Next steps

Good morning,

Well, we are back! And once more, let's reflect on the Word of God from Sunday and see what are the "next steps" God will have us take in response to the Word we heard.

 

"May we receive the word we hear each in an honest heart

And keep the precious treasure there, and never with it part."

(from the hymn, "Once More We Come Before Our God")

 

1. What does it mean to have "a made up mind?" Is that true of you? In what way?

 

2. Because Daniel has his mind made up, he refuses to "sell out" by eating portions from the king's table. What convictions have led you to where you are today? Remember, as Jonah Lehrer says, "We always need to be thinking about how we think."

 

3. When Daniel "purposed" in his heart what he would do, the context of the word suggests that his decision was not dependent on the acceptance of anyone else and therefore required no long or further explanation. Taking such a principled stand raises this question for us: how do I want to live so I can be who I want to be?

 

4. In the sermon, we heard that "some people make progress; other people make excuses." What are you doing - making progress, or making excuses?

 

5. When you make a decision, you are taking a risk, and also affecting the lives of those around you. What is at risk for you to decide who you want to be, or how you want to live? Who will be affected (positively or negatively) by your decision?

 

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart."
Psalm 119:33-34

Pastor Kenneth Q. James