MEMORISE
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm (Daniel 1:20).
READ:
Daniel 1:1-14
[1]. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.
[2]. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.
[3]. Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,
[4]. young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
[5]. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.
[6]. Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
[7]. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.
[8]. But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
[9]. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.
[10]. And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
[11]. So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
[12]. “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.
[13]. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.”
[14]. So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
EXPOSITION
In our daily pursuits, we encounter various levels of performance and effectiveness. Some seem to excel remarkably over others in their endeavours. Just as machines are designed for optimal performance, God created man to reflect His efficiency and effectiveness (Gen. 1:27-28). We carry in us the Spirit of God, enabling us to operate at a level of high performance in all aspects of life. Daniel and his friends showed this high performance when tested by the king. By depending on God's Spirit and wisdom, they excelled in wisdom, understanding and service (v.4).
Dear devout, tap into this God-given spirit of excellence in your career, business, ministry, etc. It is not about rivalry or self-reliance, but trusting in God's grace and wisdom. Like Daniel and his friends, seek God's wisdom in decision-making and cultivate the spirit of excellence (6:3).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Thank God for His Spirit of wisdom and excellence in your life.
2. Ask for the grace to rely on God's guidance and the courage to pursue excellence in all endeavours.
3. Pray for the spirit of excellence to permanently possess your children everywhere.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 725
S M
1. Soldiers of Christ, arise,
And put your armour on,
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through His eternal Son.
2. Strong in the Lord of Hosts,
And in His mighty pow'r,
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.
3. Stand then in His great might,
With all His strength endued;
But take, to arm you for the fight,
The panoply of God.
4. From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle, and fight, and pray;
Tread all the pow'rs of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
5. That, having all things done,
And all your conflicts passed,
Ye may o'ercome through Christ alone,
And stand entire at last.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Judges 3-5
AUTHOR
CAC, Christian Education Department.
Remain blessed
