Text by Susana Ruth Pamplona
Read:
Daniel 1:8
''8 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 defile him.''
Reflect:
Our hearts are so valuable to God, as these are the hidden springs of life. The heart is deep-lying within. It represents our true character but also conceals it.
In our generation, God is looking for vessels with firm and determined hearts who will not compromise their faith; a generation who will serve Him with faithful and devoted hearts. Daniel is one of the perfect examples of a steadfast Christian. He purposefully wrote it in his heart that he would not defile himself; whatever the cost, he will still choose God. Daniel’s heart could have wavered and he could have left his faith behind to protect himself in Babylon. And yet, he did not do so. Instead, his heart remained with God and he faithfully committed his life to Him.
Like Daniel, may we become a steadfast, immovable generation who will stand firm in our faith. Let us be focused and delight ourselves in Him. Whatever our situation may be, let our hearts be devoted with determination to seek and follow the will of God.
Throughout our own personal journeys, let our hearts abide in Him. Yes, there will be times when our situations will drag us and cause us to lose our faith, but our decisions to continually yearn for Him will cause peace to follow us through our own walks of faith. May we not become Christians out of convenience but rather, committed Christians who are willing to do the heavenly works and things of God.
We are a Daniel generation – we do not compromise and we do not conform to the patterns of this world, but we obey the will of the Father as we live in the Spirit.
Respond:
How is your heart? Do we always remain and abide our hearts in Him? Are we choosing God until the end of our journey? Are our hearts devoted and determined to stand firm in Him? Does your heart feel weary? If yes, then ask God to create a new heart within you. As it says in Psalm 51:10 ”Create in me a pure heart, O, God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Desire a new heart that is full of love for God.
Ruth comes from Tanauan City, Batangas. She is passionate about doing arts, especially paintings. She loves to express her imagination and emotions through the arts. The arts also serve as her language and stress-reliever. The Word of God is the sword she uses to stand against the things of the world. She loves how the Word of God disciplines her, shapes her, and transforms her.
AUTHOR: SUSANA RUTH PAMPLONA