“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 enunchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

This verse has blessed and challenged the hearts of God’s people over the years. Amy didn’t realize how much this verse would mean to her in the days ahead. Graduating from high school two months before, it was now time for her to go to college which was over 1,000 miles from home. As her parents returned to the airport to fly home, a sense of loneliness started to grip her until one of the young ladies in the suite across the hall introduced herself to Amy. Soon each of the young ladies discovered that they both belonged to the Lord. The sinful lives of many students all around them was not a strong pull upon either of the students. Long before they had come to this college, both had “purposed” in their hearts not to defile themselves with the ways of the world. It would not be easy; however, it would be blessed. How will this play out in your life today?

For today: As Daniel “purposed” in his heart to do the right thing, may we as well.