For Thursday...

S: Dan 1:8
O: I wonder at Daniel's resolve here. It's hard enough to follow God in all things when everything is good let alone when situations are dire. But more than just following commandments, Daniel followed in FAITH that God would honor and provide. He was willing to give up all the physical comforts so that his actions would keep the commandments and honor His God.
A: How hard is it for me to do what God desires when I'm comfortable? What about when I'm uncomfortable with life? Am I quick to turn to God's word and apply it to my life, or reach out for prayer and support from my brothers and sisters? Let alone just pray to God by myself when things are not the best? How I desire to have the faith to just turn to God in my times of distress instead of wallowing in despair and ugliness.

I would even venture to say that Daniel did hurt and was very sad. The first chapter is a quick over view of a lot of actual time. But the fact remains that know matter what Daniel was feeling, his ACTIONS are what counts. He did not forsake God but embraced Him and was rewarded for his faithfulness and faith. God likens us to children so often, the only reason I can understand this (right now at this point in my life) is because the one things children have is faith in the unknown and hard to explain (Aside: look at Peter Pan and how that story progresses. Its about faith and happiness, fighting the evil and celebrating friends...before they grow up).

Today, 9/12 the Psalms 81:10 "...open your mouth wide so that I may fill it." I just see a small child and a caring father trying to feed him. The child is not willing to take what is nourishing and good, but the father is patient and loving and sits with the child coaxing him to open his mouth. Why do we fight and struggle against all the joys God has for us? Sure sometimes we need to eat mushed Lima beans, but all the stuff that follows is glorious because He provides all that we need. It's another kid analogy to me...hmmmm.



N8