Heart Choices
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8
Read Daniel 1:8-20
Daniel heard what the Babylonian king expected from him and his friends, but he refused to obey the king’s orders. He would not receive the food program of the foreign king; by doing so, he would have defiled himself by eating food forbidden by Jewish law. Daniel would not transgress the commandments of the Lord, so he purposed in his heart not to corrupt himself.
Daniel’s choice to serve God was made from the heart. Therein lay the secret for his refusal to eat the Babylonian food placed before him. He had given his heart to the Lord, and he would worship Him alone, also in Babylon. He would not behave differently in a foreign land though he was far removed from his homeland.
The Spirit of God lived in Daniel’s heart. Only through the Holy Spirit will you be able to refuse the advances of the world. Daniel did not have the power to do this on his own. The Lord revealed that He had power over Babylon and the powers of darkness, so His people would not be swallowed up by the world. He also calls you, saying: My son, my daughter, give me thy heart. All those who will not give their hearts to the Lord are bowing their knees to the powers of the world.
Thought: What choices are you making?
Psalter 415: 2,4 (based on Psalm 25) Unto me, O Lord Jehovah, Show Thy ways and teach Thou me; So that, by Thy Spirit guided, Clearly I Thy paths may see. In Thy truth wilt Thou me guide, Teach me, God of my salvation; All the day for Thee I bide, Lord, with eager expectation. Good and upright is Jehovah In His dealings evermore. Sinners are by Him instructed In the way untrod before. He will ever guide the meek In His judgments true and holy; Teach His ways to those who seek, With a contrite heart and lowly.