MEMORY VERSE: Daniel 1:8
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
READ: DANIEL 1:1-8
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
MESSAGE:
READ: DANIEL 1:1-8
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.
2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
MESSAGE:
Christians have a lot to learn from the life and times of Daniel. Daniel was a great prophet who spoke plainly of the Messiah’s coming. He lived an active life in the courts of kings and served on the council of some of the greatest monarchs the world has ever seen – Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus and Darius. We should also learn from the life and latter end of Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim, king of Judah, was the son of Josiah who was a righteous king, but Jehoiakim was evil (2 Chronicles 36:4-8). Parents have a lot to learn from this. Parents should train up their children. They should set a good example for their children and implement the principles of Christ on them from an early age. Many families, businesses and ministries have been destroyed because of the failure of parents to train their children in the fear of God. Children are presents from God (Psalm 127:3). They cannot be bought, and good children cannot be sought from witch doctors. Are you trusting God for the fruit of the womb? I pray that your desire will be granted this year in Jesus’ Name. The curse God placed on Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:18-19) and his subsequent captivity (2 Chronicles 36:5-6) is an indication that sin will never go unpunished. Note from our Bible reading that, God allowed His treasures to be carried from His temple to the treasury of other gods because of disobedience. You must be watchful and obedient so that your blessings will not be inherited by unbelievers.
There are lessons to learn from Daniel’s choice and purpose of heart in Babylon. Daniel was a prince and a youth. The best time to serve God is the time of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1-4). Daniel was also talented. He was good looking, well educated and skilful in wisdom and knowledge. He was proficient in the sciences, and he was polished and refined enough to stand before kings. Daniel used all his talents for God. He became an asset to kings. Are you talented and gifted? Use your talents for God. Be an asset to the body of Christ. Daniel was productive. Note that every child of God is chosen to be productive. I pray that everything hindering your productivity be destroyed today in Jesus’ Name. Another lesson to be learnt from our Bible reading today is that names matter. Parents should be watchful on the type of names given to their children. Ensure that your name does not put you in subjection to any demon. For example, it is wrong for someone to bear a name that means “Satan owns this one”. That name places the bearer under the control of Satan. Let your name and the names given to your children glorify God.
ACTION POINT:
Does your name place you under the dominion of any demon? Please change that name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 27-28 and PSALM 104:19-35
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