The Book Of Daniel.

The Book of Daniel.

Daniel 1:8 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 not defile himself.

As a student at King's College Babylon, Daniel would not compromise his Godly standards and principles. Daniel knew full well that if he lowered his guard for a moment, then the appetite of the world would appear tasty.

So with 'purpose of heart' he maintained his separatist stand for God and against sin. This stand for God in evil and sinful surroundings is difficult and cannot be achieved in the strength of the flesh. Many of God's Redeemed, rather than maintaining a separatist stand in an evil day, become infected by the plague of compromise. This compromise culminates in Spiritual weakness and leads to a falling away from Bible believing Christian standards and principles. The Word of God counsels against this,

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, And ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Daniel's 'purpose of heart' was established by God giving him grace to 'choose the good and to refuse the evil,

Daniel 1:9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

The preparation of the heart belongs unto God,

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, And the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Daniel made request to the 'principal eunuch' and God gave him favour, even with the enemy. God rewarded Daniel's bold stand and opened the path of service for Daniel. The Path of obedience to God was more appetising to Daniel than the King's dainties.

Proverbs 23:1-3 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, Consider diligently what is before thee: [2] And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite. [3] Be not desirous of his dainties: For they are deceitful meat.

Daniel, although a captive in a strange land, and introduced to learn a foreign language and culture, purposed in his heart to please God. Even though the enemy sought to change his identity by giving him another name, Daniel's heart was separated unto God.

Deuteronomy 6:13-15 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. [14] Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; [15] (for the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Blessings in Christ. Rev Mervyn Cotton.