Posted on June 4, 2025, 8:09 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
The Bible says, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with wine which he drank...” (Daniel.1:8) To purpose from one’s heart is to deliberately and sincerely take decision with heartfelt commitment. It means to intentionally determine not to go against one’s belief. A commitment that is not based on obligation but the one that is done genuinely from one’s heart. A commitment that is not easily changed. Daniel is an example of one who demonstrated heartfelt commitment to the will of God. Daniel, a teenager was among the captives that were taken to Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah. In Babylon, Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego were among the captives deployed to the king’s palace for initial training. Daniel displayed an uncompromising integrity by refusing to eat the king’s food so as not to defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with wine which he drank. (Daniel.1:8) Daniel acted in a manner that aligns with God’s law regarding the animal that may be eaten and the one that may not be eating. (Lev.11:47) Despite the troubled situations Daniel found himself as captive, he did not stop worshiping, praying and giving thanks to God. He continued to express his true faith and trust in God through his faithfulness, integrity, self-control, humility and loyalty to God and to people. As a result of their heart-felt commitment to remain loyal and faithful to God, God gave Daniel and the other three Hebrew boys the knowledge, skill, wisdom and understanding required to sustain them in the land. To the extent that among all the men interviewed by the king after the initial training, none was like Daniel and the three Hebrew boys. They were found ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all the king’s territory. (Dan.1:19-20) God brought Daniel into the favor of those that matters. The Bible says, “Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. (Dan.1:9) In addition to the favor and goodwill, their heartfelt commitment provoked God to do the supernatural concerning them and glorified His own name. For instance, God saved the three Hebrew boys when they were thrown into the midst of the burning fiery furnace as a result of their refusal to bow down and worship the king gold image. (Dan.3:19-25) He saved Daniel when he was thrown into the lion’s den, for praying and worshiping his God as was his custom since early days. (Dan.6:10-23) Brethren, like Daniel, I urge you to stand firm in faith and continue to trust God. Let your true faith in God be seen in your faithfulness, integrity, self-control, humility and loyalty to God and to others, by which you can experience the supernatural power of the Almighty God. Remember, the Bible says, “I the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jer.17:10) I beseech thee therefore, to purpose in your heart not to defile yourself, and I pray the merciful Lord to grant you the grace to will and to do in Jesus excellent name. Amen Evangelism You are reading this piece and you have not given your life to Christ. I urge you to purpose in your heart now to get saved. Visit a nearby Church for assistance. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre
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