Podcasts about though daniel

This series covers Daniel 1-6, where we learn about godly living in a godless age. Though Daniel was a Jewish captive living in hostile Babylon, he was able to engage the culture without compromising his faith. His ability to remain faithful to God was a result of God revealing Himself as the Sovereign One over all kings and kingdoms and promising to one day usher in His eternal kingdom.

This series covers Daniel 1-6, where we learn about godly living in a godless age. Though Daniel was a Jewish captive living in hostile Babylon, he was able to engage the culture without compromising his faith. His ability to remain faithful to God was a result of God revealing Himself as the Sovereign One over all kings and kingdoms and promising to one day usher in His eternal kingdom.

This series covers Daniel 1-6, where we learn about godly living in a godless age. Though Daniel was a Jewish captive living in hostile Babylon, he was able to engage the culture without compromising his faith. His ability to remain faithful to God was a result of God revealing Himself as the Sovereign One over all kings and kingdoms and promising to one day usher in His eternal kingdom.

This series covers Daniel 1-6, where we learn about godly living in a godless age. Though Daniel was a Jewish captive living in hostile Babylon, he was able to engage the culture without compromising his faith. His ability to remain faithful to God was a result of God revealing Himself as the Sovereign One over all kings and kingdoms and promising to one day usher in His eternal kingdom.

This series covers Daniel 1-6, where we learn about godly living in a godless age. Though Daniel was a Jewish captive living in hostile Babylon, he was able to engage the culture without compromising his faith. His ability to remain faithful to God was a result of God revealing Himself as the Sovereign One over all kings and kingdoms and promising to one day usher in His eternal kingdom.

In this introductory study of the book of Daniel, Daniel Pel shows parallels between the world of Daniel the prophet and the world of today. As Daniel was a captive, so we are captives in a world taken over by God's enemy. How did our world become a place of conflict and suffering? What does the book of Revelation contribute to our understanding of this conflict? Why should Daniel and Revelation be studied together? Though Daniel was stripped of all his possessions and even his name, what was the one thing that could not be taken from him? Find answers to these questions and more in this revealing study.

On today's Bad Beats episode of The Real Estate Nerds Podcast, Daniel Barli joins our host and real estate attorney Scott Smith. Just like Scott, Daniel is also a real estate attorney and investor. Though Daniel now boasts a diverse and lucrative portfolio of over 80 properties, he's here to tell us about one of his early failures. His story is a lesson to investors who try to take on too much. In Daniel's case, he is an extremely educated attorney and skilled investor, but learned the hard way that he isn't the best property manager. Tune in to hear what happened and how you can avoid repeating his mistakes.Listen To Episode 29 of The Real Estate Nerds Podcast NowDaniel Barli's Commercial Loss: A Cautionary Tale In Doing it AllScott welcomes fellow real estate Daniel Barli onto the show. After briefly chatting about Daniel's background, the pair dive right into the details of Daniel's worst deal.[1:00] Daniel is a practicing real estate attorney, just like our host Scott Smith. He entered the real estate game in 2013 with the goal of generating steady, passive income. He now boasts a portfolio of over 80 investments, but is here today to tell us about one of his worst.[2:30] Daniel's worst deals started with one of his earliest purchases--a commercial unit in New Jersey with four tenants. He decided to manage the property himself, which he now regards as a mistake. [3:30] In hindsight, Daniel believes his property management failure was rooted in becoming too friendly with his tenants. He cites one particular tenant, a fellow attorney, who consistently fell behind on the rent. Daniel attempted to work with her, but she progressively fell further and further behind. He tolerated this behavior because he empathized with her personal situation.[4:30] When the tenant fell four months behind, Daniel served her with a notice that she must pay half of her back-rent or face eviction. She failed to do so, putting Daniel in a bind: “New Jersey is very tenant friendly. It's not easy to get a tenant out, even for nonpayment of rent.” [5:04] The tenant, being an attorney, knew and exploited this despite having accrued over $14,000 in unpaid rent.[6:04] Daniel showed up to retrieve the check and was met with a disappointment: “Of the $14,000 she owed me, she gave me a check for $100.”[6:44] This incident became a lesson for Daniel, who no longer manages his own properties: “I thought I could save money managing property myself, but it ended up costing me quite a bit of money.” He was forced to evict the tenant--a process that took an additional 2 months because of New Jersey law. By the time she left, the tenant owed Daniel $19,000.[7:15] Removing this tenant presented two problems. First, there was no good way to collect the tenant's debt. Daniel would have had to take her to court, which would have been time-consuming, stressful, and likely fruitless. He also had to contend with having a vacancy in his building. Commercial property is more difficult to fill, in Daniel's experience, than say multi-family or even single-family. He owns all of the above but has found commercial vacancies the most challenging to address.Deal Post-Mortem: Lessons Learned From Daniel's Property Management LossThe two attorney-investors shift their focus from what happened with Daniel's deal to why it cost him. Together, they conduct a brief post-mortem of Daniel's property management failure.[8:30] Daniel owned the building in a company name, but had become very familiar and friendly with the tenant who ended up costing him. He learned first and foremost he allowed this tenant to get away with too much because of their personal relationship: “Now when I use property management companies, it creates a buffer. People don't need to know who Dan is.” He has resolved that “I won't make the mistake of doing it all myself ever again.” [10:00][10:30] The two investors observe that there was a personal, as well as a financial cost, to this mistake. Daniel faced property tax consequences, negative cash-flow, and a high degree of personal stress as well.[11:30] Scott asks whether there were any indications that property management would be a challenge. Daniel replies that there were not. The previous owner had managed the property himself for almost two decades, during which he managed to secure multiple long-term tenants. These tenants did not stay through Daniel's tenure as owner-manager.[13:30] When asked what he does to prevent future situations like this bad beat, Daniel replies: “I try to do more homework and due diligence upfront, speaking with people who are more experienced than I and have gone through things that I haven't.” In the years since 2013, Daniel has grown a substantial network of experts to call upon in times of uncertainty.[14:33] Daniel offers some tips for growing a network: “Going to local meetings to meet investors in your area is one way. There are tools online for meeting real estate investors, and then you just build relationships...Most of these people are not only able to help, but they want to help. They don't want you to make the same mistakes they did.”[15:40] Scott and Daniel discuss some specific strategies for developing a high-value investing network. They address the age-old problem of weeding out the less helpful connections and finding those that will prove most helpful and useful.[17:00] Scott points out that he often determines a connection's true value when he has face-to-face time with them. Daniel agrees strongly: “When you have time to get deeper into conversation with someone, you find out they know much more than you thought. Conversations can open doors that you never even dreamed of.” [17:54] Daniel cites a recent lunch that turned into a very valuable opportunity.[19:30] Scott probes Daniel's intentions when meeting other investors, and Daniel replies that he starts from a place of connecting and sharing information. If a deal develops out of that, fantastic. But he does not necessarily go in in with that expectation.[21:00] Scott agrees with Daniel that some of the best relationships are unexpected: “When I'm connecting with an individual about more than just business, it forms those long-term relationships that are really impactful.” The Takeaway: You Don't Know Everything, But Your Network Might Daniel and Scott conclude the show by sharing the major lessons learned from Daniel's story. Each investor gives his opinion on the major takeaway for listeners.[21:30] Scott sees Daniel's story as one of the value of a strong network for preventing bad deals. In his view, if Daniel had some stronger relationships with higher-qualitty individuals, he may have been able to avoid this loss.[22:18] For Daniel, the lesson of his story is simple: “Make sure you keep your education going. Don't think you know it all. Don't think you're better than the stories you hear.” He recommends looking to your network for help so you're not “kissing the same toads.”[22:50] Daniel also believes a mentor is valuable: “If I could give one piece of advice it's this: Find someone who's been there and done that and doing it who can guide you.”

