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
God gets the credit. When His people do His work, His character and His power shine through. I dearly love all the mentors I’ve had in my life, but it is God’s power and God’s character that drew me to God through them. They were beautiful tools
Daniel
God’s kingdom is spread when one heart touches another and the spark of Christ is shared between them. This is a great dynamic; it is also one of the most frustrating. God’s kingdom is a kingdom of choice, obedience, and repentance. Daniel tells the interpretation of the dream,
Daniel
What God builds is truly incredible. As a teacher, I see this in my students and is why I love teaching ninth and tenth grade. I meet young people at an impressionable age and watch God shape them and mold them. What He builds within us lasts the test of
Daniel
God deserves the praise, for He is the one who makes all things great. God created the world. God created you and me. What good resides within us is there because God breathed it into us. He is an amazing God, worthy of glory. Nebuchadnezzar calls Daniel into his chambers.
Daniel
God deserves the honor and glory and praise because His works are magnificent and everlasting. There are days I sit in awe at God and His being. From the moment He spoke the universe into being, He knew how it would end. He knew creation would fall, but He knew
Daniel
God’s people are inherently followers. That doesn’t mean we aren’t leaders. We lead after God opens a door. Each of our opportunities to lead, though, start with taking the humble position of looking to follow God. After Daniel makes an appointment with Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel goes back to
Daniel
When we see a door God opens, we should not fear stepping into it. God provides opportunities, we act upon them. He leads; we follow. So long as we don’t get that backwards – which I’ve periodically done in my life – we’ll be just fine. Daniel handles himself