real life. real relationships. real purpose. in writing.
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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
In what ways have you seen God at work within you this week? Within your family? Within others you may interact with?
In what ways have you resisted God’s work within you this week?
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Daniel 12:9 “Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end.”
In yesterday’s reading we noted that we ought not respond to teachings about the End Times in fear, but should instead respond by living in peace. Another proper response to Scripture passages or teachings on the End Times is to respond with a heart a Prayer.
All throughout the book of Daniel, we see Daniel ensure that prayer is a foundational practice of his spiritual life (see Daniel 6:10). Daniel was not the kind of person to wait until something bad happened and then spend a lot of extra time in prayer. Instead, he prepared his life and his soul for bad situations that would arise by maintaining a very purposeful and ongoing life of prayer. As a result, when difficult situations arose, he was able to enter into them with a non-anxious presence and could respond in a peaceful and godly manner.
As you read today, consider your prayer life. Do you maintain a purposeful prayer life in seasons when life is going well, or do you wait for negative situations to occur to begin practicing a life of prayer?
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 12:1-13 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Consider writing down a list of 8-10 positive ways your life would be different if you more fully cultivated a life of prayer. Then write out a plan for how you can begin to practice a life of prayer in the weeks and months to come.
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know prayer is one of those practices I should participate in on a regular basis, but it isn’t one I have prioritized to practice each and every day. Help me as I grow to practice the discipline of prayer more consistently. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise…there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations came into existence…”
There is no getting around “End Times” passages in the Book of Daniel. Sadly, some have used fear as a foundation to teach these passages. “Are you ready for the End Times? You’re probably not! So you’d better get ready!” Even worse, those who teach in this manner often provide little insight as to how to prepare.
How are we as followers of Jesus called to respond to passages about the End Times or Jesus’ return? Well, we’re absolutely not to respond with a spirit of fear. 1 John notes that God is love and that perfect love casts out all fear. Similarly, Peter indicates that he is not at all interested in when Jesus will return again, but he does seem to be very interested in how Christians live prior to His return. 2 Peter 3:14 reads, And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 12:1-13, 2 PETER 3:10-14, 1 JOHN 4:16-18 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are some ways in which you have heard teachings about the “End Times” focus on being afraid?
Is it easier for you to be afraid, or to live with an attitude of peace and love? If the former, why do you think that is?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Write down a list of a few things that help you experience peace and contentment in life. Then consider creating a plan that leads to you saying “yes” to these things more regularly and “no” to others.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, While I’d like to think I’m not afraid of much of anything, I think there may be more fear within me than I would’ve thought. Help me to identify messages of fear in the culture around me and to silence those messages so I may more clearly hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Daniel 11:32 But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.
When reading Daniel 11 there’s one theme that seems abundantly clear: Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, but the Most High rules over them all (Daniel 4:32). The Babylonian Empire was massive, but was later overthrown by the Medo-Persian Empire. This Empire was taken over by Greece. And this Empire was split into four separate, smaller kingdoms.
As Daniel learns more from the angel Gabriel, he understands there is more to his vision than the rising and falling of Empires. Daniel also sees that there are dark days ahead for God’s people, the likes of which they have not seen before. Many temptations are coming to God’s people, and some will give in to these temptations, leaving their temple, sacrifices, and sanctuary in ruin.
But hope is not lost. Daniel learns that those who know their God will be strong (11:32). This is not strong by military might, but strong in integrity and moral character. Through some sufferings, they will be refined and made pure (11:35).
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 11:2-45 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In Daniel 11, Daniel’s vision reveals that some of God’s people will give in to cultural temptations. What are some cultural temptations today that Christians and churches are experiencing? What steps can Christians and churches take to ensure we remain steadfast in our love and devotion to God alone?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Today, write out your own prayer to God.
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Daniel 11:2 Now then, I will reveal the truth to you. Three more Persian kings will reign, to be succeeded by a fourth, far richer than the others. He will use his wealth to stir up everyone to fight against the kingdom of Greece.
Those who read these devotionals have likely noted that each daily reading consists of a Scripture reading with an additional note — also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice. This note is included not because we believe the commentary notes are just as important as the Scriptures. Far from it! Instead, it’s included because there are biblical scholars who have years of additional education and they can help us understand passages which may not be immediately clear.
The book of Daniel is one in which a good Study Bible proves extremely helpful. There is a lot of ancient history which unfolds between the people of Israel as well as the rulers of the Babylonian Empire, Persians, Medes, Greeks, and more. As you read today, utilize a good Study Bible to more fully absorb everything that is unfolding in the text.
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 11:2-12:13 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
IF INTERESTED: Read this previous post on choosing a good Study Bible.
QUESTION: Do you have a favorite Study Bible? What leads you to read and study from this particular Study Bible again and again?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.