In this episode, you'll hear the story of a man who left positions with high influence and pay to start a retreat center for transformation in Peru. Daniel Gutierrez was a former advisor to the White House and the author of the book Radical Mindfulness. When he published his book, he transformed his own life by listening to his own lessons. He is still on an amazing journey today by hosting guests at his center named Catalina to honor his mother. Daniel is a good friend and fellow member of a wonderful organization, the Evolutionary Business Council. We talk about mindfulness, managing transitions, plant medicine, and much more in this fun interview. The interview yields eight “fun nuggets” about transformation: #1: Writing a book can create transformation in your life. (In Daniel's case, he goes so far as to say that writing a book saved his life). #2: You may need to read and re-read your own book to incorporate the lessons for yourself. #3: You are not your “bio”. #4: Ask permission. Daniel tells the story of his “dispacho” ceremony to connect to nature, honor Her, and ask for permission to use the land for his Retreat Center. #5: Plant medicines remove the veil between ourselves and a greater consciousness. #6: Listen. #7: There is a difference between an experience and a healing. We discuss Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind. https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Change-Your-Mind-audiobook/dp/B07B1V3RF5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+change+your+mind&qid=1625246520&sr=8-1 #8: There is a journey before the journey and even a journey after the journey About Daniel Gutierrez Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen, and Color Magazines, Daniel Gutierrez realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos, and CNN's Soledad O'Brien, something was still missing. To find fulfillment, Daniel decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. During the past 10 years, he has led quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon, and the top of the Himalayas. After the boardroom, now Daniel has been guiding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep-dive mindfulness immersions. Though mindfulness is a lifelong practice, Daniel has become known for giving life-altering strategies in as little as 60 seconds. When facing extreme pressure, executives go from high-strung to highly productive. Daniel has even turned Wall Street cubicles from a place of stress to pads of serenity. A beloved mentor and sought-after motivational speaker, Daniel was featured in the documentary Luminous World Views as one of eighteen world-renowned transformational thought-leaders. In November 2018 Daniel appeared as a special guest for renowned teacher, Michel Pascal on one of the biggest stages in the world, Carnegie Hall in New York City. He addressed a sold-out crowd with musical support from Earth Wind and Fire, Madonna and Michael Jackson's best musicians. He is a bestselling author, who just released his fifth book, International Best Selling Radical Mindfulness. What's fun for Daniel Gutierrez fishing Links www.danielgutierrez.com www.catalinaretreatcenterperu.com instagram: motivatordan twitter: motivatordan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=676002517 LinkenIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gutierrez-peru/

Daniel Gutierrez enlightens Joey Dumont about what it took to walk away from a life built on societal success and leadership, travel to a monastery in Nepal and ultimately move to Peru to open a retreat and redefine what it means to be fulfilled. In This Episode:Societal constructs around successBeing a political advisorWalking away from it allFinding inner peaceLiving outside of ‘Ego’Serving othersMoving to PeruBuilding a retreat To get to the highest tops, one must explore the deepest depths. Nobody knows that better than Daniel Gutierrez.Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along with extraordinary individuals such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, something was still missing.Daniel clearly mastered the outer game. But his intuition told him that to feel fulfilled, he must also master the inner game.To everyone’s surprise, at the height of his career Daniel dared to leave it all behind and decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. During the past 10 years Daniel has led nearly 30 quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon and the top of the Himalayas. After the boardroom, now he has been guiding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep dive mindfulness immersions. Though mindfulness is a lifelong practice, Daniel has become known for giving life-altering strategies in as little as 60 seconds.In the midst of Manhattan chaos, Daniel has been turning cubicles from a place of stress to pads of serenity. When facing extreme pressure, executives now go from high-strung to highly productive. Even Wall Street had to admit that when you want to climb to the top, there is nothing like following someone who is as comfortable in the boardroom as on the backbone of a mountain, having led thousands to the greatest heights of true success.A beloved mentor and sought-after motivational speaker, Daniel was featured in the documentary Luminous World Views as one of eighteen world-renowned thought leaders in the area of transformation and leadership. In November 2018 Daniel appeared as a special guest for renowned teacher, Michel Pascal on one of the biggest stages in the world, Carnegie Hall in New York City. He addressed a sold-out crowd with musical support from Earth Wind and Fire, Madonna and Michael Jackson’s best musicians. He is a bestselling author, who is excited to release his fifth book, Radical Mindfulness. Website:https://www.danielgutierrez.com/TW: @motivatordanFb:  @abundancedaniel Get full access to True Thirty at truethirty.substack.com/subscribe

