PrayingMan

Q2. (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanor as he prays? How does he prepare? Why is this so important in this case? In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? The Scripture says, "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed...." He committed his total focus on the Lord. He pleaded, pouring out his heart. He fasted, denying himself so that his soul intensely hungered for God. HIs sackcloth and ashes showed his humility and his utter dependence on God, and his repentant heart for his people's sins. The whole root of Israel's sins was an arrogant heart who chose to lift themselves up as of greater importance than God, and sought their ways over God's ways. Daniel's prayer was an example of the heart God wanted from His people. We often come to God justifying ourselves because we do not participate in the sins of our nation. However, like the pharisee and the sinner who each came before the Lord, the difference is a prideful heart in what righteousness we have accomplished, or is it the understanding of what we really look like standing before a holy God, falling so far short. We either have a heart that says, "I'm glad I'm not like one of them" or we have a heart that says, "Have mercy on me, a sinner amongst a sinful people.

Q1. (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? What practice on Daniel's part leads him to pray? Daniel knew and trusted the Scriptures and the prophets of God. He knew the prophet Jeremiah was a prophet of God and had received the message from God that the exile would last 70 years. In Daniel's time, the 70 was almost up and he trusted God was true to His Word. He knew that because he was a man of prayer. Knowing the cause of their exile, Daniel realized that it was important for those who had gone astray to repent and seek God for forgiveness. Jeremiah prohecied in Jeremiah 29:10-14, "This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." This was a time to seek the Lord. Daniel, being a man of prayer, prays for his people.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that “the saints of the Most High” will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God’s people? Though there may have been partial fulfillments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? It seems when life is easy and things are going well, people do not look beyond their own lives and how they are living today. But when there is oppression, people need a renewal of hope and a reminder that God is still on the throne and that we need to refocus back on His kingdom. Those who believe in and follow Jesus are those saints who need to be reminded of our future and be assured that as we are faithful to God and His kingdom, the ultimate victory is ours. This truth is most precious when we are oppressed, persecuted and see the enemy seemingly winning. Gods kingdom is here now. Jesus has defeated the enemy and His kingdom is growing now. We are awaiting the fulfillment of His kingdom when He returns. but no one knows the day or hours. However, it seems we see the signs that it could be anytime. And we must always be ready and continually be about His work.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe “one like a son of man”? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself “the Son of Man”? Daniel describes Him as, "coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."(Daniel 7:13-14) These descriptions are comparable to how God is describes with the same attributes as God, "coming on clouds," worshipped, given authority, glory, sovereign power, and he has everlasting dominion and His kingdom will never be destroyed. These attributes are exclusive to Jesus and the Father (Ancient of Days). These descriptions are fully in line with how the Scripture describes Jesus and how Jesus describes Himself. The main points of this includes the following: 1. The Son of Man came from heaven. 2. The Son of Man is judge of all. 3. The Son of Man is to be glorified. 4. The Son of Man is to be lifted up -- both in glory and as the object of faith on the cross, which is his ultimate glory. 5. The Son of Man comes to save as an atoning sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53). 6. The Son of Man returns in glory. I believe Jesus called Himself the Son of Man because He identified with us in His humanity, in prophecy, and with His Father, born in the flesh. He is God become flesh.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? By the very name of God, Ancient of Days, we understand God's longevity, His wisdom, His enduring power and authority. In contrast we see the beastly nations that come and go. They might make a splash in the world exercising power and conquering people and, they might be seen as victorious and successful for a time, but their judgment day is coming. They are as a vapor, but God is eternal, enduring and just. The beasts face judgment. Sometimes we lose sight of the Ancient of Days and focus only on today. We see the success and victories evil people achieve and question why. Where is God? Why does He let evil people get away with hurting so many people? But when we look in light of the Ancient of Days, we see the success of evil doers is only temporary. They will face God's judgment seat and be held accountable because God is a just God.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy -- "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? I have heard Christians use God's name in vain or speak about God in ways that deny a "fear of God." It is also common to look at the Word of God or even the holiness of God, and redefine what that means. Today, we are seeing people who claim to be Christians saying that God approves that which God has said is sin. I believe this would offend God by claiming something is acceptable to Him, when it is not. I believe we also offend God when we misrepresent Him by the way we live our lives for ourselves. God is working in my life to transform me more and more into the image of Christ. I am not always a good representation of Christlikeness, but I pray I am changing as His Spirit works in me. Because I am not there yet, I am certainly grateful for His grace and His patience in working in my life.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? The king learns a few things about God and his relationship with God. God is eternal. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that God himself is eternal (4:34a). God's kingdom never ends. God's kingdom is eternal as well (4:34b), not one that must be maintained by constant warfare and protected from every threat. God cannot be compared with human beings. Nebuchadnezzar thought of himself as great; now he acknowledges that human beings are "as nothing" compared with God (4:35a). God is sovereign. As Daniel related to Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar has killed, humbled, or promoted whomever he pleases (5:19). Now he acknowledges that God "does as He pleases" (4:35b). God is the "King of heaven" (4:37). Yahweh is not just a god among gods, he is the God of gods, he is King of kings, he is King of heaven. God is accountable to none. The king was put in his place and humbled by his circumstances showing that he really is not in control after all. I have tried to be careful when people compliment me on a sermon or on something I did well, not to seek my own glory but to glorify God and give Him the credit. It is the same going through trials and emerging from the other side of that trial. It is to acknowledge God and His power and ability and strength in my life and His work through my life.

