Conviction And Consecration
Tuesday, December 31
Daniel 1:8-9 (NIV)
“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. Now God had caused theofficial to show favor and compassion to Daniel,”
Devotion
In the message,
‘The Ripple Effect of Consecration ’ we heard about Josiah and Daniel, whose lives left a lasting mark by influencing others long after their time. Josiah, as foretold in 1 Kings and shown in 2 Kings, cleaned house in his kingdom, getting rid of false gods because he found and cherished God's law again. And Daniel, in Babylon, faced the pressure to go with the flow and eat the king's food that had been sacrificed to Baal, but instead, Daniel stuck to his convictions and didn’t (Daniel 1:8). It wasn't just about what he ate, but about sticking true to his faith, showing us how standing firm can really make a difference.
We face similar issues today—maybe not with food, but with all sorts of pressures to fit in with what everyone else is doing, even if it goes against what we believe. But Daniel's story tells us that when we stand our ground, God's got our back. He gave Daniel and his friends useful favor by giving them knowledge, understanding and intelligence; and to Daniel he gave the ability to interpret visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17). God’s response to their consecration shows us that when we honor Him, He helps us not just get by but do well.
So, let's take a page from Daniel's book and ask God for the intelligence to navigate our
world. Let's aim to earn respect not by blending in but by standing out with our faith. May our lives show others that when we're firm in our beliefs, it can make waves and bring godly change.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me for the times I have not taken a stand for the truth of Your Word and Your ways. I ask that You place within me the power of the Holy Ghost boldness to stand unapologetically firm in the truth of Your Word. Regardless of the slander, name calling, threats, or anything the enemy hurls at me, help me to never falter, nor back down. I pray that now more than ever, You raise up Your godly church at this time to all stand firmly on Biblical truths and values without fear or apology. Help us to become a beacon of hope found only in You, that the world may see and turn to You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Whenever you are faced with a decision to choose or vote, let your convictions be guided by God's principles and standards. Let these be your compass.
Resources:
- Watch this message, “Contend For Your Faith”, and be encouraged to contend for your faith.
- Join any one of our Serve Teams and begin to walk in your God ordained calling, using your gifts and talents for His glory!