A Fishy Sermon - Special Speaker: Deacon John Schiavo by Rev. Gregory G. Capel, Jr.

Every generation faces moments when fear threatens faith. For King Ahaz of Judah, such a moment arrived as Israel and Aram's armies neared Jerusalem, gripping the court with panic. Instead of trusting God, Ahaz relied on alliances and strategy. Despite this, God did not abandon him. Through Isaiah, God offered a sign to confirm His promise, aiming to steady Ahaz, not strengthen Himself. Ahaz’s refusal to ask for a sign showed unbelief disguised as piety, revealing a hardened heart against God.

Peace is one of life’s most underrated treasures. Proverbs 17:1-6 opens with the vivid contrast between a dry morsel in peace and a banquet filled with strife. The wisdom here reminds us that joy is not found in abundance, but in the quiet strength of contentment. A heart at rest before God turns even the simplest meal into a feast of gratitude, while a heart consumed by pride or conflict can turn plenty into poison. True peace does not come from possessions, but from a right relationship with God and others. It is the calm confidence that God’s presence is better than any prosperity, and His favor more satisfying than the most decadent feast.

Life can shake confidence, and crises make even the strongest tremble. Isaiah 7 depicts such a moment in Judah’s history. King Ahaz faced overwhelming threats as Israel and Aram allied against Jerusalem. Despite these intimidating plans, God declared they would not prevail. The people, filled with fear, faced a choice: trust in the Lord or succumb to unbelief. This tension is not just in history but also in daily life. A doctor’s diagnosis, job loss, or global unrest can shake hearts and create fear. The choice, like Ahaz’s, is to stand firm in faith or fall in fear. Isaiah’s message is that genuine stability comes from trusting the Lord, not human allies or material security. The real battle is resisting doubt in God’s promises; faith anchors us against fear.

Proverbs 16:31-33 concludes the chapter by celebrating the peace and strength that come from self-control and complete trust in God’s sovereignty. These verses remind us that wisdom, patience, and restraint are greater marks of honor than power or conquest. The gray hair of the righteous is described as a crown of glory, symbolizing a life well-lived in faithfulness and godly discipline. In a world that prizes impulsiveness and control, this passage calls us to surrender our will to the Lord’s guidance, trusting that He governs every outcome and blesses those who walk humbly in His ways.

Though the serpent schemes and saints suffer, the final word is the Savior’s. In Daniel 12, the focus shifts from earthly battles to heavenly rewards. The faithful are not forgotten, and the sealed are not lost. God has set a day for deliverance, a righteous resurrection, and a reward brighter than any earthly crown. The vision's final part shows the splendor of the saved, a reminder that those who walk in wisdom today will shine in eternal glory.

Proverbs 16:25-30 warns us of the deceptive nature of sin and the destruction it brings, while calling us to walk in integrity. These verses reveal how a path may appear right in our own eyes but ultimately leads to death, showing the danger of relying on self instead of God’s wisdom. They also describe how evil intentions, corrupt speech, and divisive actions spread harm and ruin relationships. In contrast, integrity keeps us aligned with God’s truth and guards us from the snares of sin. This passage challenges us to examine our motives and choices, ensuring that our steps are rooted in righteousness and guided by the fear of the Lord.

Though Daniel 11:1-35 reveals intense earthly conflict and the persecution of the faithful under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the vision does not stop there. It shifts into a broader and more ominous portrait, one that transcends the historical and reaches toward the eschatological. A new figure emerges, one who defies every god and exalts himself with blasphemous arrogance. The vision now exposes the schemes of the serpent in Daniel 11:36-45.

Proverbs 16:16-24 reminds us that wisdom and understanding are treasures more valuable than silver or gold. While wealth can provide temporary comfort, only wisdom brings lasting blessings, guiding us into choices that honor God and enrich our lives. These verses emphasize that humility, trust in the Lord, and gracious speech flow from a heart shaped by wisdom, bringing peace and healing to others. In a world that often prioritizes wealth over character, this passage invites us to pursue wisdom first, recognizing that it is the key to genuine prosperity and a life that reflects God’s truth.

In Daniel’s final chapters, the prophet envisions centuries of conflict ending in hope for resurrection. Daniel 11 and 12 explore spiritual struggles, satanic schemes, and God’s salvation, emphasizing that spiritual realities underlie earthly powers. Daniel sees Persia and Greece’s kings, culminating in a final arrogant ruler who exalts himself and persecutes God’s people. God assures Daniel that the faithful—those in His book—will be saved, not the powerful but the loyal. As Daniel’s prophecy ends, he offers reassurance: suffering is not final for God’s saints. Believers are called to live wisely, courageously, and clearly, enduring struggles, resisting schemes, and awaiting glory. The faithful may be battered but never forgotten, destined to shine like stars forever.

Proverbs 16:10-15 highlights the vital connection between leadership and God’s justice, reminding us that all authority ultimately comes from the Lord. These verses emphasize the weight of responsibility carried by rulers and the expectation that their decisions reflect truth, righteousness, and fairness. A wise and just leader brings stability, blessing, and life to those they govern, while corruption and folly bring harm and destruction. This passage reminds us that God holds leaders accountable for their actions, and it challenges us to pray for those in authority while also striving to lead with integrity in the areas of influence God has entrusted to us.

