Resolve to do!

 Daniel’s Resolve

=============

‘But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.’ Daniel 1:8 (NIV).

Resolve is one of those words we don’t use much anymore. Those who resolve to do something are devoted to a particular principle or committed to a course of action. Those who are resolved are self-disciplined and are able to govern their own emotions, thoughts and actions. Such people are admirable, courageous, but rare.

When Daniel resolved not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give in to the pressures around him. We too are often assaulted by the pressure to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us.

Merely wanting to live God’s way is not enough to protect us from the onslaught of temptation. We must resolve, like Daniel, to resist the pressure to give in and instead obey God.

It is easier to resist temptation if we plan ahead before it arises. Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself with the royal food and wine before it was placed before him. Preparation is crucial when we are know what is before us. In that way we will be able to stick with our convictions when the temptations come. We will fall into trouble if we have not previously decided where to draw the line. Before such situations arise, we must decide on our commitments. Then when temptation comes, we will be ready to say no.

Prayer:

‘Heavenly Father, help me, just as you did Daniel, to be an overcomer when temptations arise. Father, I am resolved to obey and follow you and will determine to let nothing hinder me walking closely beside you.’

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!

Final Thoughts:

Consider where our greatest area of temptation is just now. Perhaps it is poor eating habits, too much technology, social media, contact with associates who have a negative influence. Whatever the temptation, we must have a strategy that involves saying ‘no’.

Decide early on what is not in our best interests and resolve to not defile ourselves in this way anymore. As God’s holy people, let us determine to keep ourselves pure before Him. With our resolve and the power of the Spirit, we can be overcomers.

Be Greatly Blessed!

Enjoyed This Post? Please Help Us To Share It With More People!

If you would like to continue reading further devotionals please choose an option below. Thank you for your support, and Be Greatly Blessed!

Rejoice and Give Thanks!

 Rejoice And Give Thanks!

=================

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rejoice in the Lord, for He is your salvation

No matter what the circumstances are today, give thanks and praise His Holy Name.

For He will deliver you from all evil and shower you with His abundant blessings.

Let the fullness of joy saturate your heart as you meditate on the goodness and mercy of God.

His love for you is like the morning sun, bringing light wherever you go.

His favor for you is like the morning dew, fresh every morning and rejuvenating for your soul.

Rejoice, when things are going your way, for you’re enveloped in God’s blessings.

Rejoice when things don’t seem to be going your way, for God is with you, and He’ll lead you out of the illusions of the world (the valley of the shadow of death).

Keep your heart full of the joy of the Lord and see the world around you change according to God’s promises.

Be Greatly Blessed!

--------------

Action Steps:

It’s easy to rejoice and give thanks when things are going well.

But God’s Word tells us to rejoice always, and to give thanks in all circumstances.

This means that even when things don’t seem to be going well, we should be rejoicing.

When Paul and Silas were chained up in prison, they prayed and sang praises to God, and God freed them.

In fact, the Bible is full of stories of people who, when faced with dire circumstances, chose to rejoice, praise God, and give thanks to Him, instead of falling into despair.

That’s because true joy comes when you know our wonderful God intimately.

It comes from knowing that our God is more than able and more than willing to help us.

How can we not rejoice if we know that the God of Heaven and Earth is on our side?

-------------

Let’s pray…

Prayer:

Praise your Name Lord! For your mercies are new every morning.

Your love brings me incredible peace and in your presence is the fullness of joy.

I’ll rejoice and be glad for all that you’ve given me today.

Guard my heart Lord, so that the enemy may not steal my joy.

Give to me today a thankful heart, that I may continually give thanks under all circumstances.

I’m truly humbled and amazed by all that you’ve done for me.

Bless you O Lord! May all glory and power be to you forever and ever.

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!