When the world calls us to dance to their song, live their way, and serve their causes, God shows us He is the only one worthy of our allegiance.

You live in a war zone, but Jesus is our war hero - so shine.

In this talk Daniel sides with his people in owning the sin that brought on God's just judgment of the exile. Knowing that in 70 years the exile is over Daniel confesses his sins because God is merciful. God immediately answers the prayer with the promises that the Messiah will be killed and cut off. He will bring the end of sin and sacrifice.

Daniel's picture of the Lord Jesus is of the crowned Lord of All, with absolute authority, glory, and sovereign power.

When God is our judge we will work with integrity and fear only God. We may not always escape the jaws of the lions but in Christ we will escape the jaws of judgment.

In Daniel 4 we hear the testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar. A king of Babylon who is cut down in his prime and in his mind until he looks up to the God most high who truly rules over heaven and earth.

Before Daniel 3 is about 3 men who survive a fire and live to tell the tale, it's about God. We learn that He is a real God (not a fake God), a God who saves, and a God committed to his glory rather than our comfort.

Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. Daniel co-operated with the despot but did not compromise. And God was faithful to him.

Who rules the world determines who you trust. And who you trust determines whether you're wise. Daniel trusted in the LORD and was determined to not defile himself as he and his friends lived in exile in Babylon.