August 27th

Read: Daniel 1:8-21 and Daniel 10:12; Acts 11:22-24; Psalm 16:8-11

Daniel knew what his goal was. He wanted to obey God, no matter what it might cost him personally. Once that goal was established in his heart, he activated his will and set about taking steps towards the goal. He adjusted his life to God, who desired to work out His purposes through Daniel. He made a sincere effort to cooperate with God in all things, and because of that cooperation, God was able to use him to move the heart of King Darius in God’s direction. Never once did Daniel forget his goal in his long years of service to God and to his king.

SINCERE EFFORT
When we make every effort
To do God’s will each day,
To serve with love and gladness,
To chasten self and pray,
He understands and listens
Though oft we slip and fail.
He honors every effort
Of service and travail.

He arms us for the battle
When corrupter comes to sway
And stands as front and rearward,
Our ever-faithful Stay.
He understands our struggle
To stay upon His trail,
So when we err and waver,
His love and might prevail.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to center all my goals in You.