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Week 1 Daniel 1 The Secret of Prophetic Understanding
Week 2 Daniel 2 The Key to Prophetic Understanding
Week 3 Daniel 3 Radical Faithfulness
Week 4 Daniel 4 Radical Intervention
Week 5 Daniel 5 End-Time Accountability
Week 6 Daniel 6 Dying for Devotions
Week 7 Daniel 9:1–19 A Church in Crisis
Week 8 Daniel 10 Waiting Time
Week 9 Daniel 2:31–49 Predictive Prophecy
Week 10 Daniel 7:1–8; 15–28 New Superpower
Week 11 Daniel 7:9–14 Total Transparency
Week 12 Daniel 8 Removing the Record
Week 13 Daniel 9:20–27 Adventist Identity
Philosophy of inVerse
The inVerse Bible Study Guide curriculum has been developed for those who yearn for a more
profound Bible study experience. It will dare you to engage Scripture more deeply and more
broadly, ultimately enriching the ability to share your growing experience with others.
Everything from the content to the format has been designed to enhance your spiritual journey if
you will accept the challenge of engaging this Bible study.
Format
There will be two formats: the Journal edition that utilizes digital space and the Print edition that
is abridged for traditional users. If you page through the Journal edition, you will immediately be
struck by how much blank space there is! No, we did not forget to print the text, nor are we
simply trying to save money on ink. The space has been intentionally left open for you to fill in
with your personal study of the Bible. The margins provide guidance on how to engage the text
for study, and you will document your experience with Scripture in the journaling space
provided.
Numerous studies have shown that writing out by hand your thoughts, reflections, and
engagement with the text will deepen their kinesthetic impression on your mind. Something
about putting pen to paper helps us to tactilely internalize the material. No, it’s not the same as
typing it out! In this stage of the digital world, we need to benefit from the unlimited space of the
digital but also not to be slaves to its limitations. So take the time to write in those open spaces!
Don’t worry if your handwriting is terrible! This journal is for your own record, so just make
sure it’s legible to you.
On that note, this Journal will be a resource for you to reference anytime you need to share a
Bible study, preach a sermon, or refresh yourself on the particular Bible topic. Place inVerse on
your bookshelf; as you continue through the curriculum, enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the
curriculum on display in your personal library.
Content
Four inVerse Bible Study Guides will be produced each year. Twice a year, the topics covered
will correlate with the topics presented in the Adult Bible Study Guide (ABSG). Even then,
while the topic for the quarter may be similar to that of the ABSG, the specific weekly material
will differ. The remaining two topics for the year will not mirror the ABSG but will be specially
selected to address young adults.
While the inVerse curriculum is intended primarily for the young adult Sabbath School
experience, it can also be used as a versatile tool for personal ministry application. There are no
dates printed, so that you can use and reuse this resource anytime with anyone. There are also no
days of the week; so if, for instance, you have a small group Bible discussion on a Wednesday
evening, you could make Thursday your first day of study that culminates in a group discussion
the following Wednesday. The discussion questions at the end of the weekly lesson (entitled
inQuire) will help stimulate your small group discussion whenever you hold it.
A notable change is the sparse commentary included. Removing the commentary in the Journal
edition is intended to encourage personal Bible study, rather than relying on someone else’s
comments from their Bible study. There is commentary available online, accessible through the
QR codes in your study guide. However, just as the discussion with your small group only
enhances your Bible study, the online commentary is mean to augment your understanding
throughout the week.
Benefits
In summary, some benefits of the inVerse Bible Study Guide curriculum include:
Deepening your identity as a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, and Advent-awaiting
Christian
Learning how to study the Bible for yourself
Generating your own Bible studies for use in sharing
Teaching others how to study the Bible and journal
Understanding the Bible topics better after having developed the material yourself
Participating in a more lively small group Bible discussion based on advance
preparation
Stretching your faculties by engaging both the analog and the digital in your study
Hearing fewer opinions and more of what the Bible actually says on topics
Knowing, loving, and serving the Lord Jesus Christ more fully
Finally, it may take a bit more effort on your part to feel the benefits of this new curriculum, but
the effort will be well worth it. Pray earnestly for the aid of the Holy Spirit as you wrestle with
some texts, or as you learn the discipline of consistently meditating on the Word of God. Allow
God to teach you and to mold you as you engage Scripture and you will not regret it.
A Quick Guide To Usage
1. Pray seriously and honestly!
2. Read with a digital or analog Bible (it’s a Bible study guide—don’t skim over the Bible parts!)
3. Use your favorite writing utensil for the analog Journal components.
4. In the Journal edition, scan the QR code for more commentary and resources on the text.
5. Use inVerse either for daily devotions (seven steps for seven days; 13 weeks for every three
months) or for weekly Bible study, Sabbath School, prayer meeting, family worships, or
discipleship on how to study the Bible.
Study Guide Sections
inTro—introduces the passage of the week as well as its main themes
inScribe—provides a prompt to write out the text
inGest—focuses on practical points, reflective principles, and contextual details
inTerpret—focuses on more apologetic perspectives and questions that might arise from the
passage
inSpect—provides a list of verses outside the main passage to be cross-studied for deeper insight
and clarity
inVite—centers the passage and its principles on bringing out and pointing to Jesus Christ, the
living Word
inSight—presents a perspective from the writings of Ellen White on the passage or theme
inQuire—introduces a list of questions to be answered reflectively or used as a resource for
discussion (in a Sabbath School class, for instance)
Further Study Resources
Users are also encouraged to watch inVerse on Hope Channel TV
(https://www.hopetv.org/inverse) for the corresponding lesson. This online roundtable discussion
seeks to study the Bible with warm humor, practical intelligence, simple application, and
authenticity. May you be blessed as you embark on this experience and as the Holy Spirit opens
your mind and heart to Him.
inVerse is a publication of the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department of the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for university students, young adults, working
professionals, and young parents.
Introduction
Lessons
Inside Back Cover: inVerse on Hope TV Ad
Daniel: Practical Principles for End-Time Living
Can the book of Daniel have any practical bearing on our lives today? Is the book of Daniel
relevant to twenty-first-century living? The answer is found in the words of Jesus in Matthew
24:15, where Jesus gives a book endorsement: “ ‘Therefore when you see the “abomination of
desolation,” spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him
understand) . . .”
Notice these ideas found within Jesus’ endorsement of the book of Daniel:
Daniel is an inspired prophet and, by implication, the book of Daniel is trustworthy.
The book of Daniel should be read and studied.
The book of Daniel would be understood.
The prophecies within the book of Daniel will be fulfilled.
The book of Daniel’s message is relevant and practical for end-time living
(Leslie Hardinge, Jesus Is My Judge, 1).
Jesus states that the book of Daniel is relevant for twenty-first-century end-time living. The name
Daniel literally means “God is my judge.” Laodicea, God’s last-day church, means a “people
judged.” Daniel is a type of God’s people who will be living during the time of judgment just
prior to the second coming of Jesus.
The book of Daniel has within it two main genres: stories and prophecies. In its eight stories, six
of the them depict characteristics that we are to seek to emulate as the prophecies are being
fulfilled; and the other two stories depict characteristics that we are to seek to avoid as the
prophecies are being fulfilled (Hardinge, Jesus Is My Judge, 6).
This series of inVerse lessons on the book of Daniel is divided into two main sections. The first
section will focus on the eight stories in Daniel and drawing practical applications to our daily
lives. The second section will deal with the main prophecies in Daniel.
Ellen White indicates rich blessings are in store for those who read and study the book of Daniel:
“When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely
different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that
heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the
blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart” (Testimonies to Ministers, 114).
The book of Daniel is relevant, enriching, practical, and essential for end-time living.
