he can help us, do not expect to get help from right or left ,keep your eyes and heart unto God

God will supply all your need only if you are connected to him, ask yourself am I connected to God

 

Can you Dare to be Different today, Daniel Did and you can be like him, Resolve in your heart today