Daniel

July 12 – United: Country – Daniel 9

Read Daniel 9:1-19

Being a younger kid is great because your parents have to apologize to other people in your place because you don’t know the significance of what you did and it can easily be chalked up to an innocent accident.

However, I remember the moment that changed for me.

Some of you may know that the Lawson family is very much a baseball family. We absolutely love the sport and all played it and were good at it…except me…I was horrible. When Dad, my brother, Wade, and I are together, the conversation can very easily shift to baseball and it’s hard to get us out of that rabbit hole.

If anyone wants to talk baseball, I’m your guy!

When I was younger, I was getting thrown some BP (batting practice) in the front yard. At this point we were still using regular baseballs for BP. I forget who was pitching but I squared one up and sent a screaming line drive to right center field which happened to be our neighbor’s house. Instead of racing into second base with a stand up double, I watched helplessly as my screamer met the side of our neighbor’s house leaving a gnarly dent. Not only did we use that moment to transition to wiffle balls, but I was forced to knock on their front door and apologize for the dent in their house.

In Daniel 9, Daniel prays for the nation of Israel as they are in captivity in Babylon. If you spend any amount of time reading about the nation of Israel, you will find that they had a lot of issues with listening to the commands of God. They seemingly were in and out of captivity and trials that were brought about due to their disobedience.

In these 19 verses, Daniel pleads with God on behalf of his nation. In Daniel’s plea, he includes some “I understand why this is happening”, “Please be faithful to your people” and “This is what you have done for us in the past.” You can almost hear the passion in his words.

Similarly, in our world today, what impact would praying on behalf of our nation have? How much of Daniel’s words would directly translate to ours? You may not think that your prayers would hold much weight, but consider all that God did for Israel…do you think He could do the same for us?

I challenge you, if you haven’t yet made a habit of praying for our nation, to do so. God loves hearing from His children and, even more, hearing their heart for each other.

Jake Lawson

March 10 – Do Not Fear – When God Showed Up Inside The Unafriad

Read Daniel 3:1-30

What they did not see were the details.

O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand . . . (Daniel 3:16-17)

Their fear of God led to their unafraid declaration to the king of the land. Because Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood firm on what they hoped for, they were able to walk, unafraid, right through the furious flames of a furnace.

Their God-fearing faith made them conquer flames and quench fury.

We find fury throughout this story of three men’s unafraid.  Their refusal to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s huge trophy made him furious (v13).  Later, their immovable stance filled the king with such fury that his entire countenance changed (v19).  And then there is the fire.  The flames so furious they killed any and all who even came close.  Any and all, that is, but our three heroes of faith.

Dropped into a raging fire because of a tyrant’s raging jealousy, these three knew that God would take care of them.  They knew He would come to their rescue, whether on this side of eternity or the other.  And so they stood unafraid, unwilling to forsake the God they served.

But even if he does not . . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up (v18).

Because they knew that their God was the only One worth fearing.

I wonder if their unafraid wavered when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace seven times hotter.  I wonder if their stomachs turned a little bit when they were tied up.  Did they wonder why God had not rescued them from the heat?

I don’t know.  I do know this, however: Shadrach’s, Meshach’s and Abednego’s unafraid ended in two miracles such as one cannot dispute. First, they remained untouched by the fury of the flames. Secondly, King Nebuchadnezzar praised the One True God because of it.

Even as they fell into the furious flames, the God they feared met them inside. He rescued them from the fury and then used them to quench it.

Unafraid faith extinguishes fires of all kinds.  Sure, it might enrage the fury of some.  But faith that chooses to see like God sees quenches the fury inside that terrifies us and make us want to run the other way.  When we live with certainty of what we do not see, we live unafraid. And God meets us there.

*I’ve written a short e-book on living unafraid. A manifesto, if you will. And I would love for you to read it, to find the challenge to really live. Unafraid. Just click here for the download. Then start living. Unafraid.

Bria Wasson

March 6 – Do Not Fear – How Life Unafraid Leads to More Life

Read Daniel 6:1-28

When Daniel’s jealous enemies got the king to make an edict against worshiping the One True God, they were not trying to turn him into a pagan. In fact, their intention was quite the opposite. They wanted to fault him for his faithfulness, because they knew that his faith was immovable. His righteousness that came by faith in Almighty God. Because day after day, Daniel served his God. Unafraid. And they didn’t like it one little bit.

