READ Daniel 1
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, chooses Israelite captives to be trained to serve him.

INSIGHT
Moral courage. It is the resolve to do what is right—even if no one knows. Regardless of the consequences. Even when you are weary. Even when there are extenuating circumstances and when everyone would understand if you “caved in.” Daniel is a man of moral courage. The food he is offered probably violates the dietary restrictions in the Law of Moses. Note the words: “Daniel purposed in his heart” (1:8). Then God brings Daniel into favor. He gives him skill; He gives him a healthy glow. When faced with moral challenges, we must do our part—be obedient from the heart. And then trust God to do His part.

PRAYER
Because God honors our commitment to moral excellence, praise Him with the words of this psalm:
God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you; my body faints for you
In a land that is dry, desolate, and without water
(Psalm 63:1).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord:
Achan replied to Joshua, “It is true.
I have sinned against the Lord,
The God of Israel (Joshua 7:20).

Make your ways known to me, Lord;
Teach me your paths.  
Guide me in your truth and teach me,  
For you are the God of my salvation;  
I wait for you all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Indeed, God is my salvation;
I will trust him and not be afraid,
For the Lord, the Lord himself,
Is my strength and my song.
He has become my salvation
(Isaiah 12:2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater faithfulness with your talents
• Your state and local leaders
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace as you believe so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
(Romans 15:13).