Introduction

Hey there, family! We're gathering here today, not just in body, but in spirit too, to chat about something that's really close to our hearts. We're going to talk about our relationship with God, and how it helps us navigate through this wild, unpredictable ride we call life.

We're going to kick things off with a passage from the book of Daniel, specifically Daniel 1:8. It goes a little something like this, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."

Now, there's a whole lot to unpack there, but before we do, let's take a moment to invite God into our conversation.

Dear Heavenly Father, we're here today to learn, to grow, and to better understand Your Word. We ask that You open our hearts and minds, and guide us in our understanding. Let Your truth resonate within us, not just in this moment, but in all the moments of our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Sticking with God

In the heart of Babylon, Daniel found himself surrounded by a culture that was vastly different from his own. He was offered the king's food and wine, a symbol of the world's pleasures and temptations. Yet, he chose not to partake. He chose to remain faithful to his beliefs, to his God. He didn't let the allure of worldly pleasures sway him from his path.

This is a testament to the power of steadfast faith. It's about making the conscious decision to stay true to your beliefs, even when the world around you is pulling you in a different direction. Daniel's decision to stick with God was a deliberate, conscious choice. He didn't just stumble upon his faith, he chose it. He chose God over the king's food and wine. He chose God over the temptations of the world.

This is a powerful reminder for us. We too are faced with choices every day. Choices that test our faith, that challenge our commitment to God. And like Daniel, we too can choose to stick with God. We can choose to remain faithful, even in the face of temptation. But this isn't just about resisting temptation. It's also about actively seeking God. Daniel didn't just avoid the king's food and wine, he also sought out God's presence.

This is a call to action for us. It's not enough to simply avoid temptation, we must also seek God. We must pray, study, and seek wisdom from Him. We must actively pursue a relationship with God, just as Daniel did. He was thrown into a lion's den, he was threatened with death, he was mocked and ridiculed. But he didn't waver. He didn't let these challenges shake his faith.

Do Not Fear

Daniel's experience in Babylon teaches us a lot about fear ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO