Daniel 2:24-49

"Daniel replied, 'There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.'" v.27-28

The king said to Daniel, 'Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret.'
Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men. At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court." v.47-49

Nebuchadnezzar honored Daniel and Daniel's God. If Daniel had taken the credit himself, the king would have only honored Daniel. Because Daniel gave God the credit, the king honored both of them. Part of our mission in this world is to show unbelievers what God is like. We can do that by acts of love and compassion; and if we give God credit for our actions, they will want to know more about him. Give thanks to God for what he is doing in and through you.

But also notice that after Daniel was named ruler over the whole province of Babylon and placed in charge of the wise men, Daniel requested that his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, be appointed as his assistants. Daniel knew that he could not handle such an enormous responsibility without capable assistants, so he chose the best men he knew - his three Hebrew friends. A competent leader never does all the work alone; he or she knows how to delegate and supervise.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Daniel 2:1-24

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.

Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon." v.14-18
Daniel was at a crisis point. Have you ever been there yourself? Instead of shrinking back in fear, Daniel confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. When the king gave Daniel the time to find the answer, he found his three friends and began to pray.

When you find yourself in a tight spot, share your needs with trusted friends who also believe in God's power. Prayer is more effective than panic. Panic confirms your hopelessness; prayer confirms your hope in God. Daniel's trust in God saved not only himself but also his three friends and all the other wise men of Babylon.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Daniel 1

"But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods." v.8
Daniel was determined to be devoted to the principle and to be committed to the course of action. When Daniel made his mind up not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong determination to do what was right and not to give into the pressures around him. We, too, are often assaulted by pressures to compromise our standards and live more like the world around us. Merely wanting or preferring God's will and way is not enough to stand against the onslaught of temptation. Like Daniel, we must resolve to obey God.
It is easier to resist temptation if you have thought through your convictions before the temptation arises. Daniel and his friends made their decision to be faithful to the laws of God before they were faced with the kings delicacies, so they did not hesitate to stick with their convictions. We will get into trouble if we have not previously decided where to draw the line. Before such situations arise, decide on your commitments and what you will do. Then when the temptation comes, you will be ready to say no.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

National Day of Prayer

As I get started today here are the things that I am Praying for. I put it in an acronym I stole from Doug Fields. You can use this as a format for prayer.

Adoration
God you alone deserve my worship.
Your faithful love amazes me.
You have provided and blessed me beyond what I deserve: loving wife, healthy kids, friends that challenge me to grow, food and shelter, and the list goes on.

Confession
Sometimes I am fearful instead of faithful.
Sometimes I am selfish instead of selfless.
Sometimes I try to solve things in my own strength.
I wish I talked to you more.
Sometimes I catch myself going through the motions without being totally present.
I need you.

Thanksgiving
I am thankful for my wife, she blesses me more than she knows.
I am thankful for my kids, they area a joy/challenge but teach me everyday.
I am thankful for the friends that have been prayer warriors for us this year.
I am thankful for the opportunities to be used by you to influence students for your Kingdom.

Uplifting
I have been encouraged by the miracles we have seen with Jackson.
Seeing students come to know you amazes me how you can use me as an influence.
Following your leading even when we haven't understood completely has blessed and encouraged us.

Petition
Guide my thoughts, actions, re-actions, attitudes, and time to maximze the opportunities I have as a Husband, Father, Friend Leader!
Comfort those that are hurting from a loss or illness.
Give our ministry a vision that is bigger that we are so when we look back we see that you have been with us.
Give our church a clear unified approach to reaching and caring for the people in Collin County.
Strengthen families and relationships in our community, nation, and world.
Protect the innocent and those that have no voce for themselves.
Convict us of our sin and help us to turn to you with all of our hearts.
Lead pastors to be bold in proclaiming your truth with love.
Give wisdom to our government leaders as they address issues and make policies.
Give us wisdom as a nation as we begin to choose a new president.
Please lower gas prices.

