Category: The Book of Daniel

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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 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.

NLT Life Application Study Notes the following on the above verse:

The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics:

(1) It is practical. God’s wisdom relates to our lives even during the most trying times. It is not isolated from suffering and trials, but it gives us resources to overcome them. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas to use in order to choose the best course of action.

(2) It is divine. God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not help us react joyfully in the middle of adversity. God’s wisdom begins with respect for him, leads us to follow his direction, and increases our ability to tell right from wrong. This kind of wisdom is described at length in James 3.

(3) It is Christlike. When we ask for wisdom, we are ultimately asking to be more like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the “wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7).

READING & PRAYERS:

     JAMES 1:2-18 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Which of the three distinct characteristics of wisdom speaks to you most 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: 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, thank You for the reminder that I do not need to grow in knowledge, or intelligence, but instead need to grow in wisdom. The Gospel is foolishness to those who seek knowledge and intelligence, yet it offers a clear understanding for those who are wise. Continue to provide me with a profound sense of wisdom so that I may better see you, myself, and others as You do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Daniel 8:27 Then I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for several days. Afterward I got up and performed my duties for the king…

Chronologically, Daniel 7 & 8 actually takes place before Daniel 6. This was likely the author’s way of including specific aspects of this book in a very intentional way. Following the chronological time period, Daniel is likely about 70 years old when this vision takes place.

Sadly, Daniel learns that there will continue to be oppression for the people of God at various times in the future. This oppression will likely include the inability for the people of God to make sacrifices in their temple. Today, historians have learned that the Greeks actually placed an idol for Zeus in the temple, and sacrificed a pig on the altar to defile the temple. 

What does Daniel do after remaining ill for several days? He returns to work and continues faithfully serving the king. Perhaps he did so because he was confident God’s will would come to pass, and he wanted to remain open and obedient to God’s plan for his life. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 8:1-27 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: In what ways may God be inviting you to remain faithful to your calling, even in the midst of confusion? 

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, today’s reading has helped me more fully recognize that I don’t need to work or keep busy as a way to distract myself, but that I can continue to fulfill the calling You have for my life as part of my work life. May I continue to remember that all of life is ministry. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Dan. 8:15 As I, Daniel, was trying to understand…this vision, someone who looked like a man stood in front of me.

Throughout the book of Daniel we can infer that he was a very smart individual. Of all the people of Israel taken into exile, we only read about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being elevated into the king’s service. As the book continues, we see time and time again how God works in and through Daniel in extraordinary ways. 

But in this particular vision, Daniel has met his match. After having this vision he remains greatly confused. Daniel, who had previously experienced the ability to interpret dreams and visions on multiple occasions, is now very confused. He is struggling to understand the meaning of this vision. 

Once again, God provides for Daniel. In this case, Daniel needed an interpreter, and God sent one for him. 

This same God knows what you need in life as well. You may be in a situation which causes you tremendous confusion, but pay close attention to how God may be working around you. It’s likely He has provided exactly what you need. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 8:1-27 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: In what ways are you comforted by the thought that God knows (and will provide) exactly what you need? 

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, I confess there I times when I am confused and wonder if You really know what I need. Times when I am angry and wonder if You are really listening. Times when I’m afraid and wonder if I’ll ever experience real comfort again. Forgive me for these thoughts, as I do trust You are ever-present and that even though I may not always get what I want, You always provide what I need most. Amen. 

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Daniel 8:1 During the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, saw another vision, following the one that had already appeared to me.

When reading Daniel 8:1-27, it’s once again important to remember that apocalyptic writings in the Old Testament may be very unique and strange for us to read and study today, but these types of writings were very common in Daniel’s day.

In this chapter, we read about another vision Daniel has which includes a Ram and a Goat. The Ram in this vision is a symbol of the Medes and Persians and their Empire. The Goat which enters later is a symbol of Alexander the Great and his conquest for the Greek Empire. Once again, Daniel is receiving a vision of major world events that will not completely unfold for hundreds of years.

While reading this chapter, some may wonder, The context of what takes place happened hundreds of years ago. Is it really that important for me to understand? The simple answer is yes. God provided this writing to help us see and understand that even in the midst of major events which would shape the rest of the world, His rule and reign remained above it all.

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 8:1-14 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What may be some principles God is inviting you to learn when it comes to some more unique passages such as Daniel 8? 

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, thank You for the reminder that even in the midst of major world events, Your rule and reign is supreme. May I rest in the truth that You are ultimately in control, and I need not try to control every aspect of every situation in life. 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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Colossians 1:20 …and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything…

Living in a nation under a governmental structure of democracy is a gift. There are checks and balances in place so that no one person or branch of the government can have too much power at any given time. 

