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It Is Written with John Bradshaw

John Bradshaw - Daniel and the Lion's Den

June 1, 2025 | S25:E23

John Bradshaw - Daniel and the Lion's Den
It Is Written seeks to impact lives for Christ.
#Faith #WalkwithGod #Religion #Attitude #Encouragement #WordofGod #Belief #inActive #EndTimes #Tribulation #Worship #Baptism #Jealousy #ItIsWrittenwithJohnBradshaw #JohnBradshaw #Esther1:1

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It Is Written with John Bradshaw | John Bradshaw - Daniel and the Lion's Den | June 1, 2025
  • ♪[dramatic, triumphant theme music]♪
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  • ♪[music ends]♪♪
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  • ♪[reflective piano music]♪
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  • >>john bradshaw: through the story in daniel,
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  • Chapter 6, we get another look into events that will unfold
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  • In the last days of earth's history.
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  • The first half of daniel is mainly stories,
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  • Each of them pointing towards important events
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  • That will take place before the return of jesus.
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  • In daniel, chapter 6 the prophet is cast into a den of lions,
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  • While the king who sentenced daniel to death
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  • Is so distressed he can't sleep at night.
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  • The story has a dramatic conclusion while helping us
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  • Understand some of the most important prophecies
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  • In the entire bible.
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  • By the time we get to daniel 6,
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  • The babylonian empire no longer exists.
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  • While the story takes place in the city of babylon,
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  • The medo-persian empire, which is a joint kingdom
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  • Of the medes and the persians,
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  • Both from what today we'd call iran, is now in power.
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  • They took the kingdom on the night belshazzar,
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  • The grandson of nebuchadnezzar, had his blasphemous,
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  • Drunken party as his enemies were at the gates of the city.
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  • [whoosh]
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  • ♪[orchestral music swells]♪
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  • [tinkling sound of wind-blown sand]
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  • [whoosh, distant bell rings]
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  • [wind blowing, sand swishing]
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  • Thanks for joining me on "it is written."
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  • The medo-persian empire was much larger
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  • Than the babylonian empire.
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  • Babylon extended from the persian gulf
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  • Into what today we call iraq.
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  • It took in parts of western iran,
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  • Arced across syria and southern turkey,
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  • And then curved down the eastern mediterranean
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  • Through lebanon, israel, and part of western saudi arabia.
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  • Persia, on the other hand, extended from egypt
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  • Up to parts of greece, across turkey to iran,
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  • And stretching south to the arabian sea,
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  • Including some of afghanistan, pakistan, and more.
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  • The books of ezra, nehemiah, and esther take place
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  • During the time of the medo-persian empire.
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  • The first verse of esther states that the empire
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  • Contained 127 provinces
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  • And stretched from india to ethiopia.
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  • The bible is anchored in history and geography.
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  • When we turn to daniel 6, darius is king.
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  • Babylon was conquered in 539 b.c.,
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  • And daniel 6 takes place a little after that.
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  • There's a bit of a mystery about darius.
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  • Cyrus the great is known to have been the leader
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  • Of the medo-persian empire.
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  • Darius was likely the man who led the invading armies
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  • Into babylon and who ruled for a time as king
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  • Before dying a year later.
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  • It wasn't until then that cyrus assumed the title
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  • As king of babylon.
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  • Darius was killed by the priests of marduk,
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  • Who were furious that he prohibited praying to marduk
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  • And that he had issued a decree in favor of daniel's god.
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  • This isn't without precedent.
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  • When nabonidus favored the moon goddess over marduk,
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  • The chief god of babylon, he exiled to arabia.
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  • The babylonian priests weren't to be messed with.
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  • Just as the prophecy of daniel 2 said would happen,
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  • Babylon fell, the head of gold
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  • Giving way to the chest and arms of silver.
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  • By now, daniel is an elderly man and about to face
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  • What might be his most difficult trial--
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  • And all because of petty jealousy.
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  • The king set 120 princes over his empire,
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  • With three governors over those princes, one of whom was daniel,
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  • An incredible accomplishment for a man who was
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  • Not only a foreigner but a slave and had been an official
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  • In the government of babylon,
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  • Which medo-persia had conquered.
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  • It wouldn't have been any sort of surprise
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  • If an incoming emperor
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  • Had done away with his rivals inner circle.
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  • But darius was more conciliatory a figure
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  • Than his babylonian predecessor
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  • And preferred to make allies rather than vassals.
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  • "then this daniel distinguished himself above the governors
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  • "and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him;
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  • "and the king gave thought to setting him
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  • Over the whole realm."
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  • Here's a lesson for everyone.
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  • If you want to excel, do what daniel did
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  • And serve god faithfully.
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  • Let an excellent spirit be found in you.
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  • You'll get noticed in school, in the workplace.
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  • You'll get noticed on your team.
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  • People want to do business with someone
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  • Who has the right spirit, the right attitude.
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  • Now, that doesn't mean that being a christian
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  • Means everything you touch will turn to gold.
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  • But an excellent spirit will turn into excellence
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  • In your life.
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  • It'll keep you from making
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  • Some of the poor mistakes others make,
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  • And it will result in the blessing of god.
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  • You won't be the one getting drunk at the office party
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  • Because there's an excellent spirit in you.
