"And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments" (Daniel 9:4)

The New International Version translates Daniel's confession as "O Lord, the great and awesome God . . ."

There was a pastor who had been married several years with no children. They had applied for adoption and finally the call came . . . there was a perfect, beautiful baby girl waiting for them. They were thrilled, to say the least. This little girl soon became the apple of her daddy's eye and could do no wrong. Everywhere he went she was with him and, of course, each little thing she learned he showed off. One day they were in line at a fast food restaurant and she had just learned how to say the word "awesome." But when she said it, she assumed this cherub-like expression that could win over your worst enemy. As the dutiful daddy he was, he showed off her new word to many who were in line, including a dear friend of theirs. Of course, everyone "oohed and aahed" when she said it at the young age of 18 months. This friend sat with the wife and child while the daddy visited some friends for a few moments. Wanting to test this baby's abilities once more, the friend asked the little girl to say the word "awesome" once again, but instead of saying the word, she assumed the same cherub-like expression and pointed to her father and said, "Daddy."

In this child's mind, her Daddy and the word "awesome" meant the very same thing. She adored him. She loved him. He was the greatest thing in her life. No one could take his place.

There's no doubt that Daniel's feelings toward the Lord were much the same; no one could take His place.

What is YOUR definition of "awesome" today? Has someone else or something else taken the place of your Heavenly Father in the ranks of "awesome"?

With all that is happening in the world today, we all are faced with the temptation to allow "things" to take our attention and focus off of God. Be careful not to allow this to happen but follow in Daniel's footsteps declaring, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands".

Father, You are truly awesome. There is none like you, there is no one or nothing who could ever take Your place. Knowing You is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Help me, Father, to keep focused on You and to not allow the things of this earth to cloud my view of You in all I do and everywhere I go. You alone deserve my worship, You alone deserve my praise. You alone are holy. You alone are awesome. Amen and Amen!

"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands" (Nehemiah 1:5)

© Jan Ross
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