Tag: #christianblog

Walking in Valley of Baca

Traveling for business or vacation has become more hectic, with flight cancellations, poor hotel rooms, and unexpected events like hurricanes often disrupting plans. The Bible likens our life to a journey, filled with both joyful moments and times of uncertainty. Psalm 84 offers a powerful outline of this life journey.

Psalm 84:5-7: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84 is classified as a pilgrimage psalm, sung as praise by those who traveled to Jerusalem to worship.

Meaning of Baca
The Valley of Baca, derived from the Hebrew word “bakah,” meaning weeping, is often referred to as the Valley of Weeping. Pilgrims are said to pass through this valley on their journey, though scholars debate whether it’s a real location or a metaphor for a difficult phase in life. Regardless, they agree that Baca represents a challenging experience.

Strength before Baca.
Psalm 84:5 begins with, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you,” highlighting that before pilgrims reach the valley of Baca, they are strengthened by the Lord. This verse emphasizes that we are not meant to journey alone; God offers us a reliable source of strength, but we must choose to rely on it.

Passing Through Baca
Traversing this treacherous valley means enduring harsh, arid conditions that can leave travelers extremely thirsty. Some of the characteristics of Baca:

  • Dry land: Baca is a place of extreme, and sometimes extended periods of dryness. There will be times you feel hopeless like Hagar felt (Genesis 16).
  • Deserted land: Baca is also a deserted place where you feel there is no one to help. Walking on roads marked with rocks of uncertainty is certainly painful.
  • Distorted land: In Baca, it can feel like everything you’ve known and believed, and even your faith in God, becomes distorted and distant. Trying to navigate your way through this land may seem futile at times.

Baca to Berakah
The Psalmist reminds us that when we trust God, the Valley of Baca can transform into the Valley of Berakah, a place of blessings. Even in dry times, they discovered pools of water, and as they waited for relief, God’s power came through, bringing refreshing rain to their parched land.

Strength to Strength
Travel can often leave us weary—kids exhausted, adults drained, and spirits low by the time we collect our luggage. But in this journey, something extraordinary happens. The traveler who trusts in God doesn’t just endure; he rises above it all, feeling more rejuvenated and full of vigor than ever.

End of Journey
Verse 7 reassures us that everyone will reach their destiny: Zion. Despite the dryness of the desert, the scorching heat, and the long, desperate days waiting for rain, nothing could stop the travelers from arriving at their destination.

Personal story
This blog article is written from the depths of the worst Valley of Baca my family and I have ever experienced. On June 4, 2024, our beloved 16-year-old daughter, Hannah, was called to her eternal home. Her sudden passing plunged us into a deep valley of weeping. Hannah was not just a proofreader, translation assistant, and audio reviewer for this blog ministry—she was our greatest encourager. Her absence is deeply felt in our daily lives and in all the ministries we are part of.

Walking through this valley has been incredibly difficult, yet the Bible reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted. In this valley, where noises of confusion and despair seem to overwhelm us, we still hear God’s gentle whispers of comfort. In moments when the weight of grief feels unbearable, we sense God’s eternal hands beneath us, holding us up. As waves of sadness bring rivers of tears, we feel His presence wiping them away, renewing our strength and giving us hope. We hold tightly to the promise of His Word, knowing that we will see her again on the other shore. But in the midst of our sorrow, we are encouraged by the legacy of our daughter’s life, which continues to produce new lives committed to serving the Lord.

Life Application
One thing we’ve learned through our own grief is that everyone walks through their valleys of Baca at some point. If life has led you through seasons of deep disappointment, heartbreaking loss, or overwhelming confusion, take heart—God has promised to be with you every step of the way. Even when the enemy whispers that it’s too much to bear, remember God’s unshakable promise: He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Let His promises nourish your soul, and allow His Word to strengthen your heart. The Psalmist reminds us, “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” The same God who gave us strength before our valley, and walks with us through it now, is faithful to guide you through yours. One day, we will look back and see His faithfulness through it all. So even in grief, choose to find hope, for our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Side Note:
I began writing this article before Hannah went to her eternal home. It’s taken time and God’s strength to come back and finish it. My family and I would deeply appreciate your prayers as we continue to walk through this valley of grief.

