In a culture of compromise, people fail to recognize the warning signs of God. If we want to stand firm, we must learn from the sins of others, honor the holiness of God, and realize the brevity of life. The writing is on the wall: If we don't get our lives in balance, we will lose what matters most. Stand firm.

What can we learn from the life of King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4 of Daniel? A life of pride leads to a life of chaos ... when I rely on what I have, give myself the credit, and focus on what is temporary. But a life of humility leads to a life of sanity ... when I look up to heaven, acknowledge that God's ways are always right, and exalt Jesus as the King.

Difference makers are risk takers. Courage is the ability to do something in the face of fear or that causes pain. If we want to live with courageous conviction, it is essential that we have godly friendships and complete allegiance to God, and that we worship God's identity. The result: It changes the hearts and attitudes of others toward God.

We can't make a difference unless we're willing to be different. Our culture will always try to change us by isolating us from God's people, indoctrinating us to cultural beliefs, and identifying us by a new name and leader. The decisions we make today determine the actions we take tomorrow. The results of our willingness to be different: God rewards, and people recognize the faith of His servants.

As Christ-followers, we are to pray for those in authority so that we can live in peace, and we are to honor those in authority because of our fear of God. These two actions put us in the right position to do three things: submit to those in authority because they have been placed there by God, because they are servants of God, and to keep a clear conscience; disobey carefully and biblically those who are in authority when we are commanded to do what God forbids or when we are forbidden to do what God commands; and give what we owe to those in authority.

How do we approach this question? We hold firm to what is clear. We recognize the lies and do everything with love. And we remember our worth and Who defines us.

Have you wondered why the Bible is different? The content of the Bible has been overwhelmingly confirmed through manuscript, eyewitness, and archeological confirmation. The prophecies of the Bible have been astonishingly fulfilled. And the outcome of the Bible has been dramatically observed.

Maybe God isn't answering us because we stopped asking or believing ... or because we have unconfessed sin ... or because we have unforgiveness ... or because we have selfish motives ... or because He has a better plan. When there are no answers, keep on seeking, remember God's faithfulness, and trust in God's grace.

Life is rarely lived in a straight line. Detours are part of God's divine plan to help us reach our destination. To reach your destination, rely on God's presence even when you're alone, choose integrity even when you're tempted to sin, use your gifts even when you're discouraged, and give forgiveness even when you're bitter.

It only takes one person, who finds favor with God, to change eternity. For us to find favor, we must listen to and obey God's commands, endure God's timing, share God's message, and celebrate God's faithfulness.