In studying the book of Daniel at Thursday night Bible Study, we have seen Daniel’s motive, faith and determination to do what is right in the eyes of God. Most of us can positively say that we don’t face the same challenges that Daniel did. This should be very simple then, right?
Unfortunately, we are challenged just about every time we turn around. We all know what we SHOULD eat, but if you have a choice of a piece of fruit for dessert, or a piece of pie, we all know which is more appealing. If we turn on the television, we are faced with commercials for all kinds of sugar and fat laden goodies. If we go to a restaurant, there is usually a dessert display close by and tantalizing aromas coming from the kitchen. We can’t just go cold turkey and quit eating. The only choice we have is to try to make wiser choices. Ask yourself if you are really hungry or does something just look good? Look at the benefits of what your brain tells you that you would like and what your body clearly needs. Make a choice. Sometimes it may not be the wisest one, but if not, take one baby step at a time to make a wiser choice the next time. Every day is a new opportunity to be a little better than we were yesterday. Be Daniel strong!
Pray for Jean.
In His light,
Lois
Think Clearly About What You Eat
BY RICK WARREN
“Test us for ten days,’ he said. ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.’ [The guard] agreed to let them try it for ten days. When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food.” (Daniel 1:12-15 TEV)
When Daniel refused to become unclean by eating the food of King Nebuchadnezzar’s court, he made a deal with the guard: “‘Test us for ten days,’ he said. ‘Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare us with the young men who are eating the food of the royal court, and base your decision on how we look.’ [The guard] agreed to let them try it for ten days. When the time was up, they looked healthier and stronger than all those who had been eating the royal food”(Daniel 1:12-15 TEV).
Daniel didn’t just eat haphazardly, accepting whatever was placed in front of him. He was intentional about what he ate.
When you think clearly about what you eat, God empowers you to continue to make good choices. Clear thinking leads to self-control.
By thinking ahead of time, you can prepare so that you won’t have a “food emergency.” This enables you to eat healthful snacks that you packed ahead of time, and you won’t crash in the afternoon because you ate a greasy fast-food lunch.
Instead, you’ll be on top of your game, ready to do whatever it is that God calls you to do. Being mindful and conscious, thinking learly, and exercising self-control, you can become Daniel Strong.