God these and many other things are on my heart today. You know my heart, my thoughts, my needs, and my desires I pray that this day as christians gather around the nation to seek your face that you would hear our prayer and begin to turn hearts back to you! I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones become living people again?'
'O Sovereign Lord,' I replied, 'you alone know the answer to that.'”
v. 1-3
The dry bones represented the people's spiritually dead condition. Your church may seem like a heap of dry bones to you, spiritually dead with no hope of vitality. But just as God promised to restore his nation, he can restore my church, no matter how dry or dead it can be. Rather than give up, pray for renewal, for God can restore it to life. The hope and prayer of every church should be that God will put his spirit into it. In fact; God is at work calling his people back to himself, bringing life into dead churches and spiritually dead people.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Jeremiah 38:1-13

"So these officials went to the king and said, 'Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!'" v.4
Judah's leaders persecuted Jeremiah repeatedly for faithfully proclaiming Gods messages. For 40 years of faithful ministry, he received no acclaim, no love, no popular following. He was beaten, jailed, threatened, and even forced to leave his homeland. Only the pagan Babylonians showed him any respect. God does not guarantee that his servants will escape persecution, even when they are faithful. But God does promise that he will be with them and will give them strength to endure. As you minister to others, recognize that your service is for God and not just for human approval. God rewards our faithfulness, but not always during our lifetime.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Jeremiah 36

"Each time Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, the king took a knife and cut off that section of the scroll. He then threw it into the fire, section by section, until the whole scroll was burned up. Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard. Even when Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah begged the king not to burn the scroll, he wouldn’t listen." v.23-25
Only three leaders protested this evil act of burning the scroll containing God's Word. This shows how complacent and insensitive to God the people had become. Not only did the king reject God's Word, he tried to destroy it. Speaking out against these actions took courage. Anyone who decides to live for God must be willing to stand for right even if almost everyone else turns away. It is in the climate of darkness and sin that genuine faith shines most brightly.

When I hear things that confront sin in my life, unknown and known, how do I respond? Do I listen and repent, or do I ignore and indulge?

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Jeremiah 1:1-10

"'O Sovereign Lord,' I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

The Lord replied, 'Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!' Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

'Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.'" v.6-10
Often people struggle with new challenges because they lack self-confidence, feeling that they have inadequate ability, training, or experience. Jeremiah thought he was 'too young' and inexperienced to be God's prophet to the nations. But God promised to be with him. We should not allow feelings of inadequacy keep us from obeying God. He will always be with us. If God gives you a job to do, He will provide all you need to do it!

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Isaiah 53

"Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all." v. 4- 6
This prophecy was fulfilled by the death of Jesus. How could an Old Testament person understand the idea of Christ dying for our sins - actually bearing the punishment that we deserved? The sacrifice suggested this, but it is one thing to kill a lamb, and something quit different to think of God's chosen servant as that Lamb. But God was pulling aside the curtain of time to let the people Isaiah's of day look ahead to the suffering of the future Messiah and the resulting forgiveness made available to all people!

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Isaiah 6

"Then I said, 'It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.'
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, 'See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.'
Then I heard the Lord asking, 'Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?'
I said, 'Here I am. Send me.'" v. 5-8
Seeing the Lord and listening to the praise of the angles, Isaiah realized that he was sinful before God, with no hope of measuring up to God standard of holiness. When Isaiah's lips were touched with a live burning coal, however, he was told that his sins were forgiven. It wasn't the coal that cleansed him, but God. In response, Isaiah submitted himself entirely to God's service. No matter how dificult his task would be, he said, "Here I am. Send me." The painful cleansing process was necessary before Isaiah could fulfill the task to which God was calling him. Before we accept God's call to speak for him to those around us we must be cleansed as Isaiah was, confessing our sins and submitting to God's control. Letting God purify us may be painful, but we must be purified so that we can truly represent God, who is pure and holy.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Ecclesiastes 12

"Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, 'Life is not pleasant anymore.'” v.1
A life without God can produce bitterness, loneliness, and hopelessness in old age. A life centered around God is fulfilling and can be richer and more bearable when we are faced with disabilities, sickness, or handicaps. Being young is exciting. Bit the excitement of youth can become a barrier to closeness with God if it makes young people focus on passing pleasures instead of eternal values. Make your strength available to God when it is still yours - during your youthful years. Don't waste it on evil or meaningless activities that become habits and make you callous. Seek God now!