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  • You're not the one making poor moral choices
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  • Because you've chosen to honor god.
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  • The police aren't knocking at your door
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  • Because you've given them no reason to.
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  • God is looking for people to use, for people to elevate.
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  • A friend of mine started a mechanic shop.
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  • He never advertised, and he didn't need to.
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  • When an elderly person stopped by to get their taillight fixed
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  • And it just needed a bulb that cost two dollars,
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  • He fixed it and told that person, "no charge."
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  • When a car came in with a rattle and the mechanic
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  • Discovered that all it needed was a loose bolt tightened,
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  • They'd take care of it and send the person on their way.
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  • They never padded charges,
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  • And they were so busy they had to turn people away.
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  • My friend had an excellent spirit in him,
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  • And the blessing of god rested on him.
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  • Daniel worked hard, and he worked faithfully,
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  • Even though his boss was a pagan.
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  • He knew that wherever he was and whatever he was doing,
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  • He represented god.
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  • My mechanic, now, people trust him.
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  • He has that excellent spirit daniel had.
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  • But you honoring god won't please everyone.
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  • When daniel lived his life to honor god,
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  • Some people didn't like that.
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  • But daniel's trial was allowed by god so that 2,500 years later
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  • People would still be talking about
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  • How god did great things through this faithful man.
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  • What we see is that daniel shone the brightest for god
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  • When things got darkest.
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  • Daniel 6, verse 4, one of the most remarkable verses
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  • In the entire bible:
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  • "so the governors and satraps sought to find some charge
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  • "against daniel concerning the kingdom;
  • 00:06:58.837 --> 00:07:01.507
  • "but they could find no charge or fault,
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  • "because he was faithful; nor was there any error
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  • Or fault found in him."
  • 00:07:08.647 --> 00:07:11.049
  • They wanted to get him in trouble,
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  • But there wasn't anything to pin on him.
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  • He'd been honest. he'd been hardworking.
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  • He'd lived with integrity.
  • 00:07:19.725 --> 00:07:22.160
  • "then these men said, 'we shall not find any charge
  • 00:07:22.160 --> 00:07:25.597
  • "'against this daniel unless we find it against him
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  • Concerning the law of his god.'"
  • 00:07:28.667 --> 00:07:32.137
  • Wanting desperately to trap daniel, they knew
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  • They'd have to do something with regard to his faith in god
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  • Because there was no way he would ever do anything
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  • To dishonor god.
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  • What a thing for someone to say!
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  • "we want to get him in trouble, but the man is faultless."
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  • That's the way to live-- above reproach,
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  • A true witness for the lord.
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  • And you may, if you'll genuinely surrender your life to god,
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  • That will be your experience.
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  • They went to the king with their plan and appealed
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  • To him to pass a law stating that the only one
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  • Any person could pray to for an entire month
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  • Was the king himself.
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  • Anyone who contravened the law would be thrown
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  • Into a den of lions.
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  • Now, it wasn't as strange an idea as it might seem.
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  • This may have appealed to the king as a good way
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  • To unite people around the new leader of an empire.
  • 00:08:24.289 --> 00:08:28.794
  • "'now, o king, establish the decree and sign the writing,
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  • "'so that it cannot be changed, according to the law
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  • "of the medes and persians, which does not alter.'
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  • Therefore king darius signed the written decree."
  • 00:08:39.705 --> 00:08:44.376
  • Notice what happens next.
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  • There was no way in the world daniel was ever going to obey
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  • This law, which was the whole point.
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  • It was designed to trap him.
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  • It was passed for the sole purpose of ensuring his demise.
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  • And he knew this law was a death sentence for him.
  • 00:08:56.388 --> 00:08:59.625
  • So, what would he do? let's find out.
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  • "now when daniel knew that the writing was signed,
  • 00:09:02.394 --> 00:09:04.896
  • "he went home. and in his upper room,
  • 00:09:04.896 --> 00:09:08.166
  • "with his windows open towards jerusalem,
  • 00:09:08.166 --> 00:09:11.703
  • "he knelt down on his knees three times that day,
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  • And prayed and gave thanks before his god."
  • 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:19.611
  • The law was to be in effect for 30 days,
  • 00:09:19.611 --> 00:09:23.181
  • But his enemies didn't have to wait.
  • 00:09:23.181 --> 00:09:25.651
  • Daniel broke it on day one.
  • 00:09:25.651 --> 00:09:29.921
  • Knowing the law had been signed,
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  • Knowing that there would be people spying on him,
  • 00:09:31.857 --> 00:09:34.626
  • Daniel went to his home,
  • 00:09:34.626 --> 00:09:36.228
  • Where people would know where to find him.
  • 00:09:36.228 --> 00:09:39.064
  • He went to his upper room.
  • 00:09:39.064 --> 00:09:40.499
  • He could have shut himself up in a broom closet
  • 00:09:40.499 --> 00:09:42.634
  • Or his pantry, where no one see him.
  • 00:09:42.634 --> 00:09:45.404
  • But not daniel-- his windows were open.
  • 00:09:45.404 --> 00:09:48.340
  • He was making no attempt to hide what he was doing.
  • 00:09:48.340 --> 00:09:51.443
  • In fact, his windows were open towards jerusalem.
