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Daniel 12

I thought this verse was pretty challenging and reminded me of Michael’s thoughts from our last meeting. Michael mentioned how the spiritual gifts test showed our weaknesses and what our takeaway should be. Not to accept our weaknesses and don’t do anything, but acknowledge and practice them as they were commanded by our God. In this chapter some of the spiritual gifts that came to mind was evangelism and apostleship. It says in verses 2 to 3 “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Oh my goodness, how amazing yet so scary. He displays the image of death so beautifully but in order to get there you must adapt the wisdom of God. Just from praying and reading, I know what God wants me to do and hear and see what his wisdom entails, yet I tend to ignore them. I tell myself, oh I’ll do it later, I don’t have the gift for this and that, you know I want to but I’m not in the place to right now. These questions tend to come up consistently when I think about evangelism. It’s one of the greatest commands yet I still ignore them. It’s not about knowing God’s wisdom but acting on them is the hardest part.

Jay

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Daniel 12

The final chapter of Daniel. It continues with the end times prophecy. Through these prophecies, I see God's love and concern for His people. Jews have gone through some difficult times throughout history, but the worst is still to come, but God will not abandon them; he will bring those who are in Him to glory. Knowing that all of history is going to this climactic end, and all the angels are busy preparing for it, makes me reflect on my life and role. On one hand, it's cool because I want to be a part of something exciting and bigger than myself, especially if it will have eternal consequences. On the other hand, it's humbling because I don't feel like currently I'm having an impact on all that's happening and will be happening. My focus is also not on the end times, but on school and education and family. This chapter also talks about the righteous in Christ and the rejectors being separated to eternal glory and eternal damnation. Our society focuses so much on the here and now, and rubbed out the concept of hell from our cultural consciousness because we don't like or agree with the idea that God would send people to hell. Ideas of the afterlife are so flowery buddhist, that we'll all be one with the universe. The greatest trick the devil played is to make people believe he doesn't exist. How scary it is to even imagine being eternally separated from God and everything good, and being tortured forever and ever in the worst ways possible. I need view all areas of my life with this eternal perspective.

JY

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Daniel 12

I really enjoyed reading Daniel and gettting deeper into the word. This book really made me research various commentaries because there were so many visions and parallels that I just didn't understand and couldn't like bs an application. The final book to me seemed like God was just reiterating his promises he made to his people, although there will be trials and tribulations, Gods side is the winning side and he not only provide but conquer. “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭ So I don't know if this refers to events that already happened or if it points to end times, maybe it can apply to both but how crazy would it have been to witness that scene between the two men in linen! They are talking about crazy things and Daniel is there able to see it all. Although he doesn't understand it all, I think his role was to just bare witness to it and share what he understood to warn others. “And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭12:7‬ ‭ There will be a day when we are judged in front of God whether it's when we die or when he returns, am I living as the wise, purified and refined or as the wicked, who is just always lost and wandering ? We arent supposed to just stand here and wait till he comes, we all have responsiblities and talents that need to be used. Paulferd

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Go Your Way

Daniel 12

Michael

V8 Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.

John 21:22 Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!

God only shows us a few things and not everything and then calls us to obey him in faith. Daniel wondered what would be the outcome of this final vision and God tells him to stop thinking about it and move on. Similarly, in John 21, Peter asks Jesus about what would happen to his disciple John and Jesus basically says, it’s none of your business. You follow me! I’m not called to know everything that’s going to happen in the future and everything that’s going to happen in the lives of my friends. I should be concerned with whether I am following Christ or not. Like the Psalmist says, I do not concern myself with matters too great for me to understand, but like a weaned child I am content.

