[Q2. Change and Compromise]

The current flood of refugees today reminds me that since creation there have been human conquerors and the defeated  ( and a great deal of cruelty meted out)

but what id our God doing in this time with these people streaming into the complacent West

Nebuchadnezzar's conquest are well-documented in history and this introduction to Daniel shows how he totally subdued the people he defeated

It is also a story of great hope. Daniel and his friends rose above human misery and the degradation  in the treatment they were subjected to, by honouring the one true God. In turn, through them, he revealed His Power

since eating the food they chose to eat, showed the Chief Steward that their God was able to do mighty things

They refused to compromise their belief in Yahweh & He honoured that basic decision.  May we have courage today not to compromise our standards to fit in with the world and make life "easier" for ourselves.

Are we fearful? This story should convince us that God will bless us if we hope in Him

[Q2. Thanksgiving]

I never thought about blessing my enemies and I need to think on that.  I pray for those I have argued with so I need to look at that area again I don't think Paul dwells on the differences as much as what they have in common

 

They have been enriched fully in Christ Jesus  ...with so much......"all kinds of speech and with all knowledge" This confirms to the apostle that he has been doing the right thing even if some people disagree with he, himself  He no longer wants to throw them into prison as once he would have!  That is the transforming power of Jesus through the Holy Spirit