Audio version: spoti.fi/3NCh0un

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Tasting In Testing

Have you ever experienced a dangerous situation, where you felt the weight of danger lift off your shoulders at the last possible moment? Perhaps it was deliverance in a car accident, or maybe a medical breakthrough for your sickness. These moments of narrowly escaping disaster often leads us to thanking God for divine providence. The Bible tells us of many such events, but one person who has experienced this many times is: David.

Psalm 34:1,8 – I will praise the LORD at all times; my mouth will continually praise him. O taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

Some of the most beautiful and reassuring verses in the Bible were not
penned by men of God in peaceful settings; rather, they emerged from their
crucibles of sufferings. Psalms 34 and 56, for instance, were born out of David’s moments of extreme trouble, facing threats from all sides with no way out. The experiences described in 1 Samuel 21 provide the backdrop for these powerful psalms.


Proud Moments to Peril
Not long before this, David had triumphed over the giant Goliath. However, his newfound fame led King Saul to pursue him relentlessly, deploying all his military and intelligence assets to capture and kill David. David found himself in danger, feeling betrayed by the very Israelites he had saved from Goliath.
In desperation David runs into the land of Gath. Gath was the hometown of Goliath. Perhaps he went there because he felt that would be one place that Saul would not come looking for him. But the people of Gath captured him and brought him to their King Achish.

Songs from David’s Soul
During this desperate and life-threatening moments, David’s soul turned to God in songs from his heart. Psalm 56 outlines the pain and his prayer: “Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.”


Tasting God in the “I Scream” moments
In these perilous times, David captures the goodness of God in Psalm 34:8 with these words: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” David emphasizes that God’s goodness isn’t merely heard about, seen in others, or found online on social media—it must be experienced firsthand. Just as tasting a favorite food brings a unique satisfaction beyond words, encountering God’s goodness brings a depth of sweetness beyond description.

Despite his circumstances, David’s heart is steadfast and focused on the provision of God. God gave him a rescue plan that was unique and never again repeated in the Bible: pretend to be a madman in front of the hostile king!

The process of tasting God’s goodness isn’t like walking into an ice cream store and asking for samples. Rather these came in the “I SCREAM” moments of life. In this taste test, we may go through the most desperate, debilitating, discouraging, and downward spirals of life. When everything seems like it has hit rock-bottom, we will see the everlasting hands of Jesus our Rock of ages.

Personal story
In this first week of May, my wife and I celebrate 24 years of God’s faithfulness. Our journey is filled with stories of God turning impossibilities into blessings. After years of praying for a child and enduring pregnancy losses, we experienced the miracles of having 3 beautiful children. Through painful trials of sickness and even near-death situations, we have tasted His goodness firsthand. Our story is a testament to what only God can do.

Life Application
Amid life’s ups and downs, we experience joy, trials, and everything in between. Despite varying challenges, we find peace in knowing God orchestrates every detail. As Luke 12:7 reminds us, God’s intimate care extends even to the hairs on our heads. David closes Psalm 34 with a reassurance: “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” So take heart and let’s boldly counter confusion with confidence, proclaiming victory through Jesus in every circumstance.

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Rivers of Grace

Some moments are truly unforgettable, filling us with awe and wonder. From dazzling fireworks on Independence Day to thrilling rocket launches into space, these spectacular events inspire us with their sheer magnificence. In the Bible, we see many such events but one that stands out is: water gushing from a rock .

Numbers 20:8- Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.

Wonders in Wilderness
Exodus 17:6 – Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.

In Exodus Chapter 17, during the early stages of the Israelites’ journey, the people were thirsty and complained. Moses was instructed to strike a rock, and miraculously, water gushed forth from this dry rock in the hot desert. This remarkable event provided much-needed relief and sustenance to the thirsty travelers.

