The Ancient of Days
Read: Daniel 7:1, 9-18 Thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. (v. 9) Halfway through, the book of Daniel dramatically changes tone. It goes from a straightforward account of Daniel’s adventures in exile to a collection of chaotic visions. Daniel isn’t two different stories. It’s the same story told from two […]
In the Lions’ Den
Read: Daniel 6:16-28 God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths. (v. 22) Daniel faced two overwhelming pressures. The privilege, prosperity, and power of the pagan empire dangled within his reach. The threat of the lions’ den hung over his head. All Daniel had to do to claim the reward and escape the punishment […]
October 2024 Prayer Guide
TURKEY — Pray for a listener named Eric who reached out to the team in Turkey asking for prayer to overcome addictions to alcohol and gambling. He shared that these addictions have been affecting his relationship with the Lord, and he wants very much to change. Pray that God will work through the regret Eric […]
Give Thanks (As Always)
Read: Daniel 6:1-13 He . . . prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (v. 10) Daniel must have wondered when he might catch a break. Taken captive as a young man, his adult life was spent in the service of pagan emperors. He repeatedly faced tests of his faith, […]
The Writing on the Wall
Read: Daniel 5:1-31 You have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. (v. 23) Daniel’s first four chapters paint a complex portrait of Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon’s emperor was at turns brutal and thoughtful; arrogant and repentant. Chapter 4 concludes with the once-idolatrous despot on his knees before God. His successor was a different story. Belshazzar […]
The Wonders of the Most High
Read: Daniel 4:1-3; 34-37 Those who walk in pride he is able to humble. (v. 37) I have had my share of humbling (even humiliating) experiences. When I was younger, I would agonize when I failed a test; forgot my lines onstage; or made a fool of myself at a party. I did everything I […]
Who Rules?
Read: Daniel 4:4-9; 19-25; 28-33 The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. (v. 25) Nineteenth-century British politician John Dalberg-Acton is credited with the maxim, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The more power humans have, the less accountable they are for the evil they […]
With Us in the Furnace
Read: Daniel 3:19-30 The fourth [man] is like a son of the gods. (v. 25) At the end of A Tale of Two Cities, a young woman faces execution. At her side is Charles Darnay, who goes to the guillotine in a friend’s place. When she learns of Darnay’s sacrifice, she says, “I mind nothing […]
Which God?
Read: Daniel 3:1-18 We will not serve your gods. (v. 18) One of the tools the US Secret Service uses to combat counterfeiting is a document entitled “Know Your Money.” It features detailed photos and descriptions not of counterfeits, but of genuine dollar bills. The best way to spot a fake is to know the […]