How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Pride in his achievements (4:30) Pride in his terrible power, (). Pride in his absolute authority (5:19b). Pride that hardens his heart (5:20a) Pride is something we all deal with in one way or another. Pride keeps our focus on ourselves and our plans, goals problems, solutions and seeking our will over God's or other's. We can act humble, while reveling in the attention we get from others. We can act pious but still have a very prideful heart. Humility is seen in surrender of our wills, our agenda, how good we look to others. Someone once told me that being a servant is a good thing, until someone tells you what to do. Then being a servant isn't so fun. We can be prideful servant when we serve when and how and doing what we want to do. Surrender is letting someone else tell us how to serve.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God's decrees be conditional? Daniel's advice was to "Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed." The fruit of repentance is to stop sinning and do what is right before the Lord. To be kind to the oppressed or the poor is to be generous with the blessings God has given us and share with those in need. Caring and compassion for others is always within our ability no matter how much or how little we have. Some of the most generous people are people with the least. God's decrees can be conditional if we change our ways. Judgment do not have to come to us if we repent and do what is right. If the king would have acknowledged his sin and changed his ways, his place and position might not have been lost.

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? "Heaven rules" is a wake up call that there is something bigger than us. We often think, as did the king, that we/he believes we are the center of the universe and everything revolves around us. Pride puffs us up, especially when you are in a position of authority. The king ruled and he began to believe he ruled over everything. We often believe we rule our own lives and we make our own destiny. Even when we say God is in charge, yet, we act contrary to God's laws and God's will for our lives. James 4:13-16 is just such and example when we boast about what our plans are without acknowledging God's plans.

Even though the dream is the king's dream, Daniel is the messenger who will bring the interpretation, which in this case, is bad news for the king. Daniel's concern seems to be that if the king doesn't like the message, he could kill the messenger. Daniel was not one who desired to be the bearer of bad news.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions’ den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God’s mercy to you? Daniel maintained his innocence but trusted God for justice instead of protesting himself. Sometimes we need to trust God to fight our battles rather than cry out the injustices we experience. I have been in situations where I look back and see God's mercy but at the time didn't trust enough to leave it completely in his hands. I have learned to trust more.

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel’s prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? Daniel's prayer life was consistent and based more on relationship than duty. It was his most important relationship, even though he was removed from his homelands, he never stopped thinking about the God of the covenant and committed to be faithful to that covenant. I always need more consistency and more disciplined in prayer. Daniel shows me that I need a greater priority on my relationship with God.

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel’s character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel’s God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? It is impressive that even looking specifically for something corrupt, they could find nothing. "They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent." Daniel had a close relationship with God and that relation caused God's qualities and character to rub off on him. I seek to reflect Jesus every day. And the Spirit continues to transform me to be more like Jesus.

Q4. (Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? The king saw faith in action and also saw the power of God in whom they put their trust. He was very impressed with what he witnessed. But he was also impressed that they stood faithful to God under threat of death. They did. It back down. Because of their faith, the king honored their God by making it illegal to disrespect their God. I have been in ministry for many years, but only in recent months have I ever thought it would come to the point in America where I would have to disobey a law of the land in order to honor God. That day is on the horizon and I would stand for Jesus, no matter the cost -with God's help. What might hold me back is relying on my own strength.

Q3. (Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? That the three Jews were unscathed amazed the people and the King. They couldn't believe they had been delivered and held their God in great respect and awe for their deliverance. God received much glory as they held God in great fear and respect.

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. Such bowing to an idol was a blatant violation of God's law and they were not about to break it. Their faith was in God who is the one and only. Their faith in God was greater than the rage of the King. In fact, their faith was such that they believed God could deliver them, but even if He doesn't save them, God was still real enough that their immediate death would not deter them from the blessing and presence of God. No matter, they would not bow. They were bold enough to say so.

