The habits we have dictate the direction of our lives.
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” James Clear
“Our habits will make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do.” - Sean Covey
Dear Jesus, thank You for always having a better way. I pray that we can follow Daniel’s example of establishing healthy habits to lead us toward a richer life in You. Help us to follow the path You set before us. Amen.
Scriptures
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 2 ESV
“[Daniel]...went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10b
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate... I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway...Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:15,18b-19, 24-25a NLT
“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. So, after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.” Daniel 1:12-16 NLT
“Please test us for ten days…” Daniel 1:12a
“…on a diet of vegetables and water,’ Daniel said.” Daniel 1:12b
“At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” Daniel 1:13 NLT
“The attendant agreed to Daniel’s suggestion and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.” Daniel 1:14-15 NLT
“So, after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.” Daniel 1:16 NLT
2 book recommendations:
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Power of Habits, by Charles Duhigg
