When I was growing up, “New Years Resolutions” seemed to be a much bigger deal than they are today. Everyone I knew, movies, radio, and TV talked about them. I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong, but I just don’t seem to hear as much about them anymore.

But, if I were to do one, I think I’d take lessons from one of my favorite Old Testament Books, Daniel, on what to resolve to.

This might seem like a simple example, but it’s one of many that Daniel exemplified in his life. So please see the big picture here.

Daniel was committed to the Lord. After the Israelites had been overtaken by Babylon (modern day Iraq), He had resolved not to defile himself with the new King’s meat or wine. Why?

1. The 1^st half of the king’s meat went to be sacrificed to their gods, so it was ceremonially unclean.
2. The wine was poured out onto the altar of their gods as well, so it was seen as mocking.

Daniel 1:8-9 says, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel.”

Throughout the Book of Daniel we see many other examples; examples for us to follow of Daniel’s resolve as a follower of God. Daniel followed boldly, without fear.

1. He resolved obedience to God’s Word.

1. He resolved to pray.

1. He resolved to honor God.

What have you resolved?

Our prayer here at Pizza Ranch this morning is for all of us to follow Daniel’s lead; that we resolve ourselves to obedience to God’s Word, to prayer, and to honor God in all we do. Lord, may it be so.