Pastor Daniel preaches from Daniel 9:20-27 Jesus Christ, the Greatest Answer to Prayer Daniel 9:20-27 Exegetical Main Point: God answers Daniel’s prayer for mercy and deliverance and sends a helper, Gabriel, to show him what’s to come. Main Point of the Sermon: God answers your prayers because you are dearly loved by him. The greatest answer is Christ. Introduction Many times in my life I’ve prayed for specific things that God closed the door on, only to open a much better door later on. My wife is a perfect example of that! In the waiting, it is so hard to understand why God doesn’t give what we want. But isn’t it true that as we look back we come to see the incredible wisdom of God in his timing? This is a tension God’s people have faced for millennia. Many generations of faithful people have prayed fervently only to see partial answers to their prayers. But history has shown and God’s Word teaches that his ways are higher than our ways. His plan is always bigger, fuller, richer, better. Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week, and the day that the church throughout history has celebrated Jesus’s triumphal entry as king into Jerusalem, as we read earlier. But even that triumphant moment left the disciples wondering at God, as all their hopes and prayers seemed dashed as Jesus hung on a cross later that week. This day is worth celebrating for many reasons. But I want to focus on three today from our text. We’ll see, first, that God answers prayer and that Jesus is the greatest answer to our prayer. We’ll see that Jesus’s coming to Jerusalem to die was prophesied long ago. Finally, we’ll see that the cross, where Jesus was headed, was exactly where he would fulfill all that was promised to Daniel hundreds of years earlier. There is GOOD NEWS for us in this text today! Let’s see. God Context: Daniel’s Prayer If you’ve been tracking with us in this sermon series, you’ll know that Daniel has been exiled with his people in Babylon for right around 70 years as a result of Israel’s sin, and as we heard last week, it is at this point that Daniel has an epiphany moment as he’s reading the prophet Jeremiah (29:1-5), and understands that the exile period of 70 years that Jeremiah prophesied was almost up. This drove Daniel to prayer. What did he pray? [concise] Confession of sin (vs. 16): Daniel confessed his sin and the sins of the people and that God was a righteous judge for punishing them in the way that he had. The covenant promised in Lev. 26:14-45 that faithfulness to God would result in life, but unfaithfulness would result in destruction and exile from the Promised Land. Plea for mercy (v. 19): Though Daniel knew that his people deserved such a judgment, he also knew that God’s judgment had a timeline, 70 years, so Daniel began to plead with God to honor his word according to his merciful character. Because your name is at stake (v. 19): But Daniel’s prayer was not like many of our prayers. At the center of his prayer was a concern for God’s reputation and honor. Daniel understood that as long as Yahweh’s people and place were defamed by the surrounding nations, so was the name of Yahweh. So he called on God to forgive and act for his own name’s sake. This leads us to the second half of chapter 9 starting in verse 20. 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. Point 1: God answers prayer Twice Daniel mentions that Gabriel came to him “While [he] was praying”. This is amazing. Daniel doesn’t have to wait. He’s still praying when God gives an answer to his prayer. How? The angel Gabriel, the same angel who had shown up before in Daniel’s vision, shows up in “swift flight”. He was in a hurry to bring God’s answer to Daniel. We’ve said before that the unseen world is just as real as the world we see, where God and his heavenly hosts dwell. And when we pray in faith our prayers move outside the realm of what we see into God’s presence by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s from that realm that God heard Daniel’s prayer and sent his angel Gabriel to help Daniel. What was his message? Verse 22: 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. Daniel said, “he made me understand”. Daniel’s prayer was answered partially as Gabriel comes to show Daniel what God was up to. One of the things Gabriel helped Daniel understand was simply that God heard his prayers. But not only heard them, God answered. He acted immediately as a result of his prayers. Vs. 23 “At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. “At the beginning” of Daniel’s prayers God began to act. From Daniel’s mouth to God in the heavens, in an instant God begins to work, like a Father who hears his child’s cry and moves quickly to the need. In fact, the very year Daniel made this request was the year Cyrus made a decree that allowed for God’s people to return to Israel. The desolations of Jerusalem were already being brought to an end. Why all this movement in the heavens? Why angels dispatched. Gabriel says, “For you are greatly loved.” Because you are greatly loved! Wow, what a statement. One man out of millions of people and God pays attention to him and loves him greatly. Remember, Daniel is about 80 years old at this point. He’s experienced great pain and loss, forced from his home country, castrated and forced serve his enemies for nearly his entire life, yet God says, you are greatly loved. Friends, your circumstances don’t prove whether God favors you or loves you. Not your health, wealth, or anything else. It’s not even proven by angels showing up for you! What determines God’s love for you is simply your relationship with him. If you are in relationship with God through Christ, then you are greatly loved! In fact, the Apostle John who was called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” wrote several letters to the church in which he addressed its members “beloved”, or greatly loved (Driscoll). Why did the eternal God move and speak a word in the heavens? Why were God’s angels dispatched. Because one of God’s beloved prayed to him. Why can you be sure that God answers your prayers when you call? Because you are greatly loved in Christ. This is one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of God moving in history at the prayers of his people. And dare I say that this scenario is being played out daily, even moment by moment, as God’s people petition him. Even if you don’t see an angel or hear God’s audible voice this doesn’t mean that God is not responding to your prayers. You know, I think we will be surprised when we get to heaven and learn how often our Father dispatched angels to our side in times of need. You have God’s ear! He moves when you call. Transition Yet sometimes the answer to our prayers is different than we expect, like is was for Daniel. Gabriel says, Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.” Let’s see what he showed Daniel. Verse 24: A Savior Prophesied 24 “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Even though Daniel perceived rightly that the seventy years of judgment was about to come to an end, there was more to come. There were more trials ahead. More time before the complete salvation. God had a bigger redemption plan than simply bringing Israel out of exile and back to Jerusalem. Yes, God was going to answer Daniel’s prayer for Israel’s salvation, but so much more. Before I say more I need you to know that this section of Scripture is one of the most debated texts in Daniel and perhaps in the Bible. So it’s important to keep in mind what we’ve said before that there are closed handed issues as we interpret Scripture – Jesus is God, Jesus died on behalf of us for our sin – and there are open handed issues as we interpret Scripture – we think this is what this means but there is room for disagreement. “Seventy weeks are decreed. Most scholars understand the 70 weeks or more literally 70 “sevens” to be made up of seventy times seven years, or 490 years, but they apply these years to different periods of time (ESV Study Bible, 1607). I’m going to try to keep this simple here and lay out some interpretive possibilities as well as what I think is clear, and I encourage you, if you want to dig deeper into these numbers and try to get some more questions answered, grab a good study Bible or commentary (I’m happy to share with you some of my favorites) and let me know what you find. [read this] There are three main views: This passage refers to events surrounding Antiochus IV Epiphanies. This is known as the Maccabean view. Verse 25 points to an anointed one who will restore and build Jerusalem. So these interpreters hold that Judas Maccabeus who cleansed the temple in 164 B.C. around the time of the death of Antiochus was the fulfillment of this prophecy. But this view only seems to partially fulfill the purpose of the seventy weeks, such as “put an end to transgression”, “make an end to sin”, and “bring in everlasting righteousness”. Some hold that the seventy sevens or seventy weeks are to be understood figuratively to show completion kind of like Jesus’s command to forgive “70x7 times”. These interpreters point to the connection of “seven” with the “seventy” years of captivity, with the weekly Sabbath (Lev. 23:3), to the feast of weeks (Lev. 23:11-16), to the Sabbath year (Lev. 25:3-4), or to the Jubilee year (Lev. 25:8). So these numbers, therefore, symbolize God’s perfect appointment of time, which leaves no more need for specificity around the dates. Now, there is no doubt in my mind that “seven” is intended to point symbolically to completion. In fact, the seventy years in exile corresponds perfectly to the number of years Israel failed to keep the Sabbath year of rest – 490 years of disobedience divided by 7 is 70 years. So God let the land rest the 70 years Israel had failed to do so while they were exiled. Even though taken figuratively, these “complete” periods of time, most believe, end in the first century A.D. Thirdly, interpreters view the seventy weeks more literally as specific periods of time leading up to specific events around the time of Christ. But the biggest challenge these interpreters face is which dates to start with. Do the dates start with Cyrus in 538 B.C. when he gave permission to the Jews to return and rebuild the temple? If so, 490 years from this date would land us at 48 B.C., a date with little significance. Or was it the decree of Artaxerxes in Ezra 7:12-26, which happened in 458 B.C.? This decree mostly dealt with provisions for the temple but also with magistrates and judges, assuming the rebuilding of the city. 490 years from this date interestingly lands on 33 A.D., which many scholars believe is the date Jesus was crucified and rose again. Or some interpreters believe you should subtract the final week described in verse 27 from the seventy, leaving you still at 26 A.D. around the time of the Jesus’s baptism and the beginning of his ministry. No matter which angle you take, you are still left with some challenging interpretive questions. While I believe there are likely both literal and figurative elements to the times described, what is clear to me is that the time mentioned here is all leading up to the coming of Christ. And this shouldn’t be a surprise. Jesus is the center of history! This is why our calendar is labeled marked B.C – before Christ, and A.D. – in the year of our Lord. The book of Daniel prophesies over and over of one who would come and would crush the serpent and bring restoration to the land and people. We read in Daniel 2 about the little stone who would crush the fourth kingdom and grow to rule and reign over all the earth. We read of the Son of Man in Daniel 7 who was given all the kingdoms of the world, and here we will read about an “anointed one” who will be cut off and bring an end to sin. Church, this prophesy is an amazing description in the Old Testament of the work of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Let’s dive a little deeper and try make sense of how we see Christ so clearly in this text. Christ’s work on the cross Look at verse 24 again with me. “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. Decreed by who? God. God was showing Daniel that there is a specific time set in history when God would answer Daniel’s prayer. God was answering Daniel’s core issues in what he promises to accomplish. But it was coming in a much different time and way than Daniel expected. Friends, Jesus accomplished everything promised here in verse 24. How? Through his atoning death on the cross. What does that mean? Atoning. Just as Adam’s sin drove him out of God’s presence to the east, Israel’s sin, even mankind’s sin, drives us out of God’s presence and favor into a foreign and deadly place. The penalty of sin is death. The only way for Israel to be brought back into relationship with the source of life was through a sacrifice as instructed by God. An innocent lamb’s blood had to be shed as a substitute for a man. Otherwise, God required the blood of the sinner. In this way, through the sacrifice of the lamb, the penalty was covered or atoned for by the lamb so that God’s wrath could be turned away and the sinner could be brought back into relationship with God. In the same way Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, who willingly rode into Jerusalem knowing that it was the place of his death, came to atone for Israel’s sins – for my sins, your sins, the sins of the world. At the cross as he died, Jesus shouted, “It is finished”. Jesus “[finished] the transgression, Jesus put an end to sin, and Jesus [atoned] for iniquity” at the cross. Furthermore, were told that God would “bring in everlasting righteousness”. Not only did he cleanse his people from their sin, he made us holy. God doesn’t just see his people as forgiven, but also as clean. He doesn’t see your sin anymore. No, God has clothed you newly in Christ with white garments. We’re also told that God would “seal both vision and prophet”. Again Christ did this by accomplishing and fulfilling all that God promised through his prophets. Further, he would “anoint a most holy place”. Yes, God would provide Israel with a restored place of worship at the rebuilt temple, which we’ll see in a minute, but this vision points to a much greater fulfillment – Jesus’s shed blood cleansed God’s heavenly temple so that heaven and earth could ultimately become one again like Eden. This is what the author of Hebrews describes in chapter 9 when he says: “11 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come.[e] He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. 13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. 14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds[f] so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus came to earth to die. He cleansed God’s temple on behalf of mankind so that we could enter into his presence again. He came to atone for our sins and prepare the way for the New Jerusalem, where every people, had access to God through him. Friends, Daniel didn’t know it, but Jesus was the fuller answer to his prayers. Friends, Jesus is always the fullest answer to our prayers. If we get more of him, surely, we have everything we need. Let’s continue in verse 25: 25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. This is the first of three time periods described, seven sevens, or 49 years. I believe this most likely refers to Artaxerxes decree that Israel could return and rebuild Jerusalem, and that it also refers to Nehemiah, the anointed ruler who headed up that project. Let’s keep going: Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. This is the second of three time periods described, sixty-two sevens, or 434 years. I believe this refers to the time between Nehemiah and Christ. Even though Jerusalem was rebuilt, it was built “in a troubled time”. The city and people faced major persecution and suffering at the hands of the Greeks during that time. If we are right about the dates of these time periods, 49 years plus 434 years leads us to A.D. 26, right around the time scholars believe Jesus was baptized and began his ministry. Then, verse 26 tells us that “after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing.” Jesus’s ministry lasted around three years, leading us to right around 30 A.D., another strong possibility for the date of Christ’s crucifixion. Verse 26 continues: And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. Even as Daniel’s prayer was answered in a much fuller way than he expected, Jesus’s disciples’ prayers were answered in a surprising and fuller way. The temple would be destroyed. The Messiah didn’t make everything right in the first coming as they expected. Jesus shows us that there is more before the end. Another prince would come. We know from history that the Romans were ruling at the time of Jesus’s death, and that the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed just as Jesus prophesied about 40 years later in 70 A.D. by Titus, a Roman ruler. Gabriel says the city and temple’s end will come with a flood, symbolizing the swift and sudden destruction. Desolations are decreed. Titus also desolates the sanctuary by offering an unclean sacrifice like Antiochus did a century and a half earlier. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. This is maybe the most difficult interpretive piece of this text. Verse 27 describes the final period of time, the seventieth seven. We’re told he, presumably Titus, would make a “strong covenant with many” for one week. Titus, in fact, deceived many Jews and put an end to sacrifice when he destroyed the temple. So what’s the other half of the week? Ross and I disagree on this, but I tend to see this entire last week as a longer figurative period of time that refers to the present age – or church age. “Half” of that time was fulfilled partially in 70 A.D. by Titus’s destruction of Jerusalem. Half would be fulfilled in a similar manner by another evil leader who would seek to deceive God’s people. In the second half of verse 27 we learn of another to come “on the wing of abominations” who would make desolate. Again, I believe this points beyond Titus to another Anti-Christ figure. This ruler, coming “on the wing of abominations”, seems to be empowered by the Serpent, Satan. Just as Antiochus and Titus desolated the temple and deceived many, Jesus and Paul foretell another ruler called the abomination of desolation (Mt 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4) who would seek to deceive God’s people. But again, just as God wiped out Antiochus, Titus, and other desolator’s suddenly through history, the end of verse 27 shows us that God promises to wipe out this final desolator at an appointed time. Which I believe will happen when Jesus returns. When he comes all that he accomplished at the cross will be completely fulfilled. The seventy sevens point to final completion. And Why is God waiting to do this? So that you and me and our children’s children and all the peoples of the earth can put their faith in Christ the King before he comes. His waiting is patience. It’s mercy to us all. YOU If this is confusing to you like it is to me, I need you to hear this: the main point God has for Daniel and for us today in this prophecy is that he has and he will fulfill his promises and bring salvation in Jesus. He has a specific time allotted for all of these events. The one who writes history is revealing the future in his Word, to help us hope in him in the midst of every crazy and unclear situation. Even more, this text teaches us that we have a strong anchor in the midst of every crazy circumstance: we have God’s ear; and if we have his ear than we know that he will answer us and lead us in our time of need. If you are struggling and suffering and doubting God as you wait on him to answer your prayer, I need you to know that the same God who fulfilled his promises to Daniel and the prophets to bring the Savior will surely meet you in your time of need. The answer to your prayer will often be different than you expect. But it will always be good. It will be fuller and richer than you can imagine. Our greatest need is a Savior and God has surely given him to us in Jesus who surprisingly rode into Jerusalem humbly on a donkey as he prepared to die for your sins and mine. If your health is failing, know that in Jesus you will be healed. If your bank accounts are empty, in Jesus you are and will be richly provided for. If you are depressed, in Jesus your joy will be restored. If you are lonely, in Jesus you will find friendship. If you are anxious, in Jesus you will find rest. No matter your need, Christ fills that longing and will fill that longing ultimately in his return. We So as we pray and worship now and during this holy week leading up to easter Sunday let us remember that Christ is the greatest answer to our prayers. So let’s ask God to give us more of Jesus. Because when we see him and know him more, our vision of the future gets clearer and brighter, fuller and richer. If you don’t know Jesus and have that hope I’m talking about, I invite you to turn to him now in simple faith and ask him to save you from your sins. He will surely do it and do far more for you than you could ask or think.

God is always at work, even when you can't see it, even in hardship and suffering. Daniel receives a vision of events that would occur hundreds of years later (recorded in our present-day history books) that displays both God's infiniteness and His power. Though Daniel is grieved and burdened with the revelation of things to come, he sees the assurance of God's ultimate sovereignty over all things, past and future. With this hope, he finds the courage to face the events of his day no matter how hopeless or evil. Download

Is it possible to transform stressful environments into an oasis of serenity? Some interviews are so impactful, we have to listen to them again! Replay by popular demand! Tune in for Moments with Marianne radio show with special guest Daniel Gutierrez as we discuss his new book Radical Mindfulness: Profound Inner Peace In As Little As 60 Seconds. Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along extraordinary individuals such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, something was still missing. https://www.danielgutierrez.com

Intro It is not news to many of us that our nation has broken down morally and culturally at an alarming rate over the last 10 years. And it does not seem we are slowing down. Many sociologist have identified that our nation is no longer a Christian nation but post-Christian. If this is true, we have to ask ourselves some hard questions: How can we remain faithful to our God in a world that rejects him? How can we walk in the light when the culture calls light, dark and calls dark, light? How can we trust God when it seems like things are so out of control? We need an answer to these questions and the book of Daniel is a field-guide that can help us. This book is misunderstood by many of us. Many of us grew up with this book in Sunday school. Though it has some great lessons and stories for kids, we have lost the beauty and weight of this book by stripping of the whole point. I’ve seen a number of preachers conclude with this chapter and this book. “Dare to be a Daniel.” And we ought to. He and his 3 friends are truly worth imitating. However, the book’s primary call to us, so beautifully put by scholar Todd Wilson is, “DARE TO TRUST IN DANIEL’S GOD!” This book is about God and what he is like! And secondarily, it’s about how God’s people can live faithfully and with hope in a hostile land. Finally, this book shows us that all major and minor events are according to God’s sovereign plan, that includes past, present, and future. The elders and I are beyond excited on how God is going to use this book to shape our community. We need these truths! › Now lets get into the book! Daniel starts off grounding the whole book into its historical setting. Remember, this is a historical document. And it was written to instruct and encourage God’s people for all times and places. The Context Daniel 1:1 ESV 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The book begins in 605 B.C. as the Babylonians invaded, looted, and burned Jerusalem and took Daniel and friends captive. Though just a single verse, what took place in that sentence is unspeakable. Daniel and his friends saw things you cannot unsee. After months of troubles and struggles, the soldier unleashed all their pent up frustrations and angers upon the men, women, and children. Few were spared or the barbaric impulses that were unleashed. Their Babylonian captors would have marched them more than seven hundred miles to the city of Babylon. So here’s the setting, God’s chosen people are mostly slaughtered, but some select people have been captured as slaves. Those who are alive, uncertain if they will ever return home and if there is any hope for their future or if the promises of God are still alive. › Now, we move on to verse 2, the most significant verse in this passage, God Gave Over Daniel 1:2 ESV 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Notice in verses 1 and 2 the the author notes the king of Judah. Why is this significant? Remember, Judah was one of the sons of Jacob and Leah. And eventually, he became a tribe. And this tribe is promised to always have a king on the throne an ultimately we know that the Messiah will come from Judah. So when you see King of Judah repeated twice, it begs some questions, Is God’s people done? Is there any hope? Will there be a messiah? There is hope in this verse because we learn who’s actually in control. Nebuchadnezzar’s actions suggests he’s trying to show that he’s in charge. He is trying to show that his god is stronger than Yahweh. So bringing in the vessels is a way to gloat with trophies of his conquests. On paper and from a human stand point, Babylon won because they had a stronger military by every measure. But note, “who gave?” However, the LORD gave Judah and its precious belongings into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand! Fundamentally, Nebuchadnezzar did not defeat Judah because he and Babylon are stronger. They defeated Judah because of God’s sovereign plan. Despite appearances, Nebuchadnezzar did not take Daniel and his friends from Judah. God gave them to Nebuchadnezzar. Look a 2 Kings 24:2, speaking about King Jehoiakim, 2 Kings 24:2 ESV 2 And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets. Why would God give up his people? We see that phrase, “According to the word of the lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets.” God had been warning his people to turn back to him. Turn from their idols. Turn from their disobedience. He explicitly spells out his covenant and the consequences of breaking it in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. But astonishingly, we see that God has patience beyond our comprehension. He warns them patiently for 490 years! Marvel and consider what kind of patience God has! So after all these years of longsuffering, God finally delivers his own people to an evil empire. God will keep his promises, both good and bad ones. We learn something interesting about God. He judges and disciplines his people, though they represent him to the world. When they are conquered by the Babylonians, it looks like their god is stronger than the true God. When they ransack the temple and carry it to theirs, it looks like God is a loser or not even real. There were some Israelites who thought, “God would never judge us. We have the temple. We are his chosen people.” Even though it makes him look bad, he will temporarily drag his name through the mud if that means his people are ultimately transformed. If you are comprising and playing around with sin thinking, “God will ultimately forgive me. I’ll be ok. Don’t fool yourself. Judgment will come if you continue in your sin. Don’t be like the Israelites that thought they had an exemption to holiness. This helps us makes sense why God allows so many well-known pastors to completely fail with the result of many in the church questioning their faith. God will do what he must in order to redeem his people. He will allow comprised organizations and nations to crumble if it means out of the rubble will come something true and pure. Outline This chapter is broken up by three phrases all starting with “God gave:” 1. God Gave Jehoiakim 2. God Gave Favor 3. God Gave Knowledge And yet, though he gives his people into judgment, he’s not done with them. He is using this judgment as a way to discipline his true children. The Spirit of Babylon Allow me to highlight a small detail which is easily overlooked unless you have read your Bible carefully many times. Notice the land that they are brought to, Shinar. Shinar is modern day Iraq but we have seen this before in Genesis. Turn to Genesis 11. Genesis 11:1–2 ESV 1 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. For those who are unfamiliar, Shinar is where the people of the world came together in an act of defiance towards God’s command to spread out. Instead they tried to create a great tower for their own glory that would reach the heavens. God frustrated their plans by confusing them with different languages. What is so important is that this is the early emergence of Babylon. Not exactly as a nation but as an attitude. A spirit. A heart posture. The attitude of Babylon is one of defiance and self-sufficiency. It’s an attempt to be your own god and glorify self. We will see King Nebuchadnezzar exemplify this heart in the coming chapters. This spirit of Babylon, though not always spelled out, is seen throughout the whole book and through the Bible. Think about what our culture values? Objectively speaking, we embody much of the Spirit of Babylon. So God’s people have been captured and enslaved to a land that exemplifies defiance towards God. We will see Daniel in a lion’s den in a few chapters but the reality is that the entire nation and culture was a spiritual Lion’s den. Daniel 1:3–5 ESV 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Another way for the king to gloat would be to have waking trophies of his conquest in his kingdom. He took the best and brightest from the cream fo the crop to “break in” and assimilate in the Babylonian way. Imagine the ego stroke, walking in your court and seeing, “that guy was a prince of so and so land, and that woman was a princess, and that one there was a ruler of that land, all in which I CONQUERED! This would ultimately be another way for him to further control each people group as he would have the leaders of the conquered people brainwashed and converted to be Babylonian. › Now our story hones into four remarkable individuals and I’m going to read it because it’s important. Daniel 1:6–7 ESV 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. One of the ways they would “break in” captives is give them a new name. Names throughout the Bible are connected with identity. Their Hebrew names were all connect with God. Hebrew Name Daniel: “God is my judge” Hananiah: “Yahweh is gracious” Mishael: “Who is what God is?” Azariah: “Yahweh is my helper” Now, their new Babylonian names associate them with the Babylonian gods. Babylonian Name Belteshazzar: “Bel protects his life” Shadrach: “The command of Aku” Meshack: “Who is what Aku is?” Abed-Nego: “Servant of Nebo” Throughout the book, the Babylonians refer to them with their new names but they personally address each other with their Hebrew names. They may accept the name in practice with the Babylonians but personally, they know who they are and will not forget their identity. This is significant because they do not reject their names publicly. They can be flexible with their names, which are culturally flexible. But they will not bend with moral convictions. › We see this with the next verse, which Pastor Ross pointed out says, “BUT.” Daniel 1:8 ESV 8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. I love this passage. Daniel doesn’t make an impulsive decision. He resolves. He decides with intention and he counts the costs. He is still a Jew, no matter what the Babylonians say. And he is still under the Mosaic Law and the dietary restrictions. Daniel is resolved to be IN Babylon but not OF Babylon. And yet, this would be so easy to slip. When in Rome… as the famous line goes. He could be like King Jehoiakim also known as King Jehoiachin, 2 Kings 25:29 ESV 29 So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table, OR If I want to influence Neb, I need to position myself at the top. Then I can influence him for God. Notice that Daniel asks the chief of the eunuchs, which heavily implies that Daniel was now a eunuch. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, it means that Daniel and his friends were castrated. Daniel has suffered much in so many ways. We are not told exactly why the food and wine would defile them but we can make some educated guesses. It is likely that the food from the table of the king would break dietary laws from the OT. The diet of the Jews were intentionally stated to separate God’s people from the nations. It was less about the food but the associations. Furthermore, it would common for these foods to be offered up to idols before consumption. Though wine is permissible and celebrated in healthy doses in the OT, it is possible that this wine came with some baggage. The feast they were offered daily was not just food and drink, but the culture. Eating at the king’s table was very influential and probably provocative. It was not uncommon for these feasts to be filled with drunkeness as well as sexually inappropriate behavior. The food and drink would be a gateway to all of this. We cannot underestimate the danger of Daniel’s request. He could easily have been harshly punished or even killed for such insubordination and offensive request. You ungrateful slave! How dare you looked down on the great generosity of the king. Sharing with you his bounty! You may heard the saying, “Every man has a price?” In other words, ever person has boundaries and principals we will not bend on but may for a price. For example, most of us have some sort of special heirloom or item that has great sentimental value to us that we would never sell. Offer me lots of money and I say, “no way!” But if you keep adding zeros, eventually we say, “maybe.” And then perhaps, finally, “Yes.” Most of us have a price when it comes to our integrity. We will be committed to the truth and honesty but eventually the cost to being honest reaches a threshold where we give in to deceit rather than pay the costly consequences of our honesty. I will be faithful to my spouses! But we may have a price. I won’t be faithful if they neglect me and then someone better comes along... What we see throughout the book of Daniel is that Daniel is a man that doesn’t have a price. You cannot buy Daniel because he already has everything in Yahweh. He will not bend his principles in order to protect himself. Do you have a price? Whenever we have a price it ultimately points to our greatest treasure. Whatever you most value will dictate your price. If you greatest treasure is Jesus than you will not give him up or disobey him regardless of the personal loss. If your greatest treasure is your own self, then you will eventually deny him, betray him, and ignore him if faithfulness to him means a denial of self. If you wanna know what your price is, you don’t need to wait for a life and death situation. You can see your values by just how you spend your time, money and affections this last week. These metrics give us a pretty accurate glimpse what is your price. • I love God and his Word, but not when I’m tired. • I love God but when I’m lonely or stressed I love porn too. • I love God and his people, but not when they hurt me. What situations or temptations cause you to cave? Maybe its a family member or coworker? Maybe they engage in speech or actions that you know grieve God but you go along becuase you’re afraid of? Our price and values are revealed everyday... › Let us see the result of Daniel’s bold but faithful request and the second, “God Gave” God Gave Favor Daniel 1:9 ESV 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, God gave the Israelites over to the Babylonians. But he also gives Daniel favor. Again, showing his sovereignty. God’s sovereignty is in giving over in judgment and discipline but also giving favor and compassion. It is important for us to have a robust picture of God’s sovereignty that it encompasses love and judgment. Just as God gave my home over to the burglars he is giving me favor and love through many of you. And we are praying that God would give us favor with the police, for they are not yet willing to take our case. God is in charge of who’s in charge by influencing those who have authority over Daniel. God rewards Daniel’s faithfulness with favor and compassion. Daniel 1:10 ESV 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” In v. 10 we see that Daniel’s request was unusual and dangerous for the chief Eunuch as well it was a big ask. Daniel 1:11–14 ESV 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king’s food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. Many of us would shrink after the initial denial. But Daniel persists and proposes a plan that is agreed upon. The result? Daniel 1:15–16 ESV 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. Don’t read our modern understanding of fat here. The text is explaining that they were healthy and full, don’t think American fat. I know some vegans out there read this and say, “That’s what I’ve been telling ya’ll!” Sorry to the vegans out there, this passage is not saying that meat is bad and God is prescribing veganism. Many other passages throughout the Bible celebrate the joy of meat! But what we see is that God supernaturally blesses them with unusual health and vibrancy in their attempt to be faithful to him. Again, don’t underestimate the power of God. Don’t think, “If I say or do this, it WILL definitely be the end of me.” You never know with the Lord. › Let’s see the final “God gave.” God Gave Knowledge Daniel 1:17 ESV 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. • God gave over • God gave favor • God gave learning and skill. Because God knows and directs the future, God’s sovereignty includes his power to bless people with knowledge and skill as well as diving understanding of visions and dreams. Just like God blessed them with unusual health for their faithfulness, God gives them unusual wisdom for their faithfulness. The result? Daniel 1:18–20 ESV 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. Its been three years and Daniel and his friends have been faithful. The result of their faithfulness is that they weren’t just good. They were great. Exceptional. In “every matter” they were wiser and better. In fact, they were ten times better! Remember, they weren’t competing with nobodies but the best of the best from other conquered nations as well as the locals. So they were the best of the best of the best! So interesting, they dieted for ten days and they received ten times the wisdom and usefulness. I remember learning this from Daniel in my early twenties and resolved that this would be the case for me wherever I worked. I resolved to be bold about Jesus but also excellent in my work and trust that he would provide me favor and blessing in everything I touched. Whenever I would start any job I would pray, “God you are the creator and you know all things. You are the best at everything and you know how to do this job better. Show me how to do it for you, by you, and through you.” And I can testify that everywhere I worked I experienced the favor of God with mostly non-christian bosses and staffs where I out-worked and out-produced most anyone. And I mean this, it was ALL GOD! I daresay this should be the case for all Christians in the workplace at some level. We are all wired with different gifts and temperaments, but if you live faithfully for God, he will likely give you unexpected and amazing opportunities to witness his greatness in your work, far beyond your natural ability. And potentially give you favor and promotion far beyond your natural ability. *This does not mean that there may never be a day where you could lose your job for Christ or get persecuted but as a general rule of thumb, I believe this should be the case. Church, don’t you underestimate the power and blessing of God! Dare to trust in Daniel’s God with your work and witness. I mentioned the burglary eariler, God gave our house over to those burglars. And God has given us much favor with many of you. Though painful, God will also give us the knowledge needed on how to continue to live, love and pastor in Minneapolis. › The chapter ends with a delightful line that easily could be overlooked but is extremely significant, Daniel 1:21 ESV 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. This verse zooms out to the big picture. This book records events spanning about 70 years. Daniel is captured by the Babylonians but by the end of the book, he’s an elderly man who has seen Nebuchadnezzar pass as well as his successors. The Babylonian empire is taken over by Cyrus the Persian. Daniel, though currently a slave of Babylon, will outlast Babylon. This points to the greater picture that every earthly empire will fadeaway but God’s kingdom outlasts them all! Christological Conclusion The life of Daniel points backward and points forward. You may have picked it up, Daniel’s story sounds a lot like Joseph in Genesis. • Joseph is sold as a slave into a foreign land. • Joseph fights for his integrity and is rewarded with promotion to second command of the greatest super power at the time. • Joseph is given supernatural wisdom, understanding, and interpretation. • Joseph is lied about and thrown into a prison. • Joseph will ultimately be used to rescue his people, bless his host nation, and save the known world fo starvation. The life of Joseph is a foreshadow of what is to come with Daniel and both of their lives point to the ultimate fulfillment of the Messiah. Like Daniel and Joseph, Jesus left his home country to live like a slave among a hostile land and people. Like Daniel and Joseph, Jesus grew up among the people faithfully learning wisdom and growing in favor with man. Like Daniel and Joseph, Jesus does not give in to the pressures and temptations from the Spirit of Babylon. Like Daniel and Joseph he experiences much persecution, is lied about, misrepresented, and counted as guilty. Though Daniel and Joseph both lived good lives, they were still sinners. Jesus was not. He was sinless but was treated like he was a sinner. He did this because none of his people have ever been perfectly faithful. • All of us have denied Jesus in some way or another with or words or actions. • All of us have defiled ourselves with Babylon at some level. • And all of us can find forgiveness through Jesus, the greater Daniel. • And those who put their trust in Jesus are treated like they lived like Jesus. Amen, what a savior! This new year, church • Let’s look to Jesus, the one who is in control of whoever is in control. • The one who knows every detail of this coming year. • And lets look to Jesus the one who is faithful when we are not. • And let’s look to Jesus so that we can be IN our own Babylon but NOT OF Babylon.

