Daniel

NEXT WEEK READING

Hosea 1-6, 10-14; Joel

 UNDERSTANDING THE VISIONS OF DANIEL

“[There is] perpetual relevance [here]. Any disciple of any age can see the internal conflict of right and wrong, light and darkness; the lamb verses the beast and know the we are caught in an eternal struggle and have eternal choices to make.”

Jared Halverson, Unshaken Podcast #193

BUT IF NOT . . .

“Centuries ago, Daniel and his young associates were suddenly thrust from security into the world—a world foreign and intimidating. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by the king, a furious Nebuchadnezzar told them that if they would not worship as commanded, they would immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. ‘And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?’

The three young men quickly and confidently responded, ‘If it be so [if you cast us into the furnace], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand.’ They demonstrated that they fully understood what faith is. They continued, ‘But if not, ... we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.’ That is a statement of true faith.

They knew that they could trust God—even if things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. They knew that faith is more than mental assent, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. Faith is total trust in Him. Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him.”

Dennis E. Simmons, “But If Not,” General Conference April 2004

TEACHINGS OF DANIEL

Sir Isaac Newton said this of Daniel: “Daniel was in the greatest credit amongst the Jews, till the reign of the Roman Emperor. And to reject his prophecies, is to reject the Christian religion. For this religion is founded upon his prophecy concerning the Messiah.”

“The book of Daniel proves two things: God provides and God saves. He not only takes care of his people in their present affliction, but is bringing an everlasting kingdom of peace, which was only prophesied in Daniel’s day, but finds its fulfillment in Jesus the Messiah.”

Levi Bakerink, https://modernreformation.org/resource-library/web-exclusive-articles/the-mod-the-messianic- prophecies-in-the-book-of-daniel/

PROMISES FROM OUR PROPHET

“My dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns ‘with power and great glory,’ He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.

Nonetheless, we are presently living in what surely is a most complicated time in the history of the world. The complexities and challenges leave many people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted...

The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way. Those who live the higher laws of Jesus Christ have access to His higher power. Thus, covenant keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their covenantal relationship with God.”

President Russell M. Nelson, Overcome the World and Find Rest, October Conference 2022