Here we go!
On Wednesdays, everyone does the green path. You can move ahead down the mountain if you like. The weekends are free to catch up or move ahead. The Green questions are in Green! If you have any more time, you may see a green star next to a few black questions, but all that is required is the one question each day that is in green.
Paige streams from her Nashville church live at 10:00 A. M. Central on Wednesdays. Her teaching is available until next Tuesday night on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjezXRVemy4
Optional Movie Recommendation
Daniel lives through the lives of these leaders: King Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus. A movie that depicts this quite well is The Book of Daniel. I rented it through library-loan but you can stream it from YouTube. For a budget film, I thought they did well. It held my interest and was a good overview of these 7 chapters.
Wednesday: Introduction
Each day will be close to 15 minutes but may give or take a few minutes as I want to stop at logical places. This day, do the introduction until she begins the 1st point on her outline: THE THEOLOGY OF CAPTIVITY. Some of you did this on last week’s blog, so you don’t need to do it here unless you want to!
1. Listen to Paige for about 13 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why.
Optional: She refers to Psalm 137. Here is one rendition of it.
For the rest of the week, you can continue on the green path, or also do the black path, with the questions in black, or switch back and forth! Do what you can but keep skiing!
Thursday: Theory of Captivity
Today is only ten minutes as I realize some of you have just begun and need to do yesterday as well. Listen until she begins her second point: Temptation of Compromise.
Read Daniel 1:1-2
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you?
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you?
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping.
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God?
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel?
Andrew Murray: In time of trouble, say first, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this difficult place — in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then say, He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn and working in me the grace He bestows. And last say, in his good time He can bring me out again how and when He knows. Therefore I say these four things: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
*7. How might you apply Andrew Murray’s quote to something you are facing right now?
Friday: Temptation of Compromise
Today is about 15 minutes. Listen up to her third point: Testing of Conviction (Begins at 43:57 on You-Tube)
Read Daniel 1:3-7
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did.
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.)
10. She makes an application to parenting — things we do to help our children “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of?
Paige talks about the language of fitting in. This reminded me of J. B. Phillip’s famous paraphrase of Romans 12:2a: Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within…
*11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift — that begins with little things in how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church… Or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this time…. Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them.” How might this apply to your life?
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “There aint’ nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body.” Application?
Saturday: Catch Up, Move Ahead, or Wait
Sunday: God Hunt
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week — it could be Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, the sense of His presence, sweet Christian fellowship, unusual timing or circumstances, or creation or your Sunday worship service putting you in awe of God. How did you sense God in your life last week?
Monday: Testing of Conviction
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did.
PRESERVATION (POINT 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three de-programming plans: (Removing, Renaming, Reeducationg) She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducating, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books, etc — but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, facebook, books, movies…
Paige explained we don’t know why eating “the food from the King’s table” was wrong, but clearly, it was a heart issue — and they did have a choice about it.
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it?
18. Paige says that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Application?
19. Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened. God feels like that about us when our relationship with Him is threatened. Think of three things that most threaten your relationship with Him.
20. Where is God telling you to stand and lean back instead of sitting on your bottom and sliding?
PREPARATION (POINT 2)
*21. She said if there was no Daniel 1:8 there would be no book of Daniel — that “little thing” is what made him the great man he became. What are 4 or 5 top “resolves” or goals for yourself to help you be who you want to be? (She suggested looking at your credit card spending, internet browsing, calendar…) You will never be what you are not becoming.
22. She said “Always take the first opportunity to show yourself a decided Christian.” Application?
Tuesday: Triumph of Commitment
Read Daniel 1:15-21
23. This begins on YouTube at nearly 1 hour and 2 minutes. Listen to the end, about 15 minutes. Share one thing that stands out to you and why.
24. Describe how the youths look after ten days and why they have thrived.
25. Until we fully despair of self we will not cling to the Lord. How has that been true in your life, if it is?
26. What did her friend experience at a black church in Oxford? The point?
*27. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
Wednesday: Introduction
I need to put this here so I have time to work on the black questions. I will repeat it tomorrow when I post — but everyone should answer this question today.
1. Listen to Paige for about 15 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why.
139 comments
What version of Bible does Paige use?
English Standard Version
Welcome, Allison!
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why. Paige talked about God seemingly losing and that He was willing to suffer for the good of His people. She talked about the captivity would have been perfect time for God to take control. Then said God is in but . Daniel and his friends understood they were there because it was God’s plan To be taken 900:miles away from everything they were familiar with and surrendering and accepting God’s plan was pretty amazing reaction for these young men
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you? The Lord gave them God was in control of the situation.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you? My church has had drama and misinformation from outside has been repeated. I don’t agree with the handling of matters, but we have been meeting regularly to pray for the church so I must surrender and trust God to work all things together for good.
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises. The Lord told them the covenants and then outlined the blessings for keeping them and the curses for not keeping,
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping. I will remove wild beasts from the land and the sword will not pass through your country
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God? Because God is always good and we are fleshly and sinful. We need guidance with consequences to keep us on the narrow path
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel? The Jews couldn’t keep abusing the temple and think that God will not send His curses. It showed the faithfulness of God that he keeps His promises. Shinar was the place of total opposition to God.
Andrew Murray: In time of trouble, say first, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this difficult place — in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then say, He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn and working in me the grace He bestows. And last say, in his good time He can bring me out again how and when He knows. Therefore I say these four things: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
*7. How might you apply Andrew Murray’s quote to something you are facing right now? Just accept He is teaching me patience and endurance and when the time is right He will bring harvest.
Great start, Judy!
Wednesday: Introduction
Each day will be close to 15 minutes but may give or take a few minutes as I want to stop at logical places. This day, do the introduction until she begins the 1st point on her outline: THE THEOLOGY OF CAPTIVITY. Some of you did this on last week’s blog, so you don’t need to do it here unless you want to!
1. Listen to Paige for about 13 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why.
In her prayer:
God does not have dates. I believe that He is not limited by time and that His purposes will always come to be regardless of human time frame.
She often hears the question from herself or others: Where are we living? What is happening right now? Self, where are you now? Why are you here?
I think and ask this question periodically with my teacher colleagues. “Why do we have these mental issues among our young people nowadays? What is the matter with America?
We need a true view of God and not reinvent Him every time a new year comes around.
Good point about a true view of God.
Thursday: Theory of Captivity
Today is only ten minutes as I realize some of you have just begun and need to do yesterday as well. Listen until she begins her second point: Temptation of Compromise.
Read Daniel 1:1-2
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
Andrew Murray: In time of trouble, say first, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this difficult place — in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then say, He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn and working in me the grace He bestows. And last say, in his good time He can bring me out again how and when He knows. Therefore I say these four things: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
My lesson: God is in control ALL THE TIME. This gives me real peace about my circumstances right now. I am also seeing the difficult circumstances of others from His perspective. He can weave the bright and dark threads of life to create beauty in all of us and to draw us to Himself.
Wednesday: Introduction
1. Listen to Paige for about 13 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why.
I like how she explained how everything about the Jewish people’s identity was tied to their land, tied to their temple, tied to Jerusalem. Who were they when they were not there in their land, practicing their religion? It was the ultimate devastation. How then would they live in Babylon? “How will they sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” We are looking to them through this book as those who learned how to do it because of the relationship they had with the Lord.
It makes me think about what my identity is tied to; what things, what people/relationships, am I looking to for my identity? If those things are threatened, I find myself in spiritual exile. Yet my story is different than these ancient peoples because it is not that I need those idols restored to me to make me feel safe again; I need to learn how to find my identity in God alone, so that I don’t keep going in and out of exile.
Beautifully said. I love you are here right at the beginning Susan. So often when you come on at the end, I’m sad people miss your thoughtful meditations — though I am ALWAYS glad to see you.
Love your reflection, Susan. I feel this way right now in my life.
1. Listen to Paige for about 13 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why. I love that she emphasizes the fact that these events, though so far in the past, are important. I did a very in depth study on Daniel in the past and I am eager to see what Paige has to say on this prophetic chapter.
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why. Everything that happens to us is by God’s design and for His purpose. When things are going “wrong” it is so tempting for me to ask What did I do wrong? What can I do differently to get my life “back on track”? When in reality, God is accomplishing His purpose and I am blessed to be used for His purpose.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? Because it was the Lord’s plan. What does this tell you? That even the “bad” things in our lives are ordained by God and being used to serve His purpose.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you? It seems silly to say, but the first time that I remember being truly aware of God’s complete sovereignty was when I was late for work and got a flat tire. At first I reacted in my normal way which was to be angry and frantic. Things were not going the way that I was praying that they would. It was at that time that I began to realize that regardless of what I thought should happen as a result of my prayers, God was directing these events and He was in control of all of the events.
