SEPTEMBER 3

Daniel 1:7-9

PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART

King Nebuchadnezzar gave Daniel and his three friends Babylonian names. Daniel was called Belteshazzar, and his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Part of their training programme to become Babylonians, was to eat the food and wine from King Nebuchadnezzar’s table. But Daniel and his friends rejected the food and wine; and requested for vegetables and water instead.

What was wrong with the king’s food? Is it wrong to enjoy expensive and delicious food?

The problem with the food was not because it was rich, but because the Babylonians ate food offered to idols. They also ate unclean animals, like pigs, which God had forbidden the Jews to eat. Daniel and his friends were afraid to sin against God. So they resolved in their hearts not to eat from the king’s table.

This decision was fraught with danger as it was an insult to the king. He could decide to throw them into the dungeon or even behead them. But Daniel and his friends feared God and not man.



Dear friend, to purpose in your heart means to decide to live for God and to stick to it. Your heart is convicted and firm about the decision made for God. No matter how your friends may persuade and tempt you, or if they threaten to leave you, you will not be moved! Like a strong tree with deep roots that stands firm in different seasons, no matter how things may change you will also stand firm, deeply rooted in the Word of God and His promises. Nothing will move you. Daniel’s desire was to please God. Do you have this desire too?

Thought: To purpose in my heart is to make godly decisions and to ask God to help me stick to it no matter what the cost.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the conviction and courage to always stand firm on Your Word, that my faith may not waver in times of temptation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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