Thanks to everyone that was there last night: Kevin, Justin, Luke, Katie K., Katie H., and Amy. I think we had a exciting 1st discussion about what it was like to be Daniel.

Tonight (week 1) we had the opportunity to talk about Daniel 1:1-8.

Out of these 1st few verses we discussed the characteristics of the men in captivity that were chosen by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel was one of those chosen). And how they were not unlike people we look up to in our own lives. The description given in the NKJV of those chosen was:

- young men in whom there was no blemish
- good-looking
- gifted in all wisdom
- possessing knowledge
- quick to understand

Nebuchadnezzar chose individuals who he thought would be the most influential and representative of the leadership of Babylon to the people of Jerusalem. I don't think it was an accident that Daniel and his friends were included in this group of chosen young men.

Instead, I believe that God chose Daniel and his friends because they would be representative of Godly living to the people of Jerusalem during their captivity.

We also discussed the Babylonian names that were given to Daniel and his friends. They were given these new names in order to attempt to refute their religious loyalties and link them to the local Babylonian gods.

But in verse 8 we see that Daniel’s commitment to God was stronger than the influence that was seemingly forced upon him and the others in captivity. He knew that God was with him and so he purposed in his heart to stay committed to God.
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As we discussed this type of forceful influence in our own lives, Katie H. shared a personal experience of when her commitment to God was tested. She felt that she had to defend her own faith in a moment when no one else would step forward.

I think this is what we’re trying to understand. Do you have enough faith in yourself to continue your commitment to God when everything around you is trying to force you in the other direction?

We did not create God. We must always remember that God created us. We can experience an abundant life, if we will only live our lives the way God intended.

Additional verses to read, think and pray about: Romans 12:2, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:16, Jeremiah 1:5.

Have a great week, everyone!