Although He keeps many of the details to Himself, our God makes this message clear: He will rescue and deliver His people. The hope that we place in Him is not misplaced — it is real, it is certain, and it will be answered. But our God also makes clear that His deliverance also comes […]

“God, why?! Why this way? Why won’t you take the pain and suffering and fear away?” Have you ever called out to God like that, with questions full of hurt, doubt, even anger? What does God say to us about His purpose through the suffering and the hard times through history — and in our […]

Daniel 10 is another highly controversial text in this section of prophecy. But again — don’t get lost in the details and speculation. Look at the context! Daniel is deeply depressed….for three weeks! And into this depression, Jesus comes and does exactly what Daniel needs — He touches him (three times, actually)!! He speaks love […]

The section of Scripture we come to today is one of the most controversial, argued about, speculated about, “spooky and scary” portions in all of Scripture. Entire books have been written arguing back and forth about this passage! Today, as we come under God’s Word, we are asking Him to de-mystify it — by focusing […]

Daniel 8 continues the picture of God’s prophecies — which are both frightening and exciting for us as His people. Be clear: This text shows days of great evil, great suffering, and the enemies of God even winning…for a time. But be glad: Our God is greater, He rules with certain purpose and care for […]

It’s not just children who are afraid of the dark — and of the monsters that threaten us. We all have fears, fears of things that threaten to harm us or even destroy us. Sometimes these monsters are so scary, it seems we can’t look away and see anything else. We said last week that […]

As we start Daniel 7, we are coming to the second half of the book — the prophetic section. As with the Book of Revelation, there is much here that at first glance can seem so confusing, and even frightening. And that is a shame. God does not give prophecies like this in Daniel (or […]

We like to think that, at the key and crucial times, we will be the ones to stand up and have courage and do what’s right. But will we? Do we? What does it take, this call to live well in the middle of a world that doesn’t understand us and opposes us? Where do […]

Most of us can stand strong in bad times….for a day. For a week. For a month. But what about when the hardship, the pain, the suffering keeps on coming, like one wave after another? What does it take to endure — and rejoice — for the long haul? When we are tired and weary […]