From: November 25, 2018
November 25
Scripture for today: Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18 NKJV).
From: November 25, 2017
“And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus” (Daniel 1:21 ESV)
From: November 25, 2016
Daniel, along with several other young Hebrew youths (probably young teens) was taken captive by the Babylonians to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. His story is a study in how to live as a believer exiled in a foreign land. God gave Daniel great wisdom and success, as he served under many kings and even kept his post after Babylon fell to the Persians. He served under several Babylonian kings beginning with Nebuchadnezzer and ending with Belshazzar, who was king at the time of the fall of Babylon to Persia (Daniel 5:29-31). He then continued under Darius the Mede and finally under Cyrus of Persia (Daniel 6:28). His service seems to have occupied around seventy years. Regardless of the king or kingdom of man, Daniel served God and the Lord gave him wisdom on how to live in this world, but not of it.
“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.” (Daniel 1:8 NKJV)
From: November 25, 2015
Daniel knew what it was like to live out his faith within a foreign culture. Even though he was carried off from his Jewish homeland as an exile to Babylon, God blessed him with the wisdom to live in Babylon without becoming a Babylonian. His life is a study in how a believer might live in today’s secular culture. As Christians in America, we live in an ever increasing secular society. It is no longer united by a common Judeo-Christian worldview. Yet, we can learn from Daniel how to navigate our culture with godly grace and wisdom.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude” (1 Peter 3:8 NLT)
From: November 25, 2014
Do you seek to be of “one mind,” unified with your fellow believers? Or do you constantly need to “speak your mind,” letting others know what displeases you? Seeking to be of one mind does not mean that you have no opinion, but it does mean that you seek to understand the other with an attitude of sympathy, love, tenderheartedness, and humility. This attitude leads to oneness for it actually cares about unity in the body and mutual understanding. Living together in this way will not eliminate conflict, but it will lead to handling conflict rightly, so that unity is increased, rather than broken. What is your goal? Is it to have your own way? Or is it to keep the family of believers unified in following Jesus?
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)
From: November 25, 2013
Be prepared to answer others with the gospel of Christ as the reason for your hope this season. When they ask why you are so joyful and thankful, reply that it’s because of Christ in you, the hope of glory. When our lives are in alignment with the gospel we believe, when our submission matches our confession, people become curious about the reason. And remember, it’s good news, so answer gently and with respect.
“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings” (Daniel 2:20-21)
From: November 25, 2012
Daniel learned to live for God as an exile in a fallen world. He understood his dual citizenship. He looked to the Lord rather than human government for hope. Understanding the temporary nature of worldly kingdoms, he trusted his future to God. Yet, the Lord lifted him up and called him to serve in a position of influence in Babylon.
“Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble” (Proverbs 28:14)
From: November 25, 2011
Happy and completely content is the one who reveres the Lord. This person fears the departure of the Lord’s presence. The one who says ‘No’ to the Lord develops a hardened and calloused heart that doesn’t notice His absence. Living life on their own they find trouble.