May the promised blessing found within Jesus’ endorsement of Daniel be yours.
lesson one
The Secret of Prophetic Understanding
Daniel 1
inTro
Temperance Taboo
Temperance is a word that is almost frowned upon in the twenty-first century. Standards of diet
in a religious context are viewed as legalistic. We live in a culture in Christianity where you can
do anything you want with your body because, after all, “it’s my body.” In the Christian
community, the idea that one is saved almost gives license to eat and drink any way that one
wants to. Truth be told, the idea of temperance is viewed with raised eyebrows even in our
community of faith. Yet should it be? Does temperance have a place in the Christian experience?
Contained within chapter 1 of Daniel is the theme of temperance. From our cultural perspective,
beginning a prophetic book with the theme of temperance is a peculiar one. Yet in Daniel 1,
temperance lays the groundwork for intellectual and spiritual understanding that is critical to the
rest of the book of Daniel.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 1 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 1:8, 17. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map the
chapter.
inGest
Causation and Correlation
Daniel and his three friends were taken captive by the Babylonians. Yet this was not an ordinary
captivity behind bars. They were put into the University of Babylon to be educated to fill the
highest positions in King Nebuchadnezzar’s court.
Imagine the first day when they were ushered into the Babylonian cafeteria. It featured the finest
gourmet cooking and fine-dining experiences from the chefs of the king himself. “But Daniel
purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies,
nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he
might not defile himself” (Dan. 1:8).
It cannot be overstated that there would be no book of Daniel had the Hebrews eaten of the
decadent delicacies of the king. The four Hebrews were found to be physically superior to the
other students as a result of their habits of temperance. However, the chapter points to another
principle that is connected to temperance—one that is beyond the physical dimension: “Daniel
had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Dan. 1:17).
Daniel 1 brings out a correlation between Daniel’s remarkable temperance stance and his
remarkable spiritual understanding. Furthermore, the chapter brings out a causation between
Daniel’s temperance and his academic excellence when the king found them to be ten times
wiser than everyone else. Indeed, the emphasis of the chapter in terms of temperance is its
connection with spiritual understanding: “As for these four young men, God gave them
knowledge and skill of all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and
dreams” (Dan. 1:17). In other words, temperance has natural, physical, intellectual, and spiritual
benefits. Temperance for the glory of God has supernatural benefits that are added.
The book of Daniel is a prophetic book. Chapter 1 begins with a temperance test and ends with
unprecedented spiritual understanding. The lesson is apparent: In order to understand the
prophecies of Daniel, we must practice the temperance of Daniel.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse in Daniel 1. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
What area do you need to manifest temperance in?
What other areas correlate the physical with the spiritual as well?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 1
What is temperance?
Ellen White stated that temperance is “to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use
judiciously that which is healthful” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 562). In other words, temperance
is abstaining from the bad and moderation in the good.
What were the issues with the Babylonian diet?
The drink provided was alcoholic. The word for wine in the Bible can refer to fermented
or unfermented grape juice. And the Bible is clear in its stance on the fermented: “Do not
look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around
smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper” (Prov. 23:31, 32). This
text does not refer to regular grape juice!
The food had been offered to idols.
The blood had not been drained in slaughter. “You must not eat meat that still has blood
in it” (Lev. 17:12, NIRV).
The Babylonian diet included unclean meat (Leviticus 11).
What was the Daniel diet?
“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to
drink” (Dan. 1:12, KJV). The term pulse has roots from the word for seed and is a reference to
the diet in Genesis. “And God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is
on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food’ ”
(Gen. 1:29). The book of Daniel begins with Daniel and his three friends choosing the Edenic
diet.
We are not saved through vegetarianism or veganism. However, the book of Daniel does reveal
the correlation between diet and spiritual understanding. The key to understanding the prophetic
books of Daniel is not limited to the intellectual dimension alone, but also includes the physical
dimension—namely, what we choose to ingest into our bodies.
Journal:
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to
point to overall?
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
Which area in your physical dimension needs some spiritual attention?
inSpect
What relationship do the following verses have with the primary passage?
Genesis 10:8–10; 11:1–9
Leviticus 11
1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 1?
inVite
Relational Response
Romans 12:1 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Paul
framed temperance in the context of a relational response, not a transactional context.
The text uses the word therefore, implying a concluding statement. In other words, Paul has just
spent the whole beginning of the book of Romans bringing out the “mercies of God” in salvation
by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Salvation is free and cannot be earned. Then after
Paul has spent the bulk of the book of Romans expounding on the “mercies of God,” he says,
“Therefore present your bodies a living sacrifice.” In other words, our bodies are given to God as
a response to the “mercies of God.”
Temperance is not a means of salvation. Temperance is a response of the heart that has been
touched by the “mercies of God.” Our bodies are to be given to God as a “living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God.” Temperance is the means through which we respond to God’s love. Paul
then ends the verse with “which is your reasonable service.” In light of God’s mercies, giving
our bodies to God is “reasonable.” Temperance does not earn our salvation; temperance is our
reasonable response to salvation.
Journal:
What is Jesus saying to you through Daniel 1?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“At the court of Babylon were gathered representatives from all lands, men of the highest talent,
men the most richly endowed with natural gifts, and possessed of the broadest culture that the
world could bestow; yet among them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. In physical
strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. The erect
form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath—all
were so many certificates of good habits, insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those
who are obedient to her laws.
“In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his companions were far more
successful than their fellow students; but their learning did not come by chance. They obtained
their knowledge by the faithful use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They
placed themselves in connection with the Source of all wisdom, making the knowledge of God
the foundation of their education. In faith they prayed for wisdom, and they lived their prayers.
They placed themselves where God could bless them. They avoided that which would weaken
their powers, and improved every opportunity to become intelligent in all lines of learning. They
followed the rules of life that could not fail to give them strength of intellect. They sought to
acquire knowledge for one purpose—that they might honor God. They realized that in order to
stand as representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism they must have
clearness of intellect and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher.
Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked
with God as did Enoch.
“True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny. It is the
outworking of God's providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance.
Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives
opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them.
“While God was working in Daniel and his companions ‘to will and to do of His good pleasure,’
they were working out their own salvation. Philippians 2:13. Herein is revealed the outworking
of the divine principle of co-operation, without which no true success can be attained. Human
effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with
many of no avail. To make God’s grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to
work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.
“As the Lord co-operated with Daniel and his fellows, so He will co-operate with all who strive
to do His will. And by the impartation of His Spirit He will strengthen every true purpose, every
noble resolution. Those who walk in the path of obedience will encounter many hindrances.
Strong, subtle influences may bind them to the world; but the Lord is able to render futile every
agency that works for the defeat of His chosen ones; in His strength they may overcome every
temptation, conquer every difficulty.”
Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 485–487.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what are personal applications you are convicted of in
your life?
What are practical applications you must make in your kitchen, cafeteria, and refrigerator?
How is temperance much more than dietary changes?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire
Share insights from this week’s memory verse and Bible study as well as any discoveries,
observations, and questions with your Sabbath School class (or Bible study group). Consider
these discussion questions with the rest of the group.
How have I experienced the “mercies of God”?
What have been my feelings about temperance standards such as diet, alcohol, and smoking?
How does viewing temperance as a response to God’s love change my perspective of
temperance?
Why doesn’t God simply bless everyone like He does Daniel? Why do you think cooperation is
important to God?
What are instances in your life where you have experienced how your diet has impacted your
mind? How does temperance affect one’s spiritual perception?
What are instances in your life where you have reaped the natural benefits of temperance?
How does our popular culture view temperance?
How does the Christian community view temperance?
Have you ever experienced or seen where diet has been viewed as a way of earning salvation?
Have you ever experienced or seen a situation where someone says it doesn’t matter what you
eat or drink because you are already saved? What are the pitfalls of either of these two positions?