But as followers of Jesus, we must remember that our eternity will not be within a system of democracy. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God. Like the kingdoms of men, the Kingdom of God has only One on the throne. Unlike the kingdoms of men, the Kingdom of God reveals that true peace doesn’t come as a result of power, but by sacrifice and service.

The Kingdom of God is what some refer to as “an upside-down kingdom.” In this Kingdom, the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life (Matthew 20:28). In this Kingdom, those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last (Matthew 20:16). It may seem foolish but it is not. It is the very power of God at work (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 1:15-20, MATTHEW 20:28, MATTHEW 20:16, 1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Of all of the passages provided today, is there one which is resonating with your soul on a deep level? What might God be speaking to You through this passage? 

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 confess I may not regularly think about how You may speaking to the deepest parts of my soul. I’m much more likely to live and think as if You are only speaking to my mind. But You love all of me and want to transform me from the inside out. May I come to see the work You are doing deep in my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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A common theme in ancient writings of the middle east is the inclusion of a chiasm. A chiasm is a literary structure used to highlight a central theme. The author of the book of Daniel used a chiastic structure in order to highlight three major themes throughout the book. But one of these three is the central theme of the entire book. 

Daniel 7:13-14 reads, As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

This passage is a clear prophetic teaching to the people of God in the Old Testament. And of course, this prophecy was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus as the Messiah. 

As the Jewish Study Bible notes, The individual in this vision appears in human form and is given power and authority over the world. Yeshua [Jesus] takes for himself this mantle over eighty times in the Gospels.

READING & PRAYERS:

MATTHEW 28:18-20, MATTHEW 11:27, JOHN 14:6, PHILIPPIANS 2:9,  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Over 80 times Jesus noted that He has all power and authority over the world. How might this be an encouragement to you today? 

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, today’s reading is yet another reminder that I want to be in control of other people and all of my circumstances, but it is You who has ultimate power and authority in the world. I surrender my will to Yours today, and choose to follow wherever You may lead. Amen. 

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Daniel 7:2-3 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others.

The NIV Theological Study Bible rightly notes that the remainder of the book of Daniel contains four visions. These visions can all be summarized like this: As the people of God, you are currently experiencing exile and oppression. But this won’t always be the case. Better days are coming. God will rescue you in the days to come and at the end of time. 

As such, these pages in the Book of Daniel are bleeding with hope. It’s highly likely that when the people of God first heard these passages being read to them, there would have been a tremendous amount of excitement for their future. Many understood that there were two competing ideals: Empire vs. Shalom. At this time in history for the people of God, Empire (power, success, wealth) is what they saw within the Babylonian Empire. But days of peace and contentment were near, which gave God’s people a lot of hope. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 7:1-28 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Be honest: Do you find yourself more afraid of what might happen in your day, or more hopeful because you believe God is ultimately in control? What steps could you begin to take to experience more hope in your thoughts? 

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, I recognize that I’m often more afraid of what might happen, especially in areas of life that are outside my control. In reality, this can bring me to experience more hope, because You are ultimately in control. Help me to surrender my desire for control to you. Amen. 

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Admittedly, the prophetic writings in the Scriptures are often some of the more difficult passages to understand. Similarly, many people hear the word ‘prophetic’ and automatically assume that all prophetic writings are basically an accurate prediction of something that will happen in the future. (For example, passages such as Daniel 7:13-14 clearly point to Jesus as the coming Messiah, and this passage was written hundreds of years prior to his life, ministry, death, and resurrection.) 

But prophetic writings were not only about predicting the future. In fact, most prophetic writings have little to do with the future. Instead, the role of a prophet was to communicate on behalf of God. Other ancient nations in the Middle East had their “prophets” communicating on behalf of their little-g gods as well, but they couldn’t fulfill their role well (see Daniel 4:7).

As we continue in this series on Daniel, the second half of the book will primarily focus on prophetic writings. Don’t let this discourage you from digging in, reading it with a good Study Bible and growing in your understanding of what God was communicating in this time in history. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     DANIEL 7:1-28 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What is your experience when it comes to engaging in the prophetic books of the Old Testament? If it’s minimal, have you considered there may be treasures buried within these passages in which you’re missing out? 

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 know that some passages in Your Word are easier to understand than others, but let this not keep me from engaging with all of the Scriptures. You provided the Bible to me, and I desire to understand and follow Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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