Psalm 1:3 

³That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

It says in Daniel 1:8-9, ⁸Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. ⁹Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.

Daniel was very young when he was forced to be exiled from the luxury of his home country. He was one of the youth trainees chosen to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. His beliefs and practices were tested, but he resolved not to compromise. And God had caused his difficult situation very favorable to him; he served as high ranking official, under four different regimes in a foreign land. The life story of Daniel had proven practically that faith in God is beneficial to obedient believers, even respect to authorities with unpleasant governance.

Christians are citizens of heaven; therefore, we are just mere transients in this world. It is truly very challenging to live in an environment full of confusion. At times, it confuses us how we may behave or react especially to events or situations that are not biblically mentioned. Most often, we face discrimination and prejudice because of our belief or other things. The temptation to compromise is seductive, especially when eternal destination is neglected.

It declares in Philippians 3:20-21, ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Someone said that our journey as pilgrims in this world attracts many temptations that distract us from reaching our goal. By human effort, we can never reach our eternal goal. This is why we should always rely upon our Lord Jesus Christ in everything we do, think or decide.

Lord Jesus, bless me to seek your help always.

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