JanMary

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Q4 (Daniel 11) What does this rehearsal of prophecy and history teach you about the world rulers and geopolitics of our own time? These prophecies of Daniel tell us that God holds all the nations and their rulers in His hand.​ We learned in Daniel 2:21 "He changes the times and the seasons; He removes Kings and sets up Kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."​ ​ Psalm 119:​91 tells us that "All things, even the entire Universe, serve God." (that includes Satan, who hates God, ends up fulfilling God's purposes) And Psalm 75:6,7 "Not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up, But God is the Judge! He brings down one and lifts up another." and Isaiah 14:26b "His omnipotent hand is stretched out over all the nations. ​ How does the "big picture" inform us about the events of our day? God is causing all things (nations, rulers, Presidents, Kings, Queens, politicians) to work together to ​fulfill His purposes in wrapping up the end of the age, even as He has in past history to bring us to this day. Do you believe that God knows and cares about the details of your country's struggles and future? Yes, I do. His care is also for the citizens of each nation who are affected by the way those in power, govern. Are you praying for your country's leaders? Yes. I'm praying for righteous leaders who love God and who will uphold our Constitution, to be elected in America. We've lost our way, and are devolving into anarchy and rage while leaders stick their fingers into "Gods eye" by calling good what He calls evil, and calling Evil what He calls good. I believe God is using the current chaos, unrest, disrespect for law and order, to wake up a slumbering Church world wide and that He hears our cries for a spiritual awakening ....but we must fast and pray "As the leader ​(leaders) go, so goes the nation."

Q3 (Daniel 11) What is your general impression of Daniel's vision after reading the prophetic words matched by their historical fulfillment? Prophecy's accuracy amazes and encourages me! God's foreknowledge is beyond understanding! That He troubles Himself to reveal what is going to happen, sometimes thousands of years before it plays out demonstrates how earnestly He desires to reveal Himself to not only His children, but to an unbelieving world. It also demonstrates His Sovereignty, power and Omniscience! (Why in a crisis is that so difficult to remember????) What other Biblical prophecies can you think of that have been fulfilled so precisely? I think of the prophecies about the birth of Jesus, and God's plan of redemption beginning in Genesis 3:15...and in the same verse, His ultimate defeat of Satan, moments after Adam fell. All of the Old Testament is HIS STORY, revealed in prophecies and which quickened the Wise men to know when to start looking for the star to lead them to the Savior in the manger...and with the appropriate gifts spelled out in previous prophecies, such as Isaiah 60:6 "A multitude of camels from the eastern trading tribes shall cover Jerusalem, the young camels from Midian and Ephah: all the men from Sheba shall come, bringing gold, frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the Lord! ( Fulfilled in Matt: 2:11) I believe there were at least 125 prophecies fulfilled in just the last days of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. What does this teach you about God? Our God is a God of order, infinite detail and creativity. He's all-wise, all knowing. His nature is patience, mercy and justice. Prophecy demonstrates His desire to reveal Himself to those who will seek Him....and to those who try to disprove His existence, prophecy fulfilled often converts unbelieving sceptics. It shows that there are never any surprises to startle or hinder Him. He has seen every moment play out from the beginning of time to the end of time and into eternity, before the foundation of the world was formed. This also teaches me with how much love He created and sustains His creation...and each of us individually.

Q2 (Daniel 10:12-13) Why wasn't the angel messenger able to bring his message in a timely manner? The messenger was hindered by a battle. Who resisted him? Who helped him? The demonic Prince of the Persian kingdom resisted him. The archangel Michael fought and defeated the enemy and brought the message to Daniel. What does this teach us about prayer? Prayer is spiritual warfare. Sometimes Satan can wear us down so that we're too weary or to discouraged to pray, which is another form of hindering communication between us and the Lord. When answers are delayed, we can be tempted to think that our prayers haven't been heard or that no answer is coming. No prayer, no matter how insignificant, is ignored. About spiritual warfare? We are in a war! But the battle is the Lord's, not ours. Our role Is to STAND, and to persist in the strength of the Lord, not our own. (At the moment I've tried a number of times to "post" my answer to this question, and the computer refused to respond....more opposition!)