What are some ways that we can experience God’s “mercies” more?
lesson two
The Key to Prophetic Understanding
Daniel 2:1–30
inTro
Prerequisites
Daniel chapter 1 begins with the theme of temperance and its correlation with spiritual
revelations, while chapter 2 contains the theme of prayer and its relationship with spiritual
revelation. A crisis has arisen in Babylon, and Daniel and his three friends pray. God’s answer to
their prayers affected not just their circumstance but also Christianity’s understanding of
prophetic history forever. And it all began in a small-group prayer meeting!
The importance of prayer is often talked about but is seldom practiced beyond the formalities of
praying before meals and before one goes to sleep. It has almost become a mere ritual or rite of
passage that Christians do out of habit. Thus the organic, authentic, and invigorating potential of
prayer is seldom experienced. Furthermore, the transformative power of prayer for the individual
as well as the global impact is lost.
We might think of prophecy as an intellectual exercise of the mind. However, the book of Daniel
grounds prophetic understanding in physical temperance and spiritual prayer. The book of Daniel
does not assume a dualistic approach of the separation between mind, body, and the spiritual
nature to understanding. Rather, it necessitates that the entire human being be conditioned for
spiritual revelation. Prayer is the prerequisite to spiritual prophetic understanding.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 2:1–30 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write
out Daniel 2:16–23 from your Bible translation of choice. You may also rewrite the passage in
your own words, outline, or mind map the chapter.
inGest
Human Impossibility: God’s Possibility
The king of Babylon has a dream followed by sudden amnesia. His blubbering wise men try to
come up with a solution but to no avail. This enrages the king, who places all the wise men of the
kingdom on death row. Daniel seeks an audience with the king, where he asks for more time. His
request granted, Daniel returns home and calls a prayer meeting with his three friends, and the
rest is history. (We will cover the dream and its interpretation in the prophetic section that comes
later in this study commentary.)
The first response of Daniel and his three friends to the crisis was to pray. Sometimes the only
thing we can do is pray, especially when the solution requires supernatural intervention. In this
case, the supernatural intervention also involved supernatural revelation. Although temperance
enhances our spiritual perception, this alone is not enough; we need to bathe our study of God’s
prophetic Word in prayer. Prayer is the key to spiritual revelation and understanding.
Before Daniel receives the first prophecy, he commits to physical temperance and spiritual
prayer—this affects his being. Being must precede knowing. Being in prayer creates the correct
mental posture for approaching prophecy—human wisdom must bow to the great “I AM.”
Daniel and his three friends’ prayers for supernatural revelation are an example that we are to
seek to emulate as we wrestle with the prophetic message found within the book of Daniel.
Daniel was in an impossible situation. He was asked to figure out what the king had dreamed in
his own bed. Daniel’s response to the crisis was to pray. When we pray, human impossibility is
God’s opportunity.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
Memorize your favorite verse in Daniel 2:1–30. Write it out multiple times to help
memorization.
Why does humanity refuse to acknowledge its own limitations? What are impossible areas in
your life that are opportunities for God?
What is your prayer life like? Do you have a small group of pray-ers who can support your
times of impossibility?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 2:1–30
Why did God give the dream to Nebuchadnezzar first, rather than to Daniel?
God gave the dream to Nebuchadnezzar first and not to Daniel, which indicates that God was
trying to reach King Nebuchadnezzar through the dream. One of the greatest predictive
prophecies of Scripture was given to a heathen monarch! Bible prophecy is redemptive in nature,
and not just about predictions and fulfillment. It’s about saving people. Ultimately
Nebuchadnezzar was converted through a series of events that began with prophetic illumination.
Another reason why God gave the message to Nebuchadnezzar first was to reveal to him the
futility of seeking truth apart from God’s messengers, His prophets. These human vessels were
chosen to deliver supernatural revelations. Seeking spiritual truth apart from other sources,
whether they be academic institutions, palm readers, or secular sources, all fall short of God’s
prophetic Word found in Scripture. The book of Daniel reveals the supremacy of Scripture above
every other source of knowledge.
Why was prayer the condition of revelation for Daniel?
Before God can give revelation, the heart must be right. This can only be accomplished through
prayer. By nature, prayer is an acknowledgment of our own deficiency and of God’s supremacy.
The simple act of prayer implies humanity’s inability, inadequacy, and need. The prophecies of
Daniel can only be understood when our studies of the prophecies are bathed in prayer.
Furthermore, prayer has implications for the nature of the great controversy between Christ and
Satan. Roger Morneau states, “In prayer and supplication to God, who waits for our requests for
help so that He will then have the legal right in the sight of the universe to move with power into
Satan’s domain and rescue his captives” (The Incredible Power of Prayer, 41). There are rules in
the great controversy. Prayer gives God the right and authorization to move above and beyond
what He would normally be able to do. Our prayers are our consent in giving God clearance to
intervene.
What is the significance of Daniel praying with his three friends?
We see the importance of private prayer in Daniel chapter 6. Corporate prayer in no way
diminishes the need for private prayer. Daniel 2, however, establishes the blessing of small-
group prayer in addition to our personal prayer life—especially in times of crisis. Daniel and his
three friends became a community of prayer and fellowship through their experience in Babylon.
This also reveals that spiritual revelation comes to the community of believers but can be
received in isolation apart from the body. The Bible establishes the essential relationship of
spiritual community and spiritual revelation.
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to
point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
Which composite picture of Daniel’s character emerges from this chapter?
inSpect
What relationship do the following verses have with the primary passage?
Prayer Life of Jesus
Mark 1:35
Matthew 14:23
Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:28
Prayer Life of the Christian
Philippians 4:6, 7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 2:1–30?
inVite
Conversation Is Relationship
It’s easy to fall into a mindless ritual of saying the same prayers over and over again out of habit
or obligation. Prayer is one of the most essential yet neglected practices for professed
Christians. Prayer is the lifeblood of the soul. Furthermore, it is conversation with God, and
conversation is relationship. As one expert on conversation put it, “The conversation is the
relationship,” and “our very lives succeed or fail, change gradually, then suddenly one
conversation at a time” (Susan Scott, Fierce Conversation, 12). In other words, we talk about
having a “relationship with God,” but what does that mean? When we boil down our
relationship with God to its essence, it is communion with Him—conversation. Therefore, if
there is no conversation, there is no relationship; if there is no prayer, there is no relationship.
Prayer has been turned into a meritorious ritual by some, or a non-essential, supplementary
aspect of the Christian experience by others. Prayer is neither of these. Prayer is purely
relational. In our marriages, friendships, or any other human relationship, conversation is our
relationship, and our relationship with God is no exception. Prayer is conversation; and
conversation is relationship.
Journal:
Where is Jesus in Daniel 2:17–23?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to
drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is
ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is
much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of
heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God's heart of
infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet
they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be
near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth,
who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of
His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.
“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of
the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that
God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of
God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's
storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing
prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the
right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may
not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation….
“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot
burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent
to the wants of His children. ‘The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.’ James 5:11. His
heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him
everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up
worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace
is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read;
there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His
children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our
heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. ‘He healeth the
broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and
each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share
His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.”
Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, 94, 95, 100.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what personal applications are you convicted of in your
life?
What practical applications must you make in your prayer life?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire
Share insights from this week’s memory verse and Bible study as well as any discoveries,
observations, and questions with your Sabbath School class (or Bible study group). Consider
these discussion questions with the rest of the group.
What is your prayer life like—really?
When is the last time you felt like you really talked with God? What was the difference that
time?
What are some of the things that make it difficult to pray?
When was a time when God really answered your prayer?
What times do you find it easier to pray than others?
What are the types of things that we typically pray for and why?
Have you ever fallen into a mindless ritual of praying? Why do you think this can happen?
