The most important truth that comes from chapter 7 is the vision Daniel receives regarding the sovereignty of God. The Most High is the supreme ruler that controls history and human nature. This is at the core of the gospel that we share with our friends and coworkers. At one time we were all eternally separated from God, but the amazing thing is that God did the impossible by making redemption available to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24). The Most High is a conqueror and His saints receive the eternal kingdom (v. 17-18). Will you live in the power and victory of the Most High today? 

Deeper Study: Colossians 1:15-29. Commit yourself anew today to the gospel.

This chapter is packed FULL of meaning and application for our Christian life. Today our focus in on prayer as exemplified in verses 10-11. When a law was proclaimed against prayer, Daniel’s immediate response was to go home, kneel down and PRAY! Prayer was an integral part of his daily life. Today if one of your lost friends barged in on you at home, where would you be found? Are you paying attention to earthly kings or your heavenly King who is the King of kings and Lord of lords? Today get so actively involved in sharing your faith that you have to passionately pursue guidance and strength from God. 

Deeper Study: Compare the pictures of the living God in Daniel 3:8-30 & 6:16-27.

Allow these passages to explode your view of God, who is more than able!

The story in Daniel quickly becomes a thriller with the intense drama in this chapter. In the ancient world, kings had all the power to either reward or punish people within the kingdom (2:5-6). Daniel boldly announces the bad news no matter the cost. How courageously do you proclaim the Good News that Christians possess? May we say: “Nevertheless, I will make known to you the interpretation” (v. 17).

Deeper Study: Compare Daniel 5:18-23 with Matthew 23:1-11.

Greatness comes from serving. How will you humbly give of yourself today?

It’s almost Friday! Time to relax, right? As you come before people today, are you one in whom the Spirit of the holy God dwells? Today, live enabled through the Spirit (v. 18). As Daniel lived, may we also live on April 14, 2016. 

Deeper Study: John 14:9-31. Holy Spirit enables the advancement of the Gospel.

• Who or what has your full attention today?
• Who are you serving today?    
• Who are you worshipping today?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three Jewish studs that trusted in the Most High God who is all-powerful and in whom there is no other. They committed to worship God more because of who He is rather than what He would or would not do (v. 17-18).  

Deeper Study: Examine how Paul defines the Christian life (Philippians 1:12-30).

“With the all-powerful God nothing is impossible.” This was Daniel’s reply to King Nebuchadnezzar in verses 27-30. Wisdom and power belong to our God (v. 20), but He freely gives to us because of His mercy (v. 18). Before you go too much further today, ask God to enable you to make Him known and intercede for the lost in this city.  

Deeper Study: Compare Daniel 2 with Genesis 41 and the story of Joseph and Pharaoh.

This week we kick off our 12-day Daniel devotional. This devotional will run in conjunction with our 10-day Daniel Fast that we begin tomorrow. Over the next 12 days, you can find our brief daily devotional from the book of Daniel here at our Vintage Press Blog

Daniel detached from the pleasures of his status in Babylon in order to maintain his identity as one of God’s children. Prayerfully consider other activities, objects or “royal food” of the world that God would have you abstain from in order to focus more clearly on Him over the next 10 days. May God grant to you favor, compassion, understanding and wisdom (v. 9, 17, & 20) as a result of your undeterred loyalty to Him.