Daniel - Chapter 1

"God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time.  And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams."  Daniel 1:17

Welcome to the study of Daniel!  This is a well-known book, yet I have never studied it.  That's just one reason I am excited to get started and so happy you are here!  I can't wait to read, explore, discuss, and discover the intriguing story of Daniel, a prophet of and a spokesperson for God.

Grab your favorite Bible and a copy of Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Douglas Connelly from InterVarsity Press and dive in to chapter 1!  A little historical framework will add some depth to your study and understanding, so start your reading on page 4 of the book.

This is your study, so proceed in whatever manner works for you.  Choose one day or work on it throughout the week, whatever time allows.  Some people like to read the entire book in the Bible before getting into the study.  Some like to do it chapter by chapter.  Read the Bible first, then the study guide?  Sure.  Read the study guide questions, then the Bible chapter, then answer the questions?  Why not.  Get up early Friday morning and cram it all in before Bible study meets?  Well, we've all done that once or twice - LOL!  Can't make it to the study in person?  That's okay, too!  Follow along here on the blog and start or join a conversation through the Comment section.  Working at your own pace and on your own time is the beauty of this media.

The first chapter of Daniel introduces us to Daniel, his 3 friends and the situation they find themselves in during their early adolescence.  I know the teen years can be difficult, but can you imagine being taken captive, moved far away from home, forced into training for a specific job, and had your values tested?   While we may not be able to relate to being taken from our family & homes, we do face challenges to our values more often than we may realize.  The study questions help us examine this.

The study guide questions are a mix of 'from the text' answers and more personal exploring.  Even if these make you a little uncomfortable, spend time with them.  Be honest and record your thoughts in the book or your journal.  The purpose of Bible study isn't just to read a good story (though there are some fantastic stories here) or to find out how corrupt the world is (we already know that!).  We're here because we fall short of the glory of God and need to be reminded how much he loves us; we need to discover, over and over again, His promise of unconditional love; and we need to hear that even in the darkest hours of our lives, we are not alone.   Chapter 1 of Daniel serves as a reminder of all of this and as an example of how we can remain steadfast in our faith despite the difficulties and influences surrounding us.

Daniel and his friends must have known that great challenges lie ahead as they walked the 500 miles from Jerusalem to Babylon.  The trek alone must have been grueling.  But then the indoctrination began; three years of trying to change who they were into who King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to be.  What can we learn from Daniel to help us remain true to our beliefs as we face everyday challenges of living in a secular world?

Click here to go to the blog and comment on chapter 1 of Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World.  I cannot wait to read what you have to say!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
warrior

Post Script: While this is not the focus of our study, it is an opportunity to remember that there are still young people being ripped from their family & homes and forced into service in various, usually illegal, trades around the world & even in the United States.  Still others willingly leave their families, whether they are following their dreams or are searching for a better life, and find themselves in unhappy and challenging situations.  Please keep these young people in your prayers.  The taken, the runaways, the dream chasers, and the troubled.

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24