"He answered and said, Look, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not harmed. And the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." (Daniel 3:25) If we stand with Jesus in all of our living, we can be assured that we will see him standing with us. Of course, He’s always with us, but He is looking for a testimony on the earth of saints who are standing for His purpose. Israel had a purpose! They were to be a testimony of God for the whole world to see. That’s why they were in Babylon because they were engrossed in idolatry rather than being a testimony. God was getting His testimony back and how is He doing it? Through these 4 young men! There had to be many of Israel who were starting to repent and inwardly did not want to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, but they were fearful and bowed down outwardly. Not so with these three young Hebrews. No matter the consequences they were going to stand with God, and before the day was done Nebuchadnezzar saw the son of God (Jesus) standing with these three men in the fiery furnace. We see here that God wants a testimony on the earth for what he is doing and where he is headed. He will have His testimony! The question is, young people, will you be a vessel for God’s eternal purpose on the Earth? God needs human vessels to display His purpose. Guess what young person? He’ll take you! He will use you! You may never be seen and you may face consequences, meaning you may not get rescued from the fiery furnace, so to speak, but He wants you! He is looking for believers to stand with him every day, every hour, living for his desires. You can be assured that he will be standing right beside you, whatever you may face. Daniel and his brothers determined daily and prayed together as often as they could, that they would stand for God in Babylon, and they believed assuredly that God would stand with them through it all. You can rest in the fact, regardless of the situation, regardless of how you feel and regardless of the outcome, that if you stand with Jesus He will assuredly stand with you.

"At the time that you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up" (Daniel 3:5-6). The music was played as a prompt or as a means of conditioning the people to bow down before the image of gold. Of course, this is idolatry, and no God-fearing Jewish person should bow down to the idol. Daniel was no doubt protected with his position in the kings court, but Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah we’re not protected and we’re in fact, supposed to lead others into worshiping this idol. Young people need to see that today we are being conditioned that when the music plays, we are to bow down, capitulate and accept without question whatever philosophy or belief is presented to us as normal, no matter how immoral, no matter how anti-Christian, and even no matter if it goes against basic scientific principle or logic. We are being prepared to bow down to whatever the antichrists of this age present to us as truth. To stand against this presentation will eventually mean we are anti-democratic, and in fact terrorist to society. We must compassionately stand today against this “music” that the world is imposing upon all society. Babylon, in last days will have its own form of music, not necessarily literal music, but a philosophy and a system of beliefs that are established in order to eradicate our basic belief in Jesus Christ. Lovingly stand with Jesus, and do not allow yourself to be mystified by the philosophical tunes that are being played today to set us up for a day that we must bow down or face the consequences. Stand now!

"You were watching until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the image at its feet of iron and clay and crushed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed all at once, and they became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth." (Daniel 2:34-35) This dream was given to the world leader, king of Babylon for a reason. God was seeking to get Nebuchadnezzar’s attention. Daniel was able to see God’s heart and interpret the dream. All kingdoms and governments since creation to Armageddon are included in that image and all will crumble. Do not trust human government!! Daniel sees a Stone cut out of Heaven crushing all the kingdoms of the earth. This Stone is Jesus. He was cut out by the Father to come to mankind, live the human life, go to the cross, resurrect from death and satisfy the Father. He is the stone the Jews rejected and stumbled upon. They were offended at the idea that He was the Messiah. He is the Cornerstone for all believers. We line up with Him and become living stones for His eternal holy habitation that will culminate into the New Jerusalem. And here in Daniel 2 we see Him as a crushing stone that will destroy all kingdoms of the earth which will visibly be gathered at Armageddon. How are you related to this Stone? Are you stumbled, offended by Him? Will He crush you as you stand with mankind against Him? Or are you joined with Him, allowing Him to cut and form you to line up with Him for Gods building?

"I And the king said to them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream." (Daniel 2:3) Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that was from the Lord that stirred his spirit, but he evediently couldn’t recall it’s details. He asks all of his wise men to not only interpret the dream but remind him of its details first! Of course they cannot and the king says, "If you do not make the dream and its interpretation known to me, you shall be cut into pieces and your houses shall be made a dunghill." (Daniel 2:5). What an impossible task!All of the kings wisemen are in trouble including Daniel and his three Jewish brothers. This vision is revealed to Daniel, and he is able to interpret it to the king we see again how important it is to not be for Babylon. He. Daniel was able to see what God is doing. When we are in Babylon and we are of Babylon, our vision is restricted. Spiritual blindness is a significant sign that we are in last days. As a result, we find ourselves, not only in the world, but of the world. The dream that Nebuchadnezzar had is revelation regarding all the human constructed governments of the world. Daniel had eyes to see the consequences of trusting man’s kingdoms. While we are here in these last days let us not hope for a better day in earth, or for a human leader to save us. It all belongs to the god of this world and will topple over in the end. "Do not trust in princes, / In a son of man, with whom there is no salvation." (Psalms 146:3)

"But Daniel set his heart not to defile himself with the king’s choice provision…" (Daniel 1:8). What revelation these young boys must’ve had regarding God’s desire and testimony. Out of all the captives, they purposed to maintain Gods testimony, even while in Babylon. Daniel purposed in his heart! He did not set his affections on the provisions supplied by the king of Babylon. He set his desires on what God needed: His people Israel were to proclaim God to all the nations. Jerusalem was Gods dwelling place in the Temple. His name was there as a testimony on the earth! God is looking for such a testimony today. Saints need revelation that God is determined to have dwelling place and it is in the church. Yet have saints set their hearts upon having such a testimony? Have we purposed not to defile ourselves with the world’s provisions. These young overcomers received this revelation from prophets like Jeremiah and they were determined not to pollute that vision with the provisions from the King of Babylon. We need revelation of Gods purpose. God needs a testimony on the earth today. Who will set their heart upon His purpose rather than the temporal dainties of this world? This is the requirement of overcoming in these last days. This is the calling placed before our young people today. Who will answer such a call? The church needs a Lampstand, a testimony and He will get it irregardless of our personal decision, but Oh how He loves and is longing for our participation. Young Christians, set your heart upon Him! Find His purpose and jump into His desire!

The testimony for the Lord on the earth in Daniels day was Israel, specifically Jerusalem and His house the temple. Humanly speaking Israel failed and Satan had won. God seemingly now has no testimony with their destruction and captivity. So Israel is brought back to the land of Shinar where she was formed out of Abram, out of idolatry. Why? To stir up a testimony for Himself on the earth. Israel had a poor testimony because of their idolatry. These young overcomers are standing in the home of the King of Babylon, Satans choice city, yet they stand boldly and effectively for the Lord. They will not submit to the Devil’s diet. This may seem trivial to us, but the Lord is concerned about what we take in because our daily appetites indicate what we treasure. If we treasure anything but the Lord, this can become idolatry. Daniel and his brothers regained God’s testimony so much so that they were renowned throughout Babylon. They were known as having a name associated with God. In the king of Babylon‘s house, where Satan‘s throne was established God now had a testimony! They tried to attach Babylonish names to them but they were not known as being idol worshipers, but God worshipers. The name of Daniel, which means “God is the Judge,” or “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar—“the prince of Bel,” or “the favorite of Bel” (Isa. 46:1). The name of Hananiah, which means “Jehovah is kind,” or “the favorite of Jehovah,” was changed to Shadrach—“enlightened by the sun god.” The name of Mishael means “Who can be like God?” but his name was changed to Meshach—“Who can be like the goddess Shach?” The name of Azariah, which means “Jehovah is my help,” was changed to Abed-nego—“the faithful servant of the fire god Nego.” They may have called them by their Babylonian names, but their character demonstrated names that associated them with the Lord. What are you known for.? An athlete ? A gamer? Miss Social media? Mr. YouTuber? Etc. what do others recognize you as treasuring? This is the name they associate with you. May the person of Jesus be associated with you when your name is said!

