Daniel 1: 17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Dear God,
The day is bright with a warm sun and all seems ready to go for a good day. I am glad, but a little nervous to be presenting my recipes and tastes again, at a cooking demonstration. I believe that you will be with me and get me through, so I am on time, interesting and a help to others. I give thanks for leading me away from my self-made fears and pre-occupation with issues relative to myself, onto my salvation through Jesus Christ, which in itself brings much peace, because my sin burden is absolved by Jesus, who has paid my sin price, and so my confessed sins are forgiven. I praise Your glorious name, for making this provision for we of earth who are entrenched in sin, with no other hope of getting out of our mire, apart from You the Father, and Jesus Christ, Your Son. I am sure, that when my mind is staid upon You, then only can I walk Your way truly.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, the gifted young men of Israelite royal lineage, when captured by Babylon, were chosen to serve in the kings’ palace; after 3 years instruction in the Babylonian ways, gods and affairs. They had previously given their hearts to You and were wise in Your teachings, and had eaten a simple diet. They were faced with one of their first challenges to their faith, when part of their preparation for life in Babylon was to dine at the kings table. Daniel 1: 8, reveals, that Daniel purposed in his heart not to eat the unhealthy food from the kings table that had been offered to idols, and instead stay strong and firm in his commitment to his God. Three other captives joined him, and I think, as captives in a foreign land, that would take courage. I can see that this courage and commitment came from having in the past having given their heart’s to You, and making it a practice to spend regular time in prayer and in obedience to walk Your way. Now You were able to strengthen Daniel and his friends, and move on the hearts of those in positions of authority at the king’s palace, so that the four young men were allowed to eat their Hebrew diet for 10 days and because they had thrived upon it, they were permitted to keep eating that way. Your blessing was upon them not only at that time, but throughout the 3 preparation years and beyond, for they were intellectually above the others who had eaten the king’s food and compromised their belief and faith in You, the true God.
I ask God, that I also be given a true heart of courage toward You, that will also stay true to You, no matter the circumstances, as I determine to seek You in prayer throughout each day.
Amen