When was a time that you prayed in a small group of friends? What was that experience like?
What do you think is the key to a consistent, powerful prayer life?
lesson three
Radical Faithfulness
Daniel 3
inTro
Commitment
We live in a culture where the Christian community has recreated God in its own image—the
postmodern Christian God that is big on grace and low on human commitment. Rationalizations
are given for every biblical principle. Compromise and explanations are touted any time biblical
principles conflict with human desire. In short, we live in a world where Christianity promises
you everything and yet requires little or no commitment.
Daniel chapter 3 radically challenges the postmodern picture of God. The God of Daniel
is the God of both radical grace and radical commitment. Rather than recreating God in our
image, we are recreated in the image of God’s willingness to sacrifice even life itself.
The radical grace of God that required the death of God brings out a response of radical human
commitment even unto death. The three Hebrews made their stand on the plain of Dura,
exemplifying radical faithfulness unto death, a characteristic that will be reproduced again in
God’s people at the end of time.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 3 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 3:16–18. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map the
chapter.
inGest
Faithful unto Death
Daniel’s three friends are standing on the plain of Dura. They can see the smoke ascending from
the furnace and perhaps even feel its heat. The music plays, and thousands of people, like
dominos, bow before the golden image gleaming in the sun. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
remain standing while all around them are bowed down as far as the eye can see. It’s clear they
are the only ones standing.
The temptation to compromise in this moment would have been almost irresistible. It would have
been the easiest thing to do to rationalize in that moment. There would have been a thousand
excuses to kneel before the image or even conveniently tie your shoelaces! After all, it’s just
kneeling. Wouldn’t God understand that I’m really kneeling to Him in my heart and not to the
image?
The three Hebrews on the plain of Dura made a commitment that they would rather die than
kneel. They represent a radical commitment to truth and duty that is foreign to our contemporary
culture. Yet it is this radical commitment that God is calling His faithful to emulate at the end of
time. “We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences with God,” even if
that means our death (White, The Great Controversy, 460).
Biblical end-time ethics is not situational; it is radically principled. Even life itself is not worth
compromising over our allegiance to God. “It is better to die than to sin; better to want than to
defraud; better to hunger than to lie” (White, Conflict and Courage, 119).
The scenes on the plain of Dura will be repeated at the end of time. An image will be set up, and
all will be forced to worship the image on penalty of death. But there will be a remnant that will
refuse to worship the image. The clarion call to be faithful to God, even unto death, will be
answered by God’s people. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s radical faithfulness typifies the
characteristics of God’s last-day people.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse in Daniel 3. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
What were the pressures that you felt that caused you to compromise?
What were the rationalizations that you told yourself? How did you feel afterwards?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 3
Hermeneutics
Nebuchadnezzar used a conveniently biased hermeneutic (an interpretive lens) to reinterpret the
Daniel 2 dream to suit his own egotistical ambitions. Instead of the multi-metal man of his
dream, the king erects an image entirely of gold—implying, of course, that his kingdom would
never end. Using an alternative hermeneutic to that which God has revealed, unfortunately, did
not end with Nebuchadnezzar and continues today.
The three main schools of prophetic hermeneutics are preterism, futurism, and historicism.
Preterism assumes that prophecy is entirely a description of the past: there is no predictive nature
to prophecy. Futurism assumes that prophecy has no present or historical bearing as it will only
happen in the future. Historicism follows history as it relates to God’s people down to the present
day and through the end of time. This is what we see in Daniel 2 as it begins with Babylon and
extends down through history to the present day into the future prediction of the second coming
of Jesus and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Music
Nebuchadnezzar incorporated the use of music to capture the emotions and set the stage for
worshiping the image. Four times in Daniel chapter 3 the music is mentioned, including
repetitious detail of even the types of instruments that were played. The music clearly was the
signal to bow down and worship the image that the king had set up.
Music plays a critical role in false worship. It has the power to capture the emotions, overriding
reason and conscience. Music will no doubt play a crucial role in false end-time worship as well.
Tribulation
There is popular belief today among Christians that God’s people in the end of time will avoid
tribulation. However, the story of the fiery furnace illustrates that God will not keep His people
from tribulation, but rather He will be with them through tribulation. Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego were not saved from the fire; they were saved through the fire.
Revelation 13 and Daniel 3
The same issues and themes that presented themselves in Daniel 3 will play out again in the end
of time as described in Revelation 13. Even as there was an image set up in Daniel 3, there will
be an image set up in the end of time. Even as there was a call to worship the image, there will be
a worldwide call to worship the image in the end of time under the penalty of death.
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to
point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
What parts of Daniel 3 do you see happening today?
inSpect
What relationship do the following verses have with the primary passage?
Revelation 13:8–18
Daniel 6:8–15
Revelation 14:6–10
Revelation 16:1–12
Revelation 5:6–14
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 3?
inVite
Whose Opinion Matters
What was the motivation that drove the three Hebrews to make such a radical stand on the plain
of Dura? It certainly was not the fear of humankind; it was the fear of God. This was not a fear of
God in the sense of being afraid; rather, for the Hebrews, the opinion of God mattered more than
the opinion of their human peers. God’s opinion was worth dying for. They cared what God
thought more than anyone else in the world!
The person you love the most is the person whose opinion matters the most. In a sense, because
you love them, you “fear” displeasing them. In the end of time, there will be two groups of
people: those who fear God and those who fear the beast—those who worship the Lamb and
those who worship the beast. The beast uses coercive measures, while those who follow the
Lamb do so out of love.
The Hebrew young adults made their stand because, to them, God was living reality in their
consciousness. Through the eyes of faith, they believed in the invisible God, and when the music
played, it was as if they were in the audience of the only One whose opinion mattered most.
Journal:
Where do you see Jesus in Daniel 3?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood
home, how little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded
themselves to the divine guiding, so that through them God could fulfill His purpose.
“The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men, God desires to reveal through the
youth and the children of today. . . .The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who
will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not
fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the
pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”
Ellen G. White, Education, 57.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what personal applications are you convicted of in your
life?
What are practical applications you must make in your school, family, workplace, church, and/or
society?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire
Share insights from this week’s memory verse and Bible study as well as any discoveries,
observations, and questions with your Sabbath School class (or Bible study group). Consider
these discussion questions with the rest of the group.
What are you willing to die for?
What do you think were the motivations for why you made your stand?
Would you die for someone that you love? Does love change one’s perspective of death?
What does standing for God even in the face of death reveal about God’s perspective of death?
Why do you think God asks us to be willing to die for Him rather than compromise principle?
What are ways that we can keep a consciousness of God ever before us?
What are ways that we can get to the place where God’s opinion matters most?
lesson four
Radical Intervention
Daniel 4
inTro
Pride
Pride is touted as a positive virtue in the secular world, as long as it presented in a socially
acceptable and palatable manner. Even in the Christian community, some sins are looked upon
with disdain but the subtle nature of pride in one’s own heart gets a pass. Of course, there is plain
arrogance that we abhor. The irony is that we abhor it the more because of the vestiges of pride
that we have in our own hearts. We hate the characteristics in others that we ourselves fully
possess.
The story of Nebuchadnezzar’s public humiliation and fall from pride is a warning especially to
those living in the end of time. Pride is a characteristic that we are to ask God to expunge from
our lives. Pride will be the downfall of Christian living just before Jesus comes. Of the eight
stories in Daniel, this story reveals the characteristic that we are to avoid as the prophecies of
Daniel are being fulfilled.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 4 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 4:19–27. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map
the chapter.
inGest
Curing Pride
Daniel chapter 4 is the only chapter in the book not written by Daniel. Instead, King
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon writes his personal testimony. Here Nebuchadnezzar is given
another dream, and this time he remembers it. The dream as interpreted by Daniel is a warning
for Nebuchadnezzar to humble himself or he will become a beast for seven years. For a time, the
king heeds the warning, but old habits are hard to break. While Nebuchadnezzar is in the midst
of his egotistical boast, a voice comes from heaven, and the king is stricken with insanity. For
seven years, the greatest king on earth is reduced to an animal. Humbled, the king acknowledges
the God of heaven and is converted. This is the last reference to Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible.
This was God’s radical intervention. It took seven years as a beast to bring Nebuchadnezzar to
his senses. The pride of Nebuchadnezzar had to be broken before he could feel his need for God.
As C. S. Lewis stated, “It was through pride that the devil became the devil,” and pride is “the
complete anti-God state of mind.” Augustine stated, “It was pride that changed angels into
devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” The drastic nature of God’s intervention to rid
Nebuchadnezzar of pride reveals how deep-seated it is.
Sin is typically viewed in terms of categories—from the heinous sins of the serial killer to the
white lie. Pride would not typically make it to a person’s top-ten list of sins. Yet on God’s list,
pride is number one. Proverbs 6:16–19 says, “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an
abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that
devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and
one who sows discord among brethren.”
On God’s top-seven list of sins, pride ranks higher than murder. Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony
echoes down to the end of time as a warning to God’s people of the sin of pride and God’s
dramatic intervention to cure a proud monarch of pride.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse in Daniel 4. Write it out multiple times to help with memorization.
Have you ever had an experience where you felt that God had humbled you? How did you
feel?
How does Nebuchadnezzar’s experience shed a new perspective on that humbling
experience?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas
- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you
- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 4
What condition did Nebuchadnezzar have for seven years?
“Today psychiatrists have diagnosed Nebuchadnezzar’s behavior as a variant of paranoia and
schizophrenia. . . . The patient imagines that he had been transformed into a wolf (lycanthropy,
an ox (boanthropy), or another animal (dog, leopard, snake, crocodile), and behaves as such
down to the most intimate details. A 49-year old woman was convinced her head was that of a
wolf complete with snout and fangs. And when she opened her mouth to speak, she would hear
herself growl and howl like a beast” (Jacques Doukhan, Secrets of Daniel, 70).
“The proud king’s hair grew long and matted like the ruffled feathers of a buzzard, and his nails
resembled the tailings of a bird of prey. Wide-eyed and gibbering, he plucked grass, and stuffing
it into his mouth, munched it like an ox” (Hardinge, Jesus Is My Judge, 58).
How do we reconcile God’s loving nature with making Nebuchadnezzar a beast for seven years?
Seven years as a beast seems hard. Some have falsely circulated the idea that God does not
discipline and that God does not kill. It is a false view that reduces love to mere sentimentalism
and enabling. If we define love from Scripture rather than from popular culture, we see a picture
of God’s love that is the perfect blend of justice and mercy from the vantage point of eternity.
The story of Nebuchadnezzar reveals God’s eternal perspective of saving the king for eternity
and weighing the temporary discomfort of being an animal for seven years. From the eternal
perspective, seven years of being a beast was the most loving thing that God could do. As C. S.
Lewis stated, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our
pain” (C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, 91). This is not to say that every uncomfortable
circumstance, trial, or calamity is God trying to get our attention; the enemy of souls must be
factored in. However, we cannot miss the point of Daniel 3 that God’s first and primary goal for
our life is saving us for eternity; everything else is secondary. God is willing to allow temporary
discomfort if that will bring us to decide eternal salvation with Him.
“If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by
removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands” (Ellen White, My Life Today,
18).
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
How might God be shouting in your life?
inSpect
How do the following verses relate to the primary passage?
Proverbs 8:13
Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 13:10
Proverbs 16:18, 19
Proverbs 18:12
Jeremiah 9:23
Isaiah 14:12–14
Ezekiel 28:11–16
James 4:6, 10
Philippians 2:3
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 4?
inVite
Whatever It Takes
God’s dramatic intervention to save Nebuchadnezzar for eternity reveals the heart of God and
His desire to save to the uttermost. It took seven years as a beast for Nebuchadnezzar to come to
his senses. In terms of salvation, one of the most radical prayers that one can pray is: “Lord,
whatever it takes, save me.” This is a radical prayer that gives God permission to intervene in
our life.
Our sense of dependence upon God is the most helpless yet invincible place that we can be as a
Christian. Sometimes, the worst thing that ever happened to us is the best thing that ever
happened to us.
On July 30, 1967, Joni Eareckson Tada dived into a shallow spot of the Chesapeake Bay,
breaking her neck between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae. She became a quadriplegic,
being paralyzed from the shoulders down. Her entire adult life she has been confined to a
wheelchair. In her book she states, “In a way I wish I could take to heaven my old, tattered
Everest and Jennings wheelchair. I would point to the empty seat and say, ‘Lord, for decades I
was paralyzed in this chair.’ . . . At that point, with my strong and glorified body, I might sit in it,
rub the armrests with my hands, look up at Jesus, and add, ‘The weaker I felt in this chair, the
harder I leaned on You’ ” (Joni Eareckson Tada, Heaven: Your Real Home, 184).
Salvation from an eternal perspective gives our present trials a different perspective, especially if
those hardships lead us to a greater dependence on God.
Where do you see Jesus in Daniel 4?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“In a moment the reason that God had given him was taken away; the judgment that the king
thought perfect, the wisdom on which he prided himself, was removed, and the once mighty ruler
was a maniac. His hand could no longer sway the scepter. The messages of warning had been
unheeded; now, stripped of the power his Creator had given him, and driven from men,
Nebuchadnezzar ‘did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his
hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.’ ”
“For seven years Nebuchadnezzar was an astonishment to all his subjects; for seven years he was
humbled before all the world. Then his reason was restored and, looking up in humility to the
God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he
acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. ‘At the end of the days,’ he
said, ‘I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto
me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose
dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: and all
the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the
army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto
Him, What doest Thou?’
“ ‘At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor
and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was
established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.’
“The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God; the tyrannical, overbearing ruler a
wise and compassionate king. He who had defied and blasphemed the God of heaven now
acknowledged the power of the Most High and earnestly sought to promote the fear of Jehovah
and the happiness of his subjects. Under the rebuke of Him who is King of kings and Lord of
lords, Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the lesson which all rulers need to learn—that true
greatness consists in true goodness. He acknowledged Jehovah as the living God, saying, ‘I
Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and
His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’
“God’s purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now
fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and
goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.”
Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 520, 521.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what are personal applications you are convicted of in your life?
What are practical applications you must make in your public and social life?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire
When was a time in your life that God got your attention? Did you perceive it at the time as a
good thing or bad thing?
What is the relationship between love and discipline?
Can parents do something in the best interest of a child that can be perceived as unloving from the
vantage point of the child?
What are some things that parents do from a long-term perspective in the child’s best interests?
Why do you think that God ranks pride number one on His list of deadly sins in Proverbs 6:16–
19?
Why is it hard to feel our need and dependence on God?
What are things that we can do to feel our need of God more?
lesson five
End-Time Accountability
Daniel 5
inTro
Characteristic to Avoid
Accountability is a word that brings with it feelings of fear and dread. This word is typically not
used in positive terms. However, imagine a world without accountability. What if our judges
were not held accountable to uphold the law? Or our police to enforce the law? Or our bankers
were not held accountable to be honest? Without accountability there is no trust, and without
trust there is no relationship.
