Purposed in his heart

"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). Daniel, along with his three friends, learned how to separate themselves from the world at a young age. They learned how to stay consecrated by praying to the Lord and looking to Him when trials set in. They weren't going to defile their bodies with what the king of Babylon had at his table or bow down to praise the idols that surrounded them by drinking a strange wine. They set themselves apart, even during times of affliction and slavery. They knew the Lord their God was faithful. We too must set ourselves apart and be vessels for God only. This does not happen overnight, but it takes time. It takes a desire and a want for more of God in our lives. These four young men learned through trials that the Lord was true to His Word and faithful to the end. This comes with knowing Christ Jesus in an intimate way, and it isn't through just hearing of Him nor believing in Him, but walking with Him. When we believe the Lord is surrounding us, He is part of our lives, not only within us but around us every day. Then when the trials comes upon us, we know without a doubt that He is there with us. He teaches us how to stand and what to do in that trial. This is the greatest school to learn from what the Spirit of God teaches the believer, and the believer allows the Holy Ghost to teach them. This is the School of the Spirit. God bless you. Amen