1. A Purposed Heart Daniel 1:8
Daniel was among the first Jews taken into Babylonian captivity around 605 B.C. (Spent 70 years)
Babylon took the “important men” in the first wave of captives from Jerusalem. Babylon changed their names and their diets, educated them, and taught them the Chaldean language. Why? To turn their allegiance away from God and Jerusalem to Babylon!
Daniel had other plans! (Daniel 1:8)
The word “purpose” means: “Determined, committed, rehearsed, making up one’s mind.” Man of planned determination—Heb.11:33.

2. Planned Determination
The only way to serve God.
Is it enough to be just a baptized believer?
Acts 11:19-21
Acts 11:22,23
“Purpose of heart to continue with the Lord.”
Without “purpose of heart,” one cannot serve God effectively. Is it enough to obey the gospel, attend worship services, and occupy a pew? No doubt, these things are important, but it takes more to be a successful Christian (Acts 11:19-23). These brethren had believed and were baptized. THEN Barnabas was sent to Antioch. What was his message? “They should purpose in their hearts to continue with the Lord.” How can we accomplish this?

3. Single-Mindedness Internal resolve Loving the Lord First Matthew 22:37
Luke 9:59-62
Matthew 6:33
Object of love must be First
Cannot be Next or Second
Christians must be single-minded. We must have internal resolve to put our service and love for Christ FIRST (Matt.22:37).
Lk.9: What was the problem with fulfilling these duties before doing the Lord’s work?
They placed something before the Lord. We are told to put Him and the kingdom FIRST ( Matt.6:33).
The object of our love must come FIRST.
Christ cannot be NEXT or SECOND.

4. Following Obedience to the Gospel
Proverbs 23:7
2 Corinthians 10:5
1 Peter 1:13
Only type of service that can help us reach heaven.
Need “heart-felt” religion
Long ago, Solomon said, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov.23:7)
We must bring “every thought into obedience to Christ.” (2 Cor.10:5)
We need to “girds up the loins of our minds.” (1 Pet.1:13)
This is the only type of service that can help us reach the glories of heaven.
We need to have “HEART-FELT” religion—not the better-felt-than-told kind. We must exhibit full persuasion and conviction in the lives we live before God. Half-hearted Christianity sickens (Rev.3:15,16). We must determine in our minds the course we will pursue—no matter what comes along. If we do this, there are three Benefits to be enjoyed…

5. Prepared to Face Daily Temptations
1 Corinthians 10:13
Daniel 1:8
Genesis 39:7-9
No snap decisions
Rehearsed
Not reactionary
Matthew 15:18,19
Proverbs 4:23
A “purposed heart” prepares one to face daily temptations and to withstand sin’s allurements.
God has promised a way of escape (1 Cor.10:13).
Before he was cast into the lion’s den, Daniel determined what his conduct would be (Dan.1:8)
Before Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph, he knew what he would do (Gen.39:8,9).
If one does not prepare himself to face temptation, he will be forced to make snap decision. In most cases, it will be the wrong decision.
Some say “don’t think about it,” That doesn’t work (Matt.15:18,19) We have to think before we act.
We need to rehearse what we will do in a given situation—not be reactionary.
Young people, know the course you will take when someone tempts you to take a drink, use drugs, or act in an ungodly way!
Young ladies, when a boy stops treating you like a lady, determine that you will say NO.
We must DETERMINE IN OUR MINDS what we will do with our lives—no matter what obstacles are placed before us (Prov.4:23).

6. Service to God Will Be Diligent Service
Acts 11:26
1 Corinthians 15:58
1 John 5:3
Revelation 1:8,9
Always working
Busy in the kingdom
Being with His people
If one has a “purposed heart” the service he renders to God will be diligent service.
Notice that following their obedience, Barnabus and Saul assembled with the group in Antioch for one whole year (Acts 11:26).
We must be always abounding in His work (1 Cor.15:58). If one has a “purposed heart,” worship times, gospel meetings, and other times to be with saints will be joyful and blessed—not burdensome.
It is never hard to serve God (1 Jno.5:3). The hard part comes when we turn our backs on God.
In Rev.1:8,9, John said Christ was the “Alpha and the Omega,” the FIRST and the LAST. Is He first and last in your life. Does life begin, and will it end with Him at its center? Notice that the people in the church who are usually more active are more happy. Ever wonder why?

7. Prepare for Life’s Heartaches and Trials
2 Timothy 2:9-13
Matthew 20:17-19
Matthew 20:28
John 12:27
Endure difficult days
Remain steadfast
Retain faith
In 2 Tim.2:9-13, we read of Paul and how he prepared himself for the difficulties he would face and determined not to allow them to destroy his resolve or commitment to God. (2 Cor.11:23-30)
Matt.20:17-19—Jesus heading for Jerusalem for the last time knew what awaited—pain, suffering, anguish, and death.
Did he go with reservations (Jno.12:27).
He knew that giving His life would produce great benefits (Matt.20:28). We must continue in the Lord—no matter what may come our way in this life. Mary, watched her Son die that cruel death on the cross. But the Scriptures said nothing of bitterness or wailing on Mary’s part. She willingly gave up her Son.
Before being tested in the offering of Isaac, Abraham had determined what to do (Gen.22).
Our lot in life may be personal tragedy and heartache—loss of a child, a mate, or parents; some of our own family may turn their backs on God. Would this cause you to waiver and lose your faith? Not if you have “a heart that is purposed” to remain faithful and committed to God—NO MATTER WHAT! Such days will come—have you prepared your heart!

8. The Purposed Heart Don’t march into life without a purposed heart.
Plan and expect obstacles—know how you will respond.
Do you have such a heart today?
Summary—Conclusion—Invitation