Daniel 1- The Gifts

Welcome to my study of Daniel. In this series, I will be including unfinished pages from my journaling as well as paintings that I created, my interpretations, to go along with the stories of Daniel as they unfold.In the book of Daniel, we see God working in the intimate details of Daniel`s life. Daniel was a young Jew, who was taken to Babylon when the Jewish nation went into captivity. God empowered and encouraged him to live well in a hostile environment. We see Him working in the grand scheme of history, unveiling some mysteries and keeping others veiled. Daniel was a faithful servant and greatly loved. Daniel preached no sermons, instead, he recounted experiences of faith and deliverance while living among the Gentiles. He is the perfect example of how God enables His people to live godly lives even in an ungodly environment.  Daniel 1- Daniel and his friends encounter BabylonNebuchadnezzar, became ruler of Babylon the same year he invaded Isreal`s southern kingdom, Judah. In order to strengthen his own kingdom and to weaken conquered Isreal, he removed a number of the young Jewish nobility to go toBabylon. These young men were "without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed  with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king`s  palace." 1:4   Among those taken were Daniel and several of his friends. After three years of training, they entered the king`s service. Their introduction to the culture began with changing their names that testified to their faith in God, to names that were tied to Babylonian gods. So, Daniel, Hananiah Mishael,and Azariah became Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  They decided to accept the names and training but refused to eat the king`s rich foods that were offered, as a matter of personal integrity.  At the end of 10 days, they were found 10 times healthier than all the magicians and enchanters and the other captives.God protected them and eventually exalted them to high positions where He could use them to protect the Israelites.God blessed Daniel and his friends and gave them "knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. To Daniel, He gave insight into all kinds of visions and dreams." 1:17In Summary:Daniel and his friends refused to surrender to the pagan ways of Babylon. They courageously stood their ground even though their lives were threatened repeatedly. They took a stand when they refused to eat the king`s food. In doing so, they grew stronger for bigger tests to come. Is there something in your life that you need to take a stand for?   Be intentional to see what God may be revealing to you through that situation and use it to develop your faith and integrity.  Daniel never compromised his faith. He saw each hurdle as a "Faith opportunity"  He stepped out boldly for the Lord and always praised Him. "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way "   Daniel 1:8 If you want to order a print of today's art Click here