  • 00:09:51.443 --> 00:09:54.946
  • In case someone thought daniel might be praying to the king,
  • 00:09:54.946 --> 00:09:57.449
  • He made it obvious he was praying to god.
  • 00:09:57.449 --> 00:10:01.019
  • And he was on his knees.
  • 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:02.921
  • He could easily have reclined in an easy chair,
  • 00:10:02.921 --> 00:10:05.624
  • Closed his eyes, and prayed silently.
  • 00:10:05.624 --> 00:10:08.593
  • He could have laid down on his sofa.
  • 00:10:08.593 --> 00:10:10.395
  • There were a hundred ways daniel could have been faithful to god
  • 00:10:10.395 --> 00:10:13.732
  • Without imperiling his life.
  • 00:10:13.732 --> 00:10:15.967
  • But that wasn't the way this faithful man of god
  • 00:10:15.967 --> 00:10:18.003
  • Wanted to live.
  • 00:10:18.003 --> 00:10:19.137
  • He was announcing, "i am on my knees,
  • 00:10:19.137 --> 00:10:22.607
  • Praying to the god of heaven."
  • 00:10:22.607 --> 00:10:24.543
  • And he didn't do it just once.
  • 00:10:24.543 --> 00:10:27.312
  • Once and the king could have said, "he forgot."
  • 00:10:27.312 --> 00:10:30.949
  • Daniel did this three times a day,
  • 00:10:30.949 --> 00:10:33.351
  • Which sounds as though he did it one day and then the next.
  • 00:10:33.351 --> 00:10:39.257
  • Notice that he prayed and gave thanks.
  • 00:10:39.257 --> 00:10:44.062
  • What was he giving thanks for?
  • 00:10:44.062 --> 00:10:46.031
  • The man was destined for a lions' den,
  • 00:10:46.031 --> 00:10:48.600
  • And yet daniel was thanking god.
  • 00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:52.237
  • So, let's think about this.
  • 00:10:52.237 --> 00:10:53.905
  • What is there to be thankful for
  • 00:10:53.905 --> 00:10:55.407
  • When your life is about to end, and end horribly?
  • 00:10:55.407 --> 00:11:00.712
  • What do you think daniel was thanking god for?
  • 00:11:00.712 --> 00:11:02.981
  • He was a captive, a slave in a foreign land filled with idols
  • 00:11:02.981 --> 00:11:06.618
  • And idol worshipers--and the hideous behavior
  • 00:11:06.618 --> 00:11:09.421
  • That went along with all of that.
  • 00:11:09.421 --> 00:11:11.156
  • He'd been separated from his homeland for around 70 years.
  • 00:11:11.156 --> 00:11:16.261
  • Maybe he was thankful for a long life.
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  • Maybe he was thankful for his ministry.
  • 00:11:18.563 --> 00:11:20.532
  • He might have been thankful that the 70 years of captivity
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  • In babylon was soon to be over.
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  • He was almost certainly thankful that he had
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  • The opportunity to honor god.
  • 00:11:28.173 --> 00:11:30.542
  • He'd have thought back over his long life
  • 00:11:30.542 --> 00:11:32.544
  • And looked forward to eternity and been thankful.
  • 00:11:32.544 --> 00:11:37.149
  • That's the attitude a believer in jesus can have today.
  • 00:11:37.149 --> 00:11:40.418
  • Someone just heard that their life is going to end.
  • 00:11:40.418 --> 00:11:44.089
  • You might have received a difficult diagnosis.
  • 00:11:44.089 --> 00:11:46.658
  • Is there anything to be thankful for?
  • 00:11:46.658 --> 00:11:50.095
  • Or you heard the parent of your spouse has dementia,
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  • And you know that things are going to be difficult now.
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  • Can you thank god?
  • 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.536
  • Someone you look up to in the church
  • 00:11:57.536 --> 00:11:59.237
  • Just did something terrible.
  • 00:11:59.237 --> 00:12:01.006
  • Your illusions have been shattered,
  • 00:12:01.006 --> 00:12:03.408
  • And you're wondering about walking away from god.
  • 00:12:03.408 --> 00:12:05.877
  • No. instead, thank god.
  • 00:12:05.877 --> 00:12:09.014
  • He's still god. he's still good.
  • 00:12:09.014 --> 00:12:11.716
  • He still loves you. heaven is still there.
  • 00:12:11.716 --> 00:12:15.053
  • Even if things look grim, thank god and don't lose heart.
  • 00:12:15.053 --> 00:12:19.224
  • Don't let your faith crash.
  • 00:12:19.224 --> 00:12:21.526
  • You can still trust god.
  • 00:12:21.526 --> 00:12:23.895
  • No doubt daniel thanked god that god had it all worked out.
  • 00:12:23.895 --> 00:12:29.301
  • Back in daniel 3, before daniel's friends were cast
  • 00:12:29.301 --> 00:12:32.871
  • Into a fiery furnace, they said to the king,
  • 00:12:32.871 --> 00:12:36.474
  • "our god whom we serve is able to deliver us
  • 00:12:36.474 --> 00:12:39.477
  • "from the burning fiery furnace,
  • 00:12:39.477 --> 00:12:42.080
  • "and he will deliver us from your hand, o king.
  • 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:45.083
  • "but if not, let it be known to you, o king,
  • 00:12:45.083 --> 00:12:48.286
  • "that we [will] not serve your gods,
  • 00:12:48.286 --> 00:12:50.956
  • Nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
  • 00:12:50.956 --> 00:12:55.527
  • Daniel was now in a similar situation.
  • 00:12:55.527 --> 00:12:58.330
  • Daniel 6, verse 11:
  • 00:12:58.330 --> 00:13:00.298
  • "then these men assembled and found daniel praying
  • 00:13:00.298 --> 00:13:03.768
  • And making supplication before his god."
  • 00:13:03.768 --> 00:13:06.771
  • And they went to the king:
  • 00:13:06.771 --> 00:13:08.773
  • "didn't you sign a law, your majesty,
  • 00:13:08.773 --> 00:13:11.476
  • "saying that anyone who prays to anyone but you
  • 00:13:11.476 --> 00:13:14.613
  • Would be thrown into a den of lions?"
  • 00:13:14.613 --> 00:13:17.182
  • When he answered in the affirmative, they said,
  • 00:13:17.182 --> 00:13:19.618
  • "that daniel, who is one of the captives from judah,
  • 00:13:19.618 --> 00:13:23.288
  • "does not show due regard for you, o king,
  • 00:13:23.288 --> 00:13:26.258
  • "or for the decree that you have signed,
  • 00:13:26.258 --> 00:13:28.793
  • But makes his petition three times a day."
  • 00:13:28.793 --> 00:13:33.632
  • Darius was appalled, realizing he'd been sucked into a trap.
  • 00:13:33.632 --> 00:13:39.404
  • "and the king, when he heard these words,
  • 00:13:39.404 --> 00:13:41.339
  • "was greatly displeased with himself,
  • 00:13:41.339 --> 00:13:43.875
  • "and set his heart on daniel to deliver him;
  • 00:13:43.875 --> 00:13:46.878
  • And he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him."
  • 00:13:46.878 --> 00:13:51.116
  • Now, you might just think,
  • 00:13:51.116 --> 00:13:52.751
  • Why didn't the king simply release him?
  • 00:13:52.751 --> 00:13:56.688
  • Well, as we've read before, the medes' and the persians' laws
  • 00:13:56.688 --> 00:14:00.692
  • Could not be changed once enacted.
  • 00:14:00.692 --> 00:14:03.995
  • "then these men approached the king, and said to the king,
  • 00:14:03.995 --> 00:14:07.899
  • "'know, o king, that it is the law of the medes and persians
  • 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:11.569
  • "'that no decree or statute which the king establishes
  • 00:14:11.569 --> 00:14:15.607
  • May be changed.'"
  • 00:14:15.607 --> 00:14:17.409
  • There was nothing subtle about this.
  • 00:14:17.409 --> 00:14:19.611
  • Daniel's rivals weren't even trying to hide their motives.
  • 00:14:19.611 --> 00:14:22.881
  • "so the king gave the command, and they brought daniel
  • 00:14:22.881 --> 00:14:25.517
  • "and cast him into the den of lions.
  • 00:14:25.517 --> 00:14:28.019
  • "but the king spoke, saying to daniel, 'your god,
  • 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:30.789
  • Whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.'"
  • 00:14:30.789 --> 00:14:34.392
  • That's real faith in god
  • 00:14:34.392 --> 00:14:36.127
  • From a man who doesn't profess any faith in god.
  • 00:14:36.127 --> 00:14:39.331
  • ♪[somber music]♪
  • 00:14:39.331 --> 00:14:40.732
  • And into the lions' den daniel went.
  • 00:14:40.732 --> 00:14:45.303
  • "then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den,
  • 00:14:45.303 --> 00:14:49.307
  • "and the king sealed it with his own signet ring
  • 00:14:49.307 --> 00:14:51.910
  • "and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose
  • 00:14:51.910 --> 00:14:54.579
  • Concerning daniel might not be changed."
  • 00:14:54.579 --> 00:14:58.216
  • [lions roar]
  • 00:14:58.216 --> 00:15:01.186
  • It's no surprise there was a lions' den in babylon.
  • 00:15:01.186 --> 00:15:03.855
  • At that time, asiatic lions were found in saudi arabia,
  • 00:15:03.855 --> 00:15:07.492
  • Eastern turkey, iran, and iraq.
  • 00:15:07.492 --> 00:15:10.295
  • Snow leopards are found today in afghanistan, pakistan, nepal,
  • 00:15:10.295 --> 00:15:14.933
  • And a number of other countries.
  • 00:15:14.933 --> 00:15:16.835
  • Lions were plentiful in that part of the world at that time.
  • 00:15:16.835 --> 00:15:21.106
  • The bible says,
  • 00:15:21.106 --> 00:15:22.507
  • "the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting;
  • 00:15:22.507 --> 00:15:27.345
  • "and no musicians were brought before him.
  • 00:15:27.345 --> 00:15:30.348
  • And his sleep went from him."
  • 00:15:30.348 --> 00:15:33.618
  • After an anguished night, the king hurried to the lions' den
  • 00:15:33.618 --> 00:15:37.322
  • Early in the morning, and "he cried out
  • 00:15:37.322 --> 00:15:39.557
  • "with a lamenting voice for daniel.
  • 00:15:39.557 --> 00:15:41.326
  • "the king spoke, saying to daniel, 'daniel,
  • 00:15:41.326 --> 00:15:43.828
  • "'servant of the living god, has your god,
  • 00:15:43.828 --> 00:15:46.431
  • "'whom you serve continually,
  • 00:15:46.431 --> 00:15:48.066
  • Been able to deliver you from the lions?'"
  • 00:15:48.066 --> 00:15:51.269
  • Would daniel respond? or would there be silence?
  • 00:15:51.269 --> 00:15:54.739
  • The king heard a familiar voice:
  • 00:15:54.739 --> 00:15:56.841
  • "o king, live forever!
  • 00:15:56.841 --> 00:15:58.676
  • "my god sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths,
  • 00:15:58.676 --> 00:16:03.148
  • "so that they have not hurt me, because i was found innocent
  • 00:16:03.148 --> 00:16:06.551
  • Before him; and also, o king, i have done no wrong before you."
  • 00:16:06.551 --> 00:16:11.589
  • What a miracle this was!
  • 00:16:11.589 --> 00:16:14.059
  • Daniel had gone into a lions' den and come out
  • 00:16:14.059 --> 00:16:16.728
  • Unharmed, unscathed, unscratched.
  • 00:16:16.728 --> 00:16:21.299
  • The king was overjoyed, but he wasn't so thrilled
  • 00:16:21.299 --> 00:16:24.736
  • With the behavior of the men who set daniel up.
  • 00:16:24.736 --> 00:16:27.939
  • "and the king gave the command, and they brought those men
  • 00:16:27.939 --> 00:16:30.875
  • "who had accused daniel, and they cast them
  • 00:16:30.875 --> 00:16:34.345
  • "into the den of lions--them, their children, and their wives;
  • 00:16:34.345 --> 00:16:39.517
  • "and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones
  • 00:16:39.517 --> 00:16:43.054
  • In pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den."
  • 00:16:43.054 --> 00:16:46.091
  • If that seems severe, well, it is.
  • 00:16:47.058 --> 00:16:51.629
  • The king's moral compass was calibrated a little differently
  • 00:16:51.629 --> 00:16:55.233
  • To daniel's.
  • 00:16:55.233 --> 00:16:56.634
  • And keep in mind that there's plenty we're not told here.
  • 00:16:56.634 --> 00:16:58.970
  • So, you can imagine that the king had information,
  • 00:16:58.970 --> 00:17:01.239
  • At least in his mind, that justified his harsh sentence.
  • 00:17:01.239 --> 00:17:05.710
  • Darius was so impressed with daniel
  • 00:17:05.710 --> 00:17:08.113
  • That he issued this decree:
  • 00:17:08.113 --> 00:17:10.248
  • "in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble
  • 00:17:10.248 --> 00:17:13.084
  • "and fear before the god of daniel.
  • 00:17:13.084 --> 00:17:15.120
  • "for he is the living god, and steadfast forever;
  • 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:18.323
  • "his kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
  • 00:17:18.323 --> 00:17:21.159
  • "and his dominion shall endure to the end.
  • 00:17:21.159 --> 00:17:23.895
  • "he delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders
  • 00:17:23.895 --> 00:17:27.298
  • "in heaven and on earth, who has delivered daniel
  • 00:17:27.298 --> 00:17:30.135
  • From the power of the lions."
  • 00:17:30.135 --> 00:17:32.403
  • Now, we wouldn't necessarily applaud that,
  • 00:17:32.403 --> 00:17:36.141
  • Even though some might like the idea that everyone
  • 00:17:36.141 --> 00:17:39.711
  • In this scenario is going to have to honor the true god.
  • 00:17:39.711 --> 00:17:43.815
  • It isn't god's way to issue decrees
  • 00:17:43.815 --> 00:17:46.618
  • That people must serve him.
  • 00:17:46.618 --> 00:17:49.554
  • As joshua 24:15 says,
  • 00:17:49.554 --> 00:17:51.556
  • "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve."
  • 00:17:51.556 --> 00:17:54.893
  • In that era the king was a dictator.
  • 00:17:54.893 --> 00:17:57.362
  • His word was the law.
  • 00:17:57.362 --> 00:17:59.364
  • But god's way isn't to compel
  • 00:17:59.364 --> 00:18:01.499
  • When it comes to matters of faith.
  • 00:18:01.499 --> 00:18:03.601
  • If a law was passed stating that you had to worship the god
  • 00:18:03.601 --> 00:18:06.004
  • Of your local nondenominational christian church,
  • 00:18:06.004 --> 00:18:08.806
  • You might think, "fine, we believe in the father,
  • 00:18:08.806 --> 00:18:12.477
  • "son, and holy spirit. we believe in the bible,
  • 00:18:12.477 --> 00:18:15.413
  • "baptism by immersion,
  • 00:18:15.413 --> 00:18:16.748
  • And that jesus died on the cross for my sins."
  • 00:18:16.748 --> 00:18:19.484
  • Okay, but what if you don't believe in baptism by immersion?
  • 00:18:19.484 --> 00:18:23.888
  • Or what if you're jewish or baha'i or buddhist or muslim,
  • 00:18:23.888 --> 00:18:28.393
  • Or if you don't believe in god?
  • 00:18:28.393 --> 00:18:30.161
  • You wouldn't want to be compelled.
  • 00:18:30.161 --> 00:18:32.931
  • Here in daniel 6 we find a situation
  • 00:18:32.931 --> 00:18:35.633
  • Where the way you relate to god is regulated by the state,
  • 00:18:35.633 --> 00:18:40.705
  • Which leads us to where daniel 6
  • 00:18:40.705 --> 00:18:42.740
  • Is an augury of what's going to happen in earth's last days.
  • 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:47.412
  • A law was passed that daniel simply couldn't obey.
  • 00:18:47.412 --> 00:18:51.516
  • Prayer could only be made to the king and no one else.
  • 00:18:51.516 --> 00:18:55.486
  • Worship was prescribed on pain of death.
  • 00:18:55.486 --> 00:18:59.958
  • So, look at revelation 13.
  • 00:18:59.958 --> 00:19:01.893
  • Remember, these stories in the first half of daniel
  • 00:19:01.893 --> 00:19:05.530
  • Point forward to the very last days.
  • 00:19:05.530 --> 00:19:08.600
  • In revelation 13 a beast rises "up out of the sea."
  • 00:19:08.600 --> 00:19:12.070
  • This is the antichrist, which receives its power from satan,
  • 00:19:12.070 --> 00:19:15.006
  • According to verse 2.
  • 00:19:15.006 --> 00:19:16.741
  • The whole world gives its allegiance to the beast
  • 00:19:16.741 --> 00:19:20.311
  • And, therefore, to satan in verse 3.
  • 00:19:20.311 --> 00:19:24.148
  • And then we read the chilling words,
  • 00:19:24.148 --> 00:19:26.851
  • "all who dwell on the earth will worship him,"
  • 00:19:26.851 --> 00:19:29.354
  • Except for those whose names are written in the book of life.
  • 00:19:29.354 --> 00:19:32.824
  • Then there's a second beast,
  • 00:19:32.824 --> 00:19:34.192
  • And something called "the image to the beast" will be formed.
  • 00:19:34.192 --> 00:19:37.528
  • This will mirror the antichrist power.
  • 00:19:37.528 --> 00:19:40.331
  • Apparent miracles are performed,
  • 00:19:40.331 --> 00:19:42.367
  • Deceiving the people of the world.
  • 00:19:42.367 --> 00:19:44.836
  • And then it says that those who refuse to--now, notice this--
  • 00:19:44.836 --> 00:19:48.373
  • "worship the image of the beast should be killed."
  • 00:19:48.373 --> 00:19:52.777
  • Verse 16 says, "he causes all, both small and great,
  • 00:19:52.777 --> 00:19:57.148
  • "rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark
  • 00:19:57.148 --> 00:20:01.052
  • On their right hand or on their foreheads."
  • 00:20:01.052 --> 00:20:04.789
  • So, here is a power which compels worship
  • 00:20:04.789 --> 00:20:08.326
  • And forces, causes people to receive the mark of the beast.
  • 00:20:08.326 --> 00:20:14.098
  • This is what daniel 6 is warning us about:
  • 00:20:14.098 --> 00:20:17.468
  • A time when worship will be compelled,
  • 00:20:18.436 --> 00:20:22.273
  • When your freedom to follow god, according to the way
  • 00:20:22.273 --> 00:20:24.642
  • You see the bible, will be removed,
  • 00:20:24.642 --> 00:20:28.046
  • And the faithful will be told to do as they're told.
  • 00:20:28.046 --> 00:20:32.183
  • That's the devil's modus operandi:
  • 00:20:32.183 --> 00:20:34.118
  • Compulsion, not freedom.
  • 00:20:34.118 --> 00:20:36.220
  • Jesus came to set people free, saying,
  • 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:38.656
  • "the truth shall make you free."
  • 00:20:38.656 --> 00:20:41.025
  • "where the spirit of the lord is, there is liberty."
  • 00:20:41.025 --> 00:20:43.695
  • That's 2 corinthians 3:17.
  • 00:20:43.695 --> 00:20:46.230
  • God might not always like your choices,
  • 00:20:46.230 --> 00:20:48.700
  • But he'll always respect your right to make your choices,
  • 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:51.836
  • Particularly in the area of worship.
  • 00:20:51.836 --> 00:20:54.772
  • He'll influence you. he'll offer to guide you.
  • 00:20:54.772 --> 00:20:57.442
  • He will appeal to you.
  • 00:20:57.442 --> 00:20:59.277
  • But ultimately god will respect your choice.
  • 00:20:59.277 --> 00:21:02.613
  • Compulsion isn't god's way.
  • 00:21:02.613 --> 00:21:05.149
  • We can persuade, encourage, teach, but not force.
  • 00:21:05.149 --> 00:21:09.220
  • Revelation 13 speaks of a time when individual liberties
  • 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:12.223
  • Are removed and the world is compelled to pay homage
  • 00:21:12.223 --> 00:21:15.927
  • To the creature and not the creator.
  • 00:21:15.927 --> 00:21:20.331
  • So, how do you stand at a time like that?
  • 00:21:20.331 --> 00:21:23.167
  • How was daniel able to make that courageous stand for god?