Q1 (Daniel 10:3, 7-11, 15-17) Daniel is old, but why does the vision affect him so greatly? I believe it was the content of the vision....the horror and severity of what he was being shown, and the awesome responsibility of trying to frame the vision into words which would translate what he had seen so that it could be understood by others. (I had a visitation from an angel prior to a rollover car accident which could have been fatal, showing me in a vision the accident before it happened. My two children were in the car and saw the "Bright Light" and excitedly asked me what it was as it was pitch dark outside and the inside of the car was brighter than noonday. I heard the glass breaking and the screech of metal crushing. It was a very surreal experience, and is very difficult to put a supernatural encounter into words for others, and yet must be shared. In my case it was to keep me from freaking out...and I was supernaturally calm and peaceful during the accident, the trip to the hospital after we were rescued from the car, and for weeks afterward. I had only been a believer for a short time. My back was injured and I was in great pain but the Lord healed me through a word of knowledge given over a Christian television program a few weeks after the accident. Unlike Daniels message of things far in the future, mine was about the immediate, and was to demonstrate to me that God is not only Omnipresent, but He is in absolute control...never taken by surprise. It was also how He motivated me to accept the invitation to Bible Study which I had declined until after the accident.) What is the physical effect on him? What is the mental and spiritual effect on him? Daniel was completely physically and emotionally wiped out and drained of all strength and reserves, almost to the point of physical illness. He said they were all terrified, and only he didn't run away. That kind of adrenaline rush totally saps one's strength. Why is spiritual "work" so taxing on us? We are His witnesses, representatives, and ambassadors, with His love written on hearts of flesh, not upon stone....there is a great responsibility to serve with excellence and to communicate accurately what He has given us to share.There is always spiritual opposition which comes against us to try to hinder God's work. It can be a struggle to subdue the flesh to the control of the Holy Spirit so that the "work" is His without our "spin."

Q4 Why do you think Daniel's visions and prophecies have been an encouragement to Christians throughout the centuries when they are undergoing severe persecution? Prophecies show us that God is never taken by surprise...He is not standing in Heaven wringing His Hands over what is going on in the world...He is seated, fully aware of all that is transpiring, because He saw it all before the foundation of the World was formed. (Just as He saw, chose and called each of us before the foundation of the world was formed. (Ephesians 1: 1-4) It is comforting to remember that, and that He has put in place His solutions, protections, people, and whatever else will be needed in our time of need. I love that He prophesied Cyrus, a Persian 150 years before he was born, who would come and be of service to the Jews...We can take courage and comfort in His foreknowledge, His love and His grace and mercy...no matter what is going on around us. (for me it has been over 500 earthquakes in the past 2 weeks...we live right on the Calaveras fault line....) HE IS IN ABSOLUTE CONTROL......LORD OVER ALL. His love never fails, and He never abandons His children for even one second. In death we are immediately in His Presence. "to be absent from the body, we are present with Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:5-8)

Q3 (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel's vision of the Seventy Sevens? I think it is due to the fact that many prophecies deal with different time periods within the same prophecy. It's like when we stand at a high vantage point and look at mountain ranges in the distance. They appear to be right next to each other, but when viewed up close or from the air, they are miles and miles apart. So the mistake is assuming that everything has already transpired (from our vantage point of looking back at history) or that it all has to do with the future.​​​ I see both past, present and future events. What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? I​ believe there was a partial fulfillment in Antiochus Epiphanes day, then a further fulfillment of Jesus birth, death and Resurrection, and then there will be the last and final fulfillment in the last days. I believe we are in the sliver of time before the rapture of the Church, after which the anti-Christ will reign for a season and will duplicate the desecration of the temple ( which is to be built during the tribulation) as did Antiochus Epiphanes with the sacrifice of a pig. (The anti-Christ will stop allowing the sacrifices to be made, declaring himself to be "god", after desecrating the newly built temple.)

Q2. (Daniel 924-7) Why do you think people fight with each other over the interpretation of difficult Bible passages? We may have a preconceived idea based on an earlier teaching, or think we understand the only way the passage can be interpreted. Pride....insecurity: we want to be "right", have the "correct answer"....ambiguity can cause insecurity in immature and dysfunctional people, which most of us are to some degree. (Or at least I am) So, many of the difficult Bible passages which may ruffle feathers, become clear (or more clear) as we mature in Christ, grow in grace and understanding, relax and allow Holy Spirit to be our Teacher, and as we're more open and ready to grasp the more difficult passages. According to Romans 14:1-5, what should be our attitude toward those who disagree with us on the non-essentials of the faith? We can agree to disagree and live in harmony without splitting hairs and causing division within the body. There is room to disagree on the non essentials. Humility and grace preserve unity, whereas pride puffs up the indignant one who insists on their own as the only interpretation.

