Daily Companion  | 3 September  

COMPETENT TO STAND AND SERVE 

 Youths without blemish, well-favoured in appearance and skilful in all wisdom, discernment, and understanding, apt in learning knowledge, competent to stand and serve in the king's palace–and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. - Daniel 1:4 (Amplified Bible)

In a dynamically changing world, the demand for highly skilled persons in their chosen field has continued to increase. Described by educational experts as "T-shaped competence", the need for in-depth and wider knowledge and skills is not new to the present world but dates back to about 600 BC at the Chaldean Royal College (a.k.a the University of Babylon) according to the focal verse today. Not only is this relevant to the present age but to the world to come. 

Currently, nations of the world are offering scholarships, talent visas and citizenship to persons who are competent to stand and serve to boost their socioeconomic purposes. For instance, the United Kingdom offers global talent visas to deserving talented individuals. The United States of America also gives Persons with Exceptional Ability a permanent resident permit and ultimately to be citizens. Various companies in the world today would prefer to employ the best candidates using competency-based tests (CBT). 

As we draw closer to eternity we begin to see the answers to our Lord's prayer: "Let Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." The pre-qualification for heaven citizenship is competence-based. Heaven will only admit those who are competent to stand and serve before the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God has only room for a "church without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). Being a virgin will not be enough but you must also be full of wisdom (Matthew 25:25). The gifts of the Holy Spirit: word of wisdom and of knowledge, discernment (an ability to comprehend what is obscured) will come bear in the kingdom of God.

Beloved, to be competent to stand and serve requires hard work, self-denial and discipline. Thankfully, you can be what you want to be through Christ who strengths. Everything that you need to be exceptional and perfect is in Christ Jesus. Come to Christ today.

Today’s Recite: "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. - Job 32:8

Today’s Morning Prayers:  Heavenly Father, I thank You that there is nothing and no  one impossible for You to transform. I seek divine transformation with competence to stand and serve in this world and in eternity. I receive inspiration and an excellent spirit to be exceptional in my vocation in Jesus' name. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: RISE UP O CHURCH OF GOD

Today’s ReadMe:  Daniel 1 - 3