Captivity and Training in Babylon

Open Your Bible

Daniel 1:1-7, 2 Kings 24:10-17, Hebrews 13:14

Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:1-7, 2 Kings 24:10-17, Hebrews 13:14

I still remember the day my husband called to say goodbye to his beloved Nana. At the age of ninety-four, her body was weary, and the doctors indicated that her time was short. More than that, she could just sense it somehow.

He relayed the conversation to me afterward—how he told her he would miss her and how she said she loved him and called him “Doo-bug,” the name she gave him when he was a baby. I listened, the familiar ache in my chest of knowing that our time here is temporary, though we like to pretend it isn’t. What must it feel like, knowing the transition to heaven is near—to look back over nearly a century of celebration and sorrow, wars and babies, grandchildren and church potlucks and conversations on the front porch? What does success look like from that vantage point? What does it mean to live a faithful life?

In the book of Daniel, we get an overview of one man’s life. This true story begins with Daniel being taken into captivity by the Babylonians who desired to change everything about Daniel, from his name to whom he worshiped. The book recounts Daniel’s roughly seventy years in exile. He would be a prophet, an interpreter of dreams, and a prisoner. He would fast, worship, and pray to the one true God under threat of his life. He would survive a den of hungry lions by Yahweh’s power and presence, and he would prophesy the glory of God’s eternal kingdom. And while we know Daniel was not perfect—he was human, a sinner in need of grace—we’ll get glimpses over these twelve chapters of what it looks like to live a faithful life in exile. 

We, too, are exiles in this world, longing for the day when we will live at home in the presence of Christ our King. We are citizens of heaven, but we take up residence here for a time, called to represent God’s image on every stretch of the journey. As we wrestle with what it looks like to live a faithful life, we look past Daniel to the perfection of Jesus Christ. He is our example and our advocate, our just Judge and righteous Ruler.

Long live the King.

Written by Amanda Bible Williams

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135 thoughts on "Captivity and Training in Babylon"

  1. Michelle Edmondson says:

    Glad to be starting this study

  2. Heather McIntosh says:

    ❤️

  3. Sylvia Martinez says:

    Soon our freedoms will be taken away and Daniel is a reminder and a template to stay our course because Gos is with us be strong in the Word

  4. Jessica Maples says:

    Alabama here!

    1. Anna Lee says:

      !!!!

  5. Erica Chiarelli says:

    Ah I’m excited for this study…Daniel lived an amazing life!!

  6. Miss Theresa says:

    I excited to be here.
    Greetings from South Carolina

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Greetings returned- from South Carolina! ❤

  7. Kathie Leitch says:

    ♥️

  8. Kimberly F. says:

    Hi Everyone! I was an SRT reader in 2021/2022. So glad to be back to fellowship with you all. Daniel is one of my favorites. Can’t wait to dive deeper in the Word with you all!❤️

    1. Searching says:

      ❤️

  9. Mercy says:

    I love this devotional so much. My grandmother is 94, and because of the complexity of family estrangement I haven’t been able to visit her. This world truly is a place of pilgrimage, a temporary stay, filled with joy and sorrows. I love this line by Amanda, “to look back over nearly a century of celebration and sorrow, wars and babies, grandchildren and church potlucks and conversations on the front porch”. I equate our conversations here on SRT with you dear shes are like the ones on the front porch. Sometimes I have to remind myself not to long for the things of the past, but to long for what is still to come. The Lord is returning for His bride, despite the birth pains. I have a medical procedure next Wednesday, and I’m working through some lengthy paperwork for medical leave. I’d appreciate your prayers that the doctor’s office will fill it out completely, to the standard my insurance company requires. Thank you so much for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.

    1. Foster Mama says:

      Loving the beginning of you comment ♥️

      Praying for the second part ♥️✝️

    2. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Praying for the paperwork to be completed correctly and on time, and for the procedure to go well.

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Praying all is sett!ed as needed un a timely manner and prayers for peace and comfort for you, skills for the care team during this procedure and recovery. ❤

  10. Rochelle Dunn says:

    Good afternoon from NC. I am new to She Reads Truth and this is my first subscription with them! I accepted Jesus into my life last September && I went to church for the first time in over 10 years this past Sunday. I struggle with understanding the Bible and how it could apply to my today so I am excited to dive deeper.

    1. Rhonda J says:

      I love reading a comment such as yours! A new believer in Jesus Christ!! Hallelujah!! It will take time of course to read and understand the bible, it is a lifelong study, but oh how marvelous to start and the Lord will help you, he already did by leading you to SRT!! most important thing..stick with it!

    2. Rebecca Ann says:

      So glad you’re here! Seeing your post about being a new Christian and wanting to learn more about the Bible made me want to reach out. I have been in the SRT community for over 6 years but I rarely post. I have LOVED learning more about the Bible over that time, and trying to grow in its application to my heart and life. Don’t feel discouraged if it takes a while to understand. There are so many layers to the Bible. The more you read, study, pray, meditate, and memorize it, the more you’ll see your understanding grow. It has been such a blessing to go through this process alongside other believers, and I pray you will be blessed as well, Rochelle. ♥️

      1. Rochelle Dunn says:

        Thank you so very much! Remembering their are layers will be very helpful.

    3. Sue says:

      Richelle, one thing that is helpful to me is to read a different version of the Bible alongside the SRT text. I especially like the Living Bible but there are several ‘easier’ translations to choose from.
      May God bless your efforts as you strive to know Him more.

    4. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Rochelle, welcome to our group! This is a wonderful group of ladies to help with understanding the Bible. I think it helps to ask God to bring understanding to what you’re about to read. Sometimes it comes as you’re reading, and you just get it. Sometimes it comes from something one or more of our SRT sisters says. And sometimes, we just sit with the wondering and wait for God’s clarity. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your first study with us.

  11. Gwineth52 says:

    Hello Shes
    Here we go! Day one!
    Daniel* from a teenager to an old man.
    Captive in flesh, but not heart.
    Steeped in scripture.
    Never forsaking his eternal home.
    Always serving his one true God.
    *and friends!!

  12. Carley Wilson says:

    Long Live the King ♥️

  13. Cheryl Blow says:

    I’m late to join in today! Everyone’s comments were so good!

    I think that being faithful to God is in the “even if.” If even if God doesn’t heal me, answer my prayer the way I want, I have to go through the fire, am persecuted for my faith? Will I still serve Him? Even if no one appreciates that I am faithful. We just have to decide I’m living for God no matter what everyone else does. Stop reading the really good book that you’ve almost finished when God gives you a nudge.

    This is good to be reminded today!

    Praying for all the requests.

    1. Rochelle Dunn says:

      Thank you for this

  14. Kerry Owens says:

    Amen!

  15. Mindy Martin says:

    Amen! Jesus, You are forever on the throne!

  16. Traci E Gendron says:

    I’m reading Mere Christianity for the first time. It has me asking myself “am I being a good faithful christian”? The chapter on pride is condemning. I have never thought of myself as a prideful person, but when you really think what pride is I believe we all must struggle with it. I’m hoping to check myself against God’s Word a little more stringently. I long to be a faithful servant.

    1. Jane K says:

      It’s been a long time since I’ve read, “Mere Christianity.” It sounds like I need to pick it up again. I too long to be a faithful servant!

  17. Wendy Myers says:

    Amanda, I so appreciated your question about authority today. It’s the tension we live in as Christians.

  18. Indiana Elaine says:

    Looking forward to this study of Daniel.
    On the lighter side, when we were studying about Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, in our younger years, we could never remember their names so came up with the saying, “shake the bed, make the bed, and to bed we go. “

    1. searching says:

      love this :) ❤️

    2. Gwineth52 says:

      That is so cool!!

  19. Lisa Echternacht says:

    How do I get to the video?

    1. Mindy Martin says:

      YouTube.

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Theres a link below
      The Daily Scripture Reading Guide, Lisa. ❤

  20. Adrienne says:

    Prayer request, please, for a friends daughter for healing. I am not wanting to mention her name. Just pray for “Adrienne’s friend’s daughter’s healing”. Thanks so much!

    1. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying

      1. Adrienne says:

        Thank you.

    2. Mercy says:

      Praying ❤️

      1. Adrienne says:

        Thank you.

    3. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Praying ❤️

      1. Adrienne says:

        Thank you.

  21. Adrienne says:

    Long live the King, indeed! It is so hard to remember who the ultimate King is when our earth is the way it is. But remember He is the King, no matter what we see around us., friends. Blessings on your Monday, sweet sisters.

  22. Natasha Royer says:

    I have a lot of circumstances out of my controller right now. I am glad you mentioned this so I can think about it while I’m reading and studying Daniel.

  23. Courtney Bryant says:

    So excited for the Daniel study! Always wanted to study this book but life be lifing sometimes Have a great week ladies

  24. Jamie Tufts says:

    Did anyone else have issues trying to open the video today? I was excited today was first day, but some how the video didn’t play?

    1. tami says:

      I couldn’t find it either. I looked on Spotify and YouTube!

  25. Mia Faith says:

    Happy to be here. I have so many studies going on that I don’t post often… but I am here. Love my SRT friends.

    1. Traci E Gendron says:

      Hi Mia!

    2. Wendy B says:

      Glad you’re here Mia❤️

  26. Lori Lackey says:

    I love when I read something that seems “new” to me – the “ hey! Was that there last time I read this chapter?”

    Today, it was a bit of a plot twist – King Nebuchadnezzar takes Jerusulum captive, king Jehoicahin of Judah surrender. King Nebuchadnezzar takes Al of the good looking smart people captive, and then he made Jehoiachins uncle, Mattaniah (name changes to Zedekiah),king of Judah

    Plot twist – but also more evidence of how our God always has a plan for our future.

  27. Rhonda J. says:

    OH GOOD MORNING MY She’s!!
    I LOVE book studies here at SRT! Digging into God’s word line by line through a book written by the Lord for our development and understanding!
    I can’t help but think it is perfect timing. We have such persecutions here in our states that we could have never imagined a couple of decades ago. And most don’t even hear about them. But it’s good to follow (and support) these ministries that represent our religious liberties and rights. The people that stand up firm rather than bend over to the bullies are indeed heroes!
    I can’t help but think of less than 80 years ago, this same captivity happened to a prominent, going about their lives, group of people in Europe. Nobody could have guessed that Jewish people could systematically been “rounded Up” and taken captive and so brutally tortured and killed. It still is unbelievable. But God saved a remnant. And we have already forgotten and even have many (crazy, right?) that even say it didn’t happen, and NOW even hating on Jews as a people. How?! But the Bible tells us. And we too, Christians, are and will be increasingly persecuted. We need to be aware and put on our warrior Boots! We can not be asleep in this area. We see it in Europe and Canada being arrested for speaking words of the Bible. For goodness sake, a football coach here in America spent 10 years in court for praying on the side of the field, and others willingly joined him!
    So as we read Daniel, we can see how we stay strong in our identity in the Lord, that he is holding it all, managing it how he needs to and wants to. It can’t possibly makes sense to us so that is why it is called faith.
    Our lives will not go as we hope and anticipate. The older you get you kinda laugh. My grandgirls were here and listened to them talk about “plans” after school…living together…a house, and where…and getting married with how many kids…and maybe they could still live all together…laughing at this! It was so cute, but made me remember my big plans…haha, that People and the world threw a wrench in…and probably God as well.
    The sooner we KNOW that our story is a winding river, through the valleys and pastures, ups and downs, hard and easy, celebrations and mourning, prisons and rescues- the wiser we are. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…
    He holds the whole world in his hands, he holds the whole world in his hands…
    We sang it as kids. What a good song to write on our hearts.
    Oh how we want our prodigals and family, and loved ones to know our Jesus!! Oh how “I” want to keep Him the CENTER of my life, my eyes on Him no matter what circumstance are. He is my Lord and Savior! I will praise him and worship him in the good and bad. In the Lion’s den, and in the fire. Thank you God for this book! It will reassure us, with the prophesies as well, that you got this.

