Celestina33

"Q2. (Daniel 3:16-18) How do the Jews answer Nebuchadnezzar? What is their attitude? How do they witness about their God? Do they face death with resignation or defiance? Characterize their faith." They answer the king w/ respectful defiance. They know God is more powerful than Nebuchanezzar. They know God can deliver them if it is His Will. Their faith is bold! ~

Q1. (Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews' fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? I think the officials were looking to advance their own postions. What better way than to eliminate those who stood in the way? The king sees it as being unloyal plus it is embarassing to be defied. His motivation to have people bow is to ascertain his power position. ~

44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.'" (Matthew 21:44) What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? Like it or not, Jesus will rule and have final dominion over the earth. As Rome found out (and fell), Christ will reign and will rule with LOVE and PEACE and JUSTICE. Rome- the empire responsible in part for the death of Jesus, ended up falling and declaring Christianity it's nation's religion, and now houses the Vatican. Mind-blowing to me! When does this kingdom come? Coming now as we speak by our actions, the way we treat others, our love, our "fruit". How is this related to Mark 1:15? ("The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!") Turn from our wicked ways and be kind. Believe Jesus and His teachings. When will it destroy all other kingdoms? The "kingdom of Satan" is evil, hate, greed, ****; things we are seeing acted out by groups such as ISIS and those in power -warmongers. When will He come and all turn to Him? No man knows. Soon, we hope!!! ~

Q2. (Daniel 2:27-28) How does Daniel show humility in this situation? How does he use this situation as an opportunity to witness before the king to his faith in God? According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, should we try to exalt ourselves? If we do so, what will happen? I so love how Daniel points right away to God. He could have used that time to make himself look like the hero yet Daniel knew he was nothing w/o the Lord. If Daniel tried to act like he had done something himself in interpreting the dream, he had to have know that in the future w/o the Lord's help, there was no guarantee he could do it again! But the humility is genuine. Daniel knows his place before the Lord and is humbled by that naturally. In a time where I imagine everyone in the court was trying to draw attention and grab credit for themselves, it must have been refreshing to see humility. We should humble ourselves so the Lord can shine through! ~

Q1. (Daniel 2:17-18) Why does Daniel ask his friends to "plead for mercy"? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? I think Daniel knows that they are insignificant compared to God yet He is merciful and just and gracious and if He so chooses, He can reveal the dream to Daniel. Daniel's friends pray on behalf of him but also to spare their own lives. Prayer, regardless of the answer, can be such a powerful testimony to others. When I think of implementing prayer in the church, I think of individuals. Some who are called to pray with others openly, others who are called to pray in the closet in secret. God honors both, depending on your heart and motive. ~

Absolutely agree SoiKosum. Daniel remained respectful and used wisdom in proposing the test.

"Q3. (Daniel 1:8-10) Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel?" While there were strict guidelines in Jewish culture regarding food & drink (and still are), I wonder if Daniel was setting out to show his captives the power of the Lord? He had no control over his (possibly) being a eunuch, nor the name change, but defilement was a very serious issue and in fact Jesus was accused of defiling Himself due to eating and communing w/ sinners. Being holy before the Lord was very important and was perhaps the one thing Daniel did had control over.

"Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why?" Wow, can you imagine? Reminds of Esther. I'd imagine their status in Jerusalem was one of nobility. Then they go from men of honor and prestige to being emasculated and treated like objects for the king. I can only imagine the humiliation of losing their ability to have children as this is important to the Hebrews. And then the name change, it's insult to injury- literally. But they had no say in the matter. I imagine they had to cling to the Lord and His promises and to each other to not want to end their lives right there. Sometimes it's at rock bottom when we finally realize we are nothing and seek the Lord to use us and redeem us. And He will!

"Q1. (Daniel 1:1-5) Have you ever made a rapid transition between your customary culture and a new and radically different culture? What did it feel like? Were you able to take your faith with you, or did it fade to the background during this time?" I once spent a week in China for work. It was very hard because I felt this heaviness, this deadening. It's kind of hard to explain. It was like I couldn't sense God and His presence - but I know He's there. I was afraid to share my faith at all, fearing I could get in trouble. God bless the Christians and missionaries there! It must be very difficult due to oppression of religious freedom. ​Funny thing, we visited an almost 1,000 year old Buddhist temple. It was there that I felt more in touch with the Holy Spirit. But we live in a radically different culture here in the US today, don't we? Compared to how we are taught to live by Christ. Every day is a challenge to keep my faith alive and not fall into the trappings of the world. I wish I could say I'm always successful, but I'm not! ~

Hello! I'm from San Diego and am a busy mom to 4! I love Joyful Heart, thanks for the study! Celestina