Love you are letting us into your thought processes any how God corrected your thinking, Dawn.
Dawn, two weeks ago I was driving to work at 6:30 AM and it was dark and raining. A turn I’d made hundreds of times, because I couldn’t see and was distracted by my thoughts, I turned too sharply and hit the median in between two lanes. By the time I got into the parking lot, my tire was flat! Thank goodness for AAA and towing service! I ruined not one, but two tires on the driver’s side.
Yes, AAA can be a lifeline!
Read Daniel 1:1-2
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
I messed up and in last weeks blog said the young men were taken in the second exile. Whoops! It was the first.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why wasNebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you?
Gid allowed it to happen. He is faithful and true to His word. Don’t mess with God!
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you?
I have better followed the Lord in my latter years and have been so much better for it! It is comforting to know there is a higher power who helps me along my rocky way. When I follow His way, I succeed.
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping.
Leviticus 26:16: God says He will have their enemies rule over them if they disobey.
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God?
Because God knows what’s best for us. We are humans with no sight of the future. He cares for us and wants us to be well.
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel?
Jeremiah continues to remind the people that they can’t keep disrespecting the Lord and not expect to be cursed. He takes them back to remind them that they need Him. He is faithful to His word. He is seeming defeat for the ultimate saving of His people. He is almighty and always in control. It is His will that they are where they are at that time. He is always on task, never sleeping.
Great start, Laura!
Did you all get an e-mail yesterday morning about this post? Patti didn’t and one other person — so I want to make sure it is working correctly. Could a few of you let me know here? Thanks. Dee
I never received an email which is unusual 🤔 so I just came here to see if there was a new post🙂
Thanks so much for letting me know. I pray I don’t lose people because of this bad start!
Dee, now that I thought about it and checked my email, I have not received it either. I just went in here because I knew Paige’s study would have started. Praying with you about women checking in here or that the email will go through from cyberspace.
I did not get an email from you either yesterday.
I am praying that we will all be able to get our emails. So crazy. I love the first lecture from Paige!
No I didn’t. I just went to your website
I got an email this morning “Late Bible Study Blog”.
Great! I don’t know what happened, but think it is fixed now and should arrive again next Thursday morn by 9.
Thursday: Theory of Captivity
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why wasNebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god?
The LORD gave Jehoiakim and the vessels into his hand.
What does this tell you?
God is in control.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you?
It has comforted me in times of loss and moving because I know His purpose and will for my life is best for me…in the midst of those times it was hard to see that but because of going through those situations I now know it…He is faithful!
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping.
“But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. “The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them. And you shall be a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.“
Deuteronomy 28:15, 25
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God?
God cannot deny Himself. He is willing to “seemingly” suffer defeat/shame for the ultimate good of His people.
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah?
”You cannot come and abuse this temple and turn your back on the LORD and expect that He is not sending these curses upon you.”
Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel?
It was a place that was in total opposition to God…just as they were.
*7. How might you apply Andrew Murray’s quote to something you are facing right now?
I need to rest in the fact that God has placed me where I’m at and has put people in my life for His purpose.
You were blessed to grow up in such a strong home. You surely must have leaned on Him and His sovereignty when you lost your child!
Wednesday: Introduction
1. Listen to Paige for about 13 minutes and share at least one thing that stood out to you and why.
—At the start she makes the point that we are living in a time when the question is often asked “What is happening in our country and in the world today?”
There is a troubled feeling on the part of many and I would say most of us as to what we see going on around us in our present culture. Frankly it is hard to watch and getting much harder to live in.
It is so interesting to me personally that my son who is the pastor of our church will be starting a sermon series this coming Sunday on the book of Daniel. Between him and Paige I anticipate learning a great deal from two excellent bible teachers. When my son introduced his intent to start teaching Daniel next week he said the main theme of the book of Daniel is whose God is bigger. He commented that it is about a believer (Daniel) who is transported into another culture where people don’t respect God. Then he asked “What would it be like to live in a culture where people don’t respect God? And does God show up? Can God show up in a culture where most people don’t respect Him?” He then said “Do you get where I am going?” Needless to say I am excited about this study. Along with that I did take time to watch the Book of Daniel movie yesterday and appreciated the perspective it helped give of Daniel’s situation with the 4 kings he served under. I also appreciated the strong use of scripture in telling the story. I think it was a helpful overview of the book of Daniel.
Well you are being immersed in Daniel. God’s timing for your son to be preaching. And I’m so glad you liked the movie!
Wow, Bev! That is so good that your son will be preaching on Daniel! His introductory questions are good!
So great that your son is also teaching Daniel, Bev. Love his idea for the main theme: he said the main theme of the book of Daniel is whose God is bigger.
Thursday: Theory of Captivity
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you?
Paige said that verses 1-2 give us the facts about what happened, yet they are not “self-interpreting”, plain as they are. What is the reason for them? Verse 2 answers this question: “The Lord gave them…” Further back in the OT, God gave many exhortations about blessings and curses that would happen according to how the Israelites obeyed Him. This tells me that even in our present age, behind the plain facts of what is happening around the globe, there is a Master Planner behind it all – both permitting and perhaps restraining things from happening.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you?
There are people in my life whom I love that I can’t even begin to keep up with all the moment-by-moment changes in direction their lives are going and I can start to worry about them and I have three adult children – two of whom are far away and one really far away in South America and I can’t keep up with it all! SOMEBODY has got to be in control, and it’s not me, I know. I pray for God to take care of them.
From Susan about her grown children. SOMEBODY has got to be in control, and it’s not me, I know. I pray for God to take care of them.
Yes
I am following along with your study, but will most likely not have time to share answers (I’m currently working 30 hours per week and pursusing a second master’s degree part-time). I’ve listened to Paige’s bible studies ever since I stumbled onto them a couple of years ago and was thrilled to find Dee’s accompanying study last year. I so appreciate her faithful teaching of God’s word. No fluff and challenging! I hope it’s okay to follow along, I know I will learn so much from what others post. Blessings, Kelli J.
Of course. You are welcome to jump in at anytime or just be silent!
I always pray for the “unknown” people in this study. God knows who they are.
I love that you pray for the “unknown” people in this study, Dawn. What a precious heart you have.
Friday: Temptation of Compromise
Although I am planning to stay on the green path, I found myself answering the black path as well. This section is powerful!
Today is about 15 minutes. Listen up to her third point: Testing of Conviction (Begins at 43:57 on You-Tube)
Read Daniel 1:3-7
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did.
Privilege, not persecution, poses an insurmountable danger to our faith-Its function is to dislocate our centers from God and to dissolve our dependence on Him. It is a temptation to succumb to the call of our senses that the world so easily caters to. I love to bake and make treats for others but boy! I can get sucked up into the gizmos and gadgets out there and make magazine-worthy cookies or cakes and spend a lot of money in the process. But is it God’s will in my life in this foreign land? Does this make me closer to God and dependent on Him? Such a reality check when I ask myself so. I don’t think making magazine-worthy (what are they supposed to look like anyway?) cookies by themselves is wrong. Creativity is a gift from God. But am I compromising my time with God in exchange for the time it takes to make them? Aaww…rabbit trailing here.
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.)
Isolate them
Rename them.
Indoctrinate them.
Wine and dine them.
This made me smile — so Bing:
Although I am planning to stay on the green path, I found myself answering the black path as well.
And your reflection on your kitchen gadgets.
I think the test of a good sermon is if it really changes us.
I decided I could cut back on movies (I tend to watch one the last hour of the evening and watch some powerful you-tube videos. Watched Keller preaching to pastors on “What I Learned From Calvin’s Pastoral Practices” so good!
I always find rabbit trails worthy to read, Bing. Those are our heart thoughts and important.
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
What stood out is that God is in control and we are not. Wow! We are in Babylon (the place of total opposition to God) right now! How appropriate the book of Daniel is to how our world is going. We need to think carefully about how we ought to live among a people who do not know God or have a very wrong view of who they think God is!
Just so you know, Dee. I did get your extra email about the technical mixup. Thanks for the reminder to listen to Paige. She is spot on! I always get so much from her.
Thanks, Diane. Some people tell me she’s too bossy — but I wonder if the Scripture is just too convicting?
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did.
In Daniel 1:8, Daniel asked the Official to allow he and his friends to not defile themselves with the Kings food. This represented too much dependancy upon the King and therefore was too much of a compromise. Paige refers to this particular issue as a “heart issue”. They were wise enough in the Lord to know His boundaries.
