What is it about Matthew 5-7, often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, that makes is such an attention getting passage? What clues are we given as to how we should approach Jesus' teaching?

With all that Daniel saw and experienced, he was left with three comforting assurance: he had a guardian angel, he had an inheritance waiting for him, and he still had an assignment on earth to complete. As somebody once said, "We cannot be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good."

Daniel 11:2-12:4 presents the vision that Daniel was given. It is so historically accurate that many have even dated the book during the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. History is flashed before Daniel because the important matters are (1) there will always be conflict and persecution for the Christian, and (2) our call is to persevere like Daniel.

How often do you mourn, fast, and pray over conditions in your church or in our nation? Daniel was a man of prayer and his prayers had an effect on the spiritual battle taking place.

What if the message has been interrupted and we only have a portion to consider? What if we are focused so much on a small portion that we are failing to see the big picture?

What if the victory is assured, but there are battles that still need to be fought?

Daniel 8 might just help!

What if Daniel 7 is not that hard to understand? What if God is telling Daniel that the kingdoms of this world are all evil and transitory, but a kingdom is coming that will be eternal and blessed? What if the Son of Man coming on the clouds to the Ancient of Days in order to receive dominion is actually a poetic picture of the Ascension? (Read Hebrews 1-5)

Would you stand firm to the end or capitulate to the demands of others...especially if you life were threatened? Daniel was probably around 80-years-old when the lion's den incident took place. But he chose to stay true to his convictions.

When it is too late? How do you know when you have 'crossed the line'? Are you able to read the 'writing on the wall'?

What would it take you truly humble you and lead you to a lifestyle of loyal allegiance? For King Nebuchadnezzar it involved being stricken with a mental illness causing him to live like a beast before he could look up to heaven and begin to truly act like a human again.

What do we give loyalty or allegiance to that should only be given the God? Who is our true King? Would you choose to bow to a false God or take your chances with the fire?