Middle school · Day 1 of 5
Purpose in Your Heart
Read: Daniel 1:8-17 (KJV)
8But 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. 9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. 11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. 16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
Daniel was a teenager when he was taken from his home to Babylon. The king wanted to change everything about him: his name, his education, even his food. But "Daniel purposed in his heart" that he would not defile himself with the king's food. He decided ahead of time to honor God, and he asked respectfully for another option. God blessed him and his friends, and they ended up healthier and wiser than everyone else. Being brave often starts with a decision you make before the pressure comes. What will you do when friends watch something you know is wrong, or when someone sends something inappropriate? Decide now. Like Daniel, you can stand for God with respect, not attitude, and trust Him with the results.
Key verse
“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.”
Daniel 1:8 (KJV)
Think about it
- Why do you think it mattered so much to Daniel to stay faithful in something like food?
- What are some areas where you feel pressure to go along with the crowd?
- What is one decision you can "purpose in your heart" today?
Pray
God, help me decide ahead of time to honor You. When pressure comes at school, with friends, or online, give me the courage to stand for what is right with respect and kindness. Amen.