Fox Valley Church

Daniel: The Ancient of Days Still Rules

As we live in uncertain times with a growing threat of nuclear weaponry, financial uncertainty, and a danger of a spreading Middle East crisis, we do not have to live in fear or intimidation on a world scale or in our individual lives. While we have “giants” in the world, we have “giants” to face in our private lives, but under the Ruling and Powerful Hand of Jesus.

Daniel: Trusting God when the World's Against You

Daniel modeled a spiritual response of trusting in God and diligently seeking Him when others sought to work against him. So whether in our families, neighborhoods, or workplace living innocently before God and man brings greater spiritual vitality and honors God. In contrast, when we compromise, excuse or blatantly sin we destroy our spiritual appetites for God and dishonor Him.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Great Tree and Humiliation shows how this world is filled with ego, pride, self-centeredness, and self-focus, and one day, all of this will be finally and forever overthrown by Jesus when He comes as King and Judge. God moves in wonderful ways to disclose his hope and promise for the world which shows great, victorious plans for his people.

Daniel: Me-Ism Exposed

Belshazzar’s Feast and the Handwriting on the Wall confronts the “me-ism” of our day and exalts the sovereign work of God as He graces all nations and individuals (18, 19). Those who humble themselves will taste of the goodness of God and those who resist will see the wrath and fury of a Holy God. The self-focus, self-centeredness, selfishness, self-regard, etc. all point to an empty life devoid of meaning and purpose. It is only when we give our lives for others in a cause greater than this present world that we find substantial meaning and real fulfillment.

Daniel: Will you risk it all?

Nebuchadnezzar’s Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace reveals that God’s people are always safest when living in the convictions of God and His Word. The world and sadly many in the church too easily set the agenda. Rather, let God set the agenda and then take whatever comes your way. Daniel’s friends determined clearly the priority and were fine with the results. Can we do the same and “risk” all that we have (even life) to follow the One who is life?

Daniel: Equipped for life

There is a standoff between God (His kingdom) and the kingdoms of this world. This can be brought down to the individual level as we seek God’s will and leading in matters. God has equipped us to do everything He has called us to do. More significantly, as we live for God, we will stand out, thereby giving testimony to the greatness of God. Daniel believed in God and was willing to put it all on the line. God has equipped all of us to live a uniquely Christ-centered life driven by the power of the Holy Spirit

There is a standoff between God (His kingdom) and the kingdoms of this world. This can be brought down to the individual level as we seek God’s will and leading in matters. God has equipped us to do everything He has called us to do. More significantly, as we live for God, we will stand out, thereby giving testimony to the greatness of God. Daniel believed in God and was willing to put it all on the line. God has equipped all of us to live a uniquely Christ-centered life driven by the power of the Holy Spirit

Heart Matters: Restoring proper worship leads to revival

Josiah had a long reign such that God described him as doing “right in the eyes of the LORD—not turning aside to the right or to the left.” The key to his ways was listening to God and restoring worship. Josiah renews the covenant, celebrated Passover and obeyed.

Heart Matters: A responsive heart leads to removing idols

King Josiah has a surrendered heart that completely removes idols. He goes the extra mile to tear down every idol in Judah and Israel. He has the spiritual eyes to see the impact that these idols are having on his people and the tenancy of removing every form of evil. Before we can restore proper worship, we need to remove the evil from our hearts and fight against the enemy.

Heart Matters: An encounter with God leads to a responsive heart

King Josiah walked in the way of the Lord from an early age. At 26 he had the temple repaired which led to the finding of the book of the law. Through the reading of God’s word, Josiah had an encounter with God which revealed God’s holiness and demanded a response. King Josiah responds with a humble and repentant heart. God will still still bring judgment but He delays it saving a generation because of King Josiah's heart for God.