Renewing Scripture: Daniel – Part 1

December 2, 2023 Becky

Let’s revive our hearts and minds with some renewing scripture found in the Major Prophets!

Daniel is the last book in the Major Prophets section of the Old Testament. If you missed my Renewing Scripture posts for the other books make sure to check them out HERE!

The book of Daniel shows us just how much God works in and through those that walk faithfully by His side. God is sovereign over everything, and because of this I rejoice.

The First Part of Daniel: Daniel’s Life (1:1-6:28)

The first 6 chapters tell the story of Daniel’s life, and they are packed full of suspense. It’s in these first 6 chapters that draws me in. Daniel’s life story shows us just how much God works in and through those that walk faithfully by His side. Daniel is such an impactful book of the Bible, and I love that we get 6 chapters focusing in on his life.

Like Daniel and his friends, I long to walk with bold faith and confident humility! What about you? Are you ready to get your bold faith on and walk in confident humility as you serve The True and Faithful King? I hope you said yes! Cuz…

I’m sharing some of the renewing scripture the Holy Spirit has been stirring my heart with as I read through each of the Major Prophets found in the Old Testament.
-Becky, aheartfilled author

Renewing Scripture: Daniel – Part 1

Side Note – I’ve referenced all the verses using the NLT version, but I love exploring different translations so I encourage you to find your favorite translation for each. Delight in your search!

Time to fill up! Below you’ll find 15 scripture passages found in chapters 1-6 of Daniel.

Take your time reading through each one. Fill your heart with God’s renewing words! Enjoy the journey – write them out, journal them, memorize them, dig in deeper if you want! Open your heart to receive God’s renewing strength and repent the sins that weigh heavy on your heart. Return to the One who loves you beyond measure and serve Him with enthusiasm and gladness.

It’s all about A HEART FILLED, friends!

(1) Daniel 1:8

Bold Faith!! Right off the bat Daniel shows us how it’s gonna go down – he’s gonna stay faithful to God.
Back Story – Daniel and his friends were just captured and brought back to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them trained so they could serve in the king’s palace. Part of the training including daily rations of food and wine, which Daniel was opposed to. Daniel was under some great pressure here, friends! He was expected to follow the rules, but he knew in his heart these rules weren’t gonna fly with God. So with bold faith he asked the chief of staff if he’d be willing to give him and his friends a 10 day trial period where they’d only eat veggies and only drink water. AND…guess what?!? God came through! At the end of those 10 days, Daniel and his friends were looked healthier and better nourished! I’m gonna stop there, because the next part of the story takes us to the second verse I’d like to share.

“But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.”
Daniel 1:8 (NLT)

(2) Daniel 1:17

This is the result of obedience! God blessed these four men. Seriously this story is just the best! It teaches us not to waiver in our beliefs, but to stand our ground and TRUST IN THE LORD! The renewing journey is all about getting revived and the book of Daniel starts out strong. I love it!!

“God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.”
Daniel 1:17 (NLT)

(3) Daniel 2:17-18

I absolutely LOVE these verses! This is how God wants us to respond! I’m always telling my kids I have an army praying for them, and it’s true. I believe in the power in prayer! And, like Daniel, I *run home and tell my friends* – my prayer warrior peeps that is! So, don’t be afraid to get those prayer requests out their. God’s all ears. Get your army gathered!
I want to back up and clarify that Daniel and his friends were given new names by the Babylonians. (Daniel 1:7) These Bible verse references back to their real names, but as we move forward into the book of Daniel the friends are mentioned with their new names – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

“(17)Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. (18)He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them His mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.”
Daniel 2:17-18 (NLT)

(4) Daniel 2:30

This verse has a few amazing nuggets of truth. First, Daniel does not take credit for what’s going down, he never does. It’s because he knows it’s not him – IT’S GOD! So, that’s the first renewing truth to pay attention to in this verse. And, the second is it’s important to know where our hearts are. In order to revive we have to perform a heart-check. (Need a heart-check reminder? CLICK HERE to take you back up to it.)

“And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.”
Daniel 2:30 (NLT)

(5) Daniel 3:16-18

BAM! This is some BOLD faith under pressure. AND, a big, heaping scoop of renewing encouragement. God will give us the confident humility needed when facing adversity. All we need to do is send some arrow prayers up! Believe! Trust! Have faith!

“(16)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. (17)If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. (18)But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.'”
Daniel 3:16-18 (NLT)

(6) Daniel 3:25

This verse shows us two things about God. First, He works miracles! And, second He walks with us! Find renewing HOPE in this. God will never leave or abandon His children. He walks with us through everything! Cling to this truth, friends.

“‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!‘”
Daniel 3:25 (NLT)

(7) Daniel 4:27

Daniel is pleading with King Nebuchadnezzar to repent. Do you need to hear these words from Daniel right now? Is your heart weighed down by sin that’s pulling you away from your Lord and Savior? If so, accept his advice and repent today!

“King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.”
Daniel 4:27 (NLT)

(8) Daniel 4:37

God humbles the proud! I find this renewing. Pride does a good job seeping into our lives, and we need God’s help to humble us. It’s a faith journey that will take a lifetime.

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble the proud.“
Daniel 4:37 (NLT)

(9) Daniel 5:11a

Daniel made quite a name for himself through God’s mighty work in his life! The news was getting around and because of Daniel’s faithfulness to God he was known for insight, understanding, and wisdom. Keep in mind, this reputation was because God worked in and through him. Also, Daniel did NOT take recognition for any of it. He gave God all the honor and glory. Let’s strive for this kind of reputation, friends!

“There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods.”
Daniel 5:11a (NLT)

(10) Daniel 5:17

Daniel’s character just shining bright right here folks! He was not doing God’s work for honor, praise, or gifts. He was doing it because God was number one in His life and he was 100% committed to serving his Almighty King. As we renew, let’s humbly be all about God’s business!

“Daniel answered the king, ‘Keep your gifts or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means.'”
Daniel 5:17 (NLT)

(11) Daniel 6:3

Daniel is working for the Lord! This is where we need to be as well. Let’s serve our Heavenly Father well.

“Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.”
Daniel 6:3 (NLT)

(12) Daniel 6:4-5

I find renewing strength when I read through this verse. As Christians, this world is not our home. We are just passing through. There will be spiritual warfare we face, our Christianity will be attacked, especially the longer and closer we walk with the Lord. Be prepared! Know God is in control! No matter what we face in life, take heart believing God wins in the end! Hallelujah!

“(4)Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. (5)So they concluded, ‘Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.’“
Daniel 6:4-5 (NLT)

(13) Daniel 6:10

Daniel’s prayer life was REAL! He had a consistent routine that kept his communication line open and alive with God. Does your prayer life need some reviving encouragement? Find it in this verse, friends! Prayer is important! It shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be an always-thought. Don’t let the distractions of life pull you away from the need to stay in contact with the Lord!

“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.“
Daniel 6:10 (NLT)

(14) Daniel 6:16

Once a law went into affect it could NOT be reversed, no matter the circumstances! (Daniel 6:15) King Darius was tricked into signing this law because of his pride. He was deeply troubled (Daniel 6:14) when he found out Daniel had broken the law, but there’s was nothing he could do. EXCEPT…hope God would save Daniel. I find this renewing because we ARE the example! So, we need to LIVE IT, friends.

“So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, ‘May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.’“
Daniel 6:16 (NLT)

(15) Daniel 6:25-27

Daniel made an impression on Kind Darius! Let these verses be your renewing motivation and get out there and spread the good news!

“(25)Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: ‘Peace and prosperity to you! (26)I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end. (27)He rescues and saves His people; He performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel form the power of the lions.‘”
Daniel 6:25-27 (NLT)

Renewing Wrap-Up

Studying the book of Daniel lit my heart on fire, friends. It had me bursting out with excitement. Literally! God is so full of wonder-working miracles and He’s ready to show off His power and strength in your life. I’m praying after reading this you, too, are revved up and ready to go out into the world and spread the good news!

The book of Daniel is full of renewing goodness. If you haven’t read through the entire book I highly recommend it! And, make sure to check out the other posts in my Renewing Scripture series!