Rejoicing in My Suffering.

When God Tests us with Success

(Daniel 4:28–37) Daniel 4 teaches that our greatest test in life may not be when we hit a dead end but when we hit easy street. Don’t believe me? Then just look at Nebuchadnezzar! Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer: Read Daniel 4:1–37 and answer these questions:  1. How does God test Nebuchadnezzar with success? How does God test you with success? 2. James 4:6 states, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” How is this an apt commentary on Daniel 4? 3. What steps does Nebuchadnezzar take to recover from his massive fall?

When the Heat is On!

(Daniel 3:12–25). Today we look at Daniel 3. What will we see? The Heat is On! The heat—for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—was peer pressure. We feel the same heat! Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer: Read Daniel 3:12–25 and answer these questions:  1. What kind of peer pressure are you under? What kind of peer pressure did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego face? 2. Why is Daniel 3:25 the key to the narrative? Who is “a son of  the gods”? 3. What bold stand does God want you to make?

When You’re Asked to do the Impossible.

(Daniel 2:1-19). What is your mission impossible? Is it business related? Family related? Finance related? Have no fear, Daniel 2 is here!   Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer: Read Daniel 2:1–49 and answer these questions:  1. What impossible situations have you recently found yourself in? 2. What is impossible for Daniel? How does God help him? 3. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream includes a Stone—the Lord Jesus Christ. How does his power and might empower you to face your mission impossible?

When We’re Pressured to Conform (Daniel 1:8–21)

How do we avoid conforming to our culture? We follow this verse—“Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) God will strengthen our resolve, too! Scripture Readings: The readings are about thriving when we’re pressured to conform. OT: Daniel 1:8–21; EP: Romans 12:1–2; GO: Matthew 5:10–16 Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer: 1. Why is Daniel 1:8 the turning point in chapter 1? 2. What character traits do you admire most about Daniel? 3. How did God bless Daniel’s obedience? (See Daniel 1:19–20

When Our World Ends (Daniel 1:1–7)

For the next eight weeks, we will delve into the Old Testament Book of Daniel. The series is called -- Thriving No Matter What Hits You. Today’s topic? When Our World Ends! Scripture Readings: The readings are about thriving when our world ends: OT: Daniel 1:1–7; EP: Romans 5:1–5; GO: John 14:1–10. Use the following questions as a guide for further reflection and prayer. Let's remain in God’s Word this summer! Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer: 1. Try to imagine what this might have been like for the Jews to be in exile/deported to Babylon. What might this have been like for them? What might they have felt?    2. If we stubbornly refuse to see that God ends things to protect us, perfect us and direct us, then we add to our suffering. How so?  3. How can Jesus’ resurrection change the way we look at situations when it might look like the end of our world?