"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself."

Dan 1:8

I. I have determined in my heart to be Positive!

I have determined to be happy!!

"blessed" is also translated "happy"

Ps 1 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly"

Nor stands in the way of sinners

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful

NT Blessed Happy are the poor in Spirit

Happy are they that mourn

Happy are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness

Happy are the merciful

Happy are the peacemakers

Happy are the persecuted

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice

James 1 Count it all joy when you fall into various trials

Phil 4 Learn to be content in whatever state you are in

Phil 2:14 "Do all things without complaining and disputing (arguing)

James 5 Do not grumble! For the Lord is at hand!

II. I have determined to be hopeful!

When I have God I have hope! Roms 5:5 "Hope does not disappoint!" for the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the holy spirit.

All things work together for the good! Roms 8:28

Oh soul why are you cast down? Hope in God! Ps

Hope and faith are tied together!

I have determined to walk by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Heb 1

Faith calls things that are not as though they are!

I am not saying not to be a realist! But you have to realize that you are an overcomer! You are a winner, a victor! Paul said he was pressed but not crushed!  We are perplexed but not in despair Persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed! If God is for us who can be against us? I may not always feel like it, but that is where faith kicks in!

II. I have determined to be Pure!

A. I have determined to be holy

James teaches us in James 1 that we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.

Be not decieved bad company destroys good morals!

We are to come out from among them and be separate says the Lord!

We are called not unto uncleaness, but unto holiness!

I have determined to be Holy!

Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, asking how can I sin against against God?

He resisted attempt after attempt.

Daniel was determined that he would not defile himself with the Kings food.

We have to resist the Devil when he comes to tempt you.

You have to put on the armor of God and beat him off with your sword.

No temptation has taken you but such is as common to man, but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it!  (I Cor 10:13)

Determining to be pure is not self righteousness rather is it a committment on our part to please God! Be holy as I am holy says the Lord.

B. I have determined to be honorable

To be a person of character...like Job

Always do right

Always give your best effort..Every thing in word or deed to it as unto the Lord to the glory of God

Always keep your word..let your yes be yes and your no be no.

Always bear in mind that you are an ambassador/a representative of God!

III. I have determined to be at peace!

I have determined to be calm! "Consider the birds of the air, the lillies of the field, which one of you have ever been able to add one cubit to your stature?"

(Not worry)

( I will pray)

(give it to God)

I am going to be content and pray. "Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything" and let the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.

IV. Finally, I have determined to walk in God’s Power.

Not by might not by power but by His Spirit!

The arm of flesh will fail you you dare not trust your own.

I have determined to stand on His promises and trust God!

I have determined to walk in His anointing!

I have determined to empty myself of myself and die to my flesh and live for Christ!

We are all just one decision away from making any kind of change in our life. Why not decide to live for God? We used to sing this song when I was a younger man. "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back. Though none go with me still I will follow. The cross before me the world behind me, no turning back. No turning back." Say, "I have decided no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delights. Things that are higher, things that are nobler, things that allured my sight. I will hasten to Him! Set your head like a flint. Put your hand to the plow and do not look back. Step our on faith, and decide (purpose in your heart) you are going to follow Jesus in your every day life.

God Bless and I bless you too!

Brother Todd