DCLM Sincere Milk 8 May 2023 — Scholarship for the undefiled
DCLM Sincere Milk 8 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Scholarship for the undefiled
TOPIC: SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE UNDEFILED
BIBLE TEXT: Daniel 1:3-8
4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
7Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.
8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
KEY VERSE: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8)
MESSAGE:
You must have heard about students who received scholarship; maybe somebody in vour school or very close to you got a scholarship for secondary school education or to the university. Scholarship is a contribution or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievements. Scholarship may also refer to academic study, achievement or learning at a high level.
So, whichever way you look at the word, it stands for excellence, success or achievement.
Daniel and his three Hebrew friends were selected to enjoy the scholarship program of the king of Babylon. What a privilege! They were not even citizens but captives in Babylon. The scholarship came with full benefits – education, daily provision of king’s special food and other special provisions.
Incredible! Yet, in the midst of all the tempting privileges, Daniel and his friends remembered who they were and purposed in their hearts to stand for God and not defile themselves with food sacrificed to idols.
The lesson for believers here is that in whatever situation we find ourselves; opportunities or special privileges of life, we must still stand for Jesus and not be defiled. Do not allow the enjoyment of life to make you forget God. God is the giver of all things; therefore, honor Him above all things and He will give you good success.
FURTHER READING
Deuteronomy 28:1-13
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to remain faithful to You in all situations of life.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
