Friday, March 25, 2011

Daniel 1

4 comments:

Berry Girl said...

I saw yesterday that we were getting into Daniel - I'm excited. I love this first chapter - the way that God honors their commitment to Him and blesses them, but also the way that they were wise enough and brave enough to take that stand, and had enough faith to do it as well. Such a beautiful example to me.

Unknown said...

Daniel decided not to eat the king's food or drink his wine because that would make him unclean." v8

What are the "pollutants" in my life that don't contribute to my spiritual health and vigor but rather make me "unclean" in the sense that they contaminate my character. I can think of so many things I allow into my life that make me unclean in the sense that I am not "shining" for God. A judgemental spirit, the crap I sometimes let myself watch or in the past have let myself read or the "message" I let in through the music I listen to.

When I filter the polluted things I am "consuming" my spiritual health has a glow and I am able to reflect the good "truthful" things I am choosing to surround myself with. When I don't, I become dull and grey, and listless.

Denise said...

“Daniel was determined to be devoted to principle and to be committed to a course of action. When Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. Merely wanting or preferring God’s will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey.

It is easier to resist temptation if you have thought through your convictions before the temptation arises. Daniela and his friends made their decision to be faithful to the laws of God before they were faced with the king’s delicacies, so they did not hesitate to stick with their convictions. We will get into trouble if we have not previously decided where to draw the line. Before such situations arise, decide on your commitments and what you will do. Then when temptation comes, you will be ready to say no.”

Unknown said...

love that Denise. to define boundaries and parameters that will help us stay on track and then keep within them.