ESOCS Devotional 30 June
TEXT: DANIEL 1:1-14 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8 KJV
The decision you take determines the outcome of your destiny. It is not possible to arrive at the right destination with the wrong decision. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone who must have a fulfilled destiny must walk on the pathway of the right decision. It is important we note that decision-making is not a product of the anointing but a conscious action. Decisions must be deliberate and precise. This was the state of Daniel in the king’s palace after they were brought to learn the language of the Chaldeans. Desperately and deliberately, he resolved never to defile himself with the strange food served in the king’s palace; eventually his outcome was tremendous (Dan. 1:18-21).
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
This is a wakeup call to us as believers to be deliberate in decision-making also. Here are some of the recommendations:
a) Decision against defilement: Our body is the temple of God. Whoever defiles it will be judged (1 Cor. 6:15-20). We must not defile our body in sexual immorality (fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, pornography, masturbation). We must not defile ourselves with idol worship also, for God is a jealous God (Exod. 20:3-5). Do not defile it with alcohol, cigarette, and hard drugs. Do not defile it with lust and evil thought. Make a deliberate decision never to defile your life in any manner, as it is God’s temple.
b) Decision against fraudulence: We should not involve ourselves in a system where people defraud each other in business, offices, academic environment, and even in the church of God where corrupt practices seems to be taking the centre stage. We must resolve desperately never to defraud the system to which we belong, that is, the Church, or any other. This was also Daniel’s flight ticket (Dan. 6:1-3).
c) Decision against wickedness: The virtue love appears to be fading away and hatred seems to replace it. But we must shine the light of love again. We should make up our mind not to exist in hatred, bitterness, animosity, enmity and wickedness. We must resolve to forgive one another, no matter what we have done to one another. We must decide not to practise wickedness against anyone. These and many more are decisions we must make.
d) Decision for eternity: Amidst every decision you take in life, you must decide never to spend eternity in hell fire. Yes! It is real. Decide never to end in the lake that burns with fire. There is a place of joy and happiness called heaven. Decide to go there. It will surely payoff on the last day.
BOTTOM LINE: Your decision determines your destination and destiny in life. Be wise today, so that you would not have regrets tomorrow.
CHALLENGES
- Be decisive today against anything that is evil.
- Be decisive to live and be a blessing to your generation.
- Be decisive never to go to hell. It will help you apply caution to your life and day-to-day behaviour.
PRAYER POINT: Father, thank you for your word, forgive every wrong decision I have made in past. I repent of them. Grant me the grace to take the right decision henceforth, in Jesus name. Amen
FURTHER READING: Daniel 1:15-21; Acts 10:17-23; 10:24-48
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ESOCS Devotional 30 June
