A Diet That Works

O. T. #1970  " A Diet That Works"

June 28, 2021

Daniel 1-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

It is good to be back home and with you. Unfortunately, I did not take my laptop with me, so I was not able to post any lessons while gone. Let's continue to find encouragement in the Psalm. We left off at 95:

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (verse 1)

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. (verse 2)

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (verse 3)

In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. (verse 4)

The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. (verse 5)

This past week we rented a large house on the Gulf. Daily while sitting on the covered deck, we would look out over such a huge body of water that only God could create. The waves would come and go, washing over us peace. The day before our arrival, a cyclone had come to the island, so the waves were extremely rough. The wind was so strong, we had to fight it as we unloaded everything. Eventually it settled down, but daily rain would pop up so we would wait it out. Then we could walk along the beach, swim, or hunt for shells. It was such a blessing to be able to watch the grandchildren play in the water and on the beach. What a blessing the water is and eyes to see it.

Do we stop and realize that God created the mountains, the seas, sand, people, and family? How often do we stop and give thanks?

LET IT GROW

Are you looking for a diet that works? I lost 40 pounds when I stopped eating sugary foods and carbs. Daniel and his friends found one that worked, too. Read on for the details. 

We left Daniel and his 3 friends living in a foreign land, Babylon. In verse 8, we read where Daniel determined in his heart not to defile himself with the king's meat nor the wine. so he made a request of the top dog, man in charge of the food, to only have vegetables and water. If at the end of 10 days they did not look healthier and better nourished than the others, the young men would eat the assigned food for them.

What were the results after the 10 day diet?

• They stood out in every aspect of knowledge and in the application of it.
• God blessed the faith of these 4 young men.
• Daniel was entrusted with the gifts of understanding dreams and visions.(verse 17)
• Even the king talked with those 4 and was impressed with their wisdom and judgment being 10 times better than his magicians and astrologers. (verse 20)

The Babylonians were trying to change the thinking of the Jews by giving them a Babylonian education, their loyalty by changing their names, and their lifestyle by changing their diet. Without compromising, Daniel found a way to live by God's standards in a culture that did not honor God. Daniel quickly thought of a practical, creative solution that saved his life and the lives of his companions. As God's people, we may adjust to our culture as long as we do not compromise God's laws. (Life Application Study Bible)

What a brain-washing the Babylonians tried on the Jews. Would we be faithful like Daniel to keep our commitments to God? These Jews passed their exam by the king, will we?

You know, God can use Christians in government jobs of influence for their faith. Are we ready to reject the world's way of doing things and honor God instead? He is ready to bless His people when they obey and trust in Him.

Don't know where these points came from, but they are written in my Bible beside chapter 1:

1. Don't give in, be resistant.
2. Don't give up, be consistent.
3. Don't give out, be persistent.

LET IT GO

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, the universe declares Your majesty, God Jehovah.

You alone are Lord of heaven and earth.

Father, You alone are holy. Praise to the Lord of heaven and earth.

Keep us strong in love and faith, sharing Your Truth-Jesus is Savior and the only way to heaven.