Daniel 1

I watched the movie called "The Book of Daniel" and I thought it was such a great visual representation of what the book is about. I never read Daniel from front to back but after watching I was motivated to do so.

The first thing that stood out to me about the book is that it's written like a story. It attracts me as a reader to read the text and as a disciple I strive to see what God is trying to tell me through the story of Daniel.

The choice food given to the servants from the king's table must have tasted delicious and seemed like a privilege. However, Daniel chose to only eat what his people would eat and declined the choice food. From this, the thought that entered my mind was that sometimes things that may seem expensive or rich may not always be the best out there. It's very easy to follow society and become a consumer for the trendiest things on the market. However, one needs to avoid this temptation and become good stewards of their money. This can also be learned in terms of temptation in general. We get tempted by worldly and sinful things because it seems good, but really isn't. We need to look through biblical lenses in order to really know what's really good in God's eyes and be able to say no to the things that really aren't.

Daniel 1:8
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. 

Sometimes you have to put yourself out there and stand up for what you believe in. It may be against social norm.

When you are faithful and are following God, He will provide and bless you in the good times and will be there for you in the bad times. He will help you through any circumstance.

Daniel 1:17
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.