The second half of the chapter takes the reader into the heart of the unseen battle—angelic forces contending with demonic powers, Michael the archangel joining the fight, and the reassurance of God’s unshakable plan. In this portion, the focus shifts from Daniel’s preparation to the cosmic conflict and the comfort that comes from knowing that heaven’s armies are actively engaged on behalf of God’s people. It is here that the reality of spiritual warfare becomes intensely personal, showing that while battles rage beyond sight, God’s truth and purposes will always prevail.

Proverbs 16:1-9 reminds us that while we may dream, plan, and pursue our paths, the outcome rests in the hands of the Lord. These verses beautifully weave together human responsibility and divine sovereignty, showing that our choices matter, but God’s purposes always prevail. We are called to commit our works to Him, walk in integrity, and trust His wisdom over our limited understanding. In a world where self-reliance is praised, this passage anchors us in the truth that security, success, and peace come when we surrender our plans to the God who directs our steps.

As the narrative continues in verses 12-21, the curtain is pulled back further to reveal what was happening in the unseen realm during those three weeks of fasting and prayer. The heavenly messenger explains that from the first day Daniel prayed, his words were heard, yet the answer was delayed because of spiritual resistance. The second half of the chapter takes the reader into the heart of the unseen battle—angelic forces contending with demonic powers, Michael the archangel joining the fight, and the reassurance of God’s unshakable plan. In this portion, the focus shifts from Daniel’s preparation to the cosmic conflict and the comfort that comes from knowing that heaven’s armies are actively engaged on behalf of God’s people. It is here that the reality of spiritual warfare becomes intensely personal, showing that while battles rage beyond sight, God’s truth and purposes will always prevail.

As we turn back to Matthew 24 and the disciples’ three questions, we’re reminded of how deeply God cares about our concerns for the future. Their questions—about timing, about His coming, and about the end—are the same questions that weigh on believers today. By replaying this message, we are keeping our hearts anchored in the words of Christ Himself. And it connects beautifully to our current study of Daniel, because Daniel lays the prophetic foundation, while Jesus gives us the fulfillment perspective. Together, they remind us that God’s plan is unfolding with perfect wisdom, and we can live with confidence, not fear.

In a world focused on visible, measurable things, it's easy to overlook that crucial battles happen unseen. Daniel 10 reveals the spiritual conflict underlying history, showing that earthly events are mere surface ripples of a deeper war. Daniel, devoted to God, mourns, fasts, and seeks understanding amid visions. This chapter reminds us of a cosmic struggle for God’s people, where angels fight against demonic forces, messengers strengthen the weary, and prayer has an influence that extends beyond the earth. It underscores that God’s people often feel weak or unheard, yet an unseen battle rages with angel armies. Believers are called to look beyond their circumstances, knowing that God’s active work is at work in both the seen and unseen realms. Life is a spiritual war, but believers are not alone—angelic armies, a sovereign God, and victory are assured.

Proverbs 15:25-33 draws a sharp contrast between the destiny of the wicked and the blessing of the upright, showing how God responds to pride, injustice, humility, and righteousness. These verses reveal that the Lord actively tears down the plans of the proud while establishing and protecting the humble. The upright find favor through integrity, wise speech, and a teachable spirit, while the wicked bring trouble upon themselves through greed, arrogance, and resistance to correction. This passage calls us to embrace humility, guard our words, and walk in the fear of the Lord, knowing that these qualities lead to honor, wisdom, and life.

Daniel 9:20-27, known as The Seventy Weeks, is a detailed prophecy given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel after his prayer for Jerusalem. It reveals God’s plan from the Persian decree to build Jerusalem, through the Messiah’s coming, to the future Tribulation. This key eschatological passage highlights God’s precision, power, and purpose. Well-structured and rich in theology, it shows God operates on a divine schedule, guiding history toward a predetermined end. For believers, Daniel 9:20-27 reminds that even in chaos, God works His redemptive plan. It calls the church to discernment and hope, recognizing that history follows God's decrees. The seventy weeks prophecy shows God’s purposes fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 15:18-24 highlights the practical blessings that flow from living a righteous and wise life. These verses contrast the outcomes of anger versus patience, pride versus humility, and folly versus discernment. A life marked by righteousness brings peace, joy, and guidance, while a life driven by selfishness and impulsiveness leads to strife and destruction. God honors those who pursue wisdom and seek counsel, guiding them along a path that leads away from trouble and toward life. This passage invites us to consider how our daily choices, rooted in patience, humility, and godly wisdom, can lead to lasting blessings and deeper alignment with God’s purpose.

In a world of shallow promises and noise, God’s people seek deeper prayer—prayer that truly matters, reaches beyond the ceiling, and moves heaven. Daniel 9:1-19 shows such a prayer: not flashy or self-centered, but fervent, Scripture-fed, and humble. An aged prophet and exile, Daniel remains rooted in God’s Word, interceding for his people. His heart, stirred by God's promises in Scripture, confesses Israel’s sin and praises God’s righteousness. His prayer is personal, passionate, and seeks restoration for God’s people, city, and name. This example invites believers to rediscover prayer that heaven hears and history honors.