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Daniel 11

“After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be betrayed, together with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. “One from her family line will arise to take her place. He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; he will fight against them and be victorious.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭11:6-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Like andy said, all I could think about was game of thrones haha. What especially stands out to me is how these royal kings take matter into their own hands and although it might give a favorable outcome initially, something unexpected always comes up and it changes everything. On minute you think you're on top, making all the right decisions, and next, your being crushed and destroyed by your enemies. There is always my way, the worlds way, and Gods way. We always get these mixed up and sometimes even do OUR way claiming that it is God's way. What the Bible is clear about is that there are consequences to not following Gods ways. I can be as creative as I want .. sell off my family to bargain agreements with my foes, plan elaborate attack strategies to overcome my enemies.. but whatever the case, it should be done according to Gods plan and will. The moment I 'play' God and take his role, I subject myself to being lost and separated from him. Wandering in the wilderness and being succumb by the/my enemy -paulferd

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Daniel 11

I feel like my spirit the past couple was not in good shape. I tell you guys all the time that I love to escape in my mind, I feel like it’s the only place I feel safe. But for some reason, I’ve been feeling extremely dark in my safe place. When I first read this chapter, I couldn’t believe it fully. I started questioning the book of Daniel (which I found out later that many people do too); if this was really written before all these events happened. I mean I believe in the power of prophecy but a prophecy to this extent was kind of ridiculous. This got me pretty frustrated because I wanted to finish this post as fast as I can but couldn’t find a single thing to write about... (sorry xD) So I started looking at my Daniel notes and read some of my old post, and noticed how head over heals I was for this book. It reminded me of the respect I had for Daniel and how God was the one who orchestrated all these events to happen for the purpose of Him being glorified. O “Jay,” you of little faith! This made me feel extremely hopeful and brought me to a place to understand that I’m in war against these kinds of uncertainties. My safe place was never safe. Satan only shined a small light in a place that was always dark to only deceive me that I was in a place of safety and comfort. But to know that even though Satan does this, just as He did in this chapter, God orchestrated them to happen and as I look to Him, I know he will show me the door out of this dark place 

Sorry guys my post seems a bit weird and dark, just haven’t had sleep in days :)

Jay

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Daniel Chapter 11

To be honest, when I was reading this chapter, the only thing I could think of was Game of Thrones. There’s this one scene in the end of season six and beginning of season seven when Cersei Lannister is talking about all her enemies that are attacking from all sides – the north, south, east and west. In the third episode, Cersei outsmarts her adversaries by attacking the allies that they least expect. While her enemies were attacking her in a spot she knew she could not hold, she sent all her troops to an area that could not defend itself. This really makes me think how prepared I am to defend myself against satan? When he is attacking from all sides, am I ahead of my opponent? Often times the answer is no. I hate to admit it, but I give into satan’s lies and I am putting myself above Christ. I care so much about what others think of me, or how I am perceived, so I will act in a way that is in myself interest rather than ways that glorify God. Knowing this, it really fires me up to be more proactive with equipping myself with the word and prayer. I want to be able to resist the lies that satan tells me, so that I can truly honor God and rejoice in the ultimate sacrifice he made for me. I pray that God will give me the heart to receive his truth and desperately cling onto him so that I can resist all the enemies that are attacking from all different sides.      

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Daniel 11

This chapter is super detailed with a play by play account of the ptolemaic and seleucid kingdoms after alexander the great died. I wonder why their war was given this much attention. Maybe because it involved the desecration of the temple the first time around. This prophecy shows that the bible is supernaturally inspired. Can't write something this detailed hundreds of years before it happened. Skeptics thus say that Daniel had to have been written after these events happened. This shows that if people don't want to believe in God, they will find all sorts of 'evidence' to argue against his existence and Christianity. The ratio of how many ppl saw and heard Jesus vs how many became devoted followers was probably low.  Main thing that stands out from these visions is that history is all under Gods control and no human kingdom will last. They'll disappear and fade away. I pray that we don't build any kingdoms made of sand for ourselves to chase after emptily but that we build our lives on the everlasting rock.

John

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The Faith of my Brothers

Daniel 11

Michael

V32 “But the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." During reign of the Roman Empire, there came a pre-end time antichrist figure named Antiochus Epiphanes. He desecrated the temple by setting up an image of Zeus, and sacrificed pigs on the altar. The temple was in such ruins that no one came to worship God. He also pressured the Jews to abandon their God and adopt Greek culture. In my mind I think that the Israelites were all rebellious and weak but this verse, reminds me that these Israelites went through so much. They were under tremendous pressure to abandon their God or face persecution. Their kingdoms had already been divided and conquered so many times. Temple was in ruins, their brothers were abandoning the faith, and only a few exiles returned from foreign lands. There was so much pressure to give up on their faith. Yet, in 1 Kings, God talks about God reserving a faithful remnant.

