In the Beginning . . . God!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
In the Beginning...God Studies
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My Prayer Today
Thank God for another year in which to serve Him.
God’s Word Today – Daniel 1
1 During the third year of King Jehoiakim's reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it with his armies. 2 The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah. When Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon, he took with him some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God and placed them in the treasure-house of his god in the land of Babylonia. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, who was in charge of the palace officials, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah's royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. 4 "Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men," he said. "Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good sense, and have the poise needed to serve in the royal palace. Teach these young men the language and literature of the Babylonians. " 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of the best food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for a three-year period, and then some of them would be made his advisers in the royal court. 6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief official renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego.
8 But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief official for permission to eat other things instead. 9 Now God had given the chief official great respect for Daniel. 10 But he was alarmed by Daniel's suggestion. "My lord the king has ordered that you eat this food and wine," he said. "If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded for neglecting my duties." 11 Daniel talked it over with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief official to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 "Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said. 13 "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet." 14 So the attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the rich foods and wines.
17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams. 18 When the three-year training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief official brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with each of them, and none of them impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they were appointed to his regular staff of advisers. 20 In all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. 21 Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus's reign.
Reflecting on God’s Word
We are reading about Daniel today. Daniel was a godly young man and we can learn a few things about commitment from him.
Re-read the first seven verses. What is Daniel’s situation?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
When we are in a foreign (strange) situation, what does God want us to do?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Re-read verse eight. What does Daniel decide about the food he is given to eat?
Daniel’s commitment is to his God. He won’t do anything to break that relationship.
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
From these three Scriptures, list ways we can keep our commitment and relationship to God strong and vital.
Hebrews 10:25: 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
2 Timothy 2:15: 15 Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
1 Thessalonians 5:17: 17 Keep on praying.
Thoughts
Daniel shows us that we do not have to compromise in our walk with the Lord. In verse 9, we read that God gave the chief official respect for Daniel. God shows His favor when we stand firm for Him. The chief official admired and respected Daniel because of his faith and courage.
Daniel apparently treated the chief official with respect in order to gain respect. Dan respected the man’s authority – but he didn’t back down from what he knew to be right and correct. Daniel’s relationship with God was right and his life showed it. God blessed Daniel because of this.
We also need to have the intestinal fortitude (guts!) to stand up for what is right and for what we believe. Daniel took a stand – a respectful stand.
Daniel also avoided that which he knew to be wrong. He kept his heart pure. We need to flee from evil each day. Prayer is one way to keep us on the right path.
Witness wherever God places us! Daniel answered the call and served God. No questions asked. No pity party for his circumstances. He served faithfully.
Let us be like Daniel each day! Go … preach … teach … no compromise!