MEDITATIONS
FROM DANIEL
June 1,
2006
Reading
“But Daniel
purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the
king's delicacies” Daniel 1:8
This account of Daniel and his three friends presents you with a divine principle that you, my soul, will do well to learn. Daniel was a devout follower of God and, when ordered to partake in what he believed was wrong, he chose to remain faithful to his conviction. The first element in spiritual victory is the decision to be faithful to that which God has shown you to be the truth.
“He purposed in his heart.” This is the first and easiest step in the process. How often do you decide to do something or not to do something of which the Holy Spirit has convicted you? When you make that decision you are sincere and determined to follow through, but then the temptations come.
He persisted in his conviction. When he was faced with opposition to his decision he chose to stay the course. “Test your servants for ten days” then return and see how I am doing, he told the steward. Such was his confidence that God would sustain him during this trial. Persistency is the key element in a Believer’s life.
He profited from his faithfulness. “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Profit is not a dirty word—God always rewards those who are faithful to Him, but profit should never be your motivation. A true Christian will always seek to please God and see Him glorified in His actions.
You have known the chastening of the Lord when you failed to be persistent and, even in that, it has proven to be profitable.
“For they indeed for a few days
chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers
of His holiness” Heb 12:10-11.
So in your faithfulness God will reward you—He rewards you for your obedience even though it was He who enabled you to be strong.
“I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13.
Heavenly Father,
thank You for convicting me when I stray from the path of righteousness. Help me to always turn to You and claim that strength You so generously offer, then
will I experience the fruits of
“Treasures of wickedness profit
nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. The LORD will not allow the
righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked” Proverbs
10:2-3.
I am the LORD your God, Who
teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you
should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then
your peace would have been like a river,
and your righteousness like the waves of the
sea” Isaiah 48:17-18.