Read Daniel 5
Belshazzar is now King in Babylon (On your own, do some research as to how he became King). What was happening when this story opens up?
Belshazzar gave orders to get new vessels (glasses, goblets). Where were these vessels from? Why is it significant?
Read v. 4 again. Based on where these vessels originiated, why was Belshazzar and his party's action wrong?
What happened after this?
David was summoned to interpret the writing. What was the translation?
How did this writing on the wall come true?
Application:
The vessels were from the the house of God. However, King Belshazzar used them and praised his own gods with it. Because of this Belshazzar's reign over Babylon came to a quick end.
The question to think about is, are you honoring and praising God or defiling God with who you are or who you are becoming? God made you and created you with a purpose. We are to honor him by the way we live our life. Are you doing that?
Romans 12:1 says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."
1 Corinthians 16:19-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Christ died for us - we were once lost, but He has shown us the way. Let our life represent and honor Christ for his sacrifice.
What changes can you do this week so that you will be honoring God in all you do?
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Dynasties
Think of Dynasties throughtout history. They could be sport dynasties (such as the Dallas Cowboys in the early '90s), family dynasties such as the Kennedys, or Ruling Dynasties such as the Roman Empire. What made them great? What made their dynasty end?
Read Daniel 4
Verses 1-3, King Nebuchadnezzar shares about the greatness of God. How have you seen the greatness of God in your life?
King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. What was the dream?
Daniel was once again choosen to interpret the dream. What did God reveal to Daniel what the dream meant?
According to the dream, why did the King lose his kingdom?
How did the King regain his kingdom?
Application:
God wants the best for us and promises to always provide for us. Matthew 6:25-34 talks about it. Specifically in verse 33, Jesus says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He desires to take care of us.
Despite God's great provision for us, we can sometimes take it for granted and begin to think that it is our ability to do things that we have been able to succeed and prosper. That is what happened to Nebuchanezzar. He lost sight of God's provision. Have you lost sight of God's provision for you?
If you have or haven't lost sight of God's provision, take a few minutes and list all the great things God has done for you and given you. Then, thank God for all the blessings.
Do not lose focus on all that God has blessed you with. He is faithful and will provide.
Read Daniel 4
Verses 1-3, King Nebuchadnezzar shares about the greatness of God. How have you seen the greatness of God in your life?
King Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. What was the dream?
Daniel was once again choosen to interpret the dream. What did God reveal to Daniel what the dream meant?
According to the dream, why did the King lose his kingdom?
How did the King regain his kingdom?
Application:
God wants the best for us and promises to always provide for us. Matthew 6:25-34 talks about it. Specifically in verse 33, Jesus says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." He desires to take care of us.
Despite God's great provision for us, we can sometimes take it for granted and begin to think that it is our ability to do things that we have been able to succeed and prosper. That is what happened to Nebuchanezzar. He lost sight of God's provision. Have you lost sight of God's provision for you?
If you have or haven't lost sight of God's provision, take a few minutes and list all the great things God has done for you and given you. Then, thank God for all the blessings.
Do not lose focus on all that God has blessed you with. He is faithful and will provide.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Don't back down!
Have you ever been asked to or have to defend your faith at your school? How did you respond? Did you speak right up, even if it was going to cost you friendships or a reputation? Or, did you keep quiet and minimize your faith?
Read Daniel 3
What did King Nebuchadnezzar do?
What did he expect all the people to do in response to this?
When the music played, what did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do? How hard do you think it was for them to do this?
What was their reason for their response? Because of Shadrach's, Meshach's and Abednego's action, what happened to them?
Once in the fiery furnace, what happened?
What did the King do after he witnessed what was happening?
What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their standing firm for God?
Application:
Daniel 3:17 & 18 says that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!"
What a remarkable statement! They stood firm for God despite the potential consequences of DEATH for not bowing down to the King's statue. Even now, people put their faith on the line all over the world with potential consequences such as these staring at them in the face.
Would you and your faith be able to stand up like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did? The consequences for standing up in your faith and not backing down has such minor consequences for us in America, why wouldn't we stand firm for God. God provided for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - who ended up being promoted and God being glorified for their actions. Who is to say that God wouldn't protect you and provide for you because you stood firm in God.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to express your love of and faith in God, don't back down. Speak up and glorify God.
Read Daniel 3
What did King Nebuchadnezzar do?
What did he expect all the people to do in response to this?
When the music played, what did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego do? How hard do you think it was for them to do this?
What was their reason for their response? Because of Shadrach's, Meshach's and Abednego's action, what happened to them?
Once in the fiery furnace, what happened?
What did the King do after he witnessed what was happening?
What happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego because of their standing firm for God?
Application:
Daniel 3:17 & 18 says that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up!"
What a remarkable statement! They stood firm for God despite the potential consequences of DEATH for not bowing down to the King's statue. Even now, people put their faith on the line all over the world with potential consequences such as these staring at them in the face.
Would you and your faith be able to stand up like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did? The consequences for standing up in your faith and not backing down has such minor consequences for us in America, why wouldn't we stand firm for God. God provided for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - who ended up being promoted and God being glorified for their actions. Who is to say that God wouldn't protect you and provide for you because you stood firm in God.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to express your love of and faith in God, don't back down. Speak up and glorify God.
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