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.   - Dan.1:8

The Place of Purpose…in his heart

The heart is the seat of passion, desire and the will. Daniel set his desire and will on the God of heaven. Many decisions are made emotionally and at times rationally, but if there is no purposing of the will, we will fail in faithfulness. Daniel discovered the secret to longevity in service, he had a fixed and firm will to be faithful to the law and its Author. Submission is the key. We must have a submitted will to the known will and word of God; a predetermined decision as to our response to temptations and trials of life. Our hearts cry should be with the Psalmist in Psalm 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. What is your heart’s desire? Is your all upon the altar of sacrifice? Submit your will and fix your heart upon Him!