It's the Little Things

Daniel 1: 1-4  Among the children of Israel who were carried captive to Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years’ captivity were Christian patriots, men who were as true as steel to principle, who would not be corrupted by selfishness, but who would honor God at the loss of all things. PK 479 Children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  Daniel 1: 5-10 Multiple Reasons – Dedication to Idols + Unhealthy Practices  Parents lessons on temperance  - self control – moderation in all things - saved their lives Daniel might have argued that, dependent as he was on the king's favor and subject to his power, there was no other course for him to pursue than to eat of the king's food and drink of his wine; for should he adhere to the divine teaching, he would offend the king and probably lose his position and his life. Should he disregard the commandment of the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and secure for himself intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects. Maybe even a chance down the road to witness to the king.  Purposed in his heart – what does that mean today?  Should the 4 Hebrew boys compromise with wrong in this instance by yielding to the pressure of circumstances, their departure from principle would weaken their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. The first wrong step would lead to others, until, their connection with Heaven severed, they would be swept away by temptation. Daniel 1: 11-14 Oldest epidemiological study on health and diet 10 days – plant-based diet vs. kosher diets vs. standard American diets Blue Zones – Secrets of the Longest Living People on Earth and Longest Living Americans – Adventists living by the same blue zone principles - https://www.bluezones.com/2021/12/10-things-that-will-happen-to-you-in-a-day-week-or-month-when-you-eat-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/     1. You’ll feel fuller sooner and stay fuller longer, 2. You’ll Be In a Better Mood and Have More Energy3. You’ll Have Better Blood Sugar LevelsPlant-based eaters have a 34% reduced risk of having type 2 diabetes, 4. Your Digestion Will Improve5. Your Cholesterol will Improve6. Your Blood Pressure Will Improve7.Sleep Quality will improve8. Your Skin May Clear Up - Look more Healthy9. Birds and Bees interaction improves10. You will Lose Body Fat Daniel 1: 15-20 What a great lesson on the importance of principled friendships!  In physical strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. Through a constant connection with God - they walked with God as did Enoch. Prophets and Kings commentary …. - --- How did these 4 Sabbath keeping Hebrew boys become fitted for a position of so great trust and honor? It was faithfulness in little things!!!  Many are waiting for some great work to be brought to them, while daily they lose opportunities for revealing faithfulness to God. Daily they fail of discharging with wholeheartedness the little duties of life. While they wait for some large work in which they may exercise supposedly great talents, and thus satisfy their ambitious longings, their days pass away. PK 487.3In the life of the true Christian there are no nonessentials; in the sight of Omnipotence every duty is important. This story is one to children and their parents…