Pastor's Column 7/10/22

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“God gave [them] an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect pf literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams...” Whenever the king consulted them in any manner requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.”

Daniel 1:17;20, NLT

“Placed By God To Be On Top!”

People succeed because they are willing to do their best regardless of the extenuating circumstances. Success stories often are centered around people whom society deems as “highly gifted” according to prescribed variables. Most notably, having a very high IQ. However, great progress is made by the majority of us who are pegged as “ordinary” people. Whether a member of the IQ elite, or the un-acknowledged majority, the common thread that is woven in the fabric of success, is one’s ability to work hard, focus, think logically, and endure hardship. Overriding all this is, I believe, your devotion to God; and having “spiritual centeredness.” The Book of Daniel, provides us with brief glimpses into the life of Daniel, and his three younger friends. They were part of the deportation of Jewish people, driven into exile in ancient Babylon. Because they were young and academically promising, the king of Babylon enrolled them into an elite learning academy, hoping to test their abilities and skills. Babylon was not an easy transition for them. The king stripped the young men of their names; forbid them to publicly worship their God; and he forced them to learn and speak the Akkadian (post-Sumerian) language, abandoning their own Hebrew tongue. Despite all this, “God gave them unusual aptitude…” God is not absent when we are present in the venues in which we learn and expand our knowledge. The hostile forces around the Hebrew students, did not destroy their dreams; nor distract them from their destiny. God has reserved a top spot for you. Pursue it – yes, it’s all yours!