I think this really stood out to me because when I remember my youth, I did everything to oppose the Lord. I was living in “Shinar”! It very nearly cost me my life. Why do some of us have to learn the hard way and push against God? I wish I could have been like Daniel and his friends. I have lived for the Lord for almost 40 years and am now keenly aware of where His lines are and why. I see two of my grandchildren heading to “Shinar” just like I did. I pray for them every day and ask God to change their hearts and minds…He will someday.
Lydia, thank you for your testimony. I thank God for His mercies toward us. I was in Shinar a long time ago and He rescued me. I will pray with you for those we love who are in their Shinars right now. God can turn hearts back to Him. He hears our prayers.
Thank-you Bing! God does hear our prayers and answers in His time.🙏💗🙏
Learned something new from Lydia — I didn’t know what Shinar was — the land of Babel — a place far from God!
I learned about “Shinar” from Paige’s lecture =total opposition to God! This described me from age 18 to 25….but God and His Grace came back to me.🙌
Such good points, Lydia. So thankful for God rescuing us from “Shinar”. I will join in the prayers for those that we all love who are in Shinar right now.
Paige misspoke at 31:39 when she talked about renaming. She gave Daniel’s new name Belteshazzar, but said the Jewish names of the other 3, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their new names were Shadrach, Meshach. and Abednigo.
I’ve always been bothered that when relaying the stories of these 4 men, people refer to Daniel by his given name, but refer to his friends by their Babylonian names. Most people don’t even know the real names of the 3 men who were thrown into the fiery furnace.
Interesting. Spoken by a person with a strong left brain! But good point.
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping.
Deut 28:15 says, “But it shall come about, if you will not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.” Then, in verse 37 it says, “And you shall become a horror, a proverb, and a taunt among all the people where the Lord will drive you.”
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God?
God was very clear when He presented His people with the choice to obey Him and be blessed and at peace or, if they chose not to obey Him, to suffer consequences. I am thinking that just as a parent says to a child that if you do this (say, run across the street) then you will spend the rest of the day inside. The parent is being good to follow through with the consequence if the child disobeys because it is for the child’s own good and safety. It is God’s character to keep His word. He cared about his people and knew how their sin and disobedience would hurt them, and so He brought consequences.
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place – back to Babel?
The message of the book of Jeremiah is the people of God couldn’t abuse the temple and turn their backs on God and then not expect Him to send those promised curses upon them. At one time, King Hezekiah entertained the king of Babylon and showed him all his possessions, and God told Hezekiah that one day, all those things he showed to that king would belong to him. God kept His promise. Paige said that God cannot deny himself, and that it shows God’s faithfulness when He keeps His promises. Paige reminds us that God is suffering here too, in that it looks like defeat for Him. Paige said that Babel – Babylon are one and the same – it is the place where at one time, His people determined to make a name for themselves by building a tower reaching to the heavens, and from there, God scattered them. I did not know that. God takes them to the place of total opposition to God, a place where wickedness is at home.
Paige said, “This IS God in control (not when will God re-take control?)
One thing that stands out to me from this is that Paige mentioned that we might have a book about “God’s Promises”, but it likely doesn’t include these kinds of promises of negative consequences. We like to focus on claiming all of his wonderful promises to do us good and to bless us. It’s hard to swallow the other side of God’s promises.
And, we are where we are because God has placed us there. Daniel and his friends understood this theology of captivity, the loving sovereignty of God.
7. How might you apply Andrew Murray’s quote to something you are facing right now?
This is easier to understand intellectually than to live. Especially when what I’m facing is watching the painful journey of someone I love who is going through such a hard time. It hurts me too, that I can’t do anything to fix it or solve it or make it go away. I can listen, support, pray, be there, but I’m not in control.
So true about a good parent following through with consequences!
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did.
Living in a foreign world as a Christian. I have wondered why, my entire life, I haven’t had too many friends. I think it must be because I am so different than them. I haven’t always shown or walked by my faith, but internally I have known I was His. I’m not saying I am better than my friends, just more determined and hyper-focused . I wonder if that has put them off? It isn’t just with my faith, but other things as well. I had a pastor once tell me that I expected too much of others. 🤨
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.)
With the new name, the wine/food, the isolation, the education. How could you complain if you were completely satisfied? You would comply as well. Reminds me of our young people today and the people coming across our border right now. They will do what they are told because they are given everything they need. They don’t THINK anymore. Trust me, I teach 14-15 year olds who look at me for answers instead of thinking for themselves.
Privilege is the most effective way to reprogram them. To get them away from their God and culture.
10. She makes an application to parenting — things we do to help our children “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of?
Buying the latest clothes, jackets, phones, etc. giving them too much to help them fit in. We are not supposed to fit in! We are different, we Christians.
*11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift — that begins with little things in how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church… Or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this time…. Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing.
Probably with chocolate and food….being constantly late.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them.” How might this apply to your life?
We are messy from the inside out. The world gets inside us and we conform to it.
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “There aint’ nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body.” Application?
There are no good things in them. The woman was cheating and eating more than she should have. We have compromise and apathy in our Christian walk. We are not taking it seriously. Have integrity about our faith.
Friday: Temptation of Compromise
Read Daniel 1:3-7
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.)
1. Isolate them…remove them from family and communities.
2. Rename them…new names tied to Babylonian gods.
3. Indoctrinate them…language, sciences, medicine etc.
4. Wine & Dine them.
10. She makes an application to parenting — things we do to help our children “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of?
She talks of “fitting in” as meaning “being reshaped.” We want to play the victim of being mistreated when really, the world wants to include us and we want that for ourselves and our kids. It’s very subtle how we allow the world to suck us in to their way of thinking just because we want to be accepted. I fell into it when we came back to the US after being in Africa for 4 years. My Mom made all my clothes and I loved them but stepping into high school in California with homemade clothes showed how different I was. I was made fun of and my sister who had been back in the US longer than me took me clothes shopping so I would “fit in!” I will admit that affected my spiritual life as well.
Paige talks about the language of fitting in. This reminded me of J. B. Phillip’s famous paraphrase of Romans 12:2a: Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within…
*11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift — that begins with little things in how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church… Or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this time…. Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them.” How might this apply to your life?
It isn’t being in the world that ruins us, but allowing the world to be in us.
I have put too much value on material possessions or what a non-Christian might think…it goes back to the root of my idols…approval and comfort.
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “There aint’ nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body.” Application?
”We look at our spiritual life and it’s numb & non-existent and we think something deep is going on, but really there is nothing but compromise and disobedience and apathy killing our spiritual life.” The temptation to compromise is like a magnet and and we have a choice to say yes to God’s calling us to Himself because He loves us and wants us to flourish or we can say no and go our own way.
I saw Dee and Kathy Troccoli at a ladies’ conference in NYS many years ago. I will be leading a study of Falling in Love with Jesus this spring. Whben I recently discovered this website, I was excited to join in with you. Many blessings, Cheryl Ann
So great to have you Cheryl Ann!
Hello, Cheryl Ann! Welcome!
Welcome Cheryl Ann!
I have a question…is anyone having the problem of the video skipping? I’ll miss a chunk of what she has said and am wondering if it’s just my connection or problem with YouTube?!
I watched the livestream — and then just parts of the video and it didn’t — so I’m not much help.
Yes Sharon, I have noticed that on YouTube. I think it’s her video. Hopefully they will fix the glitch by next Wednesday. 🙏
I pray they do. I imagine they feel the pressure. I noticed just on Wednesday she’s has nearly 7,000 viewers.
Thanks Lydia…I pray they do too🙏
Same for me on YouTube.
😏
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week
7. I need to rest in the pain. It reminds me of labor pains…
14. I had a birthday last week. As I drove to work, I was lamenting that I was 60 (!) but didn’t feel “that old!” I also thought about a retired colleague who always remembered my birthday was no longer there and (probably) no one else would remember my birthday. Ugh! All about me. I walked into my classroom and saw a birthday message on the board from 2 former colleagues who live and work far away now! I was so surprised and curious about why they were there! So funny. I found out later they wanted to come to a wrestling match at our school the night before and “broke” into our rooms to leave us messages. It was so thoughtful and made my day!
Thank You Lord, for reminding me of being kind to others. Thank You for showing me kindness and help me to remember to pass it forward this week. Amen.
Sweet! Not surprising you are loved.
That was very sweet of your friends to remember your Birthday! Happy Birthday Laura-dancer!❤️🎁🎉
Thanks Lydia!
You don’t look 60 at all! I am glad you received kindness from your former colleagues. I saw your post on FB, too with Kevin and friends. It looked like you had a lot of fun.
