Fast Day 20
Mountain of Influence: Business
Day 2 – Repent
Daniel 4:27 (AMPC)
“Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; break off your
sins and show the reality of your repentance by righteousness and liberate yourself from your iniquities by showing mercy and loving-kindness to the poor and oppressed, that [if the king will repent] there may possibly be a continuance and lengthening of your peace and tranquility and a healing of your error.
Today’s scripture confirms how we can impact the Mountain of Business: Our wealth helps establish God’s covenant – His Kingdom on Earth. In this case, King Nebuchadnezzar’s wealth could have shown mercy and loving-kindness to the poor and oppressed.
Daniel’s counsel to King Nebuchadnezzar after his dream in Daniel 4:27 was to repent. Yet despite Daniel’s appeal, the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great that I have built by my vast power to be a royal residence and to display my majestic glory?” (Daniel 4:30).
King Nebuchadnezzar did not get it. The enormity of his pride and arrogance got in his way. Despite God establishing and prospering Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar looked to his own power and exalted his own glory. He took all credit and neglected the very people God had put him in the position to help.
We are familiar with some Christian businesses today, such as Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby. But did you know that Interstate Batteries, Wendy’s Restaurant and Terminix were also founded on Christian values? Unlike King Nebuchadnezzar, as they prosper, they look to prosper God’s kingdom. For example, Wendy’s uses their position and their profit to help children in foster homes move towards adoption; they tangibly care for the poor and oppressed.
What about us? Are we wrapped up in our own pride, our own glory, our own prosperity? Are our businesses and our wallets neglecting those whom God has raised us up to help and protect?
Your Turn
Prayer:
Father, Your Word promises that if I ask for forgiveness You are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Father, thank You that I am good ground, that I hear Your Word and understand it, and that the Word bears fruit in my life, sometimes thirty, sixty and a hundredfold. Holy Spirit, I have ears to hear your voice and not the voice of a stranger. Guide me and lead me in every area all the days of my life. Amen!
Fast Thoughts:
As you fast today consider your ways relating to the Mountain of Business.
Song: