Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:12
I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 10 as I lean on my commentary for this text, which outlines the following divisions:
I. Spiritual Warfare Involves Divine Action (10:1).
II. Spiritual Warfare Requires Reinforcements Given through Prayer and Fasting (10:2-3,12).
III. Spiritual Warfare Can Be Overwhelming in Its Realities (10:4-17).
IV. Spiritual Warfare Should Result in Spiritual Refreshment (10:18-21).
From the reading of the text and the commentary, two broad themes emerge: (1) spiritual warfare, (2) prayer.
On spiritual warfare the commentary shares how we, in our human comprehension, cannot see the fullness of the spiritual battles occurring as we go about our daily lives. Yet it is real and is a powerful force that can be overwhelming....with Daniel feeling overwhelmed and weak on several occasions here in Daniel 10, including v8,10, and 16.
On prayer, the commentary shares that "[o]ur prayers provide spiritual reinforcement for the battles that take place “against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12). Our prayers are weapons of warfare that provide ammunition for angels as they engage the demonic forces of evil in spiritual combat. Our prayers matter. They make a difference in this unseen but certain world of the spiritual."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who reveals Himself to me through Your Word which I can read and study and find You. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You reveal Yourself to me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
