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(Monday) Daniel 3: Ordeal by Fire
What motivated Nebuchadnezzar to build the idol (v. 1-7)? What motivated the astrologers to report the disobedience of Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego (v. 8-12)?
In Nebuchadnezzar’s response, what evidence is there that his conflict was with God (v. 13-15, 19-23)?
What specific actions did God take to prove his power (v. 24-30)?
Some Christians believe that pain or sickness or trial are always the result of your own individual sin or lack of faith. How does this chapter shed light on that belief?
Prayer Focus: Pray for strength to stand boldly for God, even in the face of tangible consequences
Family Devotional: Read verse 8-12, about the idol King Nebuchadnezzar built. An idol is anything we rely on besides God. Can you think of some examples in our lives? How can we follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
(Tuesday) Daniel 5: Like Father, Like Son
Why would the Lord be angry about the king’s actions (v. 1-4, 22-23)? Why would none of the wise men be able to interpret his message (v. 7-9)?
Why did Daniel remind Belshazzar of how God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar (v. 18-21)?
Based on verses 29-30, do you think Belshazzar accepted Daniel’s interpretation as authoritative?
How can Daniel’s words inspire humility in us (v. 18-24)? How can they inspire courage?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for courage to deliver hard messages when needed
Family Devotional: Read verses 13-17. Who gave Daniel his wisdom? Why was he so eager to offer help without expecting anything in return? Are there things God has given us that we should be eager to use?
(Wednesday) Daniel 6: Daniel’s Longest Night
What do we learn about Daniel’s character from verses 1-5? From verse 10?
How does King Darius’ decree in verses 6-9 resemble the sins of his predecessors?
What kind of impact did Daniel have on the king (v. 14-20)? How did God prove his work in Daniel’s life (v. 21-24)?
What character traits do you see in Daniel that you would like God to instill in you?
Prayer Focus: Praise God for his work in Daniel’s life (v. 25-27), and pray for similar grace in your own.
Family Devotional: Read verses 6-12. When would it be OK to break the law, like Daniel did? Why should God be more important than anything else in the world?
(Thursday) Ezra 3: Home at Last
What was the first priority of the returned exiles (v. 1-2)? How did they deal with their fears (v. 3)?
What does the Israelites’ next project tell you about their priorities (v. 7-9)?
In what ways did the people express themselves in worship (v. 10-13)?
How can you foster a greater love for worship (Hebrews 10:25)?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you an uncontainable heart of continual worship
Family Devotional: Read verse 10-13. Why should we worship God? What things should we praise him for? Sing a worship song together as a family.
(Friday) Haggai 1: A Needed Boost
The returning Israelites had trouble maintaining their work on the temple. According to this chapter, what were their other priorities?
What did God have to say about their conflicting priorities (v. 3-8)?
What were the results of their wrong priorities (v. 9-11)? How did they turn (v. 12-15)?
Thinking realistically about your life, list your priorities. What do you spend the most time, energy, and resources on?
Prayer Focus: Ask God to make his priorities your priorities
Family Devotional: Read verses 3-6. God is confronting the Israelites for making their own desires more important than their obedience to God. In what ways do we do the same thing?