*Daniel 1:1-2*

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

 

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.”

 

God's agenda is so important that he won't allow anyone or institution to jeopardise it. His agenda is the establishment of His Kingdom through the revelation of Jesus Christ and the glorification of God the Father. 

 

Jehoakim was a chosen supervisor of God's agenda and program, but refused to aligned his ways to God's. Jehoakim only ruled Israel for three months and one week. God judged him and removed him from power because he failed to repent from his sin.

 

This punishment put the children of Israel in the firing line of God's judgement. The implication of this is that the decisions you make as a leader can put the destiny of the people in your care in jeopardy.

 

1. *Decisions*

Could the decisions your parents made have threatened the trajectory of your destiny? Could the decision your organisation have made risk the fulfilment of your destiny? 

Could the laws and proclamations of the government of your country put the realisation of God's purpose in your life at risk? 

 

*Jeremiah 31:29* it says, “In those days they shall say no more: the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.” 

 

Lord I declare your mercy over my life and family today. Let your favour promote me even in hostile environment and conditions.

 

*Daniel 1:2*

“And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the *house of his god*; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.”

 

2. *Discernment of Altars* 

An altar is a place of sacrifice and a power point to draw spiritual and supernatural strength (Genesis 8:20-21). Altars are places of separation where we separate ourselves to God and separate from curses and generational traits

 

a. Could the assignment of strange altars be functional in your life? 

b. Are you aware that the edict of strange altars may be domineering your life? 

 

  c. Altars have legal ground to be fully functional in an individual's life when the soul of the individual has been captured. 

d. Altars have the right to impose and enforce their system of reasoning, their beliefs on their captive. 

 

Consider the following:

As a leader in the marketplace

As a father

As a husband

As an employer

As a pastor

 

*Prayer Point*

Lord, I reject the influence of altars of darkness in my family in Jesus name.

 

Food and drink  are the source of life and energy. *Matthew 4:4* declares however that, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Daniel and his friends maintained that God was their Source not the king's delicacies sacrificed to idols. 

 

3. *Deployment of Wisdom*

Trusting in God's ability and wisdom to make all things work together (Romans 8:28). However this is not for anyone, but *for those who love God and are called according to His purpose*

 

At times, we are not used to God's way, because it may be unusual. 

 

The impact of someone’s else action may be that we are delivered into a hostile environment. In other words, we are delivered into the hands of an adversary. 

 

*God’s strategy is to use adversity to elevate you*. What is judgement for one is elevation for another. 

 

God used the Cross to elevate Jesus the Christ. He gave Him a name above every other name.

 

You however need to understand that God's ways are not your way. 

 

Your current adversity may not presently look like a vehicle of promotion, but watch the space... 

 

*Prayer Point*

Lord, help me to trust in your ability and wisdom that declares that all things are able to work together for my good. I receive the grace to love you more with my whole heart, mind and my strength.