♥️
Happy Belated Birthday Laura…so glad you had a day of feeling special and loved and just knowing you from this blog I can see why! 🎂🎁🎈
Oh, I love this sweet story of your friends leaving messages for you and your colleagues. Every birthday is a gift! You look lovely! and you are loved!
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week?
I really felt God speaking to me through scripture with the start of the Daniel Study! But God really blessed me today. I visited a church that has invited me to start a Mom’s In Prayer International group there! I felt led by the Lord to start a prayer ministry for Grandma’s and Mom’s, praying for schools and children back in August and have talked to many women at my church to no avail…no one has 1 hour a week to devote to prayer for their children/grandchildren. A MIP group leader from a nearby town had her pastor reach out to me! So we will begin on January 26th from 8:30 – 9:30! Praise the Lord!🙌🙏❤️🙏🙌
Praise God for the interest in a mom’s prayer group. May God bless you with His Spirit and faithful attenders.
Praise God! I already have three Mom’s that want to participate in Mom’s In Prayer!🙌🙏💗
Lydia, MIP was such a blessing to me when our daughter was in school! So glad to hear that you have a group starting. I would love to hear how it goes.
Thank-you Bing, I will keep you posted.🙏💗🙏
Lydia, I used to call my mom my prayer warrior. When she passed away I needed someone new to take that place. Luckily, we have had a group of women in our church who have been just that. I appreciate your efforts and am saddened that the ladies in your church don’t have the time. Our church also has a 24 hour period each month, where you can sign up to pray for an hour. The hope is that there is continual prayer for an entire 24 hr period. I think it’s called “One day, One church,” or something like that. Prayer is important. 🙏🙏🙏
Laura, So happy your church makes time for specific, intercessational prayer! I think my church is just overloaded with busy things and no one wants to take on one more thing. My Mom was my Prayer Warrior too, when she died I realized it was my turn to carry the torch! We must carry on!🙌🙏💗🙏🙌
Praise God for this answered prayer, Lydia! God has His timing. May this time with the Lord be precious to all who come and may God prompt many woman to come and pray.
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week — it could be Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, the sense of His presence, sweet Christian fellowship, unusual timing or circumstances, or creation or your Sunday worship service putting you in awe of God. How did you sense God in your life last week? I signed up for a class that started this morning and have had reservations about the decision. This morning a friend that I haven’t seen in months came to it. She sat beside me and said she’d questioned if she should come and had asked God last week to run into someone (including me) who was going. She didn’t, but He told her to trust Him so she signed up. Through God’s grace she’s been dealing with guilt and He allowed me to pray with her and she found release. Only God. (And He let me be part of it)
Wow, Judy! That is a sweet God-ordained meeting!
Love this God hunt, Judy.
Wow! Goose bump chills. Praise God, Judy!
Sunday: God Hunt
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week — it could be Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, the sense of His presence, sweet Christian fellowship, unusual timing or circumstances, or creation or your Sunday worship service putting you in awe of God. How did you sense God in your life last week?
We have had below-zero-degree temperatures in our county. Many churches canceled today but our church and another church did Facebook Live. My husband and I went to church to set up with the help of two of our deacons. We planned to go through the order of service just as if there were other members present. We were surprised to see a couple and their 10-year-old granddaughter join us. Deb, the wife, is a regular participant in the Bible Study I have led in the past 4 years. Their church was closed due to the inclement weather and since they were out and about, they came in and joined us for the service. We had a good visit afterward and I got to talk a little bit with their sweet granddaughter.
Richard started his sermon series on the gospel of John with the first 9 verses of Chapter 1. Providentially, our January women’s Bible Study which is starting this Wednesday is in John as well! I feel like today’s sermon was preparing me to lead the group. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” What a beautiful prologue!
Love this, Bing!
Read Daniel 1:3-7
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did. Privilege is the easiest way to dislocate our center from God and dissolve our dependence on Him. I wonder sometimes if my life is so cushy that I am clueless about the ways that I am compromising.
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.) Isolate them, rename them, indoctrinate them, and wine and dine them.
10. She makes an application to parenting — things we do to help our children “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of? The smartphones, the social platforms, the fashions. I would add the shows kids are allowed to watch, the music, the dance routines it all is so commonplace that parents are afraid that their kids will be the “weird” ones if they don’t compromise in some of these areas.
Paige talks about the language of fitting in. This reminded me of J. B. Phillip’s famous paraphrase of Romans 12:2a: Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within…
*11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift — that begins with little things in how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church… Or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this time….) Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing. I know that I spend way too much time on watching things (videos and interesting series) that while they are not wrong or unchristian, they are time consuming. I find myself saying I just need to relax a bit and have some down time when in reality it goes beyond that.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them.” How might this apply to your life? I have to be constantly evaluating whether I do the things that I do because I have freedom in Christ or whether I’m compromising.
Good additions for parenting traps!
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “There aint’ nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body.” Application? People want to think that something deep, weird and unique to them is going on when it is really compromise, disobedience and apathy. I can’t turn a blind eye or make excuses for what I choose to do.
From Dawn:
People want to think that something deep, weird and unique to them is going on when it is really compromise, disobedience and apathy.
If faithfulness isn’t first in the small and private things then public faithfulness will be hypocrisy. We need to be faithful in what matters to God. It’s not for us to decide what’s a big deal deal to God. God’s boundary lines are lines of blessing. I think I already expressed sometimes I can skimp on private time. It’s time to stop reading texts/non devotional emails or do just a little cleaning before I have morning devotion.
PRESERVATION (POINT 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three de-programming plans: (Removing, Renaming, Reeducationg) She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducating, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books, etc — but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, facebook, books, movies… a friend of mine took her family to the Barbie movie. It’s been a few months so I don’t remember her points but she was able to draw Christian perspective from it and discuss with her family
Paige explained we don’t know why eating “the food from the King’s table” was wrong, but clearly, it was a heart issue — and they did have a choice about it.
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it? Possibly what I wrote about yesterday I kept my commitment to attend class even though there was a wind chill advisory and I kind of hoped we’d cancel and God allowed me to help someone else We both came away blessed
18. Paige says that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Application? It’s God and His word that should determine decisions and doctrines not what society is wanting.
19. Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened. God feels like that about us when our relationship with Him is threatened. Think of three things that most threaten your relationship with Him. Hurrying through devotions, doubt and fear about situations
20. Where is God telling you to stand and lean back instead of sitting on your bottom and sliding? Go to that class and participate
PREPARATION (POINT 2)
*21. She said if there was no Daniel 1:8 there would be no book of Daniel — that “little thing” is what made him the great man he became. What are 4 or 5 top “resolves” or goals for yourself to help you be who you want to be? (She suggested looking at your credit card spending, internet browsing, calendar…) You will never be what you are not becoming.
22. She said “Always take the first opportunity to show yourself a decided Christian.” Application? For me it would be to speak up and bring God into the conversation. If He brings it to mind, He probably wants it out of my mouth.
Good about your friend and the Barbie movie. A curriculum that was pivotal to parenting for Steve and me was from Karen and David Mains about raising children in a non-Christian world and they stressed watching movies with your kids and sorting out the Christian and non-Christian values.
Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened.
I’ve been rereading falling in love with Jesus to prepare for a women’s study this spring, and Paige’s statement echoes in my mind. How much do I value my relationship to the Lord? Enough to say no to each “little” thing that might be a compromise? It’s easy to say no to the “big” things: adultery, drunkenness, etc, but how faithful am I with smaller temptations? TV or reading a novel instead of bible study; online games instead of prayer; these and other time wasters can interfere with my relationship with Jesus, who loves me so much.
I am so thankful that God is faithful, even when I am not, and that the Holy Spirit draws me back to Jesus time and again.
cheryl ann
Cheryl Ann — so good to have you here. And yet — the little things that make such a difference!
Wednesday Introduction:
WOW so many good things today in her teaching…But what I thought was helpful was how Nebuchadnezzar wined and dined them to his richly, kingdom food. How easy it is for us to take the bait in this world. What looks good, what tastes good, is not always the route we should follow.
Thursday: Theory of Captivity
Today is only ten minutes as I realize some of you have just begun and need to do yesterday as well. Listen until she begins her second point: Temptation of Compromise.
Read Daniel 1:1-2
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why. – The world will use what is dear to us to snag us and to pull us in to their ways. It wants to shape us so we fit in. When we allow this, it reprograms us and we start to think that the world and it’s ways are good. We need to feel foreign in this world.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you? – The Lord gave all of them and the items over to them. He was in control of the situation.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you? – When I cry out to the Lord in my times of struggle and things happen of a result of my cries, I know God heard me. He has me in His sights and is in control of me and my situations. I feel comforted by the response of God to my cries. It helps me to keep going when the next thing comes my way.