When last we left our adventurers they had just been ambushed by a group of hobgoblins in Old Conyberry.Alongside Rune's old mentor...Rune, our heroes vanquished the hobgoblins. Though Daniel is taking all the credit.Now they are standing in an old town rumored to be cursed.Will our heroes make it through the town or will they fall victim to the curse that has taken so many?Find out on The 10-No Way——————————————————————————————————————————Follow us on social media atFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyEntertains/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/valley_studios and https://twitter.com/the_tennowayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleystudiosofficial/Watch us record our podcasts on https://www.twitch.tv/ValleyStudiosGamingJoin our Discord at https://discord.gg/fSR6qCWant to reach out to us with questions comments or fan art? drop us an email at vs.valleystudios@gmail.comShare our content with #TennoWay and become an NPC forever grained in our DnD world.If you miss our live streams check out our posted videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9__bfGuabUcFOiB7gytTZAFollow our new content on our website and blog at https://www.valleystudiosmedia.com/Want to become a member of our exclusive community? https://www.patreon.com/ValleyStudiosGaming or https://ko-fi.com/valleystudios

When last we left our adventurers they had just been ambushed by a group of hobgoblins in Old Conyberry. Alongside Rune's old mentor...Rune, our heroes vanquished the hobgoblins. Though Daniel is taking all the credit. Now they are standing in an old town rumored to be cursed. Will our heroes make it through the town or will they fall victim to the curse that has taken so many? Find out on The 10-No Way —————————————————————————————————————————— Follow us on social media at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyEntertains/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valley_studios and https://twitter.com/the_tennoway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleystudiosofficial/ Watch us record our podcasts on https://www.twitch.tv/ValleyStudiosGaming Join our Discord at https://discord.gg/fSR6qC Want to reach out to us with questions comments or fan art? drop us an email at vs.valleystudios@gmail.com Share our content with #TennoWay and become an NPC forever grained in our DnD world. If you miss our live streams check out our posted videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9__bfGuabUcFOiB7gytTZA Follow our new content on our website and blog at https://www.valleystudiosmedia.com/ Want to become a member of our exclusive community? https://www.patreon.com/ValleyStudiosGaming or https://ko-fi.com/valleystudios

