Their Rabbi was dead. All seemed lost. Dejected and afraid, the disciples thought everything was over after Friday. But when they went to the tomb on Sunday, they found it was empty. The word was spreading he wasn’t there but everyone had their doubts. It wasn’t until 2 men on their way to Emmaus had an encounter with the living Jesus did it all click. Jesus had risen from the dead and really is the one sent by God to save the world.

If you knew you had 24 hours left to live, what would you do? Would you call your family and friends, knock things off your bucket list, or spend all your money on one last experience? Jesus, knowing that the cross and the weight of sin was coming did something we wouldn't think of...he prayed. A lot.

His example challenges us and gives us a clear view of what matters most in times of trouble and pain...trusting in the plan of our God.

The voices cried out worship to God and the crowds dropped their cloaks to the ground. The new coming king was on a colt on his way into the capital of Israel as the crowds pushed around Him. Israel was going to be freed and the king has come. However, this triumphant entry would be short lived. Jesus was rightfully recognized as the coming king, but it wasn’t what Israel was looking for. His entry into Jerusalem would lead Him to the only way he could save His people…the cross.

As we come to a close in the book of Daniel, we see in chapter 12 a prophecy of what comes when God begins the end of days. We see a major theme emerge: there will be great suffering in those days for the people of Israel. However, in the text we see an even greater hope…God is sovereign over the present as well as the future. He has promised that the dead will rise again, and for those who have called on God to save them there will be eternal life with Him. For those who don’t, eternal separation in hell. What side of eternity will you stand on?

Are you feeling a little on edge with all that’s happening in our world today? With so much talk of war, pandemics, and political corruption, it’s not surprising that most of us are feeling more that just a little weighed down by our fears and anxieties. Much like us, the Old Testament prophet Daniel also received some terrifying news from God about future world events. Even still, Daniel was able to maintain a perspective that gave him unshakable hope in the midst of chaotic world events. Just like Daniel, we can have that hope too!

We are all loyal to something. Sports teams, brands, family…the list can go on and on. What we find in chapter 6 is that Daniel has an undying loyalty to one thing – the one true God. With death on the line if he prays to God, he wasn’t fazed. He headed back to his room, and prayed like he always did by praising God. The threat of being devoured by lions didn’t stop his devotion to the Lord, nor should it ours. What step can we take today to grow this type of faith and loyalty to the Lord God almighty?

What have you been boasting about recently? Maybe it’s your favorite sports team, your job, a house, or even a vacation. The truth is that most all of us boast about something. But the story of Daniel 5 teaches us that God doesn’t mess around with our sinful pride, and neither should we. In fact if we’re going to boast at all, we should boast in Christ alone.

Imagine this...there is a nation that believes that they are the greatest to ever live. The leaders believe that they rule the world because of their dominance and ability to take over anyone. Soon, the people turn inward with pride and turn away from God. Sounds a bit close to home, doesn't it? In Daniel 4, we see the same problem unfolding for Babylon. However, the king is given a dream and a warning from God: keep going this way, and you will be taken off your throne. Repent, and ruin will not come. This passage written thousands of years ago gives us a perspective today...God is sovereign over everyone and only His kingdom will rule forever.

We've all heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace because they refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. But what gave them the incredible courage and confidence to stand before the king and proclaim that God would save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow down to another god? Find out how their experience can help you practice confidence in knowing that God will be with us in the fire, no matter what.

Daniel and his friends are in trouble once again. The king of Babylon as demanded a dream he had be described and interpreted to him, but his is counsel of wisemen could not do it. This angered the king and he ordered all of the wisemen to be killed, which included Daniel even though he wasn't there. Daniel asked for time, and then asks God for the interpretation of the dream. God gives it to him and not only is his life saved, a message of prophecy is revealed...earth's superpowers will fall but God's kingdom will last forever.