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping. – In Leviticus 26 – If we follow the Lord and keep his Sabbaths, he will be faithful to us. Vs 9 “I will turn to you, make you fruitful and multiply you, and confirm my covenant with you.”
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God? – God has promised that he will take care of us, he has it all planned out from the beginning.
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel? – We can’t think that we can do whatever we want and not have things happen to us. God is a loving God and will give us what we ask, and at times, it may not be good for us. God keeps his promises to us and will be faithful to what he says.
Andrew Murray: In time of trouble, say first, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this difficult place — in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then say, He will make this trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn and working in me the grace He bestows. And last say, in his good time He can bring me out again how and when He knows. Therefore I say these four things: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
*7. How might you apply Andrew Murray’s quote to something you are facing right now? – I loved this quote, so glad you put it here. It’s a great reminder for me that God is in control and does not waste one second of where I’m at. I can remember that I’m under his training and seek Him to find what he is teaching me and learn from it. It will be in His timing when I’m released.
Friday: Temptation of Compromise
Today is about 15 minutes. Listen up to her third point: Testing of Conviction (Begins at 43:57 on You-Tube)
Read Daniel 1:3-7
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTION and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did. – Comprise will kill our spiritual life. Oh my! We have to stand and fight for the gospel. We have to not compromise to the world’s ways. When or if we do, our life with the Lord will be broken. Our hearts will change and be pulled away from the ways of God to the ways of the world.
*9. What are the four ways that Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush.) – He will isolate them from their comforts; He will rename them to show their new ownership; He will indoctrinate them to the ways of Babylon; He will wine and dine them with great food and drink, so they don’t realize what is happening. They would feel privileged and not tortured and these things would dislocate their center from God.
10. She makes an application to parenting — things we do to help our children “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of? – We buy them things that normally we wouldn’t, so they don’t be made fun of. We dress them in clothes that are expensive, and we live above our means, so others see us as someone they would want to be friends with. We go to places that we normally would not go, just to be seen with the ‘in’ crowd.
Paige talks about the language of fitting in. This reminded me of J. B. Phillip’s famous paraphrase of Romans 12:2a: Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within…
*11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift — that begins with little things in how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church… Or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this time…. Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing. – Just – a reason to do what we know we should not do.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them.” How might this apply to your life? – The more we say ‘just’ the more the world and it’s ways will penetrate our hearts, our minds and our souls. We have to always be aware of what we are doing that is taking us farther away from God and His Word. We need to have our eyes in the Bible and remember all the things that come from above, things that are pleasing to God and will show him glory.
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “There aint’ nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body.” Application? – We need to find the motive of our actions, why are we doing or saying what we do. Is it to ‘fit in’ or to glorify God. This can be a slippery slope I think. if our hearts are focused on the worldly ways, our motives most likely are not for the Kingdom of God and His glory, it is to make ourselves look good. I need to always, stop and search my heart first and reach out to God for guidance.
Sunday: God Hunt
14. Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week — it could be Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, the sense of His presence, sweet Christian fellowship, unusual timing or circumstances, or creation or your Sunday worship service putting you in awe of God. How did you sense God in your life last week? – This month our church sermons are based on ‘multiply’ and how we can reach out as a church and individuals to disciple others around us. At the end he played a video clip from http://www.gospeljourney.com and the gentleman said some things about the gospel, but what stood out for me was when he said that “when Jesus gave himself up on the cross for us, he was the check written for us, and we he rose from the grave, it showed us and everyone that the check had cleared.” This brought so much perspective on just what Jesus did for me and showed it all in a new light.
Good work, Julie! You’ve just about caught up!
Great video. My spirit is celebrating. Thanks..
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did.
God is in charge! Daniel is faithful and God blesses him.
PRESERVATION (POINT 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three deprogramming plans: (Removing, Renaming, Re-educating) She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducating, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books, etc — but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, facebook, books, movies…
I believe if we teach this from the New Testament, we can have conversations with our kids about situations that are secular and need help…Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control! Thank You Jesus for your modeling for our lives.
Paige explained we don’t know why eating “the food from the King’s table” was wrong, but clearly, it was a heart issue — and they did have a choice about it.
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it?
Daniel is adamant that he will not defile his body. The chief of staff admires and respects Daniel. That is God’s blessing.
We haven’t had cable for several years now. People walk into our house and ask where our TV is, to which we reply that we don’t have one. Technically, we have a TV upstairs in our bedroom that we have a ROKU on. We are very picky as to what we and the kids watch. We don’t follow the news other than what we want to view online. I find that we are less stressed and more innocent (even we, adults!) than others. I can’t tell you who is who in Hollywood, or what the latest styles are these days. It is good for both us and the kids! That is God’s blessing on us.
18. Paige says that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Application?
I can follow the Bible. This is God’s Way and it is that right Way. I will benefit!
19. Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened. God feels like that about us when our relationship with Him is threatened. Think of three things that most threaten your relationship with Him.
1 – Time
2 – Family
3 – Job
Monday: Testing of Conviction
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did. – I just have to say there was so much good stuff in this first teaching, I was writing like a crazy person, LOL. In this section though I liked it when she said You will never be what your not becoming. God provides everything we need, but we have to have open hearts and be willing to learn and see where his teachings are leading us.
PRESERVATION (POINT 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three de-programming plans: (Removing, Renaming, Reeducationg) She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducating, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books, etc — but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, facebook, books, movies… – I think if we know what we are watching and truly know our relationship with Christ we can make it educational by coming up with questions to pull it back to what the Bible says. A question maybe like, how would God see this, or what can you find in the Bible that goes against what this is trying to say. Our hearts have to be in the right place with God before we can decipher what the truth really is.
Paige explained we don’t know why eating “the food from the King’s table” was wrong, but clearly, it was a heart issue — and they did have a choice about it.
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it? – Daniel stood on his faith in God to not defile himself by falling into the trap of the king and God blessed him with favor and sympathy from the official.
18. Paige says that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Application? – God has everything planned from creation, we either follow it or we don’t. The line has been placed down by him and we have choices to make. Do we stand fast in God and stand on His line, or do we cross it and fit in to the world around us. He has equipped us with everything we need, the choice is will we use what has been provided. Where is our heart?
19. Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened. God feels like that about us when our relationship with Him is threatened. Think of three things that most threaten your relationship with Him. – For me…1. being too tired makes me want to just sit and do nothing instead of coming down to my sunroom and digging in to His Word. 2. Having too much on my plate that I only check the box in my studies instead of taking my time to see him in what I’m reading. 3. Having too many ‘just’s’ in my thoughts. Just one more minute than I will get to my Bible reading. It comes down to my priorities and what is more important to me and what will benefit me more at that time.
20. Where is God telling you to stand and lean back instead of sitting on your bottom and sliding? – Oh this comment of Paige’s was good too. “Sin is never a leap, it is a slide.” If we aren’t careful, sin will slip right in without us even noticing. I need to seek Him each day so my mind can be focused on him first thing and direct my steps for the rest of the day. If I don’t do that, my mind will wander to other things before Him. I need to ask him to set my mind’s priorities, so they direct me back to Him.
PREPARATION (POINT 2)
*21. She said if there was no Daniel 1:8 there would be no book of Daniel — that “little thing” is what made him the great man he became. What are 4 or 5 top “resolves” or goals for yourself to help you be who you want to be? (She suggested looking at your credit card spending, internet browsing, calendar…) You will never be what you are not becoming. – This comes back to my WOW point that Paige said…”You will never be what you are not becoming.” I have to want to be what God created me to be. 1. Set my mind on things from above; 2. Work at pleasing Him; 3. Lay my struggles at His feet so my heart can be open to receive what He has for me; 4. Pray before I do my Bible studies for God to show me what he has for me that day; 5. Have an open heart to learn from Him or those he puts in my path.
22. She said “Always take the first opportunity to show yourself a decided Christian.” Application? – We will never get another first chance with the situation that we waiver with. We have to know deep down that God loves us and will never leave us. We need to not be afraid to stand on the line God has placed before us. People are watching us as Christians and if we hesitate in our decisions, in our actions, our credibility will be tarnished. We have to always be prayed up and ask God to intervene at the time to direct us and lead us. It will be to us as an It Was Only God moment.
You have caught up — and doing so well!
Monday: Testing of Conviction
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did.
