Last week, kids learned that God shut the mouths of the lions and rescued Daniel from the lions' den. 

Bible Story: Daniel in the den of lions Daniel 6

Bible Verse: My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Daniel 6:22

When Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, he appointed 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, Daniel was one of them. God made Daniel excel in everything he did so the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. The administrators and the satraps were jealous of Daniel that they tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel, but they were unable to do so. Daniel was truthworthy, they could find no corruption in him. They finally said, "we will never find any basis against this man unless it has something to do with the law of his God." They went to the king and deceived him into issuing an edict that ordered that anyone that prays to any god except king Darius during the next thirty days should be thrown into the lions' den. Daniel learned that the decree has been issued, yet he still went home to his upstairs room, opened the windows and got down on his knees and prayed just as he had done before three times a day. These men found Daniel praying just as they predicted and went to the king and accused Daniel for not obeying the king's command. When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed, he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort to save him.

However, because the degree could not be repealed, he gave the order to throw him into the lion's den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" When the king returned to his palace, he could not sleep, he spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. At dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den and said, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "May the king live forever. My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innoncent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, your majesty." The king was overjoyed and gave orders to life Daniel out of the den. No wound was found on him,because he had trusted in his God. Then KIng Darius wrtoe to all the nations and issued a decree that said in every part of his kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel and praised God who rescues, saves, and performs signs and wonders. 

Daniel did not fear men or the lions. Even after he learned that the king's decree had been published, he still got down on his knees and prayed to God. If he was afraid of losing his life, he could have hidden in his closet and prayed secretly when no one was watching. But Daniel was courageous, stood strong for his faith because he served the living God who had the power and authority to rescue him. Daniel honored God, prayed with his windows wide open, and asked Him for help. Daniel totally trusted in his God. And God did not just send his angel and shut the mouths of the lions and saved Daniel. God also used Daniel to be a positive influence to those around him. After witnessing a wonderful miracle, King Darius praised the God of heaven and wrote to everyone to fear and worship the God of Daniel. This week, let's pray and ask for God's help so we will stand up for our faith, not compromise, be the light of the world and lead others to Jesus! 

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