Q1. (Daniel 9:24) In what ways can we find in Jesus the fulfillment of the six tasks found in verse 24? 1. to finish transgression: Jesus death provided a clean slate for each believer who trusts in Him as Lord and Savior, IT IS FINISHED. 2. to put an end to sin: When we are in Christ, we are no longer under the bondage to sin, but now have a choice. 3. to atone for wickedness: Jesus changed our nature from fallen and wicked to being new creatures in Christ. 4. to bring everlasting righteousness: When we receive Salvation, we are covered in His robe of righteousness forever. 5. to seal up the vision and prophecy: Jesus has been waiting until the appointed time to come again where He will reign forever. 6. to anoint the most holy: Jesus is THE MOST HOLY....the anointed One, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.​​

Q4 (Daniel 9:15-19) What was Daniel's essential prayer? Daniel's priority in prayer was for God's mercy, forgiveness and favor. What are the various grounds of Daniel's appeal? God's precedent in delivering the Israelite's from Egyptian bondage, and For "Your own sake" ..or reputation, His righteousness or Glory and His identification with Jerusalem and restored worship. How did God answer the prayer (see Daniel 9:20-23)? God sent the Archangel Gabriel to Daniel to instruct him in skill, wisdom and understanding, then explained that as soon as Daniel prayed the answer "went forth". He added: I have come to tell you for your are greatly beloved.Therefore consider the matter and understand the vision."

Q3 (Daniel 9:5) Since Daniel is such a righteous man in his generation, why does he identify himself with the sins of his people? Daniel is a Hebrew, enslaved along with his nation. He and his 3 friends have paid a high price in being castrated to ensure their faithfulness to the king but whose first allegiance was to their God. Daniel had a high position in Babylon yet was a very humble man who loved and revered God and his fellow Hebrews. He acknowledged that he too was a sinner and accepted his role to stand in the gap as the mediator between the chastened nation and God. We are each called to intercession as the mediator between God and man as Daniel was, and for our nation to turn away from sin and to be reconciled to God. Like Daniel, we pray with God's heart of love and compassion, remembering we too are sinners saved by grace. He didn't commit these sins. How does this compare to how Jesus sought forgiveness for His people? Daniel, I believe, was chosen by God to serve as intercessor for the nation. He was positioned for this, geographically and spiritually, emotionally and educationally for his role, in a similar way that Jesus was perfectly fitted for His mission to save the whole world though Jesus was the sinless Son Of God and the only One Who could fulfill His mission. Both were obedient to complete the work they were called to fulfill. Both identified with their "brothers and sisters" and desired their freedom from the bondage which enslaved them. They each paid a price in suffering in order to bring reconciliation.

Q2 (Daniel 9:3-4a) What is Daniel's demeanor as he prays? He is humble and contrite, dressed in sackcloth and ashes...fervently praying and petitioning God. How does he prepare? Daniel has been fasting, and confessing on behalf of himself and his nation's sins and rebellion. Why is this so important in this case? I believe the Lord led Daniel to seek Him and find the answers ("All that we have accomplished,You have done for us." Isa 26:12) Daniel was obedient to pray with all of his heart, soul and mind on behalf of his people to bring about God's will for the nation. God calls us to prayer! In what ways might you and I prepare for intercession? In the same ways as Daniel prepared: Fasting is not just going without food or other pleasures, but it is vital in preparing our hearts for earnest prayer. Confessing our own sin ("If MY people who are called by MY NAME will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then I will hear from Heaven and heal their land." 2 Ch. 7:14) Pleading for God's mercy and grace to be poured out on our nation. Sackcloth and ashes, might translate to today as praying in season and out of season, when we're uncomfortable, perhaps on our faces or on our knees. We can pray scripture back to the Lord....acknowledging that we believe His promises and believe He will hear and answer.

