Pastor's Column 7/13/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

¹⁷ “God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of  visions and dreams… ²⁰ Whenever the  king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters  in his kingdom." Daniel 1:17; 20, NLT

“The Step to Climbing Higher!”

Faith is an important and indispensable part of who we are – and in determining what we can achieve. The young men who were sent to exile in ancient Babylon is an example. The area is now identified as modern-day Iraq. Most believe the area is about 50 miles from Baghdad.  In the Old Testament times Babylon was a very advanced region, and prized itself as having exceptional education, culture, and the arts. They had one of the most powerful military forces in the known world. It was that military prowess that attacked, subdued, and occupied much of Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a select group of young men back to Babylon as exiles. These young men who already showed promise of great aptitude and exceptional ability, were to serve in a special capacity for the king. As the young men settled into their new home, they were determined to hold on to their faith and the values they were taught some 900 miles away. When the students were ordered to eat from the menu the king had prepared for them, they refused. This rejection brought fear to the king’s assistant who oversaw them. He was convinced this silent protest would endanger their health, and possibly his life. The older one, Daniel, convinced the assistant to let them bypass the king’s food for ten days, and eat an alternate diet of vegetables and water. This bold act of faith worked. After ten days the four young men were physical better and more knowledgeable than the other students. Holding to our Faith is a necessary step to help us climb!