  • 00:21:23.167 --> 00:21:26.771
  • Was it because he had a lot of faith?
  • 00:21:26.771 --> 00:21:28.806
  • Or because he wanted to give the king a good example?
  • 00:21:28.806 --> 00:21:31.209
  • Now, he did, but that's not what enabled daniel to be faithful.
  • 00:21:31.209 --> 00:21:35.313
  • Let's go back and look at the verse i didn't complete earlier.
  • 00:21:35.313 --> 00:21:39.951
  • I wonder if you noticed that.
  • 00:21:39.951 --> 00:21:41.452
  • Daniel 6, verse 10:
  • 00:21:41.452 --> 00:21:43.688
  • "now when daniel knew that the writing was signed,
  • 00:21:43.688 --> 00:21:46.424
  • "he went home. and in his upper room,
  • 00:21:46.424 --> 00:21:49.127
  • "with his windows open toward jerusalem,
  • 00:21:49.127 --> 00:21:51.863
  • "he knelt down on his knees three times that day,
  • 00:21:51.863 --> 00:21:55.733
  • "and prayed and gave thanks before his god,
  • 00:21:55.733 --> 00:21:59.137
  • As was his custom since early days."
  • 00:21:59.137 --> 00:22:04.142
  • That was daniel's secret.
  • 00:22:04.142 --> 00:22:06.611
  • Close to 85 years old, and when he was in a precious situation,
  • 00:22:06.611 --> 00:22:11.115
  • He was faithful because that's what he'd always been.
  • 00:22:11.115 --> 00:22:15.052
  • It's all he knew.
  • 00:22:15.052 --> 00:22:16.554
  • His spiritual muscle memory kicked in,
  • 00:22:16.554 --> 00:22:19.724
  • And, filled with the holy spirit,
  • 00:22:19.724 --> 00:22:21.893
  • Surrendered to the will of god,
  • 00:22:21.893 --> 00:22:24.662
  • He was faithful because he'd always been faithful.
  • 00:22:24.662 --> 00:22:29.734
  • ♪[reflective piano music]♪
  • 00:22:29.734 --> 00:22:31.169
  • You don't have to look forward to the final days
  • 00:22:31.169 --> 00:22:33.404
  • Of earth's history with fear.
  • 00:22:33.404 --> 00:22:35.973
  • Rather than losing sleep about difficult days
  • 00:22:35.973 --> 00:22:38.543
  • That might be ahead, live a life of faith every day,
  • 00:22:38.543 --> 00:22:42.947
  • Cultivate the excellent spirit daniel had,
  • 00:22:42.947 --> 00:22:45.950
  • Maintain your connection with jesus every day,
  • 00:22:45.950 --> 00:22:48.686
  • Pray, and read and grow in faith.
  • 00:22:48.686 --> 00:22:52.056
  • There are challenges coming,
  • 00:22:52.056 --> 00:22:53.825
  • But if you'll surrender your life to jesus,
  • 00:22:53.825 --> 00:22:56.394
  • God will give you opportunities to reveal what god is like,
  • 00:22:56.394 --> 00:22:59.664
  • How god can sustain you,
  • 00:22:59.664 --> 00:23:01.365
  • How god can bless your life to make it a life of faithfulness.
  • 00:23:01.365 --> 00:23:05.570
  • In an illustration of the days ahead, daniel put god first,
  • 00:23:05.570 --> 00:23:09.574
  • Believed in what god could do, and trusted god.
  • 00:23:09.574 --> 00:23:14.011
  • Can you make that decision today?
  • 00:23:14.011 --> 00:23:16.347
  • I know you can. god is calling to you.
  • 00:23:16.347 --> 00:23:19.116
  • Today, surrender your life to him.
  • 00:23:19.116 --> 00:23:21.452
  • Let his will be done.
  • 00:23:21.452 --> 00:23:23.354
  • And allow god to do in your life
  • 00:23:23.354 --> 00:23:25.923
  • What you could never do yourself.
  • 00:23:25.923 --> 00:23:28.593
  • Now, there's something i'd really like you to have.
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  • I have prepared a study resource for you that will help you get
  • 00:23:30.495 --> 00:23:33.197
  • More out of your study of the book of daniel.
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  • It's absolutely free, won't cost you anything at all,
  • 00:23:35.766 --> 00:23:39.303
  • And i'd love to send it to you right now.
  • 00:23:39.303 --> 00:23:41.539
  • >>announcer: to get today's free offer,
  • 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:43.274
  • "the stories of daniel,"
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  • Call 800-253-3000.
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  • That's 800-253-3000.
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  • You can request "the stories of daniel"
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  • Online at iiwoffer.com.
  • 00:23:52.583 --> 00:23:56.420
  • You can write to the address on your screen
  • 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:58.055
  • Or text "freedaniel" to 71392.
  • 00:23:58.055 --> 00:24:02.159
  • "the stories of daniel,"
  • 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:04.228
  • Faith-building stories given by god
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  • To prepare you for the major events
  • 00:24:06.330 --> 00:24:08.132
  • Of earth's last days.
  • 00:24:08.132 --> 00:24:10.134
  • "the stories of daniel,"
  • 00:24:10.134 --> 00:24:12.036
  • Call 800-253-3000.