"If you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:3). Have you tasted the Lord and found him to be good? We can make the Bible so complex, perhaps rightfully so, but God often gives us such a simple presentation. He begins in Genesis with our need to have a proper appetite for his life in the garden of Eden. The Bible ends in Revelations with the river of life and the tree of life, supplying food and drink for all the nations. God placed Israel under such dietary restrictions but for spiritual reasons. What is our instruction today? Eat and drink Christ.! Daniel and the other children were instructed to eat and drink the king of Babylon’s food, and drink. If we are going to stand in these last days and overcome, we must not eat and drink what Satan is offering us to eat and drink. This book of Daniel did not start in the lions den or in the fiery furnace, but it started at the dining table. What are you eating ? What are you drinking? As young people the world is so appetizing and it is a challenge to control our appetites, yet this is where the Lord begins in his call to come out of Babylon and stand with him. This simple matter of eating and drinking properly while you are in this Babylonian atmosphere is where we begin. I am concerned that many believers do not know how to eat and drink the Lord. They think this consists of Goodworks, reading their Bible, praying, attending a youth group or fellowship, etc., these are all the products of eating and drinking the Lord. Everyone needs to know that since the ascension of Christ and provision of his Holy Spirit, he now lives inside your spirit as your food supply. We overcome this world, this age, these appetites, by simply turning to him inwardly and eating and drinking him by calling on his name. At every lure and temptation to feast upon the worlds, food and drink, come and dine upon him instead. Daniels proper appetite was the basis of his ability to overcome Babylon. What is your appetite today? Satan has quite a menu for you to dine upon today. Learn how to take Christ in your life moment by moment day by day. This is having a proper appetite while living in Babylon.

It says here in verse two that Nebuchadnezzar was given Jerusalem. He was permitted by the Lord to take it, take the people, take the king, take the temple and all of its treasures. He could not do anything without Gods permission. This will turn out to be an awesome lesson in the book of Daniel. It looks like Satan is winning, because out of hundreds of thousands of Israelites only 4 apparently stood for him in the beginning. 4 young people. We are living in an age in which the king of Babylon, Satan, is about to emerge. We see his influence everywhere. Satan and world powers could not do this, unless God allowed it. He is allowing it in order that he might produce some thing, and that he might bring his eternal purpose to fruition. In the process he is going to call saints to overcome in these last days. Most believers will probably stay engaged with the world, but the Lord is going to get his victory, and bring about his plan by using, maybe just a few Overcomer’s. He needs all of us to overcome, but young people are the vitality, the reality, and the testimony that needs to be seen in these last days. We as parents and grandparents, instead of longing for our children to be successful in this world, economically, professionally, athletically, etc. But if. we need to long for them to overcome this age, find Christ, and forsake all else to be a testimony on the earth for Jesus. He may use all of that other stuff, but if Christ is not the life of young people they will be sucked up into this age . Oh, Lord, give us young people like Daniel, who will stand for you, overcome this, Babylonians age, and bear forth a testimony in the church up until Your coming. When young people clearly stand in such a Babylonish age this is precious to all of us, and it is certainly precious to the Lord. We pray for our children and our grandchildren in these last days. Amen.