Q1 (Daniel 9:1-2) What encourages Daniel to seek God for the forgiveness and restoration of Israel to its homeland? Daniel understood from the scriptures that the 70 years of captivity in Babylon was nearing an end after doing the math according to Jeremiah's prophecy declaring it would last 66 years...He was stirred up and encouraged to pray...sensing that God was about to move on their behalf. I believe that Daniel's heart never left his homeland, and though his body was held captive in Babylon his love for His God and his people was always longing for home and the fulfillment of God's promises. What practice on Daniel's part leads him to pray? Daniel was a serious Bible student. He read and meditated and memorized Scripture,. He also "pondered " actively looking for fulfillment and understanding of prophecies and hidden meaning in God's Word. He sought God's wisdom about how to apply and interpret what he was reading and then turned to the Lord in prayer, rather than relying on his own understanding of the Word of God.

Q3.(Daniel 7:18,22,27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that "The saints of the Most High" will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever. In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God's people? Daniel 7:18,22,27) In times like we are in now, where the foundations of nations and the earth are being shaken, war, terrorism, violence and anarchy are rampant, racial hatred is on the rise, evil is called good, and good is called evil, where financial ruin is threatened, and where there is an all out war against God and His children, as well as the sharp rise again of anti-Semitism, and the appearance "that God has forsaken His creation" (Though we dealt with that illusion in the previous question.) Though there may have been partial fulfillment's, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? If you mean the Kingdom of God comprised of all believers in Christ ( Jew and Gentile), we are living in it now, just as our eternal life began the moment of our Salvation and will continue on, through the millennial reign of Christ on the earth and then forever. V22 tells us it is not until "The Ancient of Days came (Jesus' second coming) and judgment was given to the saints" (we are not given authority to judge until after the Great White Throne Judgment, Rev.20:11-13) when believers are given "crowns" or rewards for what we have allowed the Holy Spirit to work through us here on earth) and anyone's name was not written in the Book of Life was hurled into the lake of fire." I believe the "forever" aspect of the Kingdom will not happen until after these events are fulfilled.. The promise to the Jews of their land is included in this, I believe, in that the New Jerusalem will come down from Heaven to earth where the Saints will dwell with the Lord forever.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man? One like the son of man: was seen in the vision as "coming with the clouds of Heaven." He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power. He was worshiped by all peoples and nations and men of every language. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away. His His kingdom will never be destroyed. What makes us think he is a divine figure? The Son of Man came with the clouds of Heaven....he looked human, but was a spiritual being and was given authority, glory and sovereign power and is worthy of worship, honor and glory. What authority and glory does he receive? Sovereign authority and glory and power! Why do you think Jesus called Himself "the Son of Man"? Jesus is fully God and fully man. He came to earth as man to reveal His Father to His creation, and for us to be able to identify with Him and as the perfect sinless Sacrifice to save us from hell. Jesus was declaring: I AM your creator God and "I AM the Son of Man" and the fulfillment of Daniels prophecy!

Q1.(Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against Him and His people? God is their Sovereign and Just Judge. These nations exist to serve Him, and have chosen evil instead. Psalm119:91: "All things, even the entire Universe serves God". (as much as Satan hates God and His people, he has only the power allowed him, and his efforts at destruction, ultimately end up serving God and furthering His plans and purposes). "By Me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth". Prov. 8:15,16. What happens to these beast-nations? The three nation groups are stripped of their authority but are allowed to exist for a time. The fourth beast depicted as having a mouth (is most likely ruled by Anti-Christ, and he is thrown into the blazing fire of destruction) and that nation is destroyed.. Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? God is Creator of beauty, order, unity, life. The world has devolved into ugly hatred, deception, anarchy and rage...it's difficult to reconcile what God created and intended, with what we have made of his beautiful creation, so it "feels" as though He has disconnected and is unmindful of what is going on around us. BUT God is Sovereign over ALL, and out of the chaos, after His bride is removed to safety (we are not appointed unto wrath) and the nations are judged, beauty, order, unity, peace and life will be restored on earth for 1,000 years during His millennial reign. "His plans are perfect in all their ways and His ways are without understanding." Prophecy lets us know that His "finger" is on the pulse of everything that is going on, and He waits patiently until the "cup" of evil is full, as in the days of Noah...then sudden destruction.