  • 00:24:12.036 --> 00:24:14.872
  • Go to iiwoffer.com
  • 00:24:14.872 --> 00:24:17.708
  • Or text "freedaniel" to 71392.
  • 00:24:17.708 --> 00:24:21.512
  • Grow your faith as you prepare for the return of jesus.
  • 00:24:21.512 --> 00:24:24.882
  • >>john: if you're looking for resources to share with others,
  • 00:24:26.851 --> 00:24:29.387
  • People growing in their faith or people looking to know jesus
  • 00:24:29.387 --> 00:24:32.390
  • For the first time,
  • 00:24:32.390 --> 00:24:33.524
  • If you're trying to find meaningful gifts
  • 00:24:33.524 --> 00:24:35.293
  • Or you want to enrich your own spiritual journey,
  • 00:24:35.293 --> 00:24:38.195
  • Visit itiswritten.shop.
  • 00:24:38.195 --> 00:24:41.032
  • That's itiswritten.shop.
  • 00:24:41.032 --> 00:24:43.968
  • Or you can call us at 888-664-5573,
  • 00:24:43.968 --> 00:24:49.807
  • 888-664-5573,
  • 00:24:49.807 --> 00:24:54.679
  • Itiswritten.shop.
  • 00:24:54.679 --> 00:24:56.380
  • >>john: thank you for remembering that it is written
  • 00:24:57.682 --> 00:24:59.750
  • Exists because of the kindness of people just like you.
  • 00:24:59.750 --> 00:25:03.454
  • To support this international life-changing ministry,
  • 00:25:03.454 --> 00:25:06.023
  • Please call us now at 800-253-3000.
  • 00:25:06.023 --> 00:25:10.428
  • You can send your tax-deductible gift
  • 00:25:10.428 --> 00:25:12.096
  • To the address on your screen,
  • 00:25:12.096 --> 00:25:13.564
  • Or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com.
  • 00:25:13.564 --> 00:25:17.635
  • Thank you for your prayers and your financial support.
  • 00:25:17.635 --> 00:25:19.837
  • Our number again is 800-253-3000,
  • 00:25:19.837 --> 00:25:23.574
  • Or you can visit us online at itiswritten.com.
  • 00:25:23.574 --> 00:25:27.278
  • >>john: let me pray with you now.
  • 00:25:29.013 --> 00:25:30.514
  • Our father in heaven, you've been good to open a window
  • 00:25:30.514 --> 00:25:33.017
  • And allow us to see ahead into times which are yet to come.
  • 00:25:33.017 --> 00:25:37.421
  • You are calling us to be faithful, like daniel,
  • 00:25:37.421 --> 00:25:39.223
  • Which we cannot be unless jesus lives his life in us.
  • 00:25:39.223 --> 00:25:44.328
  • Right now, father, as we pray,
  • 00:25:44.328 --> 00:25:45.496
  • There are some people struggling,
  • 00:25:45.496 --> 00:25:46.931
  • Some who know they're far from you.
  • 00:25:46.931 --> 00:25:49.033
  • There are people, many people right now,
  • 00:25:49.033 --> 00:25:50.735
  • From sea to shining sea and around the world who believe
  • 00:25:50.735 --> 00:25:53.137
  • That they're not worthy of your love and goodness
  • 00:25:53.137 --> 00:25:55.106
  • Because they've made such a big mess.
  • 00:25:55.106 --> 00:25:58.776
  • Well, we thank you, lord, that you are a god of grace
  • 00:25:58.776 --> 00:26:01.479
  • And mercy, and you're not depending on our goodness,
  • 00:26:01.479 --> 00:26:05.650
  • But you're willing to bless us and fill us with your own self
  • 00:26:05.650 --> 00:26:08.953
  • And forgive us and make us new.
  • 00:26:08.953 --> 00:26:10.688
  • Friend, would you be made new?
  • 00:26:10.688 --> 00:26:12.957
  • And if the answer to that question is yes,
  • 00:26:12.957 --> 00:26:14.692
  • Then you can know that god will work
  • 00:26:14.692 --> 00:26:16.460
  • "in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,"
  • 00:26:16.460 --> 00:26:19.196
  • And that jesus will live in you now and into and through
  • 00:26:19.196 --> 00:26:22.833
  • The challenges of earth's last days.
  • 00:26:22.833 --> 00:26:25.169
  • Lord, you have our hearts.
  • 00:26:25.169 --> 00:26:27.772
  • Take them now, i pray, and we thank you,
  • 00:26:27.772 --> 00:26:31.942
  • In jesus' name. amen.
  • 00:26:31.942 --> 00:26:36.547
  • Thank you so much for joining me.
  • 00:26:36.547 --> 00:26:37.882
  • I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time.
  • 00:26:37.882 --> 00:26:39.784
  • Until then, remember:
  • 00:26:39.784 --> 00:26:41.118
  • "it is written, 'man shall not live by bread alone,
  • 00:26:41.118 --> 00:26:44.221
  • But by every word that proceeds from the mouth of god.'"
  • 00:26:44.221 --> 00:26:47.892
  • ♪[dramatic, triumphant theme music]♪
  • 00:26:47.892 --> 00:27:22.026
  • ♪[music ends]♪♪
  • 00:27:25.496 --> 00:27:25.496