As I read through the start of Daniel 6, I was reminded of verses I had recently read over in 1 Peter 2v12-16, 3v13-17, 4v12-19. In 1 Peter, we are reminded of how we should not worry if we suffer for being a Christian, for as Christ suffered so shall we, just as when Christ is glorified so shall we be. If we do suffer then we should take it to God in prayer and trust in Him to deliver us according to His will.

What a testimony Daniel had, that the only thing they could find no fault in anything he did, the only way they could cause trouble was by making it against his faith in God. At the end of last month's magazine, Simon reminded us about the need to keep a good testimony, I wonder, if someone was to try and put us down would they find it easy to find fault in our lives? In the previously mentioned verses in 1 Peter 4 we are reminded that we should not "suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler". Now I'm sure most of us reading this think that we are law abiding citizens but are we?

When we go on the roads, do we keep to the speed limit? Or do we just ignore the speed limit and drive as fast as we like? How easy it is to park somewhere and think well it doesn't matter and think, well the parking attendant won't be out today, we can get away with it? And what about copying software and music? In 1 Peter 2v13-14 we are reminded to "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors...." May each one of us take time this month to stop and think about the things that we do so easily and realise again how important our testimony is.

If you have any comments or questions about this article then please e-mail me at a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

Spending time in the Scriptures Micah	Next month: The Lion's den.	Wilderness years are you possessing the land
	Dare to be a Daniel
	Last month: God is still on the throne.

All quotes are from the English Standard version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.