Word foe the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

CHOOSING PURITY – A DIFFERENT STANDARD

Bible Reading: Daniel 1: 11-17

Key verse:  

Verse: 15 At the end of ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.

DEVOTION

   This portion describes how Daniel and his friends choose to maintain their dietary purity by refusing the King's food and wine, opting instead for vegetables and water. The choice reflects a commitment to their faith and cultural identity, prioritizing spiritual and physical purity over royal privileges.  Daniel proposed a test  to the chief official, suggesting that after ten days of alternative diet, they could be evaluated alongside  the other young men.  Daniel and his friends appeared healthier and better nourished than those who  consumed the King's provisions.
       This narrative illustrates several key themes:   1. COMMITTMENT TO FAITH AND IDENTITY:   Daniel's decision to abstain from King's food symbolizes their commitment to their faith and identity. Their choice not only set them apart, but also  demonstrated their wisdom  and ability to thrive despite challenges, contributing to their legacy as an example of faithfulness.    2.COURAGE TO STAND FIRM:  Daniel's request demonstrated courage and wisdom.  He did not confront the official aggressively, instead presented a thoughtful alternative.  This teaches us the importance of approaching challenges with both boldness and respect.  3.  GOD'S FAVOR:  This portion  highlights the benefits of a healthy diet, which can be a metaphor of spiritual nourishment.  After the test period, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier,  which underscores the idea that God honors those who honor Him, providing strength and favor in our choices.   4.  GOD'S WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE: The conclusion of the passage points to God is giving Daniel and his friends knowledge and understanding. This serves as a reminder that when we commit to  follow His ways, God equips us with the wisdom   we need to thrive. 
         Consider  areas  in our life where we may need to stand firm in our faith. Reflect on how we can maintain our values amidst  external pressures. Seek God's guidance for wisdom in these situations, trusting that  he will provide us  with the understanding and strength to navigate them.

PRAYER

 Dear Lord, encourage us to reman steadfast in our beliefs, even when faced with pressure to conform. Teach us to approach challenges with both boldness and respect. Give us the knowledge and understanding to follow your ways always. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

  How do we navigate situations where our values are challenged, and what forms of  “purity”  do we prioritize  our our lives ?
 

Dr John K.Thomas    Tabor MTC   NY

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more