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Make Up Your Mind
By George Stroh
June 22, 2020
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself.... (Daniel 1:8)
Young Daniel was brought into Babylonian captivity and was being re-educated to become a personal servant in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. As a captive slave, Daniel was forced to be in total obedience and submission to his captors. Even so, Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself.
Because of his previous, settled commitment to the Lord, Daniel was empowered to courageously, yet humbly, seek permission from the Babylonian officials to not have to eat foods that would defile him before his God; Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. (Daniel 1:9) Because his mind was made up, Daniel was prepared to suffer the consequences if his request had been denied. What have you made up your mind about? Where do you draw the line that you won't cross? Do you have settled non-negotiables?
You can be sure that whatever you have made up your mind about before God will eventually be tested. Many Christian martyrs could have avoided terrible suffering and death by simply denying their faith in Christ. But their minds were previously made up. We can expect various temptations to sin will continue to come and the enemy knows each ones particular vulnerabilities. But if, like Daniel, you have made up your mind to trust and obey the Lord, you will be prepared to resist the temptations; But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:14)
Make up your mind... Now!
Maranatha!
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