Daniel
God can use all things for our good. This is more than a platitude for the afflicted. It is also more than a rationalization of life. Life is full of difficult moments we all traverse. But there is more to this phrase than saying what doesn’t kill you makes
Daniel
Hubris – our human pride – is frequently our biggest downfall. When we do something, we want credit. It feels good to be recognized. It is satisfying to have people remember what we’ve done. We all want to feel important in life. These feelings are all natural, but these feelings lead
Daniel
Rather than judge others in their own understanding, God’s people love others in the light of God’s love for them. What an incredible calling! What a hard standard to set! Sometimes loving people – especially those in opposition to ourselves – is the most challenging thing God could ask us
Daniel
The good we bring to this life may pass through us, but ultimately it comes from God. What a humbling perspective! I won’t speak for everyone, but I want people to think I am good. I want people to see me as contributing to their life in a positive
Daniel
The fact that God can use any means to get our attention should evoke a healthy sense of fear for the Lord in our life. Not only can He use anything, He will use anything. God will do whatever it takes to give us a chance to hear Him. We
Daniel
God is every bit as sovereign now as He has always been. God’s power does not change. God’s love does not change. God’s character does not change. God is God, and He will always be. Even when we have passed away, He will remain. Nebuchadnezzar writes these
Daniel
God can only do so much; at some point we need to take responsibility and receive Him. He can reveal Himself and do great things in our life, but we must believe. We must accept the gift of life and relationship He freely gives to us. The story of the
Daniel
God is a master at snatching victory from the jaws of what feels like defeat. Remember the Exodus? God’s people were trapped between deep water and an angry army. God’s people survived; the army died. Remember the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem? An army gathered around His people and
Daniel
God frequently wins in such a way as to allow his opposition the opportunity to join Him in victory instead of receiving defeat. God has already won. He is already supreme. Unlike many human competitions, He doesn’t need to squash the opposition. In His victory, He allows those who
Daniel
Improper application of power leads to harsh reaction instead of a thoughtful response. Power isn’t often concerned with the greater good; it wants the best for itself. Power doesn’t care about fair; it wants might to make right. Upon hearing the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel
Righteousness looks to God for our cues about how to live. They are many sources for figuring out what to do. We can get our cues from social media. We can get our cues from our friend group. We can get our cues from mentors and role models. Ultimately, the
Daniel
God tells us we are to have no other gods before Him. Usually when we hear this phrase it is used to illustrate how God wants to be our only focus in worship. God is, after all, a jealous God. Yet, there is more to it. He needs to tell