[NEW SERIES: The Book of Daniel... don't miss out on a single day of verses]
1:09 Daniel “Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel," (NIV)We completed 100 verses from the Gospel of Mark. There were many that were memorable, and which are part of my memory banks. I pray that you found hope and help and encouragement from that series. We now begin seeing new verses and meaning from verses in the book of Daniel. The Babylonians conquered Judah and took back captives to Damascus. Daniel and three other young men are put into training within the king’s court. We will see often that Daniel stood up for what was right in God’s eyes… but which were contrary to the ways of the Babylonians. In the same way, we are called to be different… to not conform… to stay strong in faith… that is what Daniel did as well. We can learn a lot from his faith. We pray that his life and the verses we find will strengthen you in the days and months ahead. I believe we will all need it.
Please deliver this verse to other family and friends… near or far away. Ask if they remember any stories or lessons from Daniel. Ask if they have ever been transferred or moved into new communities or even different countries. Listen to how they describe that experience. We will see a number of verses about courage… commitment… trust… and faith. We ALL could use encouragement in those areas, I am sure. We also need to be encouragers to others who are facing these same type of struggles and persecutions. Help them to dare to be a Daniel. Continue to Take Time For God’s Word© daily or as you hear the name Daniel and at 1:09 am or pm. We all experience new and different (planned or unplanned) changes in our lives. Things were going well… then POW… sickness… accident… career changes… aging (that’s a BIG change)… death of a loved one… and so much more. We need to have a firm foundation and a firm faith upon which to build back what we may have lost. It will not ever be the same. Change is constant. Yet, God is faithful to see us through ALL of it AND to be with us until the very end… and into the new beginning with Him!
We continue to pray for all the food banks and food pantries in our various communities and churches. We think of Feeding America (Chicago, IL / Washington, DC) and Bread for the World (Washington, DC) as larger outreaches that seek to get donations for food to all areas in the greatest need. It can be as easy as donating a few cans of food or boxes of cereal to one of the local drop-offs. It can be as impactful as starting or supporting your local branches of these types of organizations. MANY are hungry. We are called to help give them food… and spiritual food. Do what you can where you are. Keep doing it. It will be a blessing… greater than you may ever know. Pass it on by being different like Daniel was and by showing others a better way… a way of life in Christ Jesus!
