Day 1
- Pray - Invite God into your time with Him. Ask Him to keep distractions away, so that you can exist in His presence, only.
- Read - Read Daniel 2. Read it aloud in your "go to" translation. I say to read it aloud, so that you can actually teach yourself the text. I know it isn't always possible to read it aloud, but it seems to help it sink in, if you can.
- Go back and reread - Read Daniel 2:1-9
- Apply - What did you notice about Nebuchadnezzar today? Why do you think he would threaten the Chaldeans if they were unable to tell him the meaning of his dream? Do you ever react unkindly if things don't go your way?
- Comment - Tell us about your first impressions of Daniel 2. We'd love to share in your learning.
Day 2
- Pray - Sit quietly in the Lord's presence and praise Him for allowing you to study His word so freely. Ask him to bless your time in it.
- Read Daniel 2 - Remember, read aloud. Put yourself in this text. Make it real and alive.
- Go back and reread Daniel 2:10-18 - Okay, really take some time to focus on these verses. What are they telling you? What's the point? As we study God's Word, we always want to be working to synthesize information. Think, "Simplify." What are the overarching ideas?
- Apply - How did your reading rub you today? Were you enlightened, encouraged, informed, instructed, corrected? Take these words on a page and put them into the context of your life. Always remember, we CANNOT stop at reading. We must apply, in order for their to be changes in our lives.
- Comment - You know the drill. This is the time for you to share your heart with us. What was the important thing about your Bible Study time today?
Day 3
- Pray - Make sure that your mind and heart are clear before you begin your time with the Lord. Give Him your all, and ask Him to bless your time.
- Read Daniel 2 - Remember, the whole point of reading the whole chapter is to gain our footing and get some context. We want to know where we are headed. Choose a different translation (try The Amplified Version).
- Reread Daniel 2:19-30 - Okay, as I read, I'm always looking for recurring ideas and concepts. What do you see as being the most important thing in this passage? Is there a main idea? Today, I'm noticing that this section reveals much about God's character. Maybe you could use your time to make a list of all the things Daniel notes about God.
- Apply - What sort of action is the Lord prompting in you as you read this passage? How is this text going to show up in your daily living. This apply step makes sure that we aren't compartmentalizing God. We don't want to allow Him 30 minutes in the morning and then reject Him the rest of the day. We are striving to allow Him to change our lives - every single inch of them - based on our focused reading of His Word.
- Comment - Let us know what God is saying to you today. Remember, we aren't here to judge, but to learn, and to be challenged. We are an accepting group around here :)
Day 4
- Pray - "God, thank you for the truth of your Word. Thank you for your power to transform my life through the study of your truth. Help me to focus only on You and your transformational power today.
- Read Daniel 2 - You know the drill. By now, you should take some ownership with this passage. You should be making it your own and claiming its truth as your own.
- Reread Daniel 2:31-45 - How do you think Daniel was feeling as he related the interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar? Today, I am enthralled by the display of God's sovereign plan.
- Apply - How can God use this passage to impact your life? How has He shown you His trustworthiness and perfection? Is He calling you to trust Him today? How can you do this? What does this look like to you?
- Comment - Let us know how God is using this passage in your life.
Day 5
- Pray - Thank God for Daniel 2, and for the lessons that we've learned this week. Ask Him to use His Word in a real way today. Seek His guidance for applying it in a life-changing way.
- Read Daniel 2 with a sense of accomplishment. You have conquered this passage and taken the time necessary to allow it to affect your life. That's what discipleship is all about! Good job!
- Go back and reread Daniel 2:46-49 - Did you notice how the Lord continues to position Daniel for His good work? How has He done this in your own life?
- APPLY - ACTION PLAN
- Based on your study of Daniel 2, what is God prompting you to do? Make a list of actions (activities) that you feel the Lord has put on your heart. Is he calling you to make a change in your attitude, behavior, emotions, relationships, job, roles, church, social obligations? Seek God's wisdom and understanding as you consider His purposes in your life.
- This is where the rubber meets the road. It's one thing to know something, but an entirely different feat to actually do it!
- Comment - Tell us how your life will change as a result of Daniel 2.