Q6.(Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy- "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? He calls us friends which is an amazing position and gift. However we can become so casual with Him that some treat Him as a peer, rather than Lord of Lord's and King of Kings. Holiness means to be set apart for Him and His use. In many ways the church at large has lost reverence for Him. Worship in many places has devolved into songs about us, rather than worship of Him and His holiness. The salvation message in many cases is just about getting people saved to go to Heaven, with no emphasis on how to live before going to Heaven. Teaching about Him as Savior and neglecting to teach about His Lordship over our lives, which must be established daily by submitting our will to His will. Modesty for many, especially the young has turned into "flaunt your wares" for all to see, which must grieve Him....even in church we see young girls and women "over-exposed" to the distraction of both males and females. The world has moved into the church, rather than the church moving into the world and impacting with His love and salvation. How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? It's been a process for me, from fear of God in the wrong sense, which resulted in carelessness and avoidance...while He constantly, relentlessly and lovingly pursued me and which has led me into a responsive, loving, relationship with Him. Walking with Him and learning of Him and His holiness has quickened in me the desire to be quick to repent from sin, and to desire to spend time in fellowship, prayer and worship. I've just grown to want to be more like Him, which has caused the world and its "glitter" to fade and become distasteful. I mentioned in a previous question about having stopped kneeling in prayer somewhere along the years. In that I see a laxness in honoring His holiness, and want to get back to that...not in a legalistic way, but as a love offering.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? The trial did its work. God is all wise, all knowing, and He has purpose in every trial. The king's eyes were opened to the truth that God is the most High, and He is to be praised and glorified. He lives forever and His dominion is eternal. His kingdom is for every generation. The earth's people have no power, except that which is granted to them, and all power and dominion are His...He is Sovereign. Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? Yes, I have had the privilege a number of times. What might your testimony sound like? Jesus loves me this I know because not only the Bible tells me so. He has held me in His Hand and cared for me since I was a child while being molested, abused verbally and physically, called vile and unspeakable names, given death threats by both parents, beatings with fists and leather razor straps, abandoned emotionally by both parents, a failed first marriage to a sex addict who had multiple affairs and who gambled away all of our money and our car. God said "No child" when I begged to die, "I know the plans I have for you to give you hope and a future in My Son". Though two of my brothers committed suicide, and several others became alcoholics, He has given me hope to keep trusting Him since I received Him as Lord and Savior at age 30. My brothers are coming to know Him, one by one, Praise God! Through a 12 step Bible study, I learned to face all of the pain, my issues which resulted from the abuse and to allow the Lord to heal and deliver me, and then to not only forgive my parents, but to weep for their brokenness and dysfunction due to the families in which they were parented, neglected and abused. I give Him glory daily for redeeming and sanctifying my heart, mind, will, emotions, soul and personality! I'm a new creature in Christ! He is a faithful Father, trustworthy in all His ways, and worth of all my praise! .

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? The king was so prideful that he ignored Daniel's interpretation of the dream and plea to repent of his sins. After an entire year he was still self deceived and believed he was king because he was so wonderful, and that he had built the great Babylon as his own royal residence (not just the palace! The entire nation!) by his own mighty power and for the glory of his own majesty!" (He's right up there with some in power today!) In what ways does it show up in your life? When I forget I'm only a branch and assert myself as the vine! When that happens it's a clue or nudge to me that I've forgotten how much I'm loved, and to take a deep breath and dig out the "weed" that is pushing me to want to take back the control of my life. Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? I recall a time when I wanted to share something I had accomplished and for which I felt proud, but shared it in such a way that it sounded very humble. Also, wanting to take credit for something the Lord has done....It's ALWAYS HIS WORK. I love this quote:" I must remember I'm just the donkey Jesus rode in on."