9 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. 3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 7 To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us open shame, as at this day, to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, those who are near and those who are far away, in all the lands to which you have driven them, because of the treachery that they have committed against you. 8 To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. 9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him 10 and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. 12 He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us, by bringing upon us a great calamity. For under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what has been done against Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has come upon us; yet we have not entreated the favor of the LORD our God, turning from our iniquities and gaining insight by your truth. 14 Therefore the LORD has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice. 15 And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 16 “O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. 17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.” 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. 24 “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. 25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” Daniel 9:1-17, ESV Throughout our study in Daniel, and especially when we've probed some of the more complex and unique texts that we've encountered in Daniel and we've asked how these various texts apply to our lives, we've repeatedly called upon the metaphors of exiles and sojourner and pilgrimage to explain the Christian life. Like Daniel, there is a sense in which all of us who are making our sojourn are making it in a place that is not our true home. We are exiles who hold citizenship in the City of God, yet we've been called to live by faith in the Son of God as foreigners in the City of Man. This is not our final resting place and because of that our final hope must lie beyond things we find in the City of Man, beyond these things that are ultimately perishable. Of course, this is a Biblically faithful way of envisioning the Christian life. Daniel is just one of the many books of the scriptures that invites us into this way of thinking. It's also possible that if this was the only way that we had to conceive of the Christian life, that perhaps we could wrongly conclude from it that every trouble we encountered in this world or every conflict we get embroiled in must be because I am the persecuted and others are the persecutors. In other words, it's possible that because we live in the midst of beasts and raging horns that we could wrongly from that begin to develop a victim mentality. To the point where every time we are faced, even with the consequences of our own sin, we don't bear the responsibility that we should. Instead we begin to place blame elsewhere; in our DNA, or the unfortunate ways in which we were raised, or anything else that we find in the City of Man. To be sure, the presence of sin in this world naturally means that all of us have been sinned against. All of us have suffered from the sin and injustice of others; some of us, in much more weightier ways than others of us could dare imagine. Especially as Christians in this world we face, as Ephesians says, the schemes of the devil. In suffering in this world as Christians is portrayed in the New Testament as a norm for the Christian life. While Daniel has experienced these realities himself, he readily acknowledges these realities. Here in Daniel chapter nine, he challenges us to consider that while all of us have been sinned against and all of us have suffered in numerous ways as Christians and as exiles and as sojourners. We are also sinners who have sinned against others and chiefly have sinned against the Lord. Neither of these two realities can cancel out the other. We have to hold them in tension. Case and point, if we were to go back through Daniel, we could review some of the horrific ways in which Daniel was sinned against and the ways that he has suffered at the hands of his captors. In Daniel chapter two he was subject to Nebuchadnezzar's rash anger and nearly put to death. Daniel chapter five he entered into Belshazzar's courts and the first thing that happened was the he was basically slandered by Belshazzar. In Daniel six he was targeted by all the high officials in Darius' kingdom and cast into a den of lions. In Daniel seven and eight he saw in apocalyptic visions how God's people would continue to suffer at the hands of beasts and a mocking horn in their future, even when they lived back in the land of promise. Yet when Daniel chapter nine rolls around, we see a man who was on his knees confessing his sin and the sins of God's people before the Lord. If anyone had a reason to play the victim, it was Daniel. Yet these numerous experiences of injustice have not minimized or relativized the sin the he knows he needs to bring before the Lord God in confession. In that way Daniel nine is also our call to confession. Daniel calls us in this text first to recognize our sin. To recognize it for what it is and then bring that sin before the Lord in confession too. More than just prompting us to confession, this text also speaks an abundance of hope into our sin condition. In the end of it we hear this message that the same God who was promised elsewhere in Daniel to put an end to the sin and wickedness in this world in the form of beasts and mocking horns, has also atoned for the sin and wickedness in our own hearts. We worship a God who doesn't just vanquish the enemies we encounter in this world; he is a God who graciously atones for our sin. Such as we who were once enemies ourselves can now be considered through Christ friends and sons of God. So, our big idea this morning is this, If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If that big idea sounds like something else you have heard before, it's because I'm quoting out of 1 John 1:9. That's our big idea. As we work through this text, as you probably saw when we just read it, there is a lot of complexity that's involved in various parts of it. For all the complexity we encounter in this text, we are going to observe that this whole passage has one basic movement throughout it. Daniel first moves into confession when he encounters the Word of God. Then he confesses his sins in light of that in this Word saturated prayer. After that he hears this assurance of pardon and then receives a great promise for his future. In many ways our liturgy mirrors what is going on here in Daniel chapter nine. Along those lines I have four points that we will be working through ourselves. 1. Hearing God's Word 2. Responding to God's Word 3. The Assurance of God's Word 4. The Promises of God's Word Hearing God's Word When our text opens, we learn that Daniel is in the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede. Again, this is the same Darius that we met back in chapter six and was nonetheless coerced into throwing him into a den of lions. This Darius we also learned in Daniel six, is also very likely the same person as Cyrus the king of Persia who conquered Babylon. He was part of the ram that we met in Daniel chapter eight and eventually absorbed exiles like Daniel into his realm. Ordinarily when we encounter background markers like this in verse one, we tend to skim past them without giving them much thought. Daniel actually tells us twice here that it is the first year of Darius, so apparently this a significant time for the life of God's people. Why is this a significant time? For one thing, there was a regime change during the first year of King Darius. Persia is now calling the shots. Babylon is off the scene and no longer in play. With this particular change in the global politics of the day in the ancient near-east, a prophecy out of Jeremiah the prophet is about to be fulfilled. We learn here that Daniel was pouring over God's Word one day, the books which he likely did often in exile. When we encounter the prayer that Daniel prays next shows he must have been saturated in the Word of God, because his prayer is saturated in the Word of God. When he comes to the book of Jeremiah, he reads something about how seventy years must pass before the end of the desolation of Jerusalem. To give some context here, Jeremiah the prophet wrote about a century before the events that are being described here. He wrote right before Nebuchadnezzar stormed Jerusalem and Judah was sent into exile. Jeremiah wrote in part to warn God's people about the judgement for their breaking of the covenant. In Jeremiah 25:11-12, before Nebuchadnezzar comes on the scene, the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed and prophesied this, 11 This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity, declares the LORD, making the land an everlasting waste. Jeremiah 25:11-12, ESV God promised, according to this prophecy in Jeremiah even before the exile, that Babylon would come upon them in short order, Nebuchadnezzar would destroy the temple and carry God's people into exile. But after seventy years, God would punish Babylon for their inequity. As Daniel pours over Jeremiah the prophet, this is probably one of the texts that he is reading. In reading it he must have realized that with Babylon off the scene and Persia calling the shots, this prophecy is nearing fulfillment. Presumably Daniel keeps on reading into Jeremiah chapter twenty-nine where the Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah proclaims this, 10 “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. Jeremiah 29:10, ESV You see, not only was God in seventy years' time going to punish Babylon, but when Babylon made their exit off the world stage that would mean that the people in exile would be able to make their exit from exile back to the land of promise. If these seventy years have already been completed and Babylon had been punished, then it's only a matter of time until the exile is over. So, Daniel hears these promises from God's Word from the prophet Jeremiah. He senses that the days must be drawing near and that this is good news. How do we respond to this? This promise drives him not to presumption, or even celebration. In fact, it drives him to a prayer of confession. He turns to the Lord, we read next, with pleas of mercy and sack cloth and ashes. He recognizes that the reason they were sent into exile in the first place had nothing to do with God's unfaithfulness. It wasn't just a historical accident that happened. In fact, it was because of their unfaithfulness. The reason that God gave them into the hands of the Babylonians in the first place was because they were the ones that turned aside from the Lord and the exile was intended for God's people to come to grips with their own sin. Daniel recognizes that up until this point in their history, they really hadn't. We are going to look at Daniel's prayer of confession in a moment and consider some of the important things that we learn there. First consider something else. For all of the visions and dreams that Daniel has thus far been privy to in their exile, it comes down to an encounter with the Word of God. Specifically, the merciful promises of God that cuts him to his core and propels him into confession. Is that the effect that the Word of God has on you? In the Westminster Larger Catechism 155 we read that the, “Spirit of God makes the reading, and especially the preaching of the Word and effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners, of driving them out of themselves and driving them unto Christ.” Unfortunately, there are times when we come to the Word of God that we tend to posture ourselves over the Bible. Sometimes we use it as something of a wax nose to twist in whatever direction we wish in order to support our views and positions in which we are already entrenched. Sometimes we may us it to justify even sinful tendencies we already have in our lives. Other times we posture ourselves alongside the Bible and use in only as a book to give us ammunition to use against others. To hear God's word like Daniel challenges us to posture ourselves under the Bible with humility. To let God's word lead us where God would have us go. To let it lead us by the Spirit into confession. To let it lead us out of ourselves, let it grieve us in our sin, then let it lead us in through confession to the only one who has made atonement for our sin, Jesus Christ. This is what Daniel does. This is what this whole liturgy mirrors. After Daniel hears the Word of God with this humility, it is with this humility that we are invited to hear the Word of God too. Then Daniel responds to it with a beautiful prayer of confession. This is the next point. Responding to God's Word So naturally, after Daniel's humbled in his sin and the sins of his people, he raises his voice and makes confession. He's not concerned with the ways that he has been wronged or the people of God have been wronged in exile, even though he has been wronged in so many ways that we could count. Instead he is anguished in the depth of his soul in the way that his people have been faithless to a faithful covenant keeping God. This is the first thing to notice that Daniel highlights in this prayer, the faithfulness of the Lord. He opens his prayer in verse four, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Daniel 9:4, ESV Throughout this whole prayer, not only in this opening salvo but elsewhere too, Daniel is acknowledging throughout the character of God as a God of faithfulness, a God of mercy and forgiveness, a God of