A Resolved Mind

Bible Reading: Daniel 1

There is something about resolution, it starts and ends with you. It is a deliberate choice or a decision you make based on whatever conviction you have. To be resolved is to be determined and intentional about something and purposefully carry out that task despite the consequences or challenges. The Bible is full of individuals who resolved to do something — whether good or bad. For instance, Job made a covenant with his eyes not to look at a woman lustfully (Job 31:1); Joseph resolved not to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:6-23); Ruth resolved to follow Naomi to her country and told Naomi that Naomi’s God and people will be hers (Ruth 1:16); the psalmist decided to bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1), desired God always (Psalm 42:1-2), and gladly went to the house of the lord (Psalm 122); Deborah resolved to fight against the forces of Jabin king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera (Judges 4:6-7) and finally from today’s memory verse, Daniel proposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s meal (Daniel 1:8). The list is endless because the Bible is full of people who were committed to doing something and they did it passionately. Did you know that to be used of God requires a certain level of resolution first to submit to His will and to the necessary discipline? It is only a resolved mind that can overcome inconsistency and put in necessary actions in order to achieve that goal.

In today’s Bible reading, Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself with the king’s meal. Resolution does not end at the level of thinking about or even writing down what has been resolved, it requires taking action(s). Daniel thought about it, perhaps he wrote down his plan but he did not stop there. He pursued his plan by taking action. He met with the prince of eunuchs who favoured him and granted his request. Dear friends, are you resolved to pursue God? Then there has to be corresponding actions. Do you want to know God more, evangelize the gospel, love others, be effective in your prayer life, study God’s word daily, serve God cheerfully, finish your studies in flying colours, be a productive and innovative employee etc? Then you must back your resolution with appropriate actions. As we dwell more on this series for the next few days, may God open the eyes of our understanding in Jesus name.

Daily Confession: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Intercessory prayer: Pray for divine help for those who are in need of God’s help in their marriage, finances and other areas of their lives.

Hymn: There is power, power, wonder-working power

In the blood of the Lamb;

There is power, power, wonder-working power

In the precious blood of the Lamb.