Daniel 1:8 ERV Daniel did not want to eat the king’s rich food and wine because it would make him unclean. So he asked Ashpenaz for permission not to make himself unclean in this way.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you are having a great morning. I grew up near this Akorino church. As kids, we used to go there on Sundays and dance as the Akorino believers beat their massive drums. We didn't go to church then though we were not allowed to work on Sundays except the basic chores. Their church carpet was then quite unusual; dried banana leaves. They also left their shoes outside their church hall. None of us would get in there for despite going there our parents had made stories about the Akorino believers. First, if one of them removed turban, such would run mad and we were examples given of such. Our parents had also said that if we ate in their parties which they held from time to time, we would get sick because we ourselves were not Akorino. Personally I was curious to find out more myself and would go there when nobody was in church on weekdays and peck through the church wooden spaces to find out more. Sometimes Muraya who's like the church verger would find me there and greet me and continue with his business.Later I would go there on the outside side of their altar and pray silently. Today we meet Daniel who had been raised under Jewish customs and faith but now they were captives in Babylon. He was a young man. By the grace of God, he and his friends were chosen to receive a training that would end them being the king's palace servants. They were to be fed from king's table of special food. You can imagine how good the food would was . Daniel resolved not to defile himself with king's delicacies which were not prepared in the direction people of God prepared food and possibly would even have been offered to idols for this kingdom was worldly. They chose to eat vegetables and instead of wine drink water! These days we rush for free food, free things not thinking of any effects they have on our faith. Many spends their times online watching and reading things that erodes their faith and robs them time to receive God's favor. Daniel and his friends received all they needed from God because of their action. They were healthier and ten times wiser than their colleagues at the king's school! God did all this for them for they devoted themselves to walk by Him even in a foreign land where they were captives. They did not complain about their problems but rather remained seeking and doing God's will. We later see more miracles happening in their lives, Daniel saved from hungry lion's jaws and Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego from fiery furnace. Daniel interpretation of dreams saved the lives of all wise men in Babylon. Are you enjoying king's delicacies by conforming to the patterns of this world or are you devoted to your faith? Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." God loves you, have a blessed day and weekend ahead . Shalom. Shalom.