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Proverbs 5

"For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.
He will die for lack of self-control;
he will be lost because of his great foolishness." v.21-23
In our world today good men, even men being used by God, are falling into the trap of looking outside of their relationship with their wife, for some type of relationship. Some of them went looking for it while others simply let their guard down. That is why Solomon warns us all to be careful. In contrast to what we read, see, and hear today, this passage urges couples to look to each other for life long satisfaction and companionship. Many temptations cause husband and wives to leave when things become hard, stale, dull, or complacent. They begin to think the grass will be greener on the other side. It may appear that way at first but the reality is that it's not. Don't let God's best for you be wasted on the illusion of greener pastures somewhere else. Instead, rejoice with your spouse as you give yourself to God and each other.

If you are single, don't think this doesn't apply to you. Don't settle for less than God's best! Be patient, and God will bless!

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Proverbs 4

"Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life." v23
Our heart - our feelings of love and desire - dictates to a great extent how we live because we we always find time to do what we enjoy. Solomon tells us to guard our hearts above all else, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right right directions. Put boundaries on your desires: Don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Psalm 145

"The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads." v. 13-14
Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands as this bleak intersection of life's road and meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. God is able to lift us because:

1. His greatness is beyond discovery
2. He does mighty acts for each generation
3. He is full of majestic, glorious splendor
4. He does awe-inspiring deeds
5. He is righteous
6. He is kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate
7. He rules over an everlasting kingdom
8. He is our source for all our daily needs
9. He is righteous and kind in all his dealings
10. He remains close to those who call on him
11. He hears our cries and rescues us

If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Psalm 139

"O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me." v.1

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life." v.23-24
Sometimes we don't let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us they won't like. But God already knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our heads and he still accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, guiding. He knows and loves us completely.

David ask God to search for sin and point it out, even to the level of testing his thoughts. This is exploratory surgery for sin. How are we to recognize sin unless God points it out? Then, when God shows us, we can repent and be forgiven. Make this verse your prayer. If you ask God to search yor heart and your thoughts and to reveal your sin, you will be continuing on "the path to everlasting life".

Taken from the NLT LIfe Application Study Bible

Psalm 103

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me." v. 1-2
David's praise focused on the good things God was doing for him. It is easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God: He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings-past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise God, read Davids list found in this psalm.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Psalm 51

"Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins." v.1
This psalm expresses one of the clearest examples of repentance in all of scripture. Countless broken sinners have found in these words an exquisite expression of their deeply felt need for God's mercy and forgiveness. David's confession has helped people examine excuses, half-hearted repentance, and lack of sorrow over sin that can keep them from experiencing pardon. David's words also demonstrate the place of hope within confession. Use this psalm as a starting point when dealing with a sense of distance or with guilt that is affecting your relationship with God. It will help you identify and rectify sin in your life through confession and repentance.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible

Psalm 23:1-6

"The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever." Psalm 23:1-6
Death cast a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies - pain, suffering, disease, injury - but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side - the God of life, our shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

Taken from the NLT LIfe Application Study Bible

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
2 You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.

9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
To respect God's majesty, we must compare ourselves to HIS Greatness. When we look at the vast expanse of creation, we wonder how God could be concerned for people who constantly disappoint him. Yet God created us only a little lower than himself and the angels! The next time you question your worth as a person, remember that God considers you highly valuable. We have great worth because he put a stamp of approval on us at creation!

Taken from the NLT LIfe Application Study Bible

Psalm 1

"Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do." v.1-3
You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word. This means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you will live as God wants. Knowing and thinking about God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life. If you want to follow God more closely, you must know what he says.

The more we delight in obeying God, the more fruitful we are. On the other hand, the more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes, the more we seperate ourselves from our source or nourishment. We must have contact with unbelievers if we are to witness to them, but we need to be careful to set an example for them and not become a hinderance for them coming to Christ.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible