November 9-15: Daniel 1-7

Written By Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

"There Is No Other God That Can Deliver"

Rett Ashby (American, born 1961)

Solitude (2025)

Oil, 18 x 11.5 inches

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

These chapters follow Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they live in exile in Babylon and remain faithful to God. They refuse to eat certain foods and are blessed with wisdom and health. Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a great statue, revealing that earthly kingdoms will rise and fall but God’s kingdom will endure forever. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol and are miraculously protected. Daniel is thrown into a den of lions but is ultimately protected and delivered.

A central theme is remaining faithful under difficult circumstances. Daniel and his friends remain committed to their beliefs despite threats to their lives and other consequences. These chapters also highlight courage, demonstrating the strength it takes to stand for what is right in difficult situations. Finally, they emphasize that God’s kingdom and justice are lasting. As you ponder on the themes of courage and faith consider Rett Ashby's work Solitude. What does faith and courage look like in a loud crowd? What does it look like alone?

These chapters resonate strongly today because they address the challenge of staying true to one’s values in a world that often works against them. They encourage us to act with integrity especially when it is unpopular to do so. The stories remind us that power, success, and authority are temporary, while character and faith last. Inspiring us to courage, resilience, and confidence that doing what is right matters, no matter the circumstances.

Gospel Questions

1. What would it look like in your life to remain faithful to your values under pressure?

2. Are you courageous?

3. Courage is often highlighted in difficult times. How can you be courageous when life is good?

For Children and Youth

Hi. Daniel and his friends trusted God and did what was right, even when it was scary or dangerous. God helped them and showed that He is stronger than any king or problem.

1. What is a problem in your life that God is stronger than?

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Center for Latter-day Saint Arts
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November 16-22: Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel
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November 2-8: Ezekiel 1-3; 33-34- 36-37; 47