The Book of Daniel: Daniel in the Lion's Den

Daniel 6
1. Don't be surprised when people attack you for living a life of integrity for Jesus. v4-5 Trials, adversity and suffering are all a part of the Christian experience. 1 Pet 4:12-16, 19, 5:8-11; Rom 8:28
2. We need to pray before we are in the lion's den. v10 - when we find ourselves in difficult situations, PRAY! Continue to be faithful and lean upon God. Instead we often get angry, get out of control (i.e. "my life is over"), or get depressed, etc.  Daniel went and, as was his habit, got on his knees and prayed. Phil 4:4-7 Be anxious about NOthing, but pray about EVERYthing. v17 Satan wants us to believe that our troubled circumstances will never change, but that is a lie!! v23 No wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
3. We are called to love and serve those who share different opinions than us. v21-22 Daniel gave grace to the king when he came in direct opposition to him. Eph 2:1-5 We were given mercy and grace, and should give that same mercy and grace to others. It is good to get out of our comfort zone and allow God to use us.

Generations by Scott Drachnick

Judges 2:6-10 There arose a generation that did not know the Lord.
1. A generational perspective: Gen 1:26-28, said again to Noah after the flood, and to Abraham in Gen 13,15, Ex 3:6. We need to have a generational perspective, what did I receive and what am I passing on?
2. A generational strategy: Deut 6:4-9 gives us 10 steps to use. Be intentional- use every moment you can, pray for upcoming generations.
3. A generational stumble: v10, you cannot force your children to follow God, so let go of the guilt.
4. A generational success: Acts 16:1-3, 1 Tim 2:3-5. Don't give up in your faith or on future generations.
5. A generational challenge: generations that do not claim God or spirituality. We need to be authentic in our faith, we need to go out and impact those around us. Josh 24:14-15.