God Gives Knowledge and Understanding

Monday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 1-2
NT: Hebrews 9
W&W: Psalm 124

Tuesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 3
NT: Hebrews 10
W&W: Psalm 125

Wednesday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 4
NT: Hebrews 11
W&W: Psalm 126

Thursday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 5
NT: Hebrews 12
W&W: Psalm 127

Friday’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Daniel 6
NT: Hebrews 13
W&W: Psalm 128

Today’s Reflection:

The Biblical book of Daniel is the story of a young man of God who was a Jewish exile in Babylon. Included in his story is the account of three other devout Jews: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story opens with the 4 men being educated and prepared for service to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Quite an honor for exiled young men, but there was a problem. They were expected to eat wine and drink foods that were unacceptable to their Jewish customs. These four brave men took a stand and asked to eat just fruits and vegetables, thereby not defiling themselves with the meat of Babylon.

The king’s official charged with their development was reluctant to allow them to follow a fruit and vegetable diet, but relented to a trial period. Daniel and his friends proposed to the test, assured of the Lord’s blessing. Their courage was seen in the fact that they were willing to put God’s name on the line, saying in essence, “God if you don’t help us, your name will be maligned!” God did help them and they were healthier and wiser than the other young men who had entered the king’s service.

The Bible says, “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” (Daniel 1.17). What an exciting prospect! To those willing to stand on principle and be faithful to him, God gives knowledge and understanding. He even gives visions and dreams to help us know the best course to take.

My prayer today is this: “God, I seek your light. Give me knowledge. Help me understand what I read and learn. Grant me a vision and plant a dream in my heart. Amen.”

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Joel 2. 28-29, 31a: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days… And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;