But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.       ~Daniel 1:8 (NASB)

This is one of my go to verses.  I am always challenged by the simple phrase “But Daniel made up his mind”… Daniel refused to lower his standards or rescind his commitments.  He made up his mind to honor God even in the most difficult situation.

The question for you and I today is this… Will we make up our minds or “Resolve” to keep our commitments to honor God, no matter what we are facing.  One of the primary ways we as Christians develop resolve in our lives, is through the work of the Holy Spirit.

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.  And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

John 16:7-8 (NASB)

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

John 16:13-14 (NASB)

“Conviction leads to resolve, and resolve leads to action.” – I read this quote on the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) website.  I was challenged by the fact that as Christians we are dependent upon the Holy Spirit to bring conviction into our lives.  As we yield to the conviction and it becomes resolve in our hearts, we learn to please God in our actions.

As a church, we are participating in a fast to kick-off the new year… We are believing God for some pretty audacious things this year, both as a church and in our personal lives.  My challenge to you is to draw closer to God and ask Him to open your ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to you.  Ask God to strengthen your heart and deepen your resolve to please Him in 2015.  Finally seek the Lord for eyes to see as He does.

I believe that no matter what you face,  if during the next couple of weeks you put God first and draw closer to Him during this time of prayer and fasting, you’ll experience His blessings throughout 2015.