Different Generation, Same Aggravation
Later in their journey, after about 37 years, the Israelites encounter the second instance of water from a rock. Biblical scholars say that by this time most of the older generation has passed away, but the grumbling and complaining have persisted among the new generation. What one generation demonstrates, the next generation often adopts. Decades later, they are still lamenting the few pomegranates and figs they had in Egypt. An ungrateful heart can obscure our ability to appreciate God’s goodness and lead us to desire even the old, spoiled figs.

Mistakes, Miracle and Mighty Grace
Numbers 20: 10-11 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.

In a remarkable display of divine grace, God provided water from a rock despite Moses’ disobedience. Had this miracle not occurred, the people might have stoned Moses and abandoned their journey to the Promised Land.

Punishment for disobedience
Numbers 20:12- But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

When God’s grace was evident to the people, He also disciplined his faithful servant Moses for a specific error. Surprisingly, this single mistake led to Moses missing the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Let’s explore why God administered what might seem like a severe punishment for this one misstep.

  • Disobedience – Disobedience often led to immediate punishment in those days.
  • Distrust– Moses trusted in his own past experience than the power of God to do something new.
  • Distortion – By asking “must we bring water from the rock”, Moses claimed credit for the first water miracle.

Identity of the ROCK
1 Corinthians 10:4 – and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

Paul clarifies that the rock Moses struck symbolized Jesus, as Old Testament events often foreshadow those in the New Testament. In the first instance. the striking of rock and water from the rock represented the hits Jesus endured during his crucifixion. In contrast, when Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, it symbolized the grace and love we can receive from Jesus by just asking Him. There’s no need to strike Him again, as the penalty for our sins has already been paid. Here a significant foreshadowing opportunity was missed.

Solace in Grace
We can find comfort and solace knowing that all is not lost for Moses. While it is true that he did not enter the Promised Land, we see him in the New Testament on the mount of transfiguration:

Luke 9:28–31 – Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray….And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

God in his infinite grace and mercy does not cast away his chosen ones for their mistakes.

Life Application
Today, the unwavering promises of God and His grace remain accessible to us. In times of desperation, disappointment, illness, worry, temptation, and even in moments of spiritual struggle, turn to the Rock. His streams of healing, comfort, grace, and mercy will overflow abundantly! When the enemy tries to convince you that there is no water in this desert and that death is inevitable, point to the Rock split on the cross of Calvary and proclaim victory in the name of Jesus. You too can discover solace and grace in your hour of need.

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Gethsemane- He Gets Us

Everyone loves beautiful gardens, and botanical gardens proudly welcome a staggering 4 million visitors each year. The sheer beauty and awe that these splendid creations evoke captivate our minds as we stroll through these landscapes. However, there’s one garden of profound importance, that surpasses them all in significance—the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-36 – And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”… and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, Abba, Father, …Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Gethsemane: The Olive Oil Press
Hebrew word for Gethsemane is GatSh’manim. This comes from two words: gath, which means the press; shmanin, is the word for olives. Olive oil played a crucial role, from being used in everyday lampstands to serving in ceremonial cleansing by priests.

Farmers used sticks to knock olives from trees. The olive press involves two stones, one large atop and another beneath, effectively crushing the olives to extract oil. Alternatively, men could also press olives underfoot to obtain the desired olive oil.

This holds great significance as it symbolizes Jesus undergoing beating, crushing, and piercing for our redemption. Let’s look at some things that happened at this Garden.

Garden of Agony
Gethsemane was indeed a garden where Jesus went through deep agony. Here he was:

  • Pressed, Tempted, Surrendered. As Jesus prayed, his sweat resembled blood drops. Tempted like any other man, he implored the Father to spare him from the impending death, but submitted to the Father’s will. Mark Chapter 14 depicts this distressing moment as a moment when He was deeply troubled and He fell to the ground. Notice that the reason for this agony stemmed from the realization that, for the first time, He would be separated from the Father, and it was not an attempt to evade His mission.
  • Pressed and Punished. Equally important is the fact that the reason for his agony was that the cross was going to be the full unleashing of the wrath of God the Father, and the sin of the whole world was going to be laid upon the sinless Son of God. That includes our sins, and the sin of generations past, present and future.