Q1. (Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews’ fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? These Jews are outsiders. Outsiders are typically seen as not having earned the "right" to positions in government above locals. These Jews were a defeated people and did not deserve such positions therefore were objects of accusation and ridicule. The king couldn't accept Jews coming into defy his authority or causing a lack of respect amongst his subjects.

Q3. (Daniel 2:44) What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? What kingdom is this? When does this kingdom come? How is this related to Mark 1:15? When will it destroy all other kingdoms? Verse 44 - "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever." It will be forever, never to be destroyed or left to another people. God will be sovereign over this kingdom and no kingdom will stand up against it. This kingdom will endure forever. How I long for that kind of kingdom where God is sovereign over all. This the kingdom of God that will be fulfilled when Jesus returns. This is the kingdom Mark talked about in Mark 1:15 where it is inhabited by the redeemed, those who have repented and believed the good news.

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? Daniel's replies to the king, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner[46] can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come." Daniel is quick to humble himself by rescuing the other wise men, which I think could have been his competition. If Daniel was trying to exalt himself, getting rid of the competition would have been the thing to do. But rescuing them says that his advancement is based on God exalting him and for him, was to humble himself, both before God and among men. Second, he was also quick to give God the credit for the ability to interpret the dream, not his own ability. And Daniel pointed out to the king that God had showed him grace and mercy by revealing this matter to him in a dream. Peter emphasizes for us to humble ourselves before God and let him lift us up in His time.

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? There is a time for prayer and a time to act. Daniel saw the immediate need to save his friends, although, knowing Daniel's reputation, he did a lot of praying too as he sought his God. Daniel exercised intercessory prayer often as was his custom and his relationship with God. The New Testament calls us to intercessory prayer as we "stand in the gap" for others. God does respond to the prayers of His people. We implement intercessory prayer on prayer chains, prayer meetings and even on Sunday morning during worship as we bring the needs of others before the Lord. Intercessory prayer is crucial to God's work in our world and in our churches.

Q4 (Daniel 1:8-16) What is Daniel’s first approach to eat a different diet? What does he do when his first attempt failed? What is his demeanor towards those over him? In what ways do you think God affects the outcome of Daniel’s request? Daniel treated his superiors, though they were the enemy, with respect and honor. He did not demand his way, or act prideful in his request, but asked for a chance to show that God's way was better. He asked for a testing time of ten days and then would respect the final decision of his superior. God had given Daniel and his friends favor with the official and he was willing to listen to the captives, though he had no obligation to do so. I appreciate the fact that Daniel, though, "resolving not to defile himself," still acted respectfully and humbly, not demanding or arrogant. I think that is a good lesson for us to learn that we don't have to be arrogant about our ways when we think we are right, nor demanding, but react with respect and honor and trust God for the outcome.

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? Daniel was faithful to God and his understanding of how to remain faithful and honor the Lord. His stand for an alternate menu shows, I believe, that his trust in God's law is good for His people and that the Babylonian was was not as ideal. That is why Daniel proposed the experiment to see the results of which diet is better. I think what this tells us about Daniel is that he was faithful to his upbringing and convinced his understanding of God and His ways was the correct way of living. Violating his conscience would be the same today to force a Christian, who is abstinent from alcohol to drink alcohol. It would violate his conscience to force him to do something he believed was wrong.

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? I can see for these young teenagers, it must have been a cultural shock to enter into a non-Jewish culture, essentially an unclean culture. I would imagine a little fear and uncertainty was part of their experience. I also wonder about their emotional status as they were quite possibly experiencing loss in their lives from family or friends killed, separated, or left behind. They were likely familiar with the palace scene as some of those protocols might have been familiar, but there were different expectations, and their status had changed from nobility to slave/servant. Their names might have been changed to Babylonian names, but I know that their Jewish faith and culture was not taken from them. They were still Israelites at heart. And they were still faithful to the one true God The situation of being made eunuchs or how they adapted to their new situation, appears to hold on to what is important and compromise on the non-essentials to get along. What I admire about them is that they adapted to the culture as God had instructed them to do, but hold on to the importance of their faith in God.

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 have made rapid transitions to different cultures on mission trips and moving from church to church as a pastor to different parts of the USA. It felt odd and at times I felt like a school child on his first day of school, wondering what was what and how to do things. I discovered the quickest way to learn was to observe and ask questions. Still I found people laughing at my mistakes and looking at me weird when I did or said something that was obviously from an outsider. It took time to adjust. Did I take my faith with you? I would have to say yes, because that was the reason I was there. My first interaction with the culture was with other Christians. That was a big help. Only in one place I visited was I told that I needed to be discreet about my faith and be cautious how I shared it with others. In some instances, there was opposition about being too outward about Jesus.