Date: 09-10-2020

Title: A Purposeful Heart

(S) cripture:

    Daniel 1:8 (NASB) But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.

(O) bservation:
    Daniel had been taken captive to Babylon and was put into training for service to the king. He and his three friends were bright and physically fit. The king provided the best foods and wine for them to eat but they were forbidden foods for these Jewish boys. Daniel asked that they be allowed to not defile themselves. It is interesting that Daniel first made this decision in his heart, then he asked permission. God then intervened for him.

(A) pplication:
    The tough decisions of life are first made in the heart. The decision to eat right and exercise consistently for me must be made in the heart as a decision not to defile myself. The Lord will use that decision to remind me to decide to exercise when I don’t want to, to put down the food that is not good for me. God will help me and call to my attention things that will defile me but the decision is still mine to listen to Him or not. Today I choose to not defile myself.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I need you constant help and deliverance. Call to my mind this decision when I am about to violate it. I thank you for your faithfulness and love to me. Amen