Take a Step: This week, consider utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that I have at least one good Study Bible I can turn to often, but I acknowledge I don’t delve into it consistently. Continue to help me realize that the Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction. A little bit of Your Word every day adds up. May it accumulate not only in my mind, but in my soul! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
In what ways have you seen God at work within you this week? Within your family? Within others you may interact with?
In what ways have you resisted God’s work within you this week?
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James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Many within our Christian culture would say that all sins are equal. Sadly, we are not always consistent in applying this principle.
For example, a pastor or ministry leader who has committed adultery will be required to confess and may still lose their position. While another pastor or ministry leader who struggles with gluttony is never called to account.
“But these scenarios are completely different,” some may argue. This is true, the scenarios may be very different. However, this simple case study points to another biblical principle which is equally important no matter the sin: Confession among people within the family of God is an essential practice for all. Granted, few people may like confessing their sins and/or other growth areas to others. But the Scriptures are clear that confession of sins is an essential practice for all.
READING & PRAYERS:
JAMES 5:13-20 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways do you struggle to openly confess your sins to others within the family of Jesus? Who is somebody you trust you well enough to confess to in the near future?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I readily confess that I do not like to confess! Confessing to you in prayer is much different than confessing out loud with other people nearby. May I not be ashamed to confess my sins and struggles when others are nearby, as I know I am accepted by You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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1 Timothy 6:9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
Some of the early Christians struggled with the temptation to gain wealth. When the Christians in the church of Corinth came together, the wealthy would arrive sooner and eat the choicest foods, leaving the poor to go hungry (1 Cor. 11:17-22). Similarly, Paul warned Timothy that those who long to be rich become trapped by foolish desires. James also warns the rich, indicating they will receive judgment for cheating the pay of those who work in their fields.
Living in the West, there is a strong temptation to read these passages and think, Well, those passages aren’t written to me because I’m not rich. However, our culture is constantly screaming the high value of “success.” The profit-loss chart needs to be going up and to the right. Perhaps every chart needs to be going up and to the right.
These passages serve as a great reminder to us all. We are to find riches in the Gospel, not in our bank accounts or wealth.
READING & PRAYERS:
1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-22, JAMES 5:1-12, 1 TIMOTHY 6:9-10, ROMANS 11:33 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are at least three ways you can live out the riches of the Gospel today? Be specific.
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Write down a list of a few things that help you experience peace and contentment in life. Then consider creating a plan that leads to you saying “yes” to these things more regularly and “no” to others.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when the word rich comes into my mind it’s usually in regard to financial riches, not the riches of the Gospel. Thank You for the reminder that the Gospel message is full of riches, and that these riches lead to a life of surrender, gratitude, and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Daniel 10:6 His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people.
Sadly, many in our culture do not believe in supernatural experiences. If something cannot be explained by the known laws of science, or if it cannot be known by the 5 senses, then it doesn’t exist. Or so the argument goes.
But the Bible was not written to oppose science. Nor was it written to only focus on supernatural events. But every once in a while an event does occur that cannot be explained by the known laws of science.
In the Book of Daniel, we see Daniel and others have dreams, visions, and/or other experiences which are out of the ordinary. In Daniel 10, Daniel has a vision of an angel. This angel gave him strength and comfort in a moment when he felt neither. As you read today, consider a time when God gave you strength or comfort in a moment when you felt neither. In what ways did that experience strengthen your faith?
DANIEL 10:1-11:1, EPHESIANS 6:10-17 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Write about a time when God gave you strength or comfort in a moment when you felt neither. In what ways did that experience strengthen your faith?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Practice breath prayers throughout the day. Breathe in with the first part of the prayer, then exhale with the second. Some examples include: “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “Speak Lord, I am listening.” “You are the potter, I am the clay.” “Peace. Be still.”
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, If I were to write down every experience I’ve had in which You provided me strength or comfort, I would be writing for years on end. Thank You for giving me the strength to practice contentment each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Daniel 10:1 [Daniel] understood that the vision concerned events certain to happen in the future—times of war and great hardship.
Earlier in this message series on Daniel, Pastor Justin noted that many biblical scholars identify two competing ideologies within the Scriptures. Interestingly, these competing ideologies are not “Love vs. Hate” or even “Love vs. Fear.” Instead, they are “Shalom (Peace) vs. Empire (Power).”
Over and over and over again through the Scriptures, we see the people of God overwhelmed by Empire.
Daniel chapters 10, 11, & 12 continue to show how the nations of the world will rage against one another, vying for power at every opportunity. But the message of the Gospel is a message of surrender, not force. Peace, not Power.
READING & PRAYERS:
DANIEL 10:1-11:1, 2 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What is one way you may currently be seeking Empire and not Peace? What would it look like for you to surrender this desire over to God and experience His peace today?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God’s voice more clearly.
Take a Step: This week, consider utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am continuing to recognize that my family of origin had our own definition of “success” but that this definition may go against Your purpose and desires. Continue to help me be “successful” by surrendering to Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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