Bible League: Living His Word Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.Daniel is a good example from the Bible of what the favor of God can accomplish. Daniel was one of the young men of Judah's royal family and other noble families who had been brought to Babylon as captives by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The Book of Daniel tells us that Daniel was "highly esteemed" by God (Daniel 10:19). Despite the fact that he lived in the midst of an evil pagan empire, and despite the fact that he maintained his spiritual integrity in that context, Daniel was given favor with the authorities of the realm and moved up the ranks as a result. The favor of God can be described as the esteem and approval of God that leads to blessings of one kind or another. In Daniel's case, the favor of God led to favor with the official. Favor, however, can be manifested in many ways. For Mary, it meant being selected as the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28-33). For Moses, it meant receiving God's continuing presence and guidance for leading the people of Israel (Exodus 33:12-17. For Noah, it meant being saved from the Great Flood (Genesis 6:8). How does one get the favor of God? Isaiah 66:2 quotes God as saying, "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." God shows favor to those who seek His favor by loving Him, respecting Him, honoring Him, and taking delight in His Word. This does not mean one must be perfect. None of the people of the Bible who are recorded as receiving God's favor were perfect. It does mean, however, that one must have a heart for God. II Chronicles 16:9 says that "the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." One can also receive the favor of God simply by asking for it. Psalm 119 says, "I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise (Psalm 119:58 ESV). Today, as you live the life God has given you, why not ask Him for favor, like Jesus had, "with God and man" (Luke 2:52). Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingNumbers 28, 29 Numbers 28 -- Daily, Sabbath and Monthly Offerings; Passover and Feast of Weeks NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Numbers 29 -- Offerings of the Seventh Month NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Mark 9:1-29 Mark 9 -- Jesus is Transfigured, Heals a Boy with an Evil Spirit; Who Is the Greatest; Do Not Cause to Sin NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him. Insight God cares for the needy, the afflicted, and the weak because they are precious to him. If God feels so strongly about these needy ones and loves them so deeply, how can we ignore their plight? Challenge Examine what you are doing to reach out with God's love. Are you ignoring their plight or are you meeting their needs? Morning and Evening by Spurgeon 1 Samuel 13:20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, all must be brought into action, and talents which have been thought too mean for service, must now be employed. Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually. Each moment of time, in season or out of season; each fragment of ability, educated or untutored; each opportunity, favorable or unfavorable, must be used, for our foes are many and our force but slender. Most of our tools want sharpening; we need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness, in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord's work. Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the conductors of Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons. This morning let us note enough to sharpen our zeal during this day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the Papists, how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, are they to monopolize all the earnestness? Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they endure in the service of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The devils are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity. O that from Satan's infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless! Daily Light on the Daily Path Genesis 41:52 He named the second Ephraim, "For," he said, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, • who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. • For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 1 Peter 1:6,7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, • so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. 1 Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
Click for Video Devotionals     |