Passage of the Day:
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your[c] food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days, Daniel 1:8-14.
Reflection:
If you ever can’t sleep and find yourself enthralled by a new infomercial, you might find a book, diet or over the counter pill that boasts the ability to raise your own body’s pH level from acidic to more alkaline. One of the theories about natural cures for cancer over the past 25 years is that raising the pH in your own body improves your chances from getting cancer. When I was an elder at Red Lion, one of our church members went to a Natural Rehab Center in North Carolina. This Cancer Center alters an individual’s diet with fruits, vegetables and water. While my friend was fortunate to beat cancer, his roommate wasn’t able to overcome this deadly disease. Today’s passage follows a young man who refused to defile his body. Instead, this young Jewish boy established what churches refer to today as the Daniel Fast.
Prayerful Action:
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come, 1 Timothy 4:8.
Working Out Your Salvation:
By this date in the calendar, most New Year Resolutions about diet and exercise have either been abandoned or forgotten about. Life is full of cycles where Christians draw close to the Lord before falling away for a period of time. Although you may not be able to maintain healthy eating habits, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give up on elevating your faith by drawing closer to the Lord. Daniel did this by maintaining his strict Jewish diet by during Israel’s captivity in Babylon. Others stick to a rigorous workout schedule by running or lifting weights to stay in shape. Despite how you may feel, elevate your faith by keep improving your internal and physical environment.
Song of the Day:
If Major League Baseball celebrates hitters who go 3 for 10 for an entire season, don’t beat yourself up if your faith falters. Focus on the here and now, by highlighting the positive aspects in your life, Philippians 4:8-9. As Christians begin to remove the stumbling blocks hindering faith, you’ll raise the spiritual pH in your body so that God will allow you to change for the better.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 