Today’s scripture reading:
Daniel
1:1-20
From
today’s devotional:
Although
Daniel was living as a captive in Babylon, he resolved in his heart not to
violate God’s laws. He never wavered from his commitment. What motivated this
young man to live out such a pledge?
Devotion
to God. Daniel’s deep love for the Lord
made him determined not to defile himself with the king’s food and wine.
Dedication to God means choosing to be set apart to love, worship, and obey
only Him. It amounts to declaring, “Lord, every part of me is Yours. I want
what You want.” When we keep Jesus Christ as the focus, our hearts will
overflow with thanksgiving, and we will be motivated to stand firm.
Clear
direction. If Daniel refused outright to eat
the king’s food, he would likely have lost his life. So he and his friends
turned to God for direction. The Lord gave them the wisdom they needed to
develop an alternate plan—and then also provided them with the courage to ask
permission to follow His way. Notice there were no loud demands, no arguments,
and no rebellious spirit. Their behavior was marked by trust in God and
dependence on Him. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will give us guidance
and understanding (John 16:13).
When we listen closely to His direction, we will be motivated to act.
Through
daily prayer and meditation upon God’s Word, we can keep our eyes centered on
Christ, our ears attuned to His voice, and our hearts motivated to obey. We’ll
be able to make the same wholehearted commitment Daniel did. So ask yourself, How
eager am I to do God’s will?
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