Good Habits With the Bible
Scripture Reading — Daniel 1:1-16
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart…
—Psalm 119:9-10
When our granddaughter celebrated her eleventh birthday, one of the gifts she received was a youth study Bible. As she received that gift, she, in turn, handed down her children’s Bible to her younger brother. What a joy to know that she believes in Jesus and wants to live according to his Word!
Daniel and his young friends were taken far away from their families and separated from the worship and teaching of God in their community. It would have been easy for them to adapt to their new surroundings by thinking, “When in Babylon, do as the Babylonians do.” But these young men kept God’s Word in their hearts. They knew God was the ruler over all nations and that they needed to trust in him, no matter what happened. Daniel and his friends aimed to keep themselves holy and obedient by following God’s will. If you read more in the book of Daniel, you will find that the Lord used the dedication of Daniel and his friends to make them powerful witnesses for truth in that land.
If we establish good habits of reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, and doing good while we are young, God will give us opportunities to serve him. If we neglect the Lord while we are young, we will be prone to making bad choices that can hamper our everyday living and make it difficult to turn to him.
Father, reveal your love to our children. Jesus, save them by your grace. Holy Spirit, keep them obedient by your power. Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!