Journal Entry October 20th 2011

      Daniel took some significant risks in his walk of faith. Daniel refused to eat the king's meat, even though he knew that he and his friends, and the captain could be severely punished for it. Daniel easily could have battled in court over the crazy religious laws that were put into effect, and with the kind of position, and reputation he had; he would have easily won, but instead he willingly "took up his cross", he was thrown into a den full of lions, these were ferocious beasts, and I wouldn't be surprised if Daniel had already witnessed others who were eaten alive, having their flesh removed and their bones crushed. Daniel wasn't afraid to go before the king who had already planned his funeral, knowing full well that this could expedite his execution or bring about a more torturous death. Daniel knew that the "safest" place he could possibly be, was in the center of God's will.