Beastly Visions of Worldly Oppression and more

Faith in the Darkness and the Den

Daniel 6:22a  "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions."

• Does your life ever feel out of control?
• God's presence and purposes permeate every circumstance.

Beastly Visions of Worldly Oppression

Daniel 7:27  Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the most High.  His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.

• God who is sovereign over all, will reign victoriously for eternity.
• God's kingdom ultimately prevails over every earthly kingdom.

Daniel's Prayer

Daniel 9:19 "Lord, listen!  Lord, forgive!  Lord, hear and act!  For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

• Believers can confidently pray for God to accomplish everything He has promised.
• Scripture-fueled prayer engages believers in God's unfolding work.

The Battle Is the Lord's

Daniel 12:10  Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked.  None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

• From slights to injustices, from mayhem to murder, what motivates jealousy, rage, and violence?
• God reigns eternally over heaven and earth.

The Exile Ends and God's People Return

Ezra 1:1  In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing.

• Life sometimes feels like a confusing swirl of endless details.
• God activates every detail within His sovereign plan.

BSF Notes Exile and Return Lessons 5-9