Many things stood out to me. And I realized I might as well do the black path (lol) as my notes are answers to Dee’s questions. But thank you, Dee, for giving us a choice.
PRESERVATION (POINT 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three de-programming plans: (Removing, Renaming, Reeducating She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducating, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books, etc — but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, Facebook, books, movies…
Paige explained we don’t know why eating “the food from the King’s table” was wrong, but clearly, it was a heart issue — and they did have a choice about it.
This is more of a heart issue; the food is associated with the dependence of the men on the king instead of God. It’s not a heart pursuit but the issue of just going along. They did not gain anything for themselves.
I am learning from this to be accountable to God ALONE and not what I think will please people. My situation is solely my responsibility. What is in my heart? Guard it, my soul, for it is the wellspring of my life.
Whoa-checking my internet browsing history is revealing, indeed! These were the common threads: school. Related, food-related, my well-being, Bible Studies sources, FB links (getting less interested); Dee’s blog (smile).
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it?
This requires a long thought for me. One thing I appreciate in this blog is that I am “forced” to think deeply. What have I resolved to do so as not to conform to this world? Hmmm…The resolve to be content with what I have and not run after worldly goods. I believe the blessing I have received is a breakthrough in how I look at material things. There is still a temptation to yearn for material things but the Lord is quieting and stilling my soul regarding them. As Paige has said, “ He is doing that for me.
18. Paige says that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Application?
We have most of our church attendees coming from different denominations. I am finding that it is more important to look at the common thread of true faith the line rather than what my denomination thinks should be done. Our yearly church luncheon has drawn women from almost all churches in our county and I see the grace and mercy of God in this “effort”.
I think of the conversation I had with a friend who asked what I thought of homosexuality. And I replied it is not up to me (drawing the line) but can we look at God’s word and see what it says?
And this verse comes to my mind:
Psalm 16 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
God’s drawn lines are in pleasant places for me.
Psalm 16 is a great cross-reference!
Like how your luncheon draws women from other churches. Loved how you responded to your friend s question and psalm 16 reference. I just read that psalm yesterday.) Paige’s lecture talked about God’s lines are lines of blessing.
Sunday: God Hunt
Share a way you have seen God moving in your life in this last week — it could be Scripture becoming radioactive, an answer to prayer, the sense of His presence, sweet Christian fellowship, unusual timing or circumstances, or creation or your Sunday worship service putting you in awe of God. How did you sense God in your life last week?
—While we are here in Texas for two full months we have found a church to attend that fits well for us. The Pastor is an excellent bible teacher and preaches well from the Word. Be clearly shares the Gospel every Sunday. He has a strong personal testimony of a tremendous life change about 25 years ago from drugs and alcohol. He is from the Northwest up in Oregon and grew up in that kind of background and so he is involved very much in a recovery ministry here along with his preaching. But these Texans have grown to love and appreciate him. He doesn’t make it about himself. I sense a real humility in him. Interestingly there are a good number of people our age who attend this church along with many young families. The theme of their church is that Jesus changes everything. It is a very gospel oriented church encouraging people to live out and share their faith. They have seen many people coming to Christ and being baptized. The church is growing fast but they have a huge population base to draw from. People are hungry for God’s Word. It is very encouraging to see God moving significantly in this area in these times. We are joining a community group so we can get to know some other believers down here better and enjoy fellowship with God’s people. We hope to be encouragers to them as well. We are grateful to God for providing a place for us that can be home away from home. We feel this is a place that will be a strong support to us personally as we seek to minister and be a light to our family members down here.
Sounds like a great church for your time in Texas!
Wonderful you’ve found a church to encourage you while you are in TX. I know I always found that a lift when I would go stay with my mom to have an anchor there also. Praise God for the preaching done there and hearts are open to it and the church is growing.
Monday: Testing of Conviction
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did.
—I go back to Paige’s past emphasis from her teaching on Samuel when she said “It’s about the heart, Stupid!!”
This section on the conviction of Daniel and his 3 friends speaks to it being a heart issue. Their choice about not eating the King’s food and not drinking the King’s wine had something to do with compromising themselves in a way that would have dishonored God and she said it was a heart issue for them to stay centered on God and not dependent on the King. In verse 8 She made a point that Daniel purposed in his heart. He resolved himself to stand on the line of distinction that God had drawn. She said we don’t get to decide the lines for our lives and her point was so good that God’s boundary lines are loving and for our good.
We protect and preserve that which is dearest to us. For Daniel and his friends their relationship to the Lord was what was dearest to them. Their identity in Him was dearest to them so that speaks to where their hearts were centered.
This section was a good challenge to consider what has my heart and just how dear is my relationship to my God and Savior.
2. Listen to Paige and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why.
The taking of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar was the biggest devastation, the ultimate exile in the Old Testament. It demonstrates that a nation can rebel against God and think they are getting away with it, but they can lose everything, their whole identity in the process.
3. According to Daniel 1:2, why was Nebuchadnezzar able to besiege Jerusalem and take Johoiakim, King of Judah, and artifacts of the temple of God into the treasure house of his god? What does this tell you? Judah was disobedient to God’s covenant with them. God does not lie; He keeps His word. God is Alpha and Omega. God is Sovereign.
4. Why and when has the truth of God’s sovereignty comforted or helped you? When I trust God and wait on Him, He is faithful to keep His promises. His sovereignty has comforted me this past year and I see His hand, in all that He has done in my life, in the midst of sorrow.
5. Paige references Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to explain why this captivity means God is keeping His promises.
A. Scan one of these passages and find a promise He is keeping. Leviticus 26:434 For the land will be abandoned by them, and will make up for its sabbaths while it is made desolate without them. They, meanwhile, will be making amends for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and their soul abhorred My statutes.”
B. Why should we realize these negative consequences are promises from a good God? God’s Word is true and ultimately good for His people. They are demonstrating they do not trust Him. He cannot lie, so He must do as He said He would do in His covenant with His people. He can be trusted.
6. What does she say is the entire message of the book of Jeremiah? Why would God take His people to such a wicked place — back to Babel? Judgement is one of the themes of Jeremiah. Jeremiah warns that you cannot abuse the temple and turn your back on the Lord and not expect Him to keep His promise, which is a curse.
I’m glad His sovereignty has comforted to you. I often thought about how God has numbered our days.
“When I trust God and wait on Him, He is faithful to keep His promises. His sovereignty has comforted me this past year and I see His hand, in all that He has done in my life, in the midst of sorrow.”
Sweet Patti, Your testimony for God in your life is strong and an encouragement and witness to others and to us who read your comments. Continuing to pray for God’s good hand of blessing on your life through your grief journey.
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did. Daniel and friends did not compromise, their relationship to the Lord was dearest to them. This stood out to me because it is convicting to me. It made me think about the things that come before the Lord in my heart. My children and grandchildren are my priority most of the time. I don’t intend to put them before the Lord, but they somehow get there. I need to earnestly seek the Lord to learn how to stop myself from having my family come first…before Him.
*17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it?
When I was a young mother and I finally surrendered my will to the Lord and decided to follow Him, I could no longer visit bars or nightclubs with my husband. He was very angry with me at first, but I prayed and prayed for him and he stopped wanting to go to bars too! It took many years of praying for him, but he finally accepted Jesus as his Savior 6 months before he died at age 58. It was was not easy being married to an unbeliever, but God was faithful to answer the dearest prayer of my heart.
21. She said if there was no Daniel 1:8 there would be no book of Daniel — that “little thing” is what made him the great man he became. What are 4 or 5 top “resolves” or goals for yourself to help you be who you want to be? (She suggested looking at your credit card spending, internet browsing, calendar…) You will never be what you are not becoming.
My top resolves
1. I want to be more confident in who I am in Christ.
2. I want to be able to finish what I start, I am a terrible procrastinator and have a perfection mindset…so I feel frustrated most of the time.
3. I really want to be able to “attract” not “repel” people. My daughter (the counselor, who doesn’t “sugar coat” anything) tells me I am too intense and have too high of expectations of others. Lord Jesus, help me!
4. This should have been first…I want to be more focused on inviting Jesus into my daily life and not get “caught up in the cares of the world”. 🙏💗🙏
Hard marriage, but a lovely woman immerged from it!
Awww, Thank-you Dee…God is working on me! He has been so Faithful and True. 🙌🙏❤️🙏🙌
Lydia, so thankful God answered your persistent and faithful prayers for your husband before he passed away. Thank you for sharing.
Thank-you Susan, I am forever grateful to God for so many answed prayers!🙌✝️🙏
20. Where is God telling you to stand and lean back instead of sitting on your bottom and sliding?
Probably by not allowing our daughter to completely fail.