Garden of Betrayal
Gethsemane showed the deepest betrayal. Jesus spent three and a half years with 12 disciples, loving and teaching them about God’s mysteries. But when He needed help, no one was there. Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, and even His trusted friends—Peter, James, and John—fell asleep instead of praying with Him.

Garden of Victory
Gethsemane is the garden where the journey to victory started. Here, the decision to obey the Father’s will, no matter the cost, was made. The completion of this process happens in another garden, the Garden Tomb, but Gethsemane marks the beginning of it all.

Life Application
As we go through the various seasons of life, let us remember what our Savior did for us. Unconditional love, sacrificial love, and love beyond measure was demonstrated in the garden of Gethsemane.

If you’ve been feeling hopeless, agonizing about what tomorrow will bring, remember that Jesus has experienced the same. Prophet Isaiah calls Jesus “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3).

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by loved ones, know that you’re not alone—He has experienced it too. On the other hand, pause and consider if, inadvertently, you’ve betrayed the love of our Savior. It may not involve 30 pieces of silver, but perhaps it’s dedicating 30 hours a week to other priorities that overshadow your time with the Lord.

If you’ve been feeling unattractive, lonely, or ignored, remind yourself – He has been there as well! Prophet Isaiah says Jesus was “like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him…” (Isaiah 53:2).

Going through the pain of Gethsemane, Jesus tasted all these for us so that He can hold our hands and walk us into the garden of victory! So take heart, when the enemy tells you all is lost, point him to the Garden of Gethsemane and proclaim that victory was won! Gethsemane is where it all began.

  • Leaving A Legacy: Tribute to Hannah

    Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr.—names we remember not just for what they did, but for the legacy they left behind. For the most part, their lives were measured and honored after they were gone. But the Bible speaks of a man who evaluated his own life before the end came—Paul. Sitting…

  • Untie The Unqualified

    Picking the best airline or rental car is crucial for any travel venture. It is especially important when our trips involve impactful missions or crucial meetings. But on his most important journey, Jesus chose the a humble mode of transportion: a donkey. Mark 11:1-3: “And said to them, “Go into the village in front of…

  • Powerful Pain Relief

    Products that promise to alleviate pain and discomfort are everywhere. From headache pills to post-surgery relief, hundreds of companies promise to make the pain vanish. In the Bible we see a woman who found pain relief without any of these products: Hannah. 1 Samuel 1:10-11 – She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord…

  • Tiny Coins, Timeless Impact

    Coin collection is a hobby that people have enjoyed for many centuries. Collectors spend hundreds of dollars in the process of acquiring the rarest, most unique coins. But did you know that there was a set of coins in an offering basket that caught heaven’s attention? Mark 12:42-44 – But a poor widow came and…

  • You Are Loved!

    As February arrives, displays of love saturates our world, with heart-shaped displays and the fragrance of many roses. From sweet chocolates to dreamy trips, expressions of love are plentiful. What does true love look like, and how long does it last? Let’s explore: Jeremiah 31:3 – The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:…

  • Making Way For Miracles

    In our fast-paced world filled with technology like cars, smartphones, and computers, we all want everything to be quick. While exploring biblical miracles, it becomes apparent that not everything has an instant solution. Let’s look at one example of a man named Elijah and the steps he took that led to a miracle. 1 Kings…

Untie The Unqualified

Picking the best airline or rental car is crucial for any travel venture. It is especially important when our trips involve impactful missions or crucial meetings. But on his most important journey, Jesus chose the a humble mode of transportion: a donkey.

Mark 11:1-3: “And said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it..”