Daniel 5 is a story of a king’s accountability. More than that, it is the story of end-time
accountability. It is the story of a king who squandered the opportunities and the light that had
been given to him. Out of the eight stories in Daniel, this is the second narrative that reveals
characteristics that we are to avoid as the prophecies are being fulfilled.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 5 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 5:18–28. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map
the chapter.
inGest
Squandered Opportunities
The city of Babylon had been surrounded by the army of Cyrus. Babylon was considered to be
impregnable, with enough food to last twenty years. Belshazzar, king of Babylon, held a drunken
feast in defiance of the siege. In the midst of his debauchery, Belshazzar had the sacred vessels
taken by Nebuchadnezzar from the temple in Jerusalem brought to the feast, and he drank his
favorite alcoholic beverages out of them, declaring the god of gold and silver. Suddenly, a
mysterious supernatural hand emerged and wrote on the wall. The music stopped. In a moment
of instant sobriety, the king’s knees began to knock together. Daniel was summoned to interpret
the handwriting on the wall.
Daniel came in and gave a history lesson, a theology lesson, and a reading lesson in one chapter.
First, Daniel recounted how God had humbled Nebuchadnezzar for seven years as a beast. Then
he gave a theology lesson on accountability, stating, “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not
humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord
of heaven” (Daniel 5:22, 23a). Finally, Daniel gave the king a reading lesson by interpreting the
handwriting on the wall, predicting the fall of Babylon. That very night, Babylon fell to the
Medes and Persians.
The words of Daniel to Belshazzar—“although you knew all this”—ring as a warning to those
living in the end of time. It is not how much you know; it’s what you do with what you
know. Belshazzar had been given much light. He had been given a front-row seat to witness
Nebuchadnezzar humbled by heaven as well as converted to the God of heaven.
The lesson of Daniel 5 is a lesson of accountability. “Belshazzar’s example stands out as a
beacon to admonish us of what we ought never to do—ignore or make light of the truths we have
received from Scripture” (Hardinge, Jesus Is My Judge, 74).
At the end of time, unprecedented light will be given to mankind. Revelation 18 reveals that the
whole earth will be lit with the glory of God. Everyone will be given a chance to make an
intelligent decision. God is going to reveal Himself to the world with unprecedented light and
truth. However, “to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). With
much light comes much responsibility. The example of Belshazzar is a warning to those who
squander and even openly defy the privileges of light that have been given to them.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
Think of examples in your life where you have been blessed with God revealing Himself to
you. How has God blessed you with opportunities, light, and truth?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas
- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you
- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 5
What are the parallels between ancient Babylon in Daniel and end-time Babylon in Revelation?
They both cause their subjects to be drunk (Dan. 5:1; Rev. 17:2).
They both have wine in golden cups (Dan. 5:3; Rev. 17:4).
They both mix the sacred with the pagan (Dan. 5:1–4; Rev. 18:1–3).
They both are defeated by kings from the east (Isa. 45:1–5; Rev. 16:12).
They both are built over the river Euphrates (Isa. 44:27, 28; Rev. 16:12; 17:6, 15).
They both fall when the river Euphrates dries up (Isa. 45:1–5; Rev. 16:12, 19)
The fall of ancient Babylon in Daniel reveals characteristics of how symbolic Babylon in the
book of Revelation will fall. The fall of ancient Babylon came about because of the rejection of
light and truth in the same way the fall of end-time Babylon will come because of the rejection of
light and truth.
Does God hold everyone to the same level of accountability?
“God’s test of the heathen, who have not the light, and of those living where the knowledge of
truth and light has been abundant, is altogether different. He accepts from those in heathen lands
a phase of righteousness which does not satisfy Him when offered by those of Christian lands.
Memorize your favorite verse. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
Think of examples in your life where you have been blessed with God revealing Himself to
you. How has God blessed you with opportunities, light, and truth?
He does not require much where much has not been bestowed” (Ellen G. White Comments, The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 5:1121).
James 4:17 states, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
The principle that emerges is that accountability is directly proportional to the amount of light
that we have been given. Less light means less accountability. More light means more
accountability.
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
What thoughts surface when thinking about accountability to God?
inSpect
How do the following verses relate to the primary passage?
John 9:41; 12:35; 13:17
2 Peter 2:21
Revelation 16:12; 18:1–10
Isaiah 45:1
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 5?
inVite
Relationality and Accountability
God loves us, and He desires to reveal Himself to us. He does this through nature, through His
Word, and most profoundly in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The knowledge of God brings
with it great blessings and the responsibility for accountability.
Accountability seems like anything but a relational word. We typically view it in terms of
accountability to authority or accountability to institutions. However, we are accountable to our
children and spouses in a relational sense. Relationship without accountability is no more of a
relationship than we can have with our cars and homes. In other words, accountability implies
free, intelligent moral agents. Relationships, love, and intimacy can only exist where there are
free moral agents; and with free will comes accountability—accountability being the other side
of the coin of free will.
In terms of our relationships, we can know that our accountability will always come from a
Being who is the very definition of fairness and love. There will never be any misunderstanding,
for He is omniscient. There will never be injustice, for He is justice. There will always be mercy,
for He is mercy. In the end, there is no one that we can be more grateful to be accountable to
than to God.
Journal:
Where is Jesus in Daniel 5?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“Before that terror-stricken throng, Daniel, unmoved by the promises of the king, stood in the
quiet dignity of a servant of the Most High, not to speak words of flattery, but to interpret a
message of doom. ‘Let thy gifts be to thyself,’ he said, ‘and give thy rewards to another; yet I
will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.’
“The prophet first reminded Belshazzar of matters with which he was familiar, but which had not
taught him the lesson of humility that might have saved him. He spoke of Nebuchadnezzar's sin
and fall, and of the Lord's dealings with him—the dominion and glory bestowed upon him, the
divine judgment for his pride, and his subsequent acknowledgment of the power and mercy of
the God of Israel; and then in bold and emphatic words he rebuked Belshazzar for his great
wickedness. He held the king’s sin up before him, showing him the lessons he might have
learned but did not. Belshazzar had not read aright the experience of his grandfather, nor heeded
the warning of events so significant to himself. The opportunity of knowing and obeying the true
God had been given him, but had not been taken to heart, and he was about to reap the
consequence of his rebellion.”
Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 529.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what are personal applications you are convicted of in your life?
What are practical applications you must make in your relationships?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire
Who are some individuals you can think of who have been given less light than you?
Who are some individuals that have been given more light than you?
What role do you think the opportunity to receive truth plays in accountability? In other words,
what if I don’t know truth but I have the opportunity to know truth? How does that play into
God’s accountability?
What is your gut response when you hear the word accountability?
What are some examples of how accountability has played out in your relationship with your
parents? Significant other? Institutions? Works?
What kind of world would we have if we did not have accountability?
How does your picture of God affect your view of accountability?
lesson six
Dying for Devotions
Daniel 6
inTro
Highest Priority
Devotional time can often be missed and rushed through in the busyness of life. In the rush of
day-to-day crammed schedules and classes, devotional life can seem less important. The pull of
getting things done, the pressure of deadlines, and the heaviness of life’s demands can make
Bible study, prayer life, and spiritual disciplines wane. The commitment to devotions can even
disappear in times of crisis or stress. If we are not aware, devotions can easily go to the
backburner of our priority list.
Daniel chapter 6 presents a radical commitment to devotions exemplified by Daniel well into his
career as a senior citizen. Not only was the elder statesman known for his wisdom, prophetic
understanding, faithfulness, and integrity, but he had a devoutness that characterized him
throughout his years. Daniel so valued his devotional life that he thought it was worth dying for.
Are you dying to get busy or too busy to die? Discover Daniel’s liberation in this week’s study of
chapter 6.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 5 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 6:6–10. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map
the chapter.
inGest
End-Time Anchor
Daniel was now an old man and well into his eighties, yet he faced one of the greatest challenges
of his life. Similar to the theme in Daniel chapter 3, worship again becomes a central issue.
While Daniel was not present at the test on the plain of Dura in chapter 3, chapter 6 removes any
questions of his fidelity to God.