PREPARATION (POINT 2)
*21. She said if there was no Daniel 1:8 there would be no book of Daniel — that “little thing” is what made him the great man he became. What are 4 or 5 top “resolves” or goals for yourself to help you be who you want to be? (She suggested looking at your credit card spending, internet browsing, calendar…) You will never be what you are not becoming.
I would like my family to be more loving to each other. I would like to be more patient and have good self-control. I would like to understand how to be a better parent to my grandkids. I would like to be a better wife. Finally, I would like to be a better friend to my friends.
22. She said “Always take the first opportunity to show yourself a decided Christian.” Application?
To be a decided Christian means a commitment to my faith. Like Daniel, I need to follow the Way of God, the best way, and my life will flourish. Scripture that helps us to lead better lives even when they don’t conform to our place of residency.
Will pray for wisdom for you with your daughter! So hard to know what is best with prodigals.
Thank you.
Laura,
I hear what you are thinking and feeling where your daughter is concerned. We have lived the struggle of having wayward children and now grandchildren. I know from what you have shared in the past yours has been a long and hard journey with your daughter. Seeing them fail badly and trying to figure out what to do or not do to help or where to enter in or not is a frustrating dance. And knowing she will not be able to make the most needed and important changes and decisions until she admits her failings and chooses to rely solely on Jesus we really can’t do anything because we can’t do it for them. It’s a hard place to be in. But for God and but for continued prayer on our part. If I offer you any encouragement it is to continue to stand in prayer for her. When it comes to parenting seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for the practical takes prayer and finding the strength to keep going takes prayer. I don’t think there are any magical answers apart from calling on God to move and work in our lives and in theirs. It can take a long time and I commend you for still being willing to stand through your long journey. My 75 year old brother would tell you it was our now 99 year old mother’s prayers that brought him back to God from a wayward life. But it wasn’t a quick fix. All I know is that God answers the prayers of his children.
Bev, it helps that others understand. I appreciate your words of encouragement. Sometimes that keeps me going when I want to quit. I’m happy to hear of your brother! Yes, a long time, but yay!!
Tuesday: Triumph of Commitment
Read Daniel 1:15-21
23. This begins on YouTube at nearly 1 hour and 2 minutes. Listen to the end, about 15 minutes. Share one thing that stands out to you and why.
—One thing that stands out is an impossible question!! The teaching is so profound. So incredibly rich with thought and meaning for our lives. So much stands out!
—And her words are so much better than mine. I’ll try. She makes the point that
—Because God gave.
V. 2 God gave them over
V. 9 God gave favor and compassion.
V. 17 God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
And
—But God resolved!
God resolved not to be without me.
God resolved to send the Lord Jesus.
—So my story, Daniel’s story, anyone’s is only the story of the triumph of God’s commitment to us.
“No such thing as a committed Christian. Only a committed God.” This is so true. Only He can carry it out.
—“The refrain of this chapter is that God gave and God gives.
“God did not spare his own Son..”
Because we know what He gave we can trust what God gives. “
This truth has far reaching implications for us in that God has placed us where we are in the good the bad and the ugly. The challenge is like with Daniel and his friends who continued to trust God when He gave them over to a completely foreign environment they trusted Him to give everything they needed. God forbid that I be a whiner about any of my circumstances.
( the pipes for hot water are frozen now in this bitter cold) which means something will probably break when it thaws. We came to Texas where it should be warmer. 🤨🥴Only consolation is that day temperatures here in Blanco are hovering around 30° for about 3 days and at night the temperatures are in the teens with single digit wind chills. But at home in central Nebraska the day temperatures are single digits and even sub zero for over a week with -30° windchills. And there is snow. But God has graciously provided warm places and plenty of food. We are well taken care of.
So keeping perspective it is as she said:
“Not where we live or what we have or who our family is what really matters. Relationship with Jesus is ultimate.”
—The end of this teaching on the first chapter is so meaningful. For as brusque as Paige’s style of teaching may seem to some her heart is precious toward God and she struggles to retain her emotion when she makes the point of what God has done for us. I love the truth of it and the truth of it brings me to tears as well.
“God said “No” to Jesus so that He could say “yes” to me. The question is will I say “yes” to him.”
Self Where are you now!?
Your life is seated with Christ in Heavenly places.
Because of his obedience, Daniel will stand but Babylon will fall. The book of Daniel is not about Daniel but about God. We are to look through Daniel to where his eyes were on God. God gave His Son so we can trust what God gives. He’ll give us everything we need. Our relationship with God should be ultimate. We are seated in the heavenly realms with Christ JESUS. My life is hidden in Jesus in God. They are not just standing they are singing the Lord’s song in a foreign land. How will we sing the Lord’s song in this place? Those songs, our identity, our lyrics and voice come from another place and are meant to be heard through us every place He takes us.
24. Describe how the youths look after ten days and why they have thrived. They looked healthier than the other young men who ate the royal food. They followed God’s boundaries. Obedience brings blessing.
25. Until we fully despair of self we will not cling to the Lord. How has that been true in your life, if it is? I have to let go of self reliance. When I m on my own I get into messes that I need His help so I learn to cling more and trust Him more.
26. What did her friend experience at a black church in Oxford? The point? “Yes , Lord” was what the choir and congregants said for 10 minutes Then the preacher said now we will get to the questions, I need to resolve that my answer is Yes, Lord in every situation so when the question comes up I already know my answer and it is Yes, Lord.
*27. What is your take-a-way from this week and why? To slow down, And be sure to not get tangled up with other stuff when I awaken so that my time in devotion isn’t rushed (I may even try Lectio Divina some days.)
Tuesday: Triumph of Commitment
Read Daniel 1:15-21
23. This begins on YouTube at nearly 1 hour and 2 minutes. Listen to the end, about 15 minutes. Share one thing that stands out to you and why. – This comment from Paige, really struck a chord with me. “God said no to Jesus, so he could say yes to us.” WOW, that is the ultimate show of love. He turned from His own son, Jesus, one who was perfect in every way and grab me in his arms instead. I have said multiple times, I just don’t get why He chose me over other people in my family. But I’m so glad he did. I need to grab on to Him and show my thankfulness to Him by living a godly and loving life.
24. Describe how the youths look after ten days and why they have thrived. – they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the other people. God was with them the whole time and provided what was needed for them to be able to adapt to their captivity but still hold tight to God.
25. Until we fully despair of self we will not cling to the Lord. How has that been true in your life, if it is? – I have seen in the many trials or situations I’ve been in that I can’t fix it, I need God to help me see what is needed to be done and do it His way. I tried fixing my oldest son, and tried making him walk the right path, but I gave up, cried out to God and gave my son over to him to take care of. I’m so proud of him today, he has seen his mistakes in the past and has grown so much as a father, a son and an adult man. He’s not completely back with the only One who saved him multiple times, but I’m happy with the progress so far. God will help him finish the race set before him.
26. What did her friend experience at a black church in Oxford? The point? – She experienced everyone yelling YES LORD. The Pastor said now we know the answer. It doesn’t matter the question, the circumstance, His answer will be YES! We are not our circumstance, they are not ultimate. Our relationship with Jesus is ultimate. That is what matters and what will carry us through and help us stand strong in our faith.
*27. What is your take-a-way from this week and why? – We are never alone. Though at times it may feel like we are, God is always walking with us. Our focus needs to be on Him and on His Word. This is the only way we will be able to function in this world.
I’m not sure others have seen this but Paige cancelled tomorrow morning due to weather. She said the video will remain until next Tuesday.
Thanks, Laura. We’re going to do Tim Keller on Daniel 2. I sent out an e-mail and will post tomorrow!
I am so behind!! I’ve listened to Paige but we had our sons and their families here for several days (with three grandsons ages 7 months to 3) and it’s been lovely chaos! But they’ve all headed home so I’m going to attempt to catch up!
Friday: Temptation of Compromise
8. Listen to Paige up to TESTING OF CONVICTIONS and share at least one thing that stood out to you and explain why it did.
The point she made that Daniel and his friends were to be reprogrammed not by persecution, but by privilege. They were not being mistreated at all. Privilege was the most effective way to dislocate their center in God and to undermine their dependence upon Him. Same is true for us today. Paige is correct in saying when we look at our own lives, those are the dangers. When I have plenty of food, clothing, a nice car and home, a well-paying job, and many other comforts, I can easily ignore or forget that I am dependent upon God.
