A Purposed Heart

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, or with the wine which de drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

We recently prayed over the children and teenagers of our church as they started a new school year. Many of us promised to remember them each morning in prayer. They face many things in the world today. Kids as well as adults, are openly defiant to the Word of God. To speak out or stand against brings persecution and isolation. As adults we must teach our children to have a purposed heart. What is a purposed heart? A heart that is sincere, a heart that is committed to God and a heart that has the ability to deny self for God’s Will.

Daniel is an example that we and our children can follow. You see, Daniel faced many things too. Daniel was ripped from his family and home. He was taken to Babylon, a place far away with no morals and heathenistic ideas and lifestyles. It may have seemed to some that Daniel had it better than most because he was chosen for the royal court. Daniel was from and upper-class educated family in Jerusalem so he would not have much hardship, right?

And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. Daniel 1:3-4

Daniel and his friends may have had the luxury of the king’s palace but what they were being taught contradicted God’s law. The food the king wanted them to eat was offered to idols and the wine would intoxicate them. Daniel had made up his mind from the start that he would not compromise God’s law, even if it meant death. I am sure you know the story, he requested not to have to eat the food or drink the wine. A “testing” time was granted. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat (Daniel 1:15).

Death could have fallen on them all but instead they had God’s favor. Why? Because of obedience through a purposed heart. When it comes to decision making time, we must all have a purposed heart. Donald C. Stamps says this, “Because the four young men were committed to God, God committed Himself to help them. If you are endeavoring to be faithful to God and His ways, rest assured that He will remain with you and give you the help and grace needed to accomplish His will.”

Pastor Julia Scott