Welcome to Bethany Bible Church

A faithful disciple resolves in advance to obey and trust God, regardless of the consequences.

Daniel 1:8 –  But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.

Daniel 1:9 says: Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.

Daniel 1:10 – 10 But he responded, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded.”

Daniel 1:12–13 says: “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.”

We need disciples who are full of grace and truth.

Daniel 1:15 – At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.

Daniel 1:16-17 – 16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.

17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.

Daniel 1:18-20 – When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

Daniel 1:21 says: – Daniel remained in the royal service until the first year of the reign of King Cyrus.

Head–Heart–Hands Next Steps

Head – Identify one area where you need to decide obedience in advance. 

Heart – Ask God to shape your attitude so that your convictions are held with humility. 

Hands – Choose one specific act of obedience this week. Write it down, pray over it, and tell one trusted believer who can encourage you.