Personal Life: The Set of Our Sails

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank....—Daniel 1:8

Though we do not hear much of it in this age of spineless religion, there is nevertheless much in the Bible about the place of moral determination in the service of the Lord. "Jacob vowed a vow," and it was the beginning of a very wonderful life with God....

Daniel "purposed in his heart," and God honored his purpose. Jesus set his face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross. Paul "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,"...

These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly set to do the will of God....

Let us, then, set our sails in the will of God. If we do this we will certainly find ourselves moving in the right direction, no matter which way the wind blows. The Set of the Sail, pp. 11-13

"Lord, today I renew the vow I made many years ago to serve You unreservedly. I'm often pulled in other directions, but keep me focused and faithful, undeterred and undefiled. In Jesus' name, Amen."