Lord Needs It
Jesus sends two disciples to get him a colt to ride into Jerusalem. Interestingly, this is the only time the words “The Lord has need of it” is mentioned in the Bible. God, all-powerful and lacking nothing, at times invites us to join Him in performing miracles. Similar to the boy sharing his lunch with Jesus, or the people whom Jesus asked to take away the stone from Lazarus’ tomb, God may involve us in these moments.

Reason for the Donkey Ride
So why did Jesus choose a donkey? Let’s explore some of the reasons:

  • Perfector of Past Prophecy: About 500 years prior to this event, Zechariah had prophecied this: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9).
  • Perfect Servant: Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Jesus rides a borrowed donkey, similar to Him borrowing Peter’s boat for preaching, and later borrowing Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb for burial. He chose the donkey to emphasize that he connects with the poor and oppressed. What a humble Savior we have!
  • Perfect Peacemaker: In the Old Testament, kings used to arrive on donkeys in order to signify that they come in peace. Horses were used in wars, and as decorated animals to signify a victory in a war. So this lowly donkey was indeed the right choice for the Master who came to give us peace with God!
  • Perfector of Future Prophecy: Jesus came on a donkey in his first coming because it wasn’t yet time to come on a horse. Revelation Chapter 19 shows Jesus riding triumphantly on a white horse.

Unqualified Yet Untied
This donkey would be the least likely choice if Jesus tasked his disciples with finding the best one for him to ride. Training a new colt to ride is a long process. This colt did not have the training or experience that was needed to carry the King of Kings into a Triumphant entry. Moreover, it wasn’t in the same village, making it unlikely to be discovered. But the Master knew exactly which animal he has chosen and his instructions was : Untie him!

Glory to God Alone
This humble donkey, whose name, town, and owners remain unknown, received no recognition for its work. When chosen by God for a task, we should ensure all glory goes to Him.

Life Application
If Jesus used this lowly animal to carry Him, He certainly can use you! If the enemy convinced you that you are indeed an inferior, remember that the Master knew the one that was inexperienced, outside and tied up!
1 Corinthians 1:27 says: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” His Word is everlasting and His promises are unchanging. So, you too can have hope, if you choose to trust Him and make yourselves available for Him!

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Tiny Coins, Timeless Impact

Coin collection is a hobby that people have enjoyed for many centuries. Collectors spend hundreds of dollars in the process of acquiring the rarest, most unique coins. But did you know that there was a set of coins in an offering basket that caught heaven’s attention?

Mark 12:42-44 – But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.

Window into Widows Life
In ancient Israel, widows faced neglect and mistreatment and had no one to plead their case. Acts 6 recounts discrimination against a group of widows during food distribution. Yet, the Bible imparts valuable lessons through widows’ lives, revealing God’s heart through humble members of society.


Clinking of the Coins
In the temple courtyard, there were 13 trumpet-shaped collection chambers, each designated for different offerings. Seated opposite these receptacles, Jesus keenly observes the varied ways in which people contribute. People joyfully dropped money into the thirteen boxes, relishing the rhythmic cascading sound of coins, often attracting positive attention and approving glances of others.


Mighty Mites
Verse 42 says: “Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites.” A mite is the smallest denomination in Jewish currency, worth only one-eighth of a cent. Though her quarter cent offering was practically worthless in human eyes, this poor woman’s offering caught the eyes of the Master! Contrary to our inclination to applaud famous givers, heaven recognizes the profound sacrifice made by a humble widow with her two small coins.

Portion versus Proportion
The widow’s offering held special significance as she gave everything she had. Although the portion of her monetary contribution might not have surpassed others, Jesus acknowledged it as MORE because of the depth of her sacrifice. While others gave without sacrifice, she offered her all, making her portion proportionally greater in the eyes of the Lord.