A decree was made that anyone worshiping anyone other than the king for thirty days would be
thrown to the lions. That first morning, Daniel knew that opening his windows and praying to
God would mean his death. But Daniel would rather die than miss his devotions.
Daniel’s example leaves a legacy of practical principles for a devotional life. First, Daniel’s level
of commitment was absolute. Devotions were the highest priority of his day. Everything else was
secondary. He had a lifetime to develop this crucial habit that made him successful in his
professional as well as spiritual life. Second, Daniel had a regular time and place for personal
devotions. This regularity became a central ritual for his daily life, one that provided him with
strength, motivation, direction, and passion.
Daniel’s devotional life became the bedrock of his legacy of faithfulness. The same is true for
God’s people living in the last days—the devotional life of God’s last-day people will be the
anchor for their faithfulness and fidelity to God.
Practical pointers for the devotional life:
1. Ask the Lord to create in you a deeper desire for Him.
2. Set a regular time and place to have devotions.
3. Pray before you begin, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
4. Choose a passage of Scripture. You can start off with practical books like 1
Thessalonians or James.
5. Paraphrase the passage in your own words in your journal or on a sheet of paper.
6. Ask God, “Lord, what are You trying to tell me through this passage?”
7. Write your prayer response to God.
8. Think about the Bible passage throughout the day.
Take baby steps. Begin with just a few minutes a day and increase over time. If you miss a
day or days, don’t be discouraged. Just start up again. Your goal is not to achieve a great track
record—it’s about trajectory. Pray that God will create in you a deeper desire for Him.
Journal:
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas
- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you
- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
Memorize your favorite verse. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
How do you balance devotional life, personal worship, and Sabbath School study all together?
What have you seen to be the tangible benefits of having a consistent and profound devotional life?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Chapter 6
Parallels between Daniel 3, Daniel 6, and the mark of the beast
They involve persecution for obeying God’s law (Dan. 3:6; 6:5; Rev. 12:17).
They involve false worship (Dan. 3:5; 6:6–9; Rev. 13:15).
They involve the death decree for failure to comply (Dan. 3:6; 6:7; Rev. 13:15).
They involve the saving of the righteous by the intervention of God (Dan. 3:25–28; 6:19–
23; Rev. 19:11).
The story of Daniel in the lions’ den has the same theme as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
in the fiery furnace. These two chapters parallel the end-time issue of worshiping the beast in the
book of Revelation.
Am I saved by my devotions?
The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Becoming a
Christian is one thing; growing in Christ, which requires maintaining our connection to Him, is
another. As Jesus said, it is a vine-to-branches relationship. Devotions maintain our connection
to God as our source of strength. Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior makes us alive in
Christ. Our devotional life keeps us alive in Christ by connecting us to the source of strength.
What if I miss devotions?
Like with any habit, it may be challenging at first to establish the new habit of daily devotions.
But if you miss, don’t give up! The Bible says that a righteous person keeps on getting back up
(Prov. 24:16). Ask the Lord to give you strength. He will help you, for He desires nothing more
than to spend time with you daily!
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
Which area of prayer is needed more in your relationship with God?
inSpect:
How do the following verses relate to the primary passage?
2 Chronicles 6:36–40
Psalm 55:17
Mark 1:35
Psalm 5:3
Psalm 88:13
Psalm 119:147
Isaiah 50:4
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 6?
inVite
Quality Time
Relationships are built on quality time. Think of people who are dating; time together is the
entity most sought after—it is made the highest priority. In fact, a couple that does not spend
time together will grow apart. The difference between a friend and an acquaintance is closely
related to the amount of voluntary time they spend together. If we are serious about our
relationships, we will be intentional about spending time together. Time together provides an
opportunity for shared experiences, conversation, and the building of memories.
Our relationship with God is also built on time. God considers time such an important factor in
our relationship with Him that He established the Sabbath immediately after creating human
beings. The Sabbath is a cyclical occurrence that makes our relationship with God the priority of
our week. Our daily devotions are a cyclical occurrence that makes our relationship with God the
priority of our day.
Our relationship with God can be difficult to define—it can be thought of as an ethereal,
nebulous thing. However, the notion of time and relationship puts our relationship with God into
tangible terms. In other words, no time with God = no relationship with God. It’s a startling
reality to reflect upon, but God is always eagerly waiting to spend time with us and will receive
us regardless of our track record.
Journal:
Where do you see Jesus in Daniel 6?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He
was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above
these difficulties, as if in the light of God’s countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used,
but bore insult patiently.
“Again and again He was asked, Why do You submit to such despiteful usage, even from Your
brothers? It is written, He said, ‘My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart keep My
commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not
mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.’ Proverbs 3:1–4.
“From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple, His course of action was a
mystery to them. He would not enter into controversy, yet His example was a constant lesson. He
seemed as one who was set apart. His hours of happiness were found when alone with nature and
with God. Whenever it was His privilege, He turned aside from the scene of His labor, to go into
the fields, to meditate in the green valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or
amid the trees of the forest. The early morning often found Him in some secluded place,
meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. From these quiet hours He would return to His
home to take up His duties again, and to give an example of patient toil.”
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 89, 90.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what are personal applications you are convicted of in your life?
What are practical applications you must make in your time management?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire:
How is your personal devotional life?
When have you had times that your devotions have been consistent? Inconsistent? In a rut?
When have you had times when you’ve had amazing devotions? What made the difference?
Why do you think it is hard to have a consistent devotional life?
What are some of the greatest hindrances to personal devotions?
Given that we are not saved by works, why is it a temptation to think doing devotions is a part of
our salvific work?
Can we be saved without a devotional life, though?
What role do devotions play in the Christian life?
What are some practical things you can share that have helped you in your devotional life?
lesson seven
A Church in Crisis
Daniel 9:1–19
inTro
A Faulty Church?
In the twenty-first century, the faults and foibles of the church have made individuals, both
within and without the church, jaded and cynical about the church and institutions in general.
There is no question that the charlatans and hypocritical leaders have in many ways caused a
black eye to the church’s reputation. There is the gut reaction to dissociate oneself and move on;
after all, we all have our own problems and issues.
We find in Daniel’s prayer, however, an example of not dissociating from a church that is
messing up. Instead, the first half of Daniel 9 reveals a stunning identification with a church that
is in crisis. Rather than moving away and being indifferent to the church in crisis, Daniel moves
toward it and identifies with it on a profound level. Daniel’s prayer portrays a vivid example of
how we can respond to a faulty church.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 9:1–19 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write
out Daniel 9:1–7. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map
the chapter.
inGest
Praying for My Church
The church was in crisis. Because of their unfaithfulness to God, the people of Israel had been
taken into Babylonian captivity for almost seventy years, as predicted by Jeremiah. Daniel’s life
stretched over the entire seventy years of captivity, and he knew that the time period was about
to come to an end. As recorded in Daniel chapter 8, he heard a time prophecy of 2,300 years and
feared that the captivity would be extended beyond the seventy years. Daniel chapter 9 is his
prayer to God for his church in crisis.
The longest prayer in the book of Daniel is on behalf of his church. Daniel’s prayer was an
example of how we are to respond to a church in crisis.
1. Daniel responded by praying for his church.
“I prayed to the LORD my God” (Dan. 9:4). Daniel did not slander the church in private
conversations or in public discourses; he interceded in prayer to God on behalf of His beloved
church.
2. Daniel’s attitude was not “me”; it was “we.”
“We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned
away from your commands and laws” (Dan. 9:5, emphasis supplied). Daniel identified himself
with the people of God; He did not dissociate himself from the church. Though a righteous man,
he identified himself with the sins of the church. He did not take the position of superiority over
his people (the church), but rather came from the posture of being with his people.
