October 26th, 2023
Thursday, October 26th
How Determined Are You?
By: Chrissy Cooney
Imagine a great feast spread in front of you, with the finest foods and drinks, and the richest, most savory treats. Can you smell the aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries? Do you see the assortment of cheeses, chocolates, pies, and cakes? This food is set out for you.
Yet you also have an understanding that each morsel, each bite, represents a slight shift toward worldliness and away from God. Just an inch with each taste.
What would it take for you to refuse this feast altogether? To not even take one bite? You would have to be so determined to live for God, that even a small movement in the opposite direction is unacceptable. You would have to be brave enough to choose God above all else.
We find an example of this kind of bravery and determination in Daniel, who was taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar, chosen to serve the king, and assigned a daily allotment of food and wine from the king’s table. But Daniel knew what God’s law said about unclean food (Leviticus 11) and worshiping other gods (Exodus 34:14). Daniel made up his mind not to participate in any thing that displeased God. Daniel 1:8 tells us, “Daniel resolved (made up his mind, purposed in his heart), not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way.” Daniel received that permission, and he walked in favor with God and with man.
Big picture - it’s not really about the food. It’s a heart issue. Daniel’s heart was set on serving his King; the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
As we walk out into the world this week, may we have hearts set on living for God; even, especially, in this world that seeks to constantly draw us away from Him. Lord Jesus, help us to see, understand, and choose Your way daily. Help us to be brave enough to fight the urge to fit in and instead live according to Your Word and Your Commands. Help us to be determined to choose You above all else.
How Determined Are You?
By: Chrissy Cooney
Imagine a great feast spread in front of you, with the finest foods and drinks, and the richest, most savory treats. Can you smell the aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries? Do you see the assortment of cheeses, chocolates, pies, and cakes? This food is set out for you.
Yet you also have an understanding that each morsel, each bite, represents a slight shift toward worldliness and away from God. Just an inch with each taste.
What would it take for you to refuse this feast altogether? To not even take one bite? You would have to be so determined to live for God, that even a small movement in the opposite direction is unacceptable. You would have to be brave enough to choose God above all else.
We find an example of this kind of bravery and determination in Daniel, who was taken into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar, chosen to serve the king, and assigned a daily allotment of food and wine from the king’s table. But Daniel knew what God’s law said about unclean food (Leviticus 11) and worshiping other gods (Exodus 34:14). Daniel made up his mind not to participate in any thing that displeased God. Daniel 1:8 tells us, “Daniel resolved (made up his mind, purposed in his heart), not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way.” Daniel received that permission, and he walked in favor with God and with man.
Big picture - it’s not really about the food. It’s a heart issue. Daniel’s heart was set on serving his King; the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
As we walk out into the world this week, may we have hearts set on living for God; even, especially, in this world that seeks to constantly draw us away from Him. Lord Jesus, help us to see, understand, and choose Your way daily. Help us to be brave enough to fight the urge to fit in and instead live according to Your Word and Your Commands. Help us to be determined to choose You above all else.
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