Text: Daniel 9:3-19

Dear Young People,

GOD WILL ALWAYS ACT ACCORDING TO HIS OWN WORD
As Daniel prayed to God, he knew in his own heart that God acted as He did because He would do that which is "in character". That means that God would never act out of character. When God gave His Word, He also revealed His character. He would never do anything out of character. He would always abide by His own word.

"And He has confirmed His words,
which He spoke against us and against our judges
who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster;
for under the whole heaven such has never been done
as what has been done to Jerusalem."
Daniel 9:12

This is a great and important truth to bear in mind, and keep close to the heart. God will always "confirm His Words". How we must be deeply challenged to know God's Word better, for in having a deeper knowledge of the Scriptures, so will we know the Lord far better too.

"AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES…"
It is important that we determine within our hearts that we know God's Word better. Let us consider the next thought Daniel spoke to God in prayer.

"As it is written in the law of Moses,
all this disaster has come upon us;
yet we have 3 not made our prayer before the Lord our God,
that we might turn from our iniquities and understand
Your truth."
Daniel 9:13

Through a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, Daniel was able to understand just why Israel had been sent into exile. It was all written in the law of Moses!

There was another problem. Because of a lack of knowledge and belief in the Word of God, the nation had also not sought to turn from their iniquities. They also had not been drawn to study God's Word as they should.

THE SAME PROBLEM TODAY
The Church at large seems to be repeating history. Many still do not search the Scriptures. Many still do not understand the place of God's Word in their lives. Many still do not understand just how ignorance of the Word of God would adversely affect them. Let us be deeply challenged by the example of Daniel. He stood out. He dared to be different. He chose to fathom God's Word in depth and thus he became wise!

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 21st April 2002, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore