What happens when we find ourselves in a lion’s den? What happens when difficult times come and we are tested? Do you really believe, or do you just love God when things are going well? We don’t find out how strong our faith is until we are tested. God allows us to go through tough times for a reason. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us about Daniel’s faith that survived the test of the lion’s den. True faith can only be tested when we go through the trials of life. It is in these times that we prove His power, provision, and protection. Our dependence on Him during trials strengthens us and is a witness to the world.

In the study today, we find Daniel hated by the heathen world around him. There has always been a sense of animosity toward God and His people. It is spiritual blindness. There are people who hate Christians and don’t even know why. It is an evil that spews hatred without reason. It is similar to the hatred of Jews. In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages us to recognize the spiritual realm and the falsehoods it spreads. Anytime we see something that is not logical or reasonable, recognize that the enemy is involved. The world hates believers. The unbelievers' hearts are filled with untruths, so do not seek wisdom from them.

There was a severe hatred towards Daniel and His God in the Old Testament story of Daniel and the lion’s den. Those same demonic forces still exist today. There are radical forces in our culture trying to stop God’s people and His word. We need to be prepared, just like Daniel to make a decision to follow God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark admonishes us to be sure our fear shifts over to His boldness. We can only become bold when like Daniel, we have established a daily routine of seeking God. When we follow His guidelines, then we are prepared to turn that fear of evil into boldness and become a mighty tool in God’s hands.

As Christians, we need to be aware that people are watching us. Even more importantly, God is watching us. He has given us His name and we are responsible for how we represent that name and the way our actions reflect on God and His people. Just as a wife takes her husband’s name, we have been married to Christ.  In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that not taking God’s name in vain has more than just verbal application. Respecting God’s name has as much to do with the way we live as it does the way we speak. When we take on the name of Christ, we represent Him. We are responsible for His reputation.

God’s word says we are His sheep, and yet we are to be as bold as lions. Sheep follow. But we are not to be sheep who follow the world, but sheep who follow the Lord. Sometimes it takes years of following the Lord for us to become strong enough to have the boldness and wisdom needed to speak up for our Lord. Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that even though we may be facing a ferocious enemy, God is standing right beside us, and He is offering His strength to help us fight our battles. He can provide the victory just as he did for Daniel. Like Daniel, we must be willing to stand for God and allow Him to provide His strength.

Have you made a firm decision to follow Jesus no matter the cost? The Holy Scriptures explain that disciples of Jesus are to pick up their crosses daily and to follow Him. This can be difficult when the cross comes with mocking, peer pressure, or other temptations of the world to conform and blend in. As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you about the importance of deciding before the hard things come your way. Make a firm resolution in your heart today that no matter what cost is involved in the future you will follow after Jesus. You will know in your heart that true life is indeed in Him.

Do you get intimidated or nervous when asked to share your testimony? If so, you’re not alone. It can be challenging at times to open up and share. But know that when you do, you’re likely helping other people who have had a similar journey or experience. People relate to testimonies, which is why they’re powerful. In today’s message, Pastor Mark expresses to you the importance that testimonies play in leading others to the Lord. A testimony is simply your personal story of what God has done for you in your life. It’s recounting the ways in which God has intervened and has shown you a better way. Simply share the good God’s done.

Do you view death as a gain? The Bible says that to live is Christ and to die is gain. But often in the world of “chasing the fountain of youth culture,” it can be terrifying to think about death. However, when you’re secure in where you’re going to spend eternity, death has no sting. Those who are in Christ have nothing to truly lose. In today’s message from Pastor Mark, he encourages you to know today where you’ll be spending eternity. Don’t leave it up to doubt and speculation. Make the decision today to follow Jesus. Surrender your life to Him as your Savior. And enter into eternity with Him when death comes knocking. There is so much to gain in Christ!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Don’t forget! The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He doesn’t want you to have freedom. He desires to control and force you to his ways. But that is never the case with the God we read about in the Bible. He offers you a life that is fruitful and abundant. As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you that God is perfect in His love. And perfect love always casts out fear. The enemy manipulates by fear and intimidation. God always leads with love because that’s who He is. He extends free will to everyone and offers them the freedom to choose His ways.

If you grew up in a Christian family, can you trace back through the generations when your family members first got saved? Was it through your grandparents, or even your great-grandparents? Does it go back further? God’s faithfulness and blessings are passed down through the generations. Isn’t that so amazing?! Today, Pastor Mark teaches that Daniel was promoted to be the leader of all the wise men, or magi. It was most likely Daniel’s influence and teachings that led the magi to search for Jesus in Bethlehem, hundreds of years later. You never know how your faithfulness and obedience to God today will affect future generations!