The Word: Daniel 1: 8 (KJV)
8 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.
Dig Deeper: Daniel 1: 17(KJV)
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Think about it
CHANGE THROUGH PURPOSE
Next Level talks about change in level. So we can safely infer that Next Level means a positive change upwards. A change of level could also mean a promotion. In our text today, we read a story of a positive upward change for 4 Hebrew children who were in captivity. They were taught the language, culture and science of the Chaldeans and were meant to serve as Eunuchs in the Kings palace. However from being slaves in captivity these 4 boys changed and became celebrated leaders serving under the King. But that promotion did not fall upon them like ripe cheries. It was not fluke or random luck. It was not just undeserved grace. Something kick started or invoked the positive change. We read in verse 8:.
Daniel 1: 8
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat,
These children purposed to be outstanding…..
What is purpose in this context?
– It’s an internal determination,
– a resolve,
– a firm decision of the mind,
– a conscious intention.
So these 4 boys determined that they were going to outshine everybody else and nothing could stop them. Every change of level that will last starts from the mind. That is very important. Please note that. If there is no deep desire and purpose of the heart, when challenges come on the way to the next level, we will back out. God can change our levels without us making up our minds to live holy, righteous, blameless but that change of level will not last because we are not actively involved and committed to the actions that will sustain that promotion. But when we determine in our minds and follow it up, that change will last because we are committed to doing the right things that will sustain the change in level
Until there is a purpose in our heart to operate and live God’s way, a change of level is not in sight. Purpose is what God see’s in our hearts that tells him we are tired of the status quo. No purpose, no change of level. Purpose precedes change. Purpose drives change, purpose is the fuel and fire of change
Nuggets:
Purpose is what signifies to God that we are ready for the next level.
Our memory verse for May 2018
Ecclesaistes 3: 1
1. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Let’s take a few moment to learn our memory verse for this month by heart. It can be memorised in 2 lines:
Line 1: To every thing there is a season,
Line 2: and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Once you say it a few times it will stick.
Prayer focus: Our next level prayers:
Lord help me to purpose to operate your way.
On the word: Recommended book
The Bible Study Methods – Rick Warren