Their faith makes mine look so weak. I’m not being persecuted for my faith, not being pressured to abandon my God. I’m living in the greatest country in history with all resources at my disposal, yet I complain and fall continually into sin. They stood firm and took action while I lay back and do nothing. It reminds me of Hebrews 12:4, In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood. How much do you really fight sin, Michael? How much have you given up? You’re not even bleeding yet. Keep on fighting. If you can’t even obey under peaceful circumstances, what will become of you later? You need to pray now so that I will not fall into sin later.

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Daniel 10

Two things stood out to me in this chapter.

“Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”

God was pleased by Daniel so much. Enough to give him a vision and send him one of his Angels. God hears our prayers but it does seem like he has his (not sure if its the right word but) favorites. It is so obvious God likes certain traits that Daniel has that really differs himself to others whom he also hears and answers. Daniel is always trying to progress and will not settle to just get by. He is also humble and always willing to serve Him when needed. As I sit here and read this scripture, I asked myself, Paul, do you think you are in God’s top 10%, 30%...... 50%...... boy do i have a lot to still learn and change. 

Second, what stood out to me was what John mentioned about the Spiritual Realm in general. I never really spent deep time pondering about the Spiritual Realm. I always accepted its existence but its not always the first thing I think of when i am approached with struggles or temptations. This realm exists and there are angels and demons hard at work for my good and my fall. At first, i was kinda jealous that Daniel was given these visions but the more i think of it, i should be thankful that its been hidden. One, i have more opportunity to show greater faith AND two, i might just get sucked in and be too scared to do anything. 

-paulferd

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Daniel 10

When I reflect on this chapter, I think about my prayer life and the intimacy I have with God. The word that comes to mind is persistence. Do I come before the Lord with persistence? It’s kind of sad how small I make God sometimes. When a prayer goes unanswered, I think he does not hear me or care about the struggles I go through. I’ll stop praying and try to figure things out on my own. Yet, Daniel continually prayed. He remained faithful to God and in return God sent the man clothed in linen to answer his prayers. The subject of his prayer was never of self-interest, but he prayed that God’s name would be glorified no matter the outcome. Daniel was able to humble himself before the Lord since the beginning and God heard his prayers. Man, am I persistent and humble before God? I think this is how God will come to know me – when I have a heart to want to understand God and I humble myself before him. Much like how Daniel was strengthened by the man clothed in linen - anything is possible when I put my complete trust and faith in God. He is the one that will give me strength in any circumstance as long I continue to pursue him, know his heart, and grow my intimacy with him. 

-Andy

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Daniel 10

“But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.”  The realities of the spiritual realm are so (I imagine) interesting and complex.  The spiritual warfare that is going on constantly that we’re pretty oblivious to.  It raises a few questions.  How much influence do these spirits have on worldly affairs?  Is this “prince of the Persian kingdom” some high level demon who was controlling Cyrus the Great?  How did he resist this angel?  Can demons beat angels, and what happens when either of them loses in a fight?  I wonder how much of this spiritual war affects our daily lives.  Are there angels that follow me around and protect me from injury?  Last week I was moving this parasol and the base, which was pretty heavy, slipped off and grazed my toe.  If it was 1 cm to the right it would’ve probably blackened my toenail.  Wonder if my guardian angel moved it a bit to the left to avoid that.  Or is there a roadrage demon in my car?  

John 

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Because of your words

Daniel 10

Michael

"Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.” V12

I feel like in the past two weeks, God has been restoring my prayer life little by little. Because filming has been so hectic I’ve had no other choice but to turn to God to pray. Learning to pray out loud again is hard when you’re so used to praying silently. I think God is just reminding me through this passage that when I pray, the heavens can literally move and situations change. This angel came to Daniel because of his words. What other things might move and shift because of my words? I want my prayer times to be more than just an emotional connection with God, but I want to have faith that heaven hears and acts. This passage also reminds me that I can pray for understanding and visions. Since Daniel set his heart to understand, that’s when God gave his these visions. One thing I want to receive is a vision of the condition of my heart and the spiritual condition of my friends and our church. I’ve had some crazy dreams before but I want to pray for more.

