TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Daniel 2:24-3:30
1 Peter 4:7-5:14
Psalm 119:81-96
Proverbs 28:15-16
Daniel 2:24 — Daniel has the answer and intercedes to protect the pagan astrologers (Daniel 2:27).
Daniel 2:30 — Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that the magicians didn’t have the answer (Daniel 2:27), that he didn’t have the answer (Daniel 2:30), but that God had all the answers (Daniel 2:28).
Daniel 2:44 — What message did Jesus preach? In Matthew 4:17 we read “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Pilate didn’t know about Daniel’s prophecy that the Kingdom of Jesus would destroy all other kingdoms (Daniel 2:34), or he would have been more concerned.
Daniel 3:1 — Wonder where Nebuchadnezzar got the idea from?
Daniel 3:2 — Notice the comprehensiveness in this chapter: every officer (Daniel 3:2-3), every group (Daniel 3:4), every instrument (Daniel 3:5, Daniel 3:7, Daniel 3:10, Daniel 3:15), and every garment (Daniel 3:21). Speaking of everyone, where was Daniel? Was he on an official errand or did he call in sick that day?
Daniel 3:18 — Notice that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (their Jewish names) did not know that God would save them from the fire, only that He could (Daniel 3:17).
Daniel 3:24 — They wouldn’t bend, they wouldn’t bow, and they wouldn’t burn!
Daniel 3:25 — Yes, walking through the flames was the Son of God!
1 Peter 4:7 — Closing comments from Peter:
- Pray (1 Peter 4:7)
- Love (1 Peter 4:8)
- Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9)
- Minister (1 Peter 4:10)
- Glorify God (1 Peter 4:11)
- Rejoice (1 Peter 4:13)
- Behave (1 Peter 4:15)
1 Peter 5:2 — Notice the tension in the responsibility of oversight (1 Peter 5:2). The elder was to lead, but he was also to refrain from lordship (1 Peter 5:3). Peter is calling for servant leadership.
1 Peter 5:7 — We want the peace of God, knowing He can solve our problems. But what is antecedent? Humility (1 Peter 5:6) and submission to others (1 Peter 5:5). If you do so, He will give you grace (1 Peter 5:5), exaltation (1 Peter 5:6), and care (1 Peter 5:7).
1 Peter 5:8 — From Earl Martin:
1 Peter 5:13 — Many think that this is John Mark, the one that caused strife between Paul and Barnabas. They also believe that Mark’s gospel came from Peter’s accounts as told to John Mark.
Psalm 119:81 — Need hope? Go to the Word! We saw the flagship verse for removing stress (1 Peter 5:7), and can replace worry with hope in the Word (Psalm 119:81). We see in this section the Word is a comfort (Psalm 119:82), faithful (Psalm 119:86), a help (Psalm 119:86), and a delight (Psalm 119:92)
Proverbs 28:15 — The wicked ruler is compared to a roaring lion – who did we just read about that is also a roaring lion? 1 Peter 5:8 – the devil!
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