So for Daniel, it might have appeared that his faith brought him trouble when the decree was made. Had Daniel not kept his focus clear, fear might well have taken over. Afraid could have easily bound him up and crushed him before one of those lions even touched him.

But Daniel’s fear was where it belonged. In the One True God. So he continued to see through the faith eyes God had given him. He continued, unafraid, to go before God, trusting Him wholly.

It was King Darius who found himself bound with fear. Afraid for his friend, he was unable to sleep or eat.

You see, Daniel’s properly place fear led the king to an unafraid life of his own. It led him to issue a decree for a Gentile nation to fear Him as well.

People must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end (v26).

And so God brought glory to Himself through Daniel’s unafraid.

And real life, unbound by afraid, brought more life and true freedom.

Sometimes, God works the same way with us. He uses our unafraid, unshaken living to bring others to Himself. When we stare misplaced fear down, others notice our genuine unruffled faith and see God at work in us. When we face the uncertainty of shifting finances, or the impending death of a loved one, our fear in God shines through in ways we could never orchestrate on our own. And as we live inside the unafraid, others want it, too.

*I’ve written a short ebook on living unafraid. A manifesto, if you will. And I would love for you to read it, to find the challenge to really live. Unafraid. Next week, I’ll offer it when I launch my new personal blog (www.BriannaRWasson.com), but you can get it here right now. Just click here for the download. Then start living. Unafraid.

Bria Wasson

March 7 – Transformation Testimonies – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Read Daniel 3:1-30

Being used as an instrument for reaching others for Christ is one of the best ways to live a transformed life. How we act and the stance that we take, through experiences we go through, can greatly impact the lives of people and in some cases lead them to Jesus.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were all friends that were taken to Babylon as young boys in the exile of Judah. They proved themselves to be trustworthy and were promoted to leadership positions in the kingdom. The king at that time, Nebuchadnezzar, was a proud man; he erected a large gold statue of himself with the simple command that all people would bow down to it. The three friends, who were devout Jews, chose to not bow down and forsake their God. Nebuchadnezzar, of course, was not pleased with their decision and ordered them to be thrown into a furnace that was heated to seven times the original heat.

These men were about to be killed by fire because they refused to bow down to an idol. In verse 18, however, they stated that even if their God didn’t protect them from the furnace, they would not bow to this idol. They had enough faith in God to give up their lives to make a statement of faith. We find that they were miraculously saved from the furnace, and as a result, king Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that the Israelite’s God was the most powerful of them all.

With the furnace heating in the background of their proclamation, they stood their ground.  When told to bow, they confidently said, “We will stand.”  We can all look up to how these men stood firm in their faith!

While they were willing to give up their lives, we are called to give up something as well.  It may not be our lives, but we may be called to sacrifice our popularity, our pride, or even our freedom. The ultimate test of a transformed life is the test of enduring faith. When your faith is tested, how will you respond? Will you fall on your face in submission to the thing standing between you and God or will you remain standing and endure whatever this world may throw at you? What are you willing to endure for the sake of the gospel?

Will you remain standing for truth?

Jake Lawson

September 20: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Read Daniel 3:1-30

Being used as an instrument for reaching others for Christ is one of the best ways to live a transformed life. How we act and the stance that we take, through experiences we go through, can greatly impact the lives of people and in some cases lead them to Jesus.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were all friends that were taken to Babylon as young boys in the exile of Judah. They proved themselves to be trustworthy and were promoted to leadership positions in the kingdom. The king at that time, Nebuchadnezzar, was a proud man; he erected a large gold statue of himself with the simple command that all people would bow down to it. The three friends, who were devout Jews, chose to not bow down and forsake their God. Nebuchadnezzar, of course, was not pleased with their decision and ordered them to be thrown into a furnace that was heated to seven times the original heat.

These men were about to be killed by fire because they refused to bow down to an idol. In verse 18, however, they stated that even if their God didn’t protect them from the furnace, they would not bow to this idol. They had enough faith in God to give up their lives to make a statement of faith. We find that they were miraculously saved from the furnace, and as a result, king Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that the Israelite’s God was the most powerful of them all.

With the furnace heating in the background of their proclamation, they stood their ground.  When told to bow, they confidently said, “We will stand.”  We can all look up to how these men stood firm in their faith!

While they were willing to give up their lives, we are called to give up something as well.  It may not be our lives, but we may be called to sacrifice our popularity, our pride, or even our freedom. The ultimate test of a transformed life is the test of enduring faith. When your faith is tested, how will you respond? Will you fall on your face in submission to the thing standing between you and God or will you remain standing and endure whatever this world may throw at you? What are you willing to endure for the sake of the gospel?

Will you remain standing for truth?

jdl

June 28: Abomination of Desolation

Read Daniel 11:29-35 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Why is the Antichrist so bad? Why is he such an enemy to God? What does he do that gets him on God’s bad side? You just learned about the covenant he makes with Israel and how he breaks it halfway through the Tribulation. History verifies that, if you mess with Israel, there will be consequences. A lot of people will try to take out Israel, and they will always be unsuccessful.

Along with that, Daniel 9 and 11 tells us about another pivotal part of the end times timeline, the Abomination of Desolation. The abomination is the thing that clearly sets the Anti-Christ apart as a direct enemy to God. In Daniel 11:29, “At the appointed time”, gives us the ultimate perspective, the key to understanding the implications of this act, and the continued hope that this horrendous act isn’t going to happen without God’s approval. Just as the cross and the persecution of the church were a part of His plan, the Abomination of Desolation happens at the appointed time that only God approves.

So what is the Abomination of Desolation? Daniel 11:31 tells us that the Antichrist will “desecrate the sanctuary fortress (temple) and do away with the regular sacrifice.” In the end times, the temple will be rebuilt (some Jews are preparing for it now) and sacrifices will be re instituted. The desecration is described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” He goes into God’s holy place of worship and denounces all other gods and claims that he is our God.

Again, none of this happens without the “okay” from God. All of this plays into His master plan for humanity which includes your life. God knows what’s going to happen to you and how to get you through that. He is forever our Hope! We need to be confident that whatever takes place in the end times is for His glory!

jdl

November 25: Invisible War Part #2

Read Daniel 9:1-10:21

Satan, demons, and angels operate in the heavenly realm and yet the reality of their presence, though often unseen, is felt in your world and mine.

Occasionally throughout the Scriptures, however, God lifts the veil that prevents our full awareness of their influence so that we can witness their work.  We are permitted such opportunities in the context of the two prayers you read about today.

In the first prayer, Daniel recognized that the captivity of God’s people in Babylon should be coming to a close.  He launches into a prayer confessing the sins of his people and then asks God to restore the city, the temple, and the people.  Before he even finished the prayer, the angel Gabriel came with further revelation from God.  Angels, you see, are real.  In the Scriptures, they are often used as messengers from God.

The second prayer is different.  For three entire weeks, Daniel fasted and prayed…seemingly without response.  Have you ever felt as if your prayers are not being heard?  It may have seemed like that to Daniel as well.  But finally, on day #21, a heavenly being came as a messenger.  He had been sent in response to Daniel on the first day as Daniel began to pray.  So what was the reason for the delay?  Well, along the way, he encountered spiritual opposition in the heavenly realm.  In fact, for 21 days, unbeknownst to Daniel, this angelic being had engaged in a spiritual battle with powers that were Satanic/demonic in their origin.

There are many truths that flow from this story of old:

  • Unless personal, unconfessed sin prevents it, your prayers are heard!
  • Angels and demons are real!
  • Your prayers may sometimes launch invisible battles before you witness visible results.

Now, lest the reality of invisible beings engaging in battle scares you, please be assured that there is no reason to fear.  As followers of Christ, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  (1 Jn. 4:4)

sbk

May 3: Obedient Hearts

Read Daniel 3:1-30

Shadrach’s, Meshach’s and Abednego’s obedience to God came from their unwavered trust in Who they knew Him to be.

Their love for God and their faith in Him showed itself true when they were presented with a problem: disobey God and bow down to an idol or die.