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Daniel 9

Daniel knew how long the Jews would be exiled by reading the scriptures.  The Bible is full of insight, wisdom, and instruction.  It doesn’t have specific answers to most of our decisions, like what career to take, where to live, who to marry, etc.  But it has enough information to guide our decisions to align with God’s will for our lives.  God also allows the freedom to let us decide, and to make mistakes so that we can grow.  As Daniel was praying, God showed him beyond what he was praying about.  Daniel was just praying about the 70 years of captivity; God shows him 70 sets of 7 years of what will happen until the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  God gives insight through prayer.  He says, I’m going to show you greater and mightier things, beyond what you can even imagine.  What insights and visions am I missing out on because I am not valuing prayer as I should? 

John

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Daniel 9

So much good stuff in this chapter. First, I am reminded how great Daniel was and how well he knew how to please God. “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭9:3-5‬ Typidally people make prayers all about themselves. It is often me centered and maybe about others every once in a while .. hardly ever about Gods purpose and even more often without this passion and angst. Another thing that stood out for me was how god sent Daniel Gabriel, to also let him know how loved he was by God. “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.” ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ You would think that someone as faithful and disciplined as Daniel wouldn't need an angel of the lord to tell him that God loves him. This says a lot about Daniel and God. Daniel was indeed faithful and was simply doing his best to live according to Gods will but I'm sure he needed encouragement just like any of us, I mean , he was human... Finally, Israel. They screwed up but they are not forgotten and they still have hope. God reveled to Daniel that there is hard redemption coming. It's interesting that god will give them that chance but it's not right away and it's definitely not the way they expect or want. God will often answer our prayers and petitions but it's still through his will and ways. #paulferd

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Chapter 9

I love how this chapter is about prayer and Daniel’s preparation for prayer. Effective prayer comes out of knowing and praying both God’s word and our present circumstances. Daniel believed that God would fulfill all that was prophesized in Jeremiah, yet he prayed passionately that God would deliver on his promises. I think that his proves that God’s promises invite our prayers and participation, they do not exclude them. I love how Daniel approached God as a man who would not be denied, because he believed his prayer was in the will of God, and it was not motivated by any selfish desire. In his approach to God, Daniel made a request, asking God to perform his promise in the way that would bring God most glory.  He was willing to do whatever it took to get his job done in prayer, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes – all emblems of humiliation and mourning. He had such a humble heart when he approached God. In his prayer, Daniel starts by recognizing the greatness and goodness of God. There are times when I forget his greatness and goodness, and act as if he needs to be persuaded when I come before him in my requests. I want Daniel’s approach to prayer, and be rooted in knowing that God keeps His promises and mercy with those who love him. Daniel earnestly prays for his people and confesses all their sins, and glorifies the goodness and righteousness of God. He acknowledges that the problem lies with his people, and not God himself. Israel’s sin was not God’s fault, because he is righteous and blameless. He also does not make the slightest excuse for Israel’s disobedience to him. Despite this, he simply asks God to mercifully turn his attention to Jerusalem because the people desperately needed his face to shine upon them. This is a good example of how I should be praying. Hopefully I can actually this all to use going forward. 

-Andy

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Seek the Lord with all your heart again

Daniel 9

Michael

“all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the Lord our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth.

Calamity is disappointing. Especially when it’s a result of your consequences. But what’s even more disappointing is when God’s own children don’t turn to him in the face of calamity. Here, we see Daniel taking the appropriate action. This week has been really rough for me. I’ve had several mood swings, fallen into temptations, plagued with days where it felt like heavy darkness. I’m sure a lot of it was caused by me and that’s regrettable. But what would make my story even more sad is that if I just stayed in this without pleading with God for help, to turn from sins and turn to his truth. Here, Daniel, doesn’t just pray, but he pleads for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. Lord, give me this heart this upcoming week to turn to you in the midst of darkness. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved.

When I read this, I think about how lucky Daniel was to have received such a word of encouragement. To know by an angel that the Lord greatly loves him!? What could be better than that. Then I remember that Jesus says that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet and then He says whoever is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than John. Lord, help me to believe and fathom how great your love is for me. That I have access to more than Daniel ever had. Oh how high, how wide, how high, how deep is your love for me even now!

You are loved Michael, now come and seek my face. Your face oh Lord, I will seek.