July 29

July 29

Daniel & his Friends Obey God -- Daniel deals with temptation.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Daniel 1

Reading 2: Proverbs 23:1-8

Reading 3: 1 Corinthians 10:13

After all the disappointments of the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, with God's judgment and evil kings abounding, we now come to a most encouraging part of God's Story.

In the midst of captivity and punishment for sin, God blesses four young men from Judah selected for their strength and aptitude by Nebuchadnezzar's leaders. And in the midst of the training regime, they can continue to live in the way God commanded (not eating food offered to idols as was common in the Babylonian palace).

God gave them favor with those overseeing them, and they were able to prove that God's blessing is more powerful than a rich diet or pagan spiritual talents. Thus, they are positioned for some mighty demonstrations of God's presence, power, and purpose, during the long captivity of Judah in Babylon. Stand by for more adventures in the days ahead!

Have a great day!

Mark.