Monday, August 15, 2016

Monday, August 15: Jeremiah 19-20, Daniel 1-2 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 19-20, Daniel 1-2

Scripture: Daniel 1:5 & 1: 8  The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king........
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Observation: We are still responsible and accountable for our actions even when we are offered something that seems too good to refuse.

Application: Daniel was a man of integrity.




How easy it would have been to accept the King's food and wine and succumb to the ways of the others around him. Not only did Daniel stand up for what he believed but his friends joined him. Would his friends have also refused the King's food or negotiated a ten day trial with the chief of the eunuchs? We don't know but it seems to indicate that Daniel was the spokesperson or the leader. 

What opportunities do we have to show integrity when it would be much easier, and more common, to just do whatever is easiest? Do we correct a cashier that gives us too much change or misses an item? Do we go the speed limit even when we are running late? Do we take shortcuts in our work hoping no one will notice? Do we repeat rumours or gossip? Do we follow through on promises? How do we respond to others who do not act with integrity do we call them on it? Or let their actions slide because it's not our problem?

As a parent (and a teacher) I am constantly faced with opportunities to demonstrate and encourage actions that show integrity. I know that my own actions are being constantly scrutinized and I know that I often fall short. It's so hard to do the right thing all the time even when we know we should. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we know that You will never place us in a situation that You are not there with us. You provide the way for us to obey and follow You. Give us strength and integrity to follow You in obedience without hesitation. May we be able to stand firm in Your commands regardless of any temptation that comes our way just as Daniel did. Amen.


 
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year PassageDaniel 3, Jeremiah 7-9
 

3 comments:

Conrad said...

but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: - Daniel 2:28

I like how before Daniel told the king his dreams, he first said that no man could do what has been asked. Daniel could have taken all the credit but he chose to give the glory to God instead.

Tammy said...

Jeremiah 20;11a 11 But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior.

God does ask us to do something difficult and then abandon us. Not only does He stand with us but He does so as a warrior!



I also loved Daniel's integrity as well as his immediate decision to give all glory to God for revealing the King's dream.

Tammy said...

Major mistake in the previous comment. Should say "God does not " abandon us.