Live Like Devotional Series for Young People: DanielНамуна

Introduction

"Live Like DANIEL" is a 5-day devotional created to help young people discover real-life lessons from the book of Daniel. Each day focuses on a key virtue Daniel lived out - like courage, faith, and integrity - and shows how you can apply those same values in your own life today. It also includes a short prayer asking God to help you grow in that virtue and live it out in everyday situations.

The Bible is full of examples of people who stood out for the right reasons—people who pointed others to God by how they lived. By the end of this devotional, you'll better understand how your words, choices, and actions can reflect Jesus and make a difference in the world around you.

Day 1: DETERMINE

Devotion: Standing Strong in a New World

Daniel 1:1–8

In today’s reading, we meet Daniel and his friends—young men taken from their homeland and brought to a foreign place with unfamiliar customs and no familiar authority figures. Daniel was far from home, away from his family, teachers, and community—no one was watching him, and he could have easily blended in or done whatever he wanted without consequence.

He was even offered the same food and wine the king ate—a luxury many would have seen as a reward or privilege. But Daniel saw it for what it truly was: something that would dishonor God and go against his faith.

Even in a strange land, Daniel didn’t forget who he was. He knew he was a child of God, and he held onto his identity and values. No one had to tell him what to do—Daniel made a decision in his heart. He determined—he purposed, resolved, and made up his mind—that he would not defile himself.

Let’s Talk About It:

Every day, you’re faced with choices that can either reflect your faith or pull you away from it. Think about what you're consuming—not just food, but what you are feeding your heart through your eyes, ears, and the conversations you engage in.

• Are the shows, music, or content you’re consuming honoring God?
• Are your daily choices helping you grow in your faith—or slowly compromising it?

It’s much harder to resist temptation when you haven’t already decided where you stand.

Your Challenge Today:

Take a moment to reflect and determine where you draw the line. Ask yourself:

• What are my core convictions?
• What will I refuse to do, no matter what?
• What will I commit to doing, even when it's hard?

Write it down. Be specific.

Draw your line today—before the pressure comes.
So when temptation knocks, your answer is already clear: No. I’ve already decided.

💭 Reflection Questions

1. What are some everyday choices that could pull you away from your values or faith?
2. What are you feeding your heart and mind through what you watch, listen to, or talk about?
3. Have you clearly decided what lines you won’t cross—or are you just “going with the flow”?

🙏 Prayer

Dear God,
Help me to know who I am in You. Teach me to stand strong, even when I’m in situations that challenge my values. Give me the courage to say “no” to things that dishonor You, and the strength to say “yes” to the things that bring me closer to You. Today, I choose to determine in my heart to follow You—no matter where I am or who is watching.
Amen.

✍️ Journaling Prompt

Write down 3 personal convictions you want to stand by, no matter what.
These could be things you refuse to do, or values you commit to living by. Be honest. Be specific.

🔑 Key Verse

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine..."
— Daniel 1:8 (NIV)