Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“In the first year of his reign I, Daniel, UNDERSTOOD by the BOOKS…” – Daniel 9:2a

This month the Lord has enabled us, like He did Daniel, to gain understanding of the IMPACTFUL POWER in BOOKS: “In the first year of his reign I, Daniel, UNDERSTOOD by the BOOKS the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem” (Dan.9:2). The Prophet Daniel understood the timing of the seventy-year desolation of Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s prophecy, by studying books. These were probably the Old Testament books available at the time, and other sacred, historical writings. This led Daniel into a prayer of confession on behalf of God's rebellious people, in which he included himself by the terms “us” and "we." 

Daniel’s testimony demonstrates how scriptures and scripture-based books could enhance the understanding of divine plans. The scriptures themselves are sources of divine wisdom and understanding of God's plans, purposes, and prophetic events, with specific verses highlighting how knowledge is gained and increased through diligent study of sacred texts. Christian books and scriptures have a transformative impact by providing spiritual nourishment, offering guidance for daily life, strengthening faith and hope, deepening insight and revelation knowledge, and fostering a deeper relationship with God. Ass we each for and pursue Divine Understanding, the Impactful Power in books will find positive expressions in our lives and ministries.

We have been privileged to examine the impact of some classical and contemporary books, namely: Pilgrim’s Progress; The Imitation of Christ;  Knowing God; The Pursuit of God; The Cost of Discipleship; The Celebration of Discipline; Humility; Crazy Love; A Passion for Faithfulness; The Passion for Souls; A Heart Ablaze; Pillars of Destiny; Maximize Destiny; Destiny; Purpose Driven Life; In Pursuit of Purpose; Don’t Waste Your Life; The Four Loves; and Five Love Languages.

Scripture is described as being profitable for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” helping to transform a Christian's character into the image of Jesus (2Tim.3:16-17). Like the scriptures, the above-listed books and many others, to varying degrees, were inspired or God-breathed, capable of providing spiritual nourishment, guidance, and wisdom for making decisions in various aspects of life, offering clear moral norms and guiding principles, enhancing spiritual maturity and personal growth, shaping character, deepening connection and intimacy with God; equipping for godly, purposeful, and Christ-centred lives and relationships, discipling in the faith, and empowering for acceptable service and maximized ministry.

Daniel 12:4 states that in the end time, many will search avidly the scrolls, leading to an increase in knowledge, particularly of God's prophetic purposes. Bible-based books possess the power to give hope, enlighten, liberate, transform lives, inspire actions that reflect faith, connect readers to deeper spiritual purposes, offer unique perspectives that shape understanding and foster inner strength, and provide a formidable platform for personal, professional, family, ministry, and leadership Impact!