The Writing on the Wall

“Who has the capability to interpret an unknown language?”

King Belshazzar

The nobles couldn’t.

His family couldn’t.

The wisest men in the kingdom couldn’t.

But the queen said, “I know a guy.”

Daniel’s reputation got his foot in the door. From there, Daniel used wisdom and tact to stay in the room. (2:14)

What are the ingredients of a good reputation and how does one seek to build it?

Exercise:

Daniel 5:11-12 tells us about his qualities. Use your dictionary to see what each one entails.

Filled (with the Spirit)

Insight

Intelligence

Wisdom

Keen (mind)

Knowledge

Understanding

Ability (to interpret dreams)

Explain (riddles)

Solve (difficult problems)

Daniel gave credit to God for his abilities (2:27-30)

There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. Daniel 2:28 NIV

How about you? Do you need the Lord to help you interpret the writing on the wall? Maybe yours is a blackboard or a whiteboard or a bulletin board. Maybe it’s a computer screen or an x-ray machine. There are times when we are stumped by life and need insight.

What does James 1:5 say we can do?

What was God’s response when Solomon asked for discernment? 1 Kings 3:9-10

What is the bonus God gives when we ask for insight and understanding? Proverbs 2:3-22

Do you think this is connected to Daniel’s reputation? Why or why not?

In one of Daniel’s visions, the angel said he came in response to Daniel’s prayers. What other ingredients were a part of his petitions? Daniel 10:12

What does God call Daniel? Ezekiel 14:20

How does God feel about Daniel? Daniel 9:23, 10:11,19.

Why would your reputation as a writer matter to an editor?

Look back at Daniel’s qualities and interpret them in light of your writing. How would insight give depth to an article? How could you write smarter with the material you’ve produced and recycle it into more submissions? How accountable are you when it comes to deadlines?

Daniel and his companions were forced to move away from their homes and settle in a hostile land. (1:1-8) God repeatedly honored Daniel, His servant, in spite of opposition. (6:4)

What was Daniel’s habit? 6:10-11

How do you think that habit reinforced Daniel’s character?

How do you think it could assist your writing?

What would you ask God for today?

God reveals deep and hidden things.

Daniel 2:22

What part does prayer play in your writing life?

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net