“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 enunchs that he might not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8, NKJV).

The rewards of the Bible-based diet in Daniel’s story resonated with me when I became a Seventh-day Adventist. My Christian journey up to that point had been a circuitous one. However, each path led me to be more reconciled to the Scriptures. Daniel’s example continues to influence the dietary improvements I make for better health, wisdom and discernment.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. ... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matt. 6:25–27, NIV).

In spring of 1976, we stood in front of our home, and nothing was left but ashes. We were able to save the orange Ford Pinto wagon and my dad’s wallet that contained the only money we had. My parents seemed calm, but I am sure they were worried about the future.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, NIV).

When the COVID-19 outbreak happened, we were stuck at home in quarantine. All we could do was stay home and work or watch the news, hoping to hear something good. During that time, I noticed people having anxiety because they did not know what the future held. So many crazy things have happened recently, and as everything looks to be worsening, it feels endless.

However, don’t lose hope. We need to continue praying, having faith and keeping our heads up, because we know that God is here with us, and things will be better soon.

See past Visitor News Live episodes here.

Story by Tamyra Horst

Stewart Lozensky recently joined the Pennsylvania Conference to serve as the church regeneration director, a newly created role to help plateaued and declining churches grow again and reach their communities with the gospel. Lozensky (pictured with his wife, Heidi) will partner with pastors and local congregations to develop customized regeneration plans and provide resources to help them achieve their vision.