    1. Margaret W. says:

      But in our country NOW, people are being rounded up and deported, without due process, for the color of their skin! It is happening in my city and in so many other cities around our country! But who exactly is being targeted for their faith? The only people I hear about being specifically targeted for their faith are Muslims, the ones who are peaceful citizens, without criminal records. Just last week a woman protested the mayor of New York City attending the 9/11 Memorial. He is the top elected official in the city and no more responsible for the attacks on the WTC than any other 9yo boy in NYC was that day! This kind of hatefulness is especially unacceptable coming from people who claim to love Jesus. We were told to expect to be hated for our faith, but I have met very few, if any, people in this country, who have suffered for their faith, and exactly none who have suffered at the hands of the law. We should not feel at home in this world, but let’s not confuse that with having our lives endangered for our faith. It is a cruel mockery to our brothers and sisters who serve Jesus in places where Christianity is not the dominant culture and is actually illegal.

      1. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

        ❤️

    2. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      I feel blessed to have been born in the United States where we have always been free to worship the Lord without persecution. I know, however, that is not true for all groups of people throughout our history. The book of Daniel brings to light how quickly an entire nation can go from freedom to captivity, and how quickly we might have to make significant sacrifices for our faith in God.
      Last Sunday at church, we had speakers from India. I hadn’t realized India was a country where Christians live with the threat of such persecution, including death. The speaker had to flee his home, go underground and then flee the country to save his life. Police and soldiers surrounded his home and planned to make him renounce his faith in Jesus or they were going to cut his throat. God blessed him and his family in getting them away.
      I thank God for the freedoms we have, and pray we don’t lose them.

      I look forward to studying Daniel with all of you.

  28. Wendy B says:

    Looking forward to another great study. If there are any Bible Recap readers here, the timing of both of these is neat:) Daniel is such a man of faith, commitment, strength and courage. What an example.

    Love this thought from Amanda in the devo:
    We are citizens of heaven, but we take up residence here for a time, called to represent God’s image on every stretch of the journey.

    Am I representing God’s image well? Am i faithful in my walk with the Lord? Am I truly a genuine follower of Jesus? Do people see Jesus in me? This is where I need to examine myself, to ask the questions today.

    Lord, find me faithful❤️

  29. Lexi McClellan says:

    wonderful perspectives on this intriguing bit of history♥️

  30. JoyfulP says:

    Good morning Shes! It was a study on Daniel back in 2015 that got me hooked on SRT!I have been reading ever since, but never commented. I have read comments from time to time and an incredibly blessed by this community. I love the book of Daniel and look forward to studying alongside you all.

    1. Rebecca Ann says:

      Just wanted to say hi! I’ve been in the SRT community since pre-2020 but rarely comment as well. I also feel incredibly blessed by the community and love to see the posts and prayer requests and praises. ♥️

  31. Andrea Lopez says:

    Tina your words have given me food for thought. Am I living a faithful life? Will I look back and wonder if I did right by God daily? My answer right now is sadly no. This needs to change…while I still can..thank you.

  32. Danielle Bodley says:

    Excited to study Daniel!

  33. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

    “What does it mean to live a faithful life?”
    .
    Looking forward to this study in Daniel and what it looks like to live a faithful life in exile.
    .
    If I had to answer the question right now of what it means to live a faithful life, I would say…
    .
    →keep being obedient even when we can’t understand our circumstances
    .
    →keep putting one foot in front of the other, moving forward in our walk with Christ
    .
    →trust God in the “dark”
    .
    →keep doing what’s right even if no one else is, and even if we will suffer for it
    .
    →keep on believing

    “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

    Song share – this beautiful song by Jonathan and Melissa Helser – Find Me + At the End of My Days, I’ll share it on the FB page too.

    Happy Monday and welcome all new She’s!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, Amen! I think you answered that perfectly!

    2. B says:

      Great answers!
      So hard…

    3. Wendy B says:

      These are great answers Sharon

  34. Maria B says:

    I don’t think I’ve ever done a study specifically on Daniel, so I’m excited to get into the study and learn more about this book.

  35. Mollie says:

    Really looking forward to study and apply to my life, ‘what it looks like to live a faithful life in exile.’

  36. Jessica Ahlers says:

    ❤️

  37. Jane K says:

    Praying, Helen, that you feel better soon!

  38. Susan Burley says:

    Excited to delve into a new study with you ladies!! Feeling encouraged as I joined a connect group through church. This group only meets once a month, but what a blessing it was to meet new people and join in fellowship!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yay, that’s great Susan! I KNOW you will be blessed by stepping out and joining a group! They really do connect us and help us grow! Although here with our She’s is great too, you need a local band of Christians that can be your tribe.

    2. Karen Swanson says:

      How wonderful. I trust that perhaps you were led by the spirit to do so as we just finished faith in practice. I have been nudged to do some things as well to draw closer to christ.

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Susan, what isb”connect” grouo like- what’s the premise? We have lefegrouos weekly but this sounds like a good extra! ❤

      1. Cee Gee says:

        ❤ so sorry for typos! Vision problems this morning so I gave up and listened to the Scripture reading. ☺

  39. Bobbi Minner says:

    Amen!

  40. LaRae Taylor says:

    ❤️

  41. Alana Anderson says:

    Amen❤️

  42. Kim Davis says:

    Day 1 of Daniel – What stood out to me most today was the reminder that even when everything looked completely out of control, God was still sovereign. Daniel 1:2 says, “The Lord handed King Jehoiakim of Judah over to him…” — such a small phrase, but such a powerful reminder that God was still at work in the middle of circumstances Daniel couldn’t understand or control.

    I’m carrying this with me today: I don’t have to understand everything God is doing to trust that He is still working. My prayer as we begin Daniel is to stay anchored in Him, especially when circumstances around me feel uncertain or changing.

    1. Karen Elizabeth says:

      That’s what stood out to me also ❤️

    2. Sherri says:

      “circumstances Daniel couldn’t understand or control.”. Isn’t that us? So many things we don’t understand and can’t control. In fact, most things we don’t fully understand. Really wresting with truly trusting even though I know he is worthy and has been trustworthy in the past. His ways and thoughts are higher than mine.

    3. Susan Burley says:

      Love this!!

    4. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      “I don’t have to understand everything God is doing to trust that He is still working.”
      I definitely needed this reminder today – thank you!

      1. Foster Mama says:

        Me too♥️. Thanks KIM DAVIS

  43. Anna Leonor says:

    Morning ladies! My pastor said something yesterday that stuck with me- as a follower of Jesus, we don’t have ups and downs, we have ups and on the way up agains. The author and perfectly of our faith is on our side and working within us. Whatever your lion’s den is today, find your joy in Jesus- He’ll meet you there! Have a great day, sisters.❤️

    1. Lanie H says:

      love that

  44. Kayla Bostwick says:

    Amen! This morning’s reading and devotional reminded me of a C.S. Lewis’ quote,
    “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world”.

    1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

    2. Mollie says:

      Great quote for this study today!

  45. Searching says:

    What a frightening and uncertain time – taken by force to a another country, where that king attempted to erase their very identity by the changing of the names (obviously didn’t stay that way as we are reading the book of Daniel rather than Belteshazzar).
    .
    Reminds me that this world is not our home and we will have a new name written written down and given to us in glory by the Lord. Hallelujah!
    .
    MISS THERESA ❤️welcome!
    RHONDA J ❤️ praying for your loved ones and butterflies
    CEE GEE ❤️ “NO thing to fear”
    TINA ❤️great summary of Faith in Practice yesterday – thank you
    KELLY ❤️ “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!” ❤️ June – not that I know of since she could not provide a name, and I doubt she pushed it since she is very vulnerable with partial paralysis from the stroke that landed her in skilled nursing. I have not been able to see her since that day as she has been sleeping. And J – he is stable for now, one known procedure remaining to remove oil they put in after surgery. It had been a couple of years since the last tear on the other eye – praying no future tears and that he is able to retain his sight long term. Sight has improved since surgery but not totally back yet.
    B ❤️
    MERCY ❤️
    SHERRI ❤️ praying for your cousin and family
    SALLY B ❤️ yes, such sad news from Whitney. I have read devos from her off and on over many years.
    MARTHA HIX ❤️

    1. Sherri says:

      Thank you. ❤️

    2. B says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

    3. Mercy says:

      Continued prayers for June’s situation and J’s eye.❤️

    4. Cee Gee says:

      Thanks for the prayer updates! There’s a New Name Written Down In Glory – and it’s mine, yes, it’s mine. Haven’t heard that song in ages! ❤❤❤

    5. MARTHA HIX says:

      ❤️

  46. Debbie Sawmiller says:

    Went through a very difficult day this weekend with my son who is nonverbal. At one point I lost hope…but God is gracious and everything turned around in an afternoon. I can’t imagine what Daniel felt when all he knew was taken away but God was only to write his story.