In Revelation chapter 17 John speaks of the mystery Babylon. This indicates that Babylon in God’s economy means something. He has kept the meaning hidden, but with the writing of Revelation, we can see what Babylon is all about. Babylon is exposed in the book of Revelation. It is evil, immoral, lawless, adulterous and deceptive, as it falls Jesus crys out and says, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great! And she has become a dwelling place of demons and a hold of every unclean spirit and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird;" (Revelation 18:2) In Revelation it is not just a place. It is the atmosphere that is ruling over the whole earth. It does not only appear at the end of the tribulation, but it is growing right now on the earth into an ultimate manifestation. It is everything that is against God. It is the culmination of every human government throughout the ages, of every human system, and it ultimately becomes a garbage heap, but it is Satan’s pride and joy. There is an atmosphere of Babylon manifesting itself even now. We can now look back because of John’s Revelation and see that Babylon has had an intention. We can see it in Genesis chapter 10 and 11. We can see that God called Abraham out of this atmosphere, and saved mankind through Abraham, who left the plain of Shinar, left idolatry, and out of Abraham, the earth is blessed in Israel. We can see at the end of the old testament. Israel is brought back to Babylon in Daniel chapter 1 This city is located in the plains of Shiner.! This is not just a coincidence because the mystery of Babylon is unveiled. In the book of Daniel, we see that every single human government that has been raised up on the earth since Babylon is a tool of the enemy . Babylon is the head of it all and everything else is connected to it throughout the ages heading all the way into the Babylon we see in Revelation. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, came down and besieged the city of Jerusalem. That word besieged means to corner, trap, and control the people of Jerusalem like Daniel and his brothers. They had no choice it seems. Today our young people are besieged by the spirit and atmosphere of Babylon that is coming upon us. it is inevitable, but saints there is a way for victory. That way is the person of Jesus Christ. In spite of what we see going on around us, God has provided streams in the desert. He has provided protection from the fiery furnace, and he has provided salvation from the mouth of the lions. Praise the Lord it is in Christ Jesus. This is what we see in the book of Daniel. We see Daniel and his brothers were besieged, or trapped on every side., Seemingly with no way out but as Paul said. "We are pressed on every side but not constricted; unable to find a way out but not utterly without a way out;" "Therefore we do not lose heart; but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary lightness of affliction works out for us, more and more surpassingly, an eternal weight of glory," (2 Corinthians 4:8, 16-17). Paul said we have this “treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not out of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7) May we learn to combat the atmosphere of Babylon with the treasured life of Jesus Christ within us. He is the victory that overcomes the world. Amen.

"Now among these from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah." (Daniel 1:6) Who among us desire to see our children taken into captivity by our enemies? What young believers among us are excited about having their hopes and dreams for the future come crashing down? This is the situation for these 4 young men, (students of scripture determine them to be between the age of 12-17 years of age) and this is going to be the situation during last days on earth. There will be young believers on the earth whose lives will be turned upside down. This word is for all ages but especially for the Jr High through College age. The Lord needs young overcomers in last days. Daniel and thousands of youth were thrown into Babylon. Our youth are currently being thrown into satan’s Babylonish system. The enemy seeks to take them captive in these Last Days. We can surely see that human governments, educational systems, social media, news and entertainment, sporting industries, the arts, science, medicine, cooperations and economic system, etc are all in the hands of the evil one and are cooperating globally to capture the souls of young people. Daniel is such a wonderful word for all of us but especially our “children” in these difficult times. Daniel and just a few others stood against Babylon. They were in but not of the world. They overcame! Certainly we all need to overcome whatever age we live in and no matter how old we are, but the Lord needs young overcomers! We can try and teach the youth how to survive physically and economically, and how to fight patrioticly against the evil, but are the youth ready to stand as Daniel and his brothers. I’m afraid there will not be many who dare to stand in such a fashion in these last days, but Jesus is not looking for how many, He is simply looking for you! 4 young men stood for God in Babylon and prevaled. This book reveals that Nebuchadnezzar nor any other earthly government that follows his reign will succeed, but all must eventually bow before Him who will reign eternally. Young person, Babylon is coming! Jesus wants you to overcome Babylon and be a precious testimony on earth of His life like Daniel and his few friends May it be you. "Young children, it is the last hour; and even as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come; whereby we know that it is the last hour." (1 John 2:18)