Q3.(Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? He had to stop sinning (a complete turnaround) and to start doing right according to what God required of him. He needed to change his mind about WHO was sovereign, subject his will to God and carry out Gods desires for the kingdom, particularly for the oppressed and poor. What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? Exactly the same as was required by the king! A complete turnaround! God is always right, and to humbly admit and accept my place as His daughter in subjection to His desires, rather than my own when they conflict. For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? For me it means to consider them as equals, and souls whom God loves, just as He loves me, and to pray for their needs, and whenever possible to contribute to those needs. If they don't know our Lord, the most loving and kind thing I can do after meeting physical needs, is to share the gospel with them so that they too may know Him. That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? It's interesting to me, that after losing our home, car, job, position in society, etc. we learned how very little is required to live simply, and that although we receive assistance from others from time to time, there is a little to share with someone else in greater need, as well as to tithe. I remember a situation where our Bible study went to lunch afterward. A woman joined us who had been abandoned by her husband and who didn't know we would be going to lunch. She was seated next to me and I noticed as she quietly looked in her wallet that she had no money. I had been given a little money a few days before and since a friend had asked if she could treat me to lunch, I was able to quietly give the new lady all that I had. I didn't know when I'd have any money again, but knew that when I would have a need, our loving Father would provide it .....in any of His creative ways.. In what way can God's decrees be conditional? At times what He decrees is dependent upon my response to Him. He gives us choices, even with Salvation....we can choose His gift or reject it.

Q2 (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? It's another way of saying that "God is Sovereign"...The Only and all Powerful, King and Ruler over ALL, and that this king was only ruling by God's permission: "By Me kings reign and rulers decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth." Prov.8:15,16. and "He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree" Luke 1:52 In what ways is this hard for a king? Kings have power, though delegated by God, over their subjects, giving them the impression that they themselves are sovereign and accountable to no one. In what ways is this hard for us? God created us with a free will, and like kings, we want to feel empowered to control our world and our lives....we squirm when we feel vulnerable and out of control. How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? We have the freedom to ignore His Sovereignty and to proceed with what we want to do, or in our dysfunction may even try to tell others what they ought to do. We may forget at times that we are the branches and He is the Vine...and that we can do NOTHING (of eternal or spiritual value) apart from abiding in Him.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? Why? Yes, he was greatly perplexed, and terrified. Probably because of the kings volatile nature and knee jerk reactions. It may have meant another death threat or severe consequence for Daniel. I think the king was unstable before the mental illness which followed and Daniel was aware. I can't think of anything more difficult to tell someone such as Daniel was led to do and It may have meant an end to Daniel's position and status in the kingdom. Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brother's and sister's? Our society has become so politically correct that almost nothing is safe to say without offense being taken. Narcissism is on the rise, and any slight negative comment becomes a huge issue. We're afraid of retaliation (I don't do social media, but I've heard that is a format for retaliating against others) We're afraid in close relationships of hurting feelings and therefore the relationship. We all want to be liked and approved of. What can we do about it? We can "get over ourselves" and put on our big girl panties or big boy jockeys and speak the truth in love if we believe the Lord is nudging us to do so. I've learned that much prayer is the answer, and if the answer is Yes, then I pray for courage to speak IN LOVE, and for the hearer to be able to receive the words as they are meant. (and for me to receive hard things in the same way if spoken to me!)