    1. Jane K says:

      I’m sorry to hear you had a difficult weekend, Debbie. I’ll be praying for you and your son. I can’t imagine the challenges you face. May God pour out His love and peace over you and your family.

    2. searching says:

      praying, Debbie ❤️

    3. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying Debbie

  47. Anna Kerr says:

    Good morning everyone! May the Lord bless you today – amen

  48. Tami says:

    GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
    Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
    even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert

    Alice V – Brian, Rachel
    Kim Mullins – Tyler
    Tami – Chela, Quentin
    Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
    Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
    Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali, Greg, Rico, Leah, Mikey, Logan, Ryan, Stephanie, Dillon, Danae, Julie, Sean
    Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
    Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
    Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
    Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
    Aleida – Victor
    Maddie – Michelle, Julia
    Rhonda – Michael
    Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
    Deb – Brandon, Angel
    Linda J – Matthew
    Mollie – Sam
    MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
    Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
    Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
    Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
    Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
    Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
    Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
    Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
    Bessie – Ben
    Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
    Sandy Lynn – Andy
    Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
    Jane K – Leah
    B – M, B
    Susan B – Tammy, Amy
    Carla – Cierra, Stephen
    Lisa H – Cora
    Kimberk – Megan, Randy
    Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy, Micayla
    Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
    Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
    Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
    Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
    Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
    Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
    Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
    Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
    Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
    Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
    Jenny Carmichael – Katy
    Mercy – boys in social care system
    Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
    Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
    Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
    Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
    Vicki – Ben, Sian
    TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
    Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
    Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
    Susan B – Emma
    Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
    Nat – Marissa, Melody
    Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
    Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
    Laura – Jordan, Taliah
    April L – Molly, Becca
    Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
    Heather – Jack, Hudson
    Cheryl Blow – Sara
    Dianne – Ian
    Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
    Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
    Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
    Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
    Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
    Shar – K
    Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
    Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
    Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
    K-Ann – G, T, S
    Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
    Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
    Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
    LaRae – Levi
    Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
    AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
    Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
    Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
    Karen – Nathan, Bailey
    Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
    Gina – Carolyn, Steven
    Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
    TS Woodruff – Danielle
    Tammy H.- Alyssa
    Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
    Myra – Mitchell
    Debby – Kristen
    Jenn F – B&E, J&T
    K – Alizabeth
    Stephanie – Greg
    Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
    Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
    Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
    Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
    Susan – Natassia
    Donna – Kathy
    Donna – Linda
    Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
    KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
    Donna- Sherry
    Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
    Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
    Jenn F – K&L, B&S, J&C
    Eileen – Chris
    Erin E – Ava
    SB – T
    Mollie – Stephanie
    Joy – Grayson, Clay, Carley

    1. Kathryn Zell says:

      My husband, Peter

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      I’m gonna add for my Sister and friend Sue- her kids- Katie, Jake, Ella

    3. B says:

      Thank you for faithfully reminding us to pray each week❤️

  49. Kelly (NEO) says:

    As one who did not grow up in the church, I first read the book of Daniel in my late teens/early 20s. There is so much packed into this book and yet it is so mysterious!
    Looking forward to going through it with y’all.
    .
    WELCOME to new and returning Shes!
    .
    TRACI E GENDRON – hope your mouth pain has subsided.
    .
    MARIA J – praying your family member has success in the rehab facility and move forward in recovery free from addiction

    1. Maria J says:

      Thank you Kelly.

  50. Hannah C says:

    Good morning again! I meant to say the fiery furnace! ❤️

  51. Hannah C says:

    My post posted too early! Sorry about that. I absolutely cannot wait to study these for individuals because I remember studying them when I was a very little girl and there is a song I believe that goes with it when they face the lions have a blessed day, ladies.

  52. Hannah C says:

    Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and Daniel

  53. Sally B. says:

    Dear Sweet Tina!
    You will know that none of us have done this Christian journey perfectly – not Abraham, Moses, David or Daniel as the devotion points out! It’s that slow forward movement in the same direction each day; when ‘we fall down we get up and keep going’ effort that God honors. So that one precious day, our faith will become sight all by the grace of God!

