FAITH CAPSULE: “…not to operate in the knowledge of God will not excuse a man from the consequences of lack of knowledge of God.”

Daniel 1

Ignorant, meaning to lack knowledge or information as to a particular subject or fact is what makes destitute of a believer. Isaiah made us to realize that the people of God went into captivity because they lacked knowledge. One will wonder if the knowledge was not there for them to take, use and avoid captivity. Isaiah mentioned, “…but they do not regard the work of the Lord, nor consider the operation of His hands. Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.” (Isaiah 5:12-13) Indeed, ignorant or lack of knowledge is nothing but a destroyer to those that lack knowledge. In this world of confronting challenges, having the knowledge of God is the only way out to having edge over all challenges. Also, not having the knowledge of God will not excuse a man from consequences of not having the knowledge of God. It is knowledge to know to love God while it is ignorant to only know about loving God or not loving God at all. God commands that we love Him with all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our strength. Many assume that loving God equals going to church on Sunday, attending mid-week services and working hard in the church. Indeed, it is good to be active in the church activities as mentioned above but, it does not define loving God. Loving God is a sacrifice, a costly sacrifice whereby a price has to be paid. Sacrifice unto God is not cheap. It is a proven mark of love for God in every moment of its engagement. Sacrifice to God is worship. Worshiping God is seeking. Seeking God demands all of our heart, soul, and strength. In loving God, no situation or condition should be enough to cause distraction. Our God who is jealous demands all our love and He will not settle for partial love. Daniel was among the giants of God that demonstrated his love for God and reap from his love for God. Daniel denied the comfort of the king’s delicacy, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) Daniel could not compromise his love for the one that created him. God responded instantly to Daniel’s love, “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs.” (Daniel 1:9) For Daniel, it was great exploit through all his days. When God loves you, enemies attempt will increase but failure becomes enemies’ attempts.

Prayer for today: O Lord, circumcise my heart to love You with all my heart with all my soul.