3. Daniel responded by reaffirming the necessity of heeding God’s prophets.
“We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name” (Dan. 9:6).
Daniel’s prayer brought out that the solution to the church’s plight was to go back to following
the Word of the Lord as given by God’s prophets. He acknowledged that the current condition of
the people of God had come as a result of rejecting His prophets.
4. Daniel responded with personal self-denial––fasting.
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in
sackcloth and ashes” (Dan. 9:3, NIV). Daniel was all in on his prayer for the church, in that he
was willing to practice personal self-denial in the form of fasting. Daniel was so fully invested in
his burden for his church that it affected his physical life as well as his spiritual life.
Journal:
Memorize your favorite verse. Write it out multiple times to help memorization.
Have you ever been put off by the faults of people in the church?
How does Daniel’s prayer impact you with respect to the faults of the church?
Go back to your scribed text and study the passage.
- [Circle] repeated words/phrases/ideas
- [Underline] words/phrases that are important and have meaning to you
- Draw [Arrows] to connect one word/phrase to another associated or related word/phrase
What special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
inTerpret
A Deeper Look into Daniel 9:1–19
What is the point of praying for the church if God already has a vested interest in His church?
God will not infringe on our free will without our permission. This is true for ourselves but it is
also true for others. Intercessory prayer for others gives God permission to move above and
beyond what He would otherwise do. Our prayers are authorization for God to move. In Daniel
chapter 9, you see God answered Daniel’s prayer in giving him prophetic revelation for not only
his present church but also the church until the end of time.
What role does fasting play in the Christian experience?
It is important to remember that fasting gains no “points” with God. Fasting is not to impress
God or to earn our acceptance with Him. Some people cannot fast for medical reasons.
Nonetheless, fasting has great benefits. An important aspect to take note of in the Sermon on the
Mount is that fasting is equated with giving and with prayer. Christ used the same wording when
He spoke on these topics: “When you give alms” (Matt. 6:3); “And when you pray” (Matt. 6:5);
“Moreover when you fast . . .” (Matt. 6:16). Notice Jesus does not say “if” you fast, but “when”
you fast.
Fasting brings the physical nature into agreement with your spiritual desire by correlating the
dependency on physical food with dependency on Christ. When fasting, one experiences a
physical humbling that is correlated to a spiritual humbling before God. Fasting changes us,
changes our attitude toward God and others.
Different types of fasting can involve the eating of simple food or no food. Ellen White states,
“Now and onward till the close of time the people of God should be more earnest, more wide-
awake. . . . They should set aside days for fasting and prayer. Entire abstinence from food may
not be required, but they should eat sparingly of the most simple food” (Ellen G. White,
Counsels on Diets and Foods, 188).
Journal:
What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?
After looking at your scribed and annotated text, what special insights do your marks seem to point to overall?
What other principles and conclusions do you find?
Which area of prayer is needed more in your relationship with God?
inSpect:
How do the following verses relate to the primary passage?
Zechariah 1:12–17
Zechariah 7:5
Jeremiah 25:1–10
Jeremiah 29:10
2 Chronicles 36:20–21
Matthew 13:24–30
Revelation 12:13–17
What other verses/promises come to mind in connection with Daniel 9:1–19?
inVite
Identification
Daniel’s prayer encapsulates the spirit of Christ’s love for His embattled church. Daniel
intercedes on behalf of his people even as Christ intercedes on our behalf before the Father.
Daniel asks for the mercy of God on behalf of his people even as Jesus pleads mercy on our
behalf. Daniel identifies himself with God’s people’s sins; Jesus becomes sin for us and
identifies Himself with us.
The church is portrayed in Scripture as the bride of Christ. Though it has its faults and
shortcomings, it is still the apple of God’s eye. As Ellen White states, “Enfeebled and defective
as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His
supreme regard. It is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to
transform hearts” (White, The Acts of the Apostles, 12).
Daniel exhibits the spirit of Jesus and gives us a picture of the love of Christ on behalf of His
church. It is the same spirit that we, as Christians living in the end of time, are to have as the
church goes through the final crisis.
Journal:
Where is Jesus in Daniel 9:1–19?
What is He saying to you through these texts?
How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?
Prayer: How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?
Prayer Response:
inSight
“Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church
triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members. . . . While the Lord brings into the
church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not
converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares.
There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One
influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the
people of God. . . .
“Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the
church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. .
. .
“There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach, and
making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of
the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in
harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren. . . . The whole world is filled with hatred
of those who proclaim the binding claims of the law of God, and the church who are loyal to
Jehovah must engage in no ordinary conflict. . . . Those who have any realization of what this
warfare means, will not turn their weapons against the church militant, but with all their
powers will wrestle with the people of God against the confederacy of evil.
“Those who start up to proclaim a message on their own individual responsibility, who, while
claiming to be taught and led of God, still make it their special work to tear down that which
God has been for years building up, are not doing the will of God. Be it known that these men
are on the side of the great deceiver. Believe them not.”
Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By, 305.
Journal:
After this week’s study of the chapter, what are personal applications you are convicted of in your life?
What are practical applications you must make in church life participation and attendance?
Review the memory verse. How does it apply to your life this week?
inQuire:
What is the general attitude of culture to the faults of the church?
What is the general attitude of Christians to the faults of the church?
When your local or global church is in crisis, what is your natural response?
What are ways in which we can constructively respond to the faults of God’s church?
How do you think that Jesus feels about the faults of the church?
What do you think Jesus’ attitude is about our own personal faults?
Why do you think Daniel fasted for His church?
Where did Daniel’s love for His church come from?
lesson eight
Waiting Time
Daniel 10
inTro
Delay
We live in a world of instant gratification and quick fixes. Our devices give us access to instant
answers right at our fingertips. We hate waiting for anything. If our computers are keeping us
waiting, we simply upgrade to newer, faster ones. Waiting is considered a waste of time in the
twenty-first century.
In the tenth chapter, Daniel urgently prays and waits for three weeks before his prayers are
answered. Thereafter, the angel comes and explains the reason for the delayed response. Often,
when we wait for God to respond, we do not have the luxury of an explanation for the delay. Yet
waiting on God is a critical piece of the Christian development puzzle.
Journal (inScribe):
Write out Daniel 10 from the translation of your choice. If you’re pressed for time, write out
Daniel 10:10–14. You may also rewrite the passage in your own words, outline, or mind map
the chapter.
inGest
Not Lost Time
The work to rebuild Jerusalem was at a stalemate as the enemies of God’s people tried to
convince Cyrus to rescind his order to rebuild the city. Daniel prayed again for his people;
specifically, that the king of Persia would be persuaded to hold fast his decision in favor of the
Jews. Daniel continued to pray in sackcloth and ashes for 21 days with no response. Then the
angel Gabriel gave the reason for his delay. The king was resisting being persuaded, and Gabriel
needed backup; Michael was called, and the king was persuaded to cast his lot with the people of
God.
When we pray and do not receive an immediate response, Daniel 10 reminds us of the invisible
reality of an angelic war, or the great controversy, that is waging around us, though not always
apparent. Waiting involves a “temporary stop.” It is a time when we feel like things are on hold.
It’s when we feel like things are at a standstill and nothing is happening. Yet in reality, it is a
time that God has already factored as critical to our Christian journey.
Some of the greatest figures in the Bible—Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David—had to wait and be
in a holding pattern for not three weeks, but for years, and in some cases decades. Those days
and sometimes years of waiting were priceless for developing the character of these great men of
the Bible.
Waiting time is not lost time. Waiting on God is a time during which character is developed. It is
a time when our faith is tested and strengthened. It is a time that we learn to trust and depend on
God. “Something actually happens while nothing is happening. God uses waiting to change us”
(Jade Mazarin, “God Is Working in Your Waiting,” desiringGod, Feb. 20, 2017,