    Love this OT book and looking forward to this study.

  54. Helen Pennington says:

    I’ve been ill this past week with tonsillitis and woke up this morning fed up of not being recovered yet. This has been like a sweet tonic! It is all alright. Today isn’t as I hoped it would be, but God is still good, He is still faithful, there is a lot to be thankful for even if I’m not where I would like to be.

    I remember years ago hearing a sermon series about Daniel and the speaker talked about how to live in a Plan B world – Daniel wasn’t where he wanted to be, but he didn’t let that stop him from being faithful, faith filled, hopeful.

    And my son is called Daniel and although he’s 18 now, when he was a toddler, he used to talk about going to heaven so he could meet “my Daniel“!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, such a good reminder for us Helen. We could be living with an illness, an unhealthy family, a bad career, …anything that doesn’t fit our “ideal” life! But God- He has a faithful plan for us despite what it looks (and feels like) to us!! Help us Lord to look to you and trust your plan when we don’t like it or understand it!!

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Ditto here, Helen, as I was unable to read earlier due to severe headache after-effects! Hope you feel much better tomorrow! ❤

  55. Tina says:

    AMANDA BIBLE… you had me at “I still remember the day..”
    .
    Having to face the future is something we all do on a daily, minute by minute basis.. from one minute to the next, we move into the future.. the unknown..
    .
    Looking back is another kettle of fish, I mean, as I sit here now, I can see I wasted some years, though I might say I was a good person, I was not walking with the Lord, and here is my dilemma, did I live a faithful life.?
    Was I in unknowingly self imposed captivity then? And am I in training now?
    Am I where I need to be, now, though I know I am not where I used to be, or am I
    still in that place of exile..
    It truly is scary that as I now feel I am in the autumn of my life, I do often ask myself, did/do I do right by God, daily?
    .
    BUT GOD..
    .
    Grace and hope bring me solace, that i might get there one day, for now I lean, I pray, I hope in the One that saved me..
    .
    AMEN.
    .
    Absolutely looking forward to delving deep and studying Daniel with you my dears..
    Much love,
    Tina ❤️

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      “did/do I do right by God, daily?”
      The fact that you care to ask the question shows how God’s grace and mercy is working in your life to bring you closer to Himself.

      1. Alana Anderson says:

        ❤️

    2. Tami says:

      GM Tina, thank you for your vulnerability as always! As I read what you wrote, I can’t help thinking that if you are questioning if you lived a faithful life, I am doomed! If you were to take a poll here with the SHES, the answer would be a resounding “yes”! Your faithful sharing over the years have given us just a small glimpse into your life and I often find myself thinking “I want to be like Tina when I grow up”. I pray you have a blessed day and rest knowing that God will one say say “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

      1. Brenda W says:

        Yes I’m with you. Tina has been such a blessing to me and all of us for SO many years!

    3. Michelle P says:

      “Another kettle of fish” – lol! I have never heard this expression- I love it!
      I love to see other country’s idioms!
      Love to you “across the pond” ❤️

    4. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Thank you Tina for yesterdays summary of our last study! And thank you for all of today’s questions that we can each ask ourselves. ❤️

    5. Tricia C says:

      ❤️

    6. Wendy B says:

      Great thoughts and questions Tina❤️

    7. Cee Gee says:

      Tina, sweet sister, your questions reveal a heart that is now pure and a spirit that is humble. The paths you took in life brought you to the vrry place of humble worship and servitude that you exhibit in each comment. The enemy will try to sabotage that growth, but He canNOT take it from you! ❤❤❤

    8. MARTHA HIX says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

  56. Eleanor L says:

    Looking forward to this study. Hope you have good days ladies! Love from London :)

    1. Tina says:

      Eleanor, where in London are you..?
      .
      Some of my family from London are visiting today..how about that?❤️

    2. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Love right back to you Eleanor, from New Jersey! ❤️

    3. Cheryl Blow says:

      ❤️from Oklahoma

  57. Felicity Curyer says:

    Day 1!