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Commitment, Calling, Character
Rod ShimabukuroAs for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17
The people of God are taken captive, their cities overruled by the Babylonians. While the focus of the opening chapters is on 4 young, wise, favored of God Hebrew men, the turmoil of tragedy must have affected the people of Israel as a whole.
God is selected these 4 men, setting them up to be examples of what commitment, character and calling to His Kingdom purposes looks like,
I want to have a favor of God upon my life, Beckie’s and our children’s lives - like Daniel, Hannaniah, Michael and Azariah. But I question my soul ,heart - Am I willing to be committed, called and have the character it takes to live and lead through circumstances like them? WHOAH!
I want to live differntly in this exiled world, like the 4 men by: spending a littel more alone time in prayer and Bible meditation with Beckie. By being fully present and engaged with people God places in front of me. By reading, studying authors, men of God - to increase in learning, knowledge, wisdom.
Dear God ALL KNOWING, LOVING, GRACIOUS, POWERFUL, PRESENT!
Thank you for selecting me to know and live for you. Thank you for showing me that I’m called to You - not just to Your work. Would You help me to live our Your calling with a holy, bold, kingdom commitment and character. Favor me to know You, live for You, fulfill Your Kingdom purposes - no matter how “great or small” the purpose, project, person is. It’s so awesome to be refreshed with Your Word this morning! I Love You Godhead!