And their obedience and faith led to an awesome showing of God’s mighty power. His amazing and faithful care for those He loves.

(Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) trusted in God and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (v28)

They had sacrificed a lot just to be in this place. Still, here they were servants of God in the service of Nebuchadnezzar.

Having been given lots of opportunities to turn their backs on what they believed, they stood strong with Daniel when he convinced the guard in charge to let them give up the king’s best food for the sake of their God and the purity He would give them when they remained undefiled by the royal food and wine. (See Daniel 1:8).

Still, God called them to more. He knew Shadrach’s, Meshach’s and Abednego’s faithful hearts.

I wonder if they wavered as they fell into the fire. Did they remember all they’d given up? Did they question their choice to stand firm in their God-fearing?

If they did, it only lasted a moment. For no sooner had they followed God’s ways right into the center of a furnace than He Himself showed up and stood inside the flames right with them.

Their faithful obedience led to miraculous revelation. Had Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego rested on the laurels of all they’d already given up for the sake of their God, they would have missed the gift of His personal saving. Straight out of the flames.

For God loves a heart that trusts Him so entirely it will not waver no matter what He asks. It’s the kind of heart He personally rescues. The one that recognizes its own folly and turns to Him in full surrender.

Obedient.

brw

April 16: When God’s Provision Proved Better

Read Daniel 1

Most people would want what the king offered. Good food. Great wine. And lots of it. Most people would have soaked in every bit of Daniel’s orders for more royal treatment than he’d ever known.

But Daniel knew better. He knew the real meaning of “better”. And he knew that “more” does not always mean “better”.

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. (v8)

It’s not hard to understand the chief official’s hesitation. He was afraid the king would find out that Daniel and his friends didn’t get the king’s best.

In fact, they craved and trusted God’s provision more than they wanted the king’s plunder.

The king thought his stores would satisfy. But God’s provision proved better.

As it turned out, the king had nothing on God’s favor. For Daniel and his friends knew Almighty God’s ways are always better than the best that man can possibly provide.

And so they had no choice food. No king-level wine. Just veggies and faith.

That’s when God’s idea of “more” and “better” proved beyond comprehension.

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. At the end of the time . . . (t)he king . . . found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah . . . In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. (vv17-20)

To man’s feeble mind, it should have ended differently. Those who partook of all the king’s best, more than they could dream, should have ended up healthier, more beefed-up than the four whose diet consisted of vegetables and water alone.

But God’s favor was better, more nourishing than even King Nebuchadnezzar’s best.

For Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, trusting God’s definition of “more” and “better” paved the way to the king’s service. They knew unwaveringly that God would give more even as they passed up the king’s “best”.

How willing are we to give up what seems “better” and trust that God’s provision is better?

brw

April 11: The Better Life Can Be Routine

Read Daniel 6:1-28

The political tensions we observe today are not new to our generation. They were alive and well in the 6th century b.c.

After the king, Daniel was one of the three most influential people in the land. And because of his attitude and conduct, Daniel distinguished himself as one worthy of further promotion. But on the eve of his appointment, other national leaders jealously sought grounds to discredit him. Sound familiar?

Because Daniel possessed impeccable character and integrity, the only course of action his opponents could find was related to his faith. They finagled a means by which prayer to the God of heaven was made illegal. Again, there is something that smacks of present day in our schools in that decision! I suppose it was one of the earliest expressions of political correctness. But this law extended beyond the public arena to one’s private life.

Though the law was in place, nothing changed in Daniel’s personal practices. This “one day” in his life would be no different from all of the others.

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (v. 10)

Time with God had become part of Daniel’s daily routine. Nothing was going to distract him from it.

This week, we have been emphasizing the value of planning and looking for special, meaningful encounters with God. And we should. Meanwhile, don’t miss out on the reality that there is no substitute for a daily routine of spending time with Him. The word “routine” can have a negative slant to it. It can be the mindless brushing of your teeth or thoughtless act of shaving or putting on makeup. That is not the kind of “routine” that we attach to time with the God of heaven. No, this “routine” is a very thoughtful, engaging, but regular and daily pattern of devotion to Him. It is one that we participated in today and…duh…of course we will again tomorrow because it is so important to us.

sbk