Q7.(Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lion's den to testify about God? He showed no resentment toward the king nor did he blame him saying "O king, live forever!" In a joyful succinct way Daniel told the king that his God had delivered him by sending an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, because "I was found innocent in His sight, nor have I done any wrong before you, O king." In a very polite way, he exonerated the King and gave all glory to His God! What might have happened if, in his response to the king, if Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? The king was very prideful, and would have undoubtedly been angry if Daniel had focused on the injustice. His opportunity to share the delight in God's rescue would have been derailed by shifting the focus onto the kings foolish and prideful decision. What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God's mercy to you? Oh my! After nearly 43 years there are hundreds. I'm given opportunity often to share how the Lord has delivered us, from homelessness, injury in a rollover car crash in which our 2 children and I all escaped death with only minor injuries. The car was declared "totaled" towed to the junk yard, then in answer to my prayer, the insurance co. decided to repair it. (the car landed upside down, with the top crushed down to the body.)There have been miracles of healing: my injured back in the rollover car crash, through a "word of Knowledge" spoken over T.V. on the 700 club, while I was still in great pain 3 months after the crash. The healing was instant, and the pain was gone! Our son lost a portion of his thumb in a bicycle accident, and when reattached, it died after a few days. I asked the Dr. for a few more days for more prayer and to have him anointed with oil, when he wanted to remove the dead tissue before it became gangrenous. (He told us if it had to be removed he would lose 70% of the use of that hand). He agreed and we had him anointed with oil and asked others to pray. When we returned 2 days later and the bandages were removed, the Doctors mouth dropped open and he exclaimed "We doctors don't get to see miracles like this! The tissue is alive and pink!" (we shared that it was Jesus who healed him and bought the Jewish doctor a Bible. I expect to see him in heaven some day. When I was in great danger, parked alone in a deserted wilderness area parking lot, miles from civilization, reading my Bible and writing in my journal and praying, I heard in my spirit "GO NOW!" I started the car, put down my Bible and pen, and circled around the large area toward the only "in & out" exit...which was a short narrow driveway which allowed the passage of two cars. When I was exiting, a man in a black car was entering, as we passed less than 2 feet apart. I glanced at him and the hair on the back of my neck literally stood on end. I was looking into the eyes of sheer evil! As I drove away I said "Lord! What did you just save me from????" realizing that miles from any houses or people nobody would have heard my screams...He could have blocked the entrance with His car and I'd have been captive! I also realized if I'd hesitated 10 seconds, the outcome would have been different. (Thank you, Papa for the lessons You've taught me in being quick to obey when You speak!) When we lost our business during the recession of 1990, in which my husband and I both worked, we also lost our home. Then we lost our insurance, our status in the community, our place to vote, our dignity, many of our friends, (who just didn't know what to do, so distanced) and our church, as we became homeless. We moved 5 times in 4 years, never knowing the night before we had to move, whether or not we'd be living in our car, with our dog. BUT GOD....intervened at the last second in every event! One couple who had never met us, but heard about our plight, invited us by phone to come and stay in their home. They left to get married in Hawaii the next day and turned their house and cars and pets over to our care for 2 weeks, still never having met us! When they returned we assumed we'd be leaving but they invited us to stay as long as we needed...1 1/2 years! They treat us as parents, and mentors in the faith, and dear friends. Prior to living with them my husband was losing his eyesight and would soon lose his ability to drive. One day his sister called from a distant state, having seen an 800 number on the t.v. screen while she was walking through the room (she told us the t.v. was never allowed to be on on school days, but it was on, and when she looked down there was a paper and pencil where there shouldn't have been one...she wrote down the number, called us to tell us it was for free eye surgery. When we called, it was a Christian eye doctor in our state and less than an hour away who wanted to do something for others, as he'd received so much. He did the surgery, and told us he was flabbergasted that we were the only ones who called, and he could not believe the advertisement was in another state! My husbands eyes are just fine now!!! BUT GOD!

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel's prayer practices? Daniel was a prayer warrior, faithful and consistent in prayer "in season and out", day in and out, with the same diligence and as he did his work. He was unashamed of praying (windows open, and out loud, apparently, as he was discovered praying.) He prayed on his knees, in respect and devotion. I love that he gave thanks in prayer, during the crisis, as he had done previously, showing faith and trust, not waiting to see how God would answer. He prayed in supplication, asking for God's intervention. .Which of these have you adopted? The first several hours when I awake are spent with the Lord in His word, fellowship and prayer. (retirement affords that time and the kids have flown the nest) A number of years ago I prayed: Lord, please help me! I pray and think about you in the morning, then realize at bedtime I forgot you for the rest of the day. I want to include you in my thoughts and activities throughout the day, praying as I go! He is faithful! It wasn't long before He inspired me to do just that and it is the joy of my heart! It has become automatic to pray and to thank Him throughout the day and to feel His presence with me! I don't stick to a legalistic pattern of "3 times a day" but pray whenever I see or feel a need or start to worry or fret, or see someone who needs prayer...just whatever. Often it is just to rejoice over His presence or the beauty of His creation or to thank Him for choosing and calling me to be His daughter. (Eph.1: 4,5; John17:6,7) Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? As I read about Daniel I realized at some point I stopped praying on my knees. I curl up with a cup of coffee in a comfy corner of the couch at 6:00 a.m. before anyone else is awake, where I can be alone. I'd like to spend more time on my knees, as when I was a new believer!

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel's character qualities as a government official from verse 4? The officials could find no fault in Daniel. There was no corruption and his record was spotless. (honesty) He was trustworthy, and diligent. How do such qualities reflect on Daniel's God? What we truly believe is demonstrated in our actions and how we live every day. Daniel honored God by serving as "unto the Lord" with excellence, which drew his bosses and co-workers attention to his faith in his Excellent God. Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? I'm retired now, but I am aware of how my behavior and actions reflect on my Lord, and my desire is not only to please Him but to honor Him before others, as One they may want to know.