Courage Under Fire!

During our bible study last week, we studied the character of Daniel on the subject of Leadership. As we read and discussed, I was amazed and awed all over again by the life of Daniel. He was more than just a Sunday School bible hero. He epitomised faith and courage in the present modern world.

Daniel. A Babylonian captive. A stranger in a foreign land. A minority. A slave in the king's palace. YET, he rose to become the King's 2nd in command. How did that happen??

Daniel purposed in his heart to obey and please God only. No yummy royal food could tempt Daniel from becoming defiled. He continued to pray 3 times a day as he had always done. He bowed to no other god except his God. In the face of death and of the lion's den, he obeyed only God's law and precepts. He most likely didn't have God's book of law with him when he was taken away from his home. He had only what had been taught to him as a child. And God showed him favour.

The Babylonian King tried to change Daniel and his 3 friends - their lifestyle (by introducing foreign royal food), their religion (by giving them foreign names after the Babylonian gods), their thinking (by giving them foreign teaching). But what Daniel and his friends had learnt in their childhood, they kept int heir hearts. Daniel and his friends refused to be changed. They purposed in their hearts to serve God and Him only. And God showed them favour.

In our day and age, temptations surround, haunting and threatening at every opportunity. I hope i will store up God's truth in my heart such that like Daniel, i can continue to live my life for God and not be shaken by the temptations and threats around me.

My Life is in Your Hands

A dear sister in Christ and mentor once wrote this song lyrics by Kathy Troccoli as her graduation and farewell gift to me. It was a tremendous encouragement to me then. It is still a great inspiration and blessing today. There are many things in life that we cannot fully understand, but by faith, God will work all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. May it also be a blessing to you...

MY LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS
By Kathy Troccoli

Life can be so good
Life can be so hard
Never knowing what each day
Will bring to where you are

Sometimes I forget
And sometimes I can't see
That whatever comes my way
You'll be with me

My life is in your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with you
My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

Nothing is for sure
Nothing is for keeps
All I know is that your love
Will live eternally
So I will find my way,
And I will find my peace
Knowing that you'll meet my every need

My life is in your hands
My heart is in your keeping
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with you
My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

When I'm at my weakest love
You carry me
Then I become my strongest love
In your hands

My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will lift my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing things
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands
I trust you Lord
My life is in your hands

P/S: Thanks, Roanna for this. I wrote it in my journal more than 7 years ago, and it's still here with me..