Dana Hagstrom – Be Still…

Daniel 1:17-21 – What’s Your Superpower?

Read Daniel 1:17-21

While it’s not my intent to go off on a tangent about the spiritual gifts God gives to us, it does apply when we think about our own superpower. That power is fueled by the same source for each of us, the Holy Spirit.

Daniel didn’t know the Holy Spirit yet, but he must have wondered how he and three other men had been given such favor from God. That favor then resulted in approval from man, too. You don’t have the respect and trust of leadership without being special. Daniel was indeed that. Continue reading “Daniel 1:17-21 – What’s Your Superpower?”

Daniel 1:8-16 – Obedience

Read Daniel 1:8-16

Daniel is being obedient to God. He didn’t let the fact that he was taken to a foreign land stop his devotion. Even though he had been plopped into a training group to work for the new kingdom, Daniel was bold enough to not “go with the flow.”

Don’t you agree that some people in a situation like Daniel would have let their faith “cave” for fear of death or torture? Daniel showed great obedience to even ask the question. “Can we eat something else?” Continue reading “Daniel 1:8-16 – Obedience”

Daniel 1:1-7 – Setting the Stage

Read Daniel 1:1-7

The Book of Daniel will introduce us to the prophet, Daniel, who was living in Babylon during the exile. In the second half of the book, Daniel shares interesting dreams and visions for us to ponder, ultimately giving us confidence that God is in control. Daniel’s life displays how we can live a godly life in a sinful world. We’ll encounter themes of perseverance, finding purpose in life, and God’s faithfulness.

In our first reading, Daniel is setting the stage. We can pinpoint his place in history having been taken into exile when King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem for the first time. We know from other texts that Judah’s king, Jehoiakim, was also taken captive. But Daniel’s focus will be on his own journey in a foreign land. Continue reading “Daniel 1:1-7 – Setting the Stage”

2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…

Read 2 Chronicles 36:11-23

It’s never easy to read the account of Jerusalem falling knowing it could have been prevented. It breaks my heart that the prophets of God were treated like they were. We’re told how the people “scoffed at the prophets until the Lord’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.” God’s patience had come to an end.

Our reading begins with Zedekiah’s evil leadership. The Chronicler tells us, “Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to the LORD, the God of Israel.” Was it his stubbornness that kept him from acknowledging King Nebuchadnezzar, the very one who made him king? Zedekiah’s oath of loyalty meant nothing. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…”

2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1-10

These final kings are summed up pretty quickly by the Chronicler. Being they weren’t “good” kings who followed the law and worshipping God, it makes sense this author would be brief.

Even more interesting is how these kings were chosen and the family dynamics that must have been going on during this 22+ year period. Let’s look at that and glean some wisdom on what the message is for us today. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings”