Days are really moving fast. It's the beginning of a new month. As we began this month today in our 90 day bible adventure we move into a new book, namely Daniel. The first chapter of this book lays a foundation that sets the pace for the entire book.
Daniel and his friends were captives who were selected to serve under the King of the day. They were far from home and were suddenly thrust in the palace for training on the ways of their masters. There are two main things I want to point out from the first few verses of Daniel 1.
Firstly, notice that Daniel had a name change but he is not referred to by that name. Amazingly his friends took on the names they were offered. Could this be the reason that Daniel who name means " God is judge" served many kings in a position of seniority? Yes his other friends also served in senior positions but Daniel was soon considered wiser that all the wise people who advised the king. Daniel refused to have his identity changed. He understood that he would need God to be his judge in Babylon the place of his captivity. The name that society was giving him, Belteshazzar was to simply call him a "lord of the treasure". He simply did not want to be lowered by being associated with treasure.
Secondly, we see Daniel's determination to serve God and to live according to God's standards in that he refused to live by the delicacies of the world. As I have thought about this today I have been encouraged to live a consecrated life. Daniel determined not to defile himself with the pleasures of this world. What is hindering my living a consecrated life? Certainly looking at Daniel, his love for God, his commitment to God certainly resulted in his walking with favour.
I urge that you pursue a life that is consecrated. God is seeking a consecrated people, as such people attract God whatever the circumstance they are facing. God is looking for people who are set apart for Himself that He may show forth His glory.
Daniel and his friends were captives who were selected to serve under the King of the day. They were far from home and were suddenly thrust in the palace for training on the ways of their masters. There are two main things I want to point out from the first few verses of Daniel 1.
Firstly, notice that Daniel had a name change but he is not referred to by that name. Amazingly his friends took on the names they were offered. Could this be the reason that Daniel who name means " God is judge" served many kings in a position of seniority? Yes his other friends also served in senior positions but Daniel was soon considered wiser that all the wise people who advised the king. Daniel refused to have his identity changed. He understood that he would need God to be his judge in Babylon the place of his captivity. The name that society was giving him, Belteshazzar was to simply call him a "lord of the treasure". He simply did not want to be lowered by being associated with treasure.
Secondly, we see Daniel's determination to serve God and to live according to God's standards in that he refused to live by the delicacies of the world. As I have thought about this today I have been encouraged to live a consecrated life. Daniel determined not to defile himself with the pleasures of this world. What is hindering my living a consecrated life? Certainly looking at Daniel, his love for God, his commitment to God certainly resulted in his walking with favour.
I urge that you pursue a life that is consecrated. God is seeking a consecrated people, as such people attract God whatever the circumstance they are facing. God is looking for people who are set apart for Himself that He may show forth His glory.
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