DANIEL 1:17-21

DANIEL 1: 17-21

   To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.  And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds
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   At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar.  The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service.  In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

   And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.  Daniel 1:17-21 (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   Daniel and his friends learned all they could about their new culture so they could do their work with excellence.  But while they learned, they maintained steadfast allegiance to God, and God gave them skill and wisdom.  Culture need not be God's enemy. If it does not violate His commands, it can aid in accomplishing His purpose.  We who follow God are free to be competent leaders in our culture, but we are required to pledge our allegiance to God first.

   How did the captives survive in a foreign culture?  They learned about the culture, achieved excellence in their work, served the people, prayed for God's help, and maintained their integrity.

  Do you have a relationship with Daniel's God?  For more information about His enormous gift for you (salvation), please click here:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html.

MY THOUGHTS

   Maybe if we would bring God back to the classroom, Americans would be exposed to how to survive in a foreign culture...whether it is a white gated community or an English speaking country.  These men refused to be victims.

   Daniel and the other three Hebrew boys put God first.  Jesus said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6: 33  (NIV)

   What are your thoughts?  You are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts.  You are also encouraged to pray for us as we spread The Gospel, and share our posts on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

Please also visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com/.

BIBLICAL PRESCRIPTION FOR DEPRESSION

THE PAIN OF DEPRESSION VERBALIZED

      In the middle of the night there is darkness.  Wait for morning.

   As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

 SHAME AND DEFEAT

    My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"

 

MEMORIES OF BETTER DAYS

   These things I remember as I pour out my soul:  how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.  Psalm 42:4 (NIV)

ANALYZE YOUR HEART

   Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.  My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.  Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.

LOOK UPWARD AND RECOGNIZE YOUR HOPE, HELP, AND GUIDANCE

   By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life.   I say to God my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me?  Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"  MY BONES SUFFER MORTAL AGONY as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"

   Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42 (NIV)

 

DEPRESSION SUMMED UP

    Awake, O Lord!  Why do you sleep?  Rouse yourself!  Do not reject us forever.  Why do You hide Your face and forget our misery and oppression?  We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.  Rise up and help us; redeem us BECAUSE OF YOUR UNFAILING LOVE.  Psalm 44: 23-26 (NIV)

GOD'S PROMISES

   The thing about God's promises is this:  since He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, if He promised blessings for one, they are for all.  We have only to obey and accept them.

   "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29: 11-13 (NIV)



FOR THE DESCENDANTS OF ABRAHAM

   "...you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you.  I said, 'You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So DO NOT FEAR, FOR I AM WITH YOU; DO NOT BE DISMAYED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD.  I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU AND HELP YOU; I WILL UPHOLD YOU WITH MY RIGHTEOUS RIGHT HAND."  Isaiah 41:8b-10 (NIV)

CONCLUSION

   Do not be dismayed.  You may be in the nighttime for a while, but God has not forgotten you, the morning will come.  Seek His face.  He is your God.  It is like you can send the "bat signal" to Him and He will come to you.  How much better can it get than to have a personal relationship with the Creator of all?

What are your thoughts?  You are encouraged to leave your thoughts in a comment.

You are also welcomed to visit Oma at http://omashealth.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com/.  Just click the name of the site you wish to visit.