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Show AA.Zj t'CU j ED H E WT 0 H . 0 . :: SCRIPTURE: Daniel 1. DEVOTIONAL. READINOj I Tlmothr e-.u-ie. Daniel Stands By His Convictions Lesson for May 30, 1948 "A picket frozen on duty A mother starved for her brood Socrates drinking the hemlock And Jesus on the rood." SUCH a picture we have before us in Sunday's leBson. All you need to do to gel this dramatic picture pic-ture is to read the first chapter of DanleL You will then feel anew the meaning of that cherished statement, state-ment, " Tis conviction that con-vinceth." con-vinceth." BRAVE TO DO RIGHT WE GET the first draught of this tonic Ln verses 8-9, 14-15, and 17. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself him-self with the portion Vyrr'7 of the king's meat, 'Ar, aor wk e wuie l A which he drank .. ." t l?'?' He w a s brave 1 1 V-JF t enoun to take a rS 'mP A stand for what he p "J'A knew was right. VK Which reminds me jjf I of the story of pi'l- Henry Ward Beech-' Beech-' er, when yet a small boy. A teacher in Dr. Newton the school he attended at-tended asked a boy a question which he promptly answered. an-swered. The teacher appeared displeased, dis-pleased, and told the boy to sit down. He asked several other boys the same question, and got the same answer. Finally he asked Beecher, and Beecher gave the same answer, but refused to sit down when the teacher frowned at him. Seeing that Beecher was going to defend the answer, the teacher said, "Boys, you were all correct, but only Beecher was sure enough to stand his ground. I was simply trying to teach you the lesson that you must stand by what you know is right". DARE TO STAND ALONE DANIEL knew that he was taking an unpopular position, but he was willing to be alon so long us he knew he was right. He knew that the consequences would take care . of themselves. That is the quality of character which America needs today in her youth. It is easy enough to be popular, if you run with the gang; but remember re-member this the gang is always heading downhill. Daniel stood by his convictions when it was costly. In the final wind op, he was the head man. ENDURING INVESTMENTS DANIEL, winning his point, made every hour count toward victory. vic-tory. He not only abstained from strong drink, but used his superior strength to serve the kingdom in such way that his talents were sought out and brought into larger fields of opportunity. Standing by his convictions, be had won over those who at first were disposed to poke fun at him. By superb performance, due to clear thinking and high purpose, Daniel made enduring Investments that paid off in big dividends. He did not do right for reward, but because he did right, the reward was inevitable. And so it will be with every young man and woman y who purposes In his or her heart to do right GOD'S FAVOR I WANT you to look carefully at verse 17. "God gave them knowledge knowl-edge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding under-standing in all visions and dreams." It is impossible to account for Daniel's fortitude apart from his implicit trust in God. Remember the incident of Daniel opening his window toward Jersualem in : prayer? God never falls those who stake their all on him. He will not cannot can-not let them fail. It was because of God's favor that DanioJ and his companions proved themselves ten times better than the young men who defiled themselves. "Who sides with God must always win." (CopjTiqht bj tha International Councft ot Reiglous Education on behalf of 40 Protestant denominations. Released bf WNU Features.) |