HHHH... I forgot to title this! It's Daniel!

I am starting over, on some things.
Discontent led to my own disapproval of my actions concerning God.
Different messages these past few days made me realize that the seeds we sow are not always financial. It can be a smile, a hug, a kind word, patience, etc...

It can also be giving time to reading the Word of God and taking notes, listening to what is being said and using it to guide your thoughts and actions further to represent the body of Christ.

Sooooo.....
last night I started on the book of Daniel.

One Chapter!!!! The First chapter humbled me...I read the second but the first really stuck it to me.

In chapter one, as many know, Daniel was chosen along with others, including the youths we learned about in our own childhood; Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. I knew the story of Daniel, have read this chapter often but never took the time to notate the specifics.

What a change!



In being called to live near the king, Nebuchadnezzar, and eat from the food he provided, Daniel requested that he "not defile" himself and his friends. With the favour of God upon him, his request was granted by a king's servant. After ten days the boys partook upon beans and water and in turn were "fairer and fatter" than the rest. This diet continued thus on for them.

Hmmmm....well I say humbly that if in that position I could have easily said that favour is upon me and I deserve the things of the king because I have been separated and singled out. How easily reasoning, earthly reasoning could have won me over!

I started seeing in my mind TV shows I watch, certain foods I eat, gossip or talk that even though I might not participate in, I swallow up in my mind.

So many times I do actions that I know are pleasing to God...but that is where I need to be very careful...Daniel chose his actions based on the love he had for God. I began to realize that some of my actions in recent weeks haven't been so. Actions spurred on by true love of God and others, often come without hesitation and do not expect reward. Good and true actions are the ones that bring joy, happiness in the Spirit, not requiring payback because payment is in the love of Christ!

Sadly, I still miss the mark sometimes.
Graciously and humbly I will lean on you, Father, to remember the beginning of Daniel and sit it well upon my heart as I continue on.

Thanks be to God!