More than Money
Beyond finances, this principle extends to every aspect of our service to the Lord. Key lessons from this widow include:

  • Faith: Facing an uncertain future without any other tangible support, and risking her livelihood, this woman placed unwavering faith in God. She trusted in His ability to supple her needs. Perhaps inspired by the biblical account of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16), her act of giving became a testament to her steadfast belief in God’s providence.
  • Sacrifice: Giving when you have very little is a daunting task, yet this woman did not withhold her last two copper coins from the Lord. Her sacrificial act mirrors God’s ultimate sacrifice for us: Jesus. God values offerings that involve true sacrifice, a principle King David understood very well.
    In 1 Chronicles 21:24 King David insists on buying the plot for sacrifice for full price. He declares that he will not offer burnt offerings that come without a cost or sacrifice on his part.

Personal Story
While personal stories aren’t a regular feature in my blogs, this passage stirred memories of my maternal grandmother from the land of Kerala, India. Widowed at 45, she, a single mother of six, placed her trust in the Lord. Despite limited resources, she selflessly shared food with those in need, sometimes leaving her own children hungry. The Lord took note of this, blessing her with the opportunity for all her children to come to America. She lived in this land for over 27 years, witnessing the goodness of the Lord to her children and grandchildren until she passed away at the age of 93.

Life Application
Let us never underestimate the offering, whether it’s our finances, services, talents, or worship. Embrace the call to wholeheartedly give to the Lord. Understand that He sees the sincerity in your sacrifice despite any perceived limitations or weaknesses on our part. Hebrews 6:10 says: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
So, let’s make a decision that we will sacrificially give Him our time, our resources, and our wealth. He is a God who is faithful to His Word.

Resolutions For A Lifetime

With the dawn of a new year, resolutions to eat right, exercise more, and doing good things are almost universal. But often most of these resolutions fall apart within weeks. Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that lasted a lifetime?

Let’s look at one example of a person who did that: Daniel.

Daniel 1:8 (ESV) But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

Decisions in Difficult Days
Daniel chose to remain holy despite the pagan king’s orders. Let’s explore these tactics, as they are still used to distract and lead young people away from godly principles.

  • Isolation: Nebuchadnezzar separated them 900 miles from their homeland, making it impossible to be near family, friends, or their synagogue. All chances of godly association are now gone.
  • Identity change: Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of four Hebrew boys. Their original names, Daniel and Mishael, connected to El-Elohim, and , Azariah and Hananiah, connected to YAHWEH (“IAH” is short form for YAHWEH), were altered to reflect names of Babylonian gods.
  • Indoctrination: Nebuchadnezzar wanted to ensure that these young men were completely transformed so he put them through the Babylonian training program for three years.
  • Instant promises: After they completed their training, they were promised things that would lure any young person today: great jobs, great positions and access to the king himself.


Decoding the Enemy’s tactics
We may think Daniel made a big deal about a small, trivial thing like food and wine. But Daniel knew that in Babylonian culture, they ate and drank as if it is always a religious party. Complete with offering the food to idols, and menus full of non-kosher food, these had all the signs of being a pagan event. To participate in these events, meant that they’ve assimiliated themselves with the new culture.


Divine Destiny for the Dedicated
Daniel 1:17, 19 (NKJV): As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king.

Daniel’s commitment and determination to serve God despite his circumstances enabled him to be an advisor to four kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyrus).

Decisions made by Daniel and his three friends, were rewarded by God in majestic, supernatural ways. No other person in the entire world has survived being in lions’ den, or have walked out of a fiery furnance, unharmed.

Daniel’s decision to serve God at a very young age, resulted in him becoming one of the greatest prophets the world has seen. The Book of Daniel has a lot in common with the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Interestingly, did you know that they are both the 27th books of the Old and New Testament, respectively?

Life Application
This year let us embark on a journey marked by transformative “but Daniel” moments, shaping a legacy of strong faith and unwavering principles. Take a moment of introspection and consider whether we have the courage to gracefully stand up for our godly principles, especially amidst the world’s various tactics.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV): For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Let us make a resolution this year that we will be wholly committed to God, no matter what comes our way. That will be the best new year resolution we’ve ever made!