Daniel: A Survival Guide
Go Your Way
May 2, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
Life is hard and often feels, and is, unfair. We are sometimes challenged about the realities of our belief in the face of loss and tragedy. Did God not know what was going to happen, or is He just leaving us to struggle on our own? The final vision of Daniel gives us some insight into living in a hostile world, and not just surviving, but thriving. Join us as we wrap up this study and consider both the message and messengers that challenged and encouraged Daniel.
A Hard Answer to a Hard Prayer
April 25, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
You are invited to join us as we consider Daniel’s response to the desperate condition of his country. Over the past few weeks and months many things have happened that have caused people to worry, be concerned, and feel like the nation we grew up in has gone the way of the dinosaur. Yet, despite Daniel’s (a leader in the Bible) nation being in a desperate place, he set an example for us to follow in both his worldview, and his response. This week we’ll consider and practice his responses and his worldview.
The Comfort of a Planner
April 18, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. While it sounds cute the reality is that sometimes life wears you down, feeds your insecurities and fears, and redirects your attention to all that is wrong in the world. When our heads are swimming and distracted, it helps to know there is someone in charge who not only knows how to handle what we’re facing but has a plan to respond. Come join us as we explore the comfort of a planner.
Of Horns and Holy Ones
April 11, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
Politics, politicians, cancel culture, injustice, and cultural trends that make us uncomfortable and yet afraid to speak of seem to characterize much of life. Sometimes it feels that government is much more about who gets their way than about the welfare of people. And it seems that these cycles of ups and downs, of winning and losing in the culture and politics will never end. In the Old Testament book of Daniel the nation of Israel experienced similar ups and downs. Join us in Daniel 7 as we consider the world today, tomorrow, and the world to come.
Caught in a Bind
March 28, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
People of faith sometimes feel like they are caught in a bind. We are expected to be ever faithful and consistent in living our faith, and yet the consequences are sometimes painful and even dangerous. The story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a story of God working through jealousy, conflict, and conspiracies withing a pagan government to let people see who He is. The story is sometimes harsh, and sometimes a celebration. But join us as we learn to live together in ways that enjoy God no matter what the culture brings.
When Your Number’s Up
March 21, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
Ever wonder what life would like completely on the other side of being Christian? King Belshazzar saw a disembodied hand write a terrorizing message on the wall. “Your days are numbered” “You have been weighed and found wanting.” And finally, your day to die is today. God’s judgment is sure and a fearful thing. But God’s grace is certain and promised. The story of the handwriting on the wall, our days being numbered, and our lives found light in the scale, reminds us of the grace of God. Join us and be encouraged by the message of judgment on evil, and the reality of God’s grace for those who trust Him.
One Bad Take Down
March 14, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
Most of the time when one of our leaders speak and shares with the audience there is an element of confidently assuring of their value and the value of their accomplishments. Sometimes we may be tempted to agree, other times we are disgusted. But no matter how we respond, the temptation to see our accomplishments as ours alone can be almost overwhelming. Join us as we look at God’s responses to one leader’s pride, and consider our own responses to God as well.
Out of the Frying Pan and…
March 7, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
My grandmother used to say, “out of the frying pan and into the fire” as a way of describing someone who had jumped from one bad situation into one that was worse. As Christians, our culture is progressively less friendly and tolerant of Christian beliefs. Current laws, and laws that are being considered, conflict with what we believe Scripture teaches and it often feels like we are in the frying pan, we’re getting cooked. How do we respond in ways that are faithful to God and the Word, but also show a love and concern for all people including the law makers? And when is it the time for us, as followers of Jesus, to jump from the frying pan into the fire? Join us this week as we consider these questions and the answers illustrated by Daniel and his friends.
When Faith Hits a Wall
February 28, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
Many people today are experiencing a crisis of faith. It seems the world is winning and we live in a country ruled by men and women without concern for the things of God. We fear for the future of our children, and many times we want to fight to combat the deterioration but don’t know how. Daniel served as a slave in a cruel and ruthless kingdom. When his life was endangered and circumstances looked hopeless he continued on in faith. We, too continue on as we are reminded that a better kingdom is coming for all of God’s people. Join us as we consider the power of God when our faith hits a wall.
Setting the Stage
February 21, 2021 • Mike Waldrop
In the old movie “Ghostbusters” there is a line repeated over and over, “Who do you call?” The past year or so of disruption and loss has made us wonder at times. In this mess of life, “Who do you call?” Daniel’s adventures remind us about what is trustworthy and dependable, and what can quickly be destroyed and lost. We live in a time where many of the things we trust and depend on have shown themselves deficient again and again. Yet, like Daniel, we can not only survive but thrive in a hostile culture. Join us as we look at a Survival Guide for this unbelievable life.