9. What are the four ways Nebuchadnezzar plans to weaken and “Babylonize” them? (Paige compares this to Hitler youth or sorority rush)
The king took the ‘cream of the crop’ from among the young men of Judah, and he first isolated them. They were removed from their families and communities and their religious identity. Secondly, the young men were renamed and given Babylonian names that were tied to their gods. Thirdly, they were indoctrinated in the language and culture of the Babylonians, and they had to learn about the Babylonian gods. Fourthly, they were wined and dined with the choicest food and wine from the king’s table. Paige made the point that this was a pleasant experience for the captives.
10. She makes an application to parenting – things we do to help our children to “fit in” instead of allowing them to live differently in a foreign land. What do you remember and what else can you think of?
To fit-in means “shaped to be fit” – we are re-shaped to fit in. Then, the fitting in re-programs us. Then we say, “We have to spend like this, dress this way, give our kids a Smartphone…” I remember wanting my kids to have good values and yet not wanting them to be seen as ‘weird’ so that they wouldn’t have any friends. There was always pressure about (especially with our daughter) fashion/clothing, or what movies or shows they were allowed to watch.
11. Paige says being re-programmed by the world is a seduction, a drift – that begins with little things with how we spend our money, our time…in what we watch, how involved we are in church…or we justify what we do by using the word “just” (I’m just eating this now, I’m just doing this for this for this time…Be still and ask the Lord where you are compromising. Share here if you are willing.
It’s the little things that show where we are centered, the stuff of everyday life. There have been times I’ve acted differently in conversations at work with my co-workers in order to be relevant and interesting (wanting to fit-in). Most of my co-workers are much younger than me and boy are their conversations about different things. Paige said, “If there is no discomfort or costliness, perhaps we’re so compromised we don’t even see it.” That is a good question to ask myself about my life at home, at work, out in the world, in my relationships. Am I just fitting in? How and in what ways am I compromising? I can think of a way recently I compromised in my family but I rationalized it to myself. I so much fear being rejected by others, loss of approval, that I can weaken and compromise.
12. What is the meaning of “ships don’t sink because they are in the water but because the water gets in them”. How might this apply to your life?
I don’t sink because I live in a foreign land – this world. I will sink (spiritually) when the world gets into me, as in when I am subtly reprogrammed by the world and by my own desires and longings to feel at home and to want to fit in.
13. What was the point of her story that ended with “there ain’t nothing but cheeseburgers and fries building up that body”. Application?
Paige’s friend was working with a guy named Bob who was held exercise classes and she was getting into shape. Or so she thought. She went to all the classes and even wanted to work one-on-one with Bob, and she thought she was making progress but needed more help. She asked Bob what he thought, and after looking her over, he could see that the exercise wasn’t helping because of what she was feeding her body. It’s not that Bob or his classes were failing and that there was something going on inside of her body. Paige said that when our spiritual lives are weak and numb, it’s not some deep, strange thing that’s going on. It’s nothing but compromise, disobedience, and apathy going on. Paige’s friend was compromising on what she ate and so not seeing the desired results in her fitness/body. God presents us with a plan to follow to, and we either say yes or no to it. We either obey and flourish, or compromise and die spiritually.
She’s leaving it up for a week so you can at least finish listening to her if you want! Glad for your “lovely ” chaos!
24. Describe how the youths look after ten days and why they have thrived.
They were healthy and strong. God provided this to them.
25. Until we fully despair of self we will not cling to the Lord. How has that been true in your life, if it is?
Abandon hope of self. Only then can we give ourselves. But.God.resolved. Jesus was the ultimate resolution. He gave us holiness and faithfulness. God gave and God gives.
Well, I have had a low self-esteem pretty much my whole life. I have attributed it to my countless hours in front of a mirror in ballet, critiquing each and every single tiny motion made (moms don’t do this to your kids!). I think as I have aged I believe more that He is Supreme and I am not, but not in a way that I described above. He made me just as I am. He loves me. He protects me. I need Him more and more each day, especially as I grow older.
26. What did her friend experience at a black church in Oxford? The point?
Her friend visited a HBC as a study. For the first 10-15 minutes they said, “Yes Lord!” Over and over again. After that the pastor said, “Now that we know the answer let’s read the question.” Whatever God asks of us, our answer needs to be, Yes Lord!”
*27. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
How do I live in a foreign land?
Oh Laura — you are so beautiful. Maybe Keller’s sermon will help you this week!
*27. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
I received an email from the Bible Study Fellowship ( we are using their materials for our January study at church) announcing their newest study, “Esther”. The title was “Positioned for a Purpose”. I thought how timely it is as we study Daniel. Esther and Daniel were in Babylon and Persia, but God had them there for a purpose. This gave me joy as I think of where I am at right now in my station of life. Maybe the winter years indeed. But God is with me and He has me where I am supposed to be. Daniel remained RESOLVED to obey God no matter what testing he was faced with. May it be so, Lord, for me. May it be so.
Monday: Testing of Conviction
Read Daniel 1:8-14
15. Listen for about 17-18 minutes until she gets to the Triumph of Conviction and share one thing that stood out to you and why it did.
In talking about Daniel and friends’ resolve not to eat the king’s food, Paige said that our submission and obedience do not start in dreams but in reality. I am really good about thinking about and imagining how to obey God or how not to conform to this world, but do I actually do the thing? Obedience is more than a thought or an attitude in my mind – it needs to be embodied in a concrete action. This is powerful.
PRESERVATION (Point 1)
16. The four young men didn’t have any choice about the first three de-programming plans; (Removing, Renaming, Reeducation) She said that she wished she had time to go into the implications of parenting for Reeducation, but hinted at it, saying this doesn’t mean that we can’t expose our children to secular books – but we help them sift them through God’s truth. Can you give an illustration of how a parent might do this with television, facebook, books, movies…
I really liked Paige’s point that Daniel and his friends were okay with the learning they had to do (the reeducation) and they were not afraid of it. They didn’t have to be fearful of it because they could see it through the truth (God’s truth) that they knew. I do remember when raising my young kids that there was often a climate of fearfulness in the church. I remember when the Harry Potter books came out and how fearful and upset people were, and I remember telling my kids they weren’t allowed to read them. I didn’t even read them myself; I just listened to what I was being told in the church arena. My one son borrowed the book from his school’s library and read it anyway….he wasn’t “damaged” by reading it. I don’t think that God tells us that we need to be afraid to “think” and be exposed to differing ideas or secular books or music. We have the correct lens with which to do so. And often, even secular entertainment has a spiritual message (likely unintended by its creators) in the shadows.
17. How do you see Daniel’s resolve and the Lord’s blessing on that resolve in verses 8-9? Can you give an illustration from your life of a resolve to not be conformed to something in this world and then the Lord’s blessing upon it?
Daniel resolved not to “defile” himself with the king’s food. Paige said we are not told just what this king’s food was all about (was it not kosher or was it food offered to idols), but that it did represent being wholly dependent upon the king and that it did involve a compromise of some kind that the renaming and learning did not. When Daniel asked the king’s chief official for permission not to eat the king’s food, God caused the official to see Daniel with compassion and to grant his request.
18. Paige said that God makes the lines, rather than individuals, churches, or denominations. Applications?
Daniel stood where the Lord had drawn the line. Paige said that we make resolutions for New Year’s or Lent and we draw our own lines and think we’re doing something. But God has already drawn the lines. For example, if God says that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that we are to love ourselves (in a healthy God honoring way) then why do we think our resolve not to overindulge in food is a line we’ve drawn? God has already said we are to steward our bodies responsibly.
19. Paige said what makes you crazy is when something or someone dearest to you is threatened. God feels like that about us when our relationship with Him is threatened. Think of three things that most threaten your relationship with Him.
Paige said that for Daniel and friends, their relationship with God and their identity in Him was what was dearest to them. She talked about the destructiveness of sin and how it eats away at us. God hates sin because of His holiness and also because of His love – for us. I would say the number one thing that threatens my relationship with God is my tendency toward relational idolatry. Another person becomes my “god”, in whom I look to find my worth and identity, my sense of being okay in this world, my security, and I become dependent upon that person to feel loved, valued, affirmed. A secondary thing that threatens my relationship with God is busyness and distraction, likely linked to perfectionism. As in, I am too busy this morning because I have to clean this room so it looks nice and so I feel good and therefore I don’t have time to spend with God right now. I can also identify with what Paige said about compromise – that sense of wading into sin which is so subtle and I do that and rationalize it because it doesn’t seem so bad as compared to a headfirst dive into sin that makes a big splash.
20. Where is God telling you to stand and lean back instead of sitting on your bottom and sliding?
My first thought is not to “go along to get along”. I’m a people pleaser because I fear rejection. I can keep my convictions undercover for this reason.
Insightful and a blessing.