righteousness. Throughout this Daniel was acknowledging and feasting on the attributes and character of God that he addresses. This is also the only place in Daniel that the divine name, YAHWEH, is used. It's used about eight times in this prayer emphasize that this is the God of the covenant. This is the God who condescended to people from ages past when God's people weren't looking for him, when they didn't deserve his countenance to shine upon them. He's the God who nonetheless made his face to shine upon them. He sent prophets to speak to them, to draw them back to himself. He gave them his law and entrusted to them to guide them. He has been nothing but faithful yet again and again God's people have responded with faithlessness. In light of that, the second thing to notice in this prayer of confession of sin is that Daniel owns this faithlessness of God's people as his own. On the one hand, throughout this prayer Daniel is confessing using first person plural pronouns, in verse five he says, “we have sinned and done wrong and have acted wickedly.” “We have not listened to your prophets,” in verse six. “We have sinned against you,” which is Daniel 9:8. Corporate confession of sin is a Biblical thing to do and in fact its something that we do every week in corporate worship. We recognize that even though we have all sinned in different ways, the one thing that we all share in is the same sin problem. We all have the same need of confession. So, we also confess our sins therefore together as a body with that recognition in tow. One of the pastors I heard preach on this text before said that corporate confession of sin has a profound leveling effect. I think that is true. When we hear one another, people from various stories and backgrounds all being united in confessing the sin that we share. Also, being united in the same hope in the gospel that we share in. Even though corporate confession of sin is a very Biblical thing to do, it's also possible that when we confession our sins corporately, we may not own that confession of sin the way we should. Notice that when Daniel sums up his prayer in verse twenty, he says, 20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel… Daniel 9:20, ESV Even though Daniel's prayer all throughout this passage takes place in the first person plural, he's owned it through and through as his own. Corporate confession for Daniel was not some diversionary tactic to water down his sin. He knows, as we should also know when we confess our sins corporately, that he stands guilty before a holy God just like the rest of God's people. Therefore, he needs the grace of the gospel just like their spiritual fathers did, and just like his spiritual sons. That is true of us too when we bring our confessions corporately before the Lord. Consider another way in which Daniel own the faithlessness of the people of God in this passage. You may have noticed that throughout this prayer of confession, it seems as if the scriptures are pouring from his lips. Just to give a few examples, in verse four Daniel invokes God using language that we can trace back to Deuteronomy 7:9, he's the God who keeps covenant and steadfast love. Daniel's not making that up on the spot. He's saturated and seeped in the scriptures and he knows who God is because he's been in the scriptures. In verses twelve and thirteen he rightly understands that everything that has befallen God's people are part of the covenant curses from Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28, which God warned them would befall them in the law of Moses if the people turn aside from the covenant. In verses five through six, Daniel's confession here echoes Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:47. They are in effect calling upon the promise that was held out in Solomon's prayer when he dedicated the temple that should God's people fall into exile and confess their sins that they would be forgiven and would be turned back. Throughout his prayer we see that just as Daniel knows the faithfulness of the covenant God, he also knows the covenant documents. He knows the scriptures through and through. He knows the scriptures that God gave to his people from ages past. These scriptures, the Word of God shapes his entire prayer; his understanding of who God is, his understanding of his own sin nature, and his understanding of the hope that lies on their horizon. When we think about this idea of shaping our prayers through the language of scripture, that might sound to some of us as a less genuine way of praying. As if our prayers could never be all that meaningful or really authentic unless we are the ones who are responsible for shaping and crafting the language of our prayers from scratch. To push back on that a bit, when we do what Daniel does here and we let the language of scripture infuse our prayers and make sense of our prayer, we are actually letting the Word of God take the lead in defining our sin in a way that our own words might tend to water down. We are letting God's word drive us to a greater hope than our words might be capable of doing on their own. When we let God's word shape our prayers, particularly our prayers of confession, we are actually owning our sin in the ways that God's word would have us do. This is what Daniel does. He interprets everything he prays though God's word. In that way he shows that he fully and completely agrees with God's evaluation of matters and not simply his own. Before we move past this prayer, I want us to consider a third thing about it. That is to see where Daniel in this prayer eventually lands the plane. Throughout this prayer he is acknowledging with an unrestrained boldness his sin and the sins of God's people. It's not until verse sixteen that he actually makes his petition to the Lord. When we finally get around to this petition that he makes, we see that his request is that the Lord would restore Jerusalem. He requests that God would bring about the right worship of him again and that he would turn away his wrath from his people all for the sake of his own reputation. In that we learn something of the goal of our prayers too. Dale Ralph Davis writes, “Daniel teaches us that YAHWEH's reputation should be the driving concern of our prayers. Our petitions should be sprinkled with the incense of pleading his honor.” Of course, Daniel longs for a return from exile for his people because of everything that would mean for them. They could again be who God called them to be and set them apart. They could enjoy the benefits and blessings of once again being home. Even more than the benefits and blessings that his fellow exiles would receive from that return, in acting in such a way God's glory would ultimately rebound back to the name of the Lord. And at his heart, this is what Daniel was concerned for; the reputation, the honor, and the glory or the Lord. So, Daniel makes his long prayer of confession, he's confessed his sin according to the Word of God. Now we read that Daniel is not left in silence after this prayer of confession. He's not really left in all that much suspense because immediately the Lord follows this up with an assurance of pardon. The Assurance of God's Word We see here in verse twenty through twenty-three that while Daniel is in the middle of praying and is confessing his sins and the sins his people, he receives a visitor. This visitor is none other the angel Gabriel who comes on the scene for the second time. We saw him back in chapter eight and he may have appeared in chapter seven, but there is some ambiguity about that. Nonetheless, Gabriel appears again, and he appears to offer Daniel understanding, as he says in verse twenty-three. As commentators rightly note, Daniel's prayer has been so focused on the end of the seventy years of exile, he was prompted by Jeremiah's prophecy that the end of these seventy years of exile and they are reaching their fulfillment. God has confessed and petitioned that God would restore his people according to that promise. Now Gabriel comes on the scene primarily to communicate to Daniel that the end of the seventy years in exile, as great as they are going to be and as many benefits that God's people are going to enjoy by that, aren't ultimately going to bring about the restoration that Daniel and the people of God long for. Instead there is going to be seventy weeks of years until that happens. Before Gabriel gets to these seventy weeks that we are going to talk about in a moment, when he communicates to Daniel that there are many long days and weeks ahead, he offers at least two points of assurance to Daniel. First, he tells Daniel, “at the beginning of his pleas for mercy a word went out.” In other words, as soon as Daniel opened his mouth to pray and make confession, he was heard by the Lord. Among Daniel's final petitions in verse nineteen was a request for the Lord to hear. Now Daniel learns that this is the covenant God, the faithful God who listens to his people. They are a people right now without a home, a people without land, they are going to be a people who are going to experience many turbulent days in the future, but this is the God who hears. He hears Daniel, he will hear Daniel's descendants and spiritual sons who also pray and cry out to him. Even in our sin he hears us when we call out to him with our prayers of petition and confession, only through the blood and the mercy of Jesus Christ. Then Gabriel tells Daniel something else. He tells Daniel you are greatly loved. These are words that are immediately intended for Daniel, and he will hear this again two times it's cited in chapter ten. This is also a word for us through Christ Jesus. When we bring our sin to God in confession and we plead like Daniel does in verse eighteen, not on the basis of our righteousness, but wholly on God's mercy in Christ, this is what God says to us. Friends, you are deeply loved. We may not understand what God is doing when beasts and little horns arise. We may be burdened with the body of sin that we continually repent of and continue to carry with us day by day. When we confess our sins, he is faithful and justice to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. These words, “for you are greatly loved” are a balm for the soul and in Christ they are ours to lay hold of. So, this is the assurance of pardon. For Daniel this isn't the end because the next words that Gabriel speaks are further words of assurance. For all the complexity ultimately, these are words of assurance. The day is coming when the Lord is going to do something better than to simply bring you back to the land of promise. The Promises of God's Word Again, Daniel has been anticipating throughout this prayer the end of these seventy years in exile. When this passage rolls around Daniel learns the kind of restoration that he expects is going to take longer than seventy years. It's going to take seventy weeks of years. By the end of these so called seventy weeks, the restoration that God's people will enjoy will be far greater and far more climatic than a return to the land could ever offer. Daniel's deeply loved, God's people are deeply loved and by the great love with which he loves his covenant people we learn at the end of this text that God is going to one day inaugurate a new covenant. Before we dive into this final part of the passage, and get a little bit into the weeds, it's worth noting that this text is one of the most hotly debated text in the Old Testament. I've read about ten different opinions in ten different books. It's probably been interpreted seventy different ways and we could preach seventy times seven sermons on it. That might be an exaggeration, but you get the point. So, with that said, I'm not going to take us into every particular details of the text or we would be here for another few hours. Instead I'm going to try to keep the main things in focus and to do so I'm going to ask four questions about this text to keep us on track. 1. What are these seventy weeks? The first thing to note is that this isn't a reference to a literal seventy weeks as if everything Gabriel describes is going to happen in just over a year's time. You may have a footnote in your Bible says that this word “weeks” is literally a word for “sevens”. Either way you slice it, the idea is that these seventy sevens is seventy weeks of years. Each seven is actually seven years. So, doing the math, seventy times seven years is 490 years. Now at this point some interpretations begin drawing elaborate timelines and try to figure out when this timeline starts and when this timeline ends and try to line this up to exact historic events. Lest we are tempted to follow suit, consider first if there is any Biblical significance to this 490 years. Remember that I said this entire passage is steeped in the Scriptures. So, it shouldn't come to a surprise to us that this number 490 isn't being pulled out of thin air. This is a number that has Biblical moorings. If we go to Leviticus chapter twenty-five, we would learn about something called the Jubilee Year. In Israel's law every forty-nine years they were called to observe something called the Jubilee. At the end of that all debts would be forgiven. If a fellow Israelite had to sell him or herself into slavery would be freed. Property that might have changed hands numerous times over the course of the forty-nine years. It was in essence a year of glorious restoration and forgiveness. Now, if the Jubilee took place every forty-nine years, then 490 years would be a tenfold Jubilee. This is what Daniel has in view. The main point of these 490 years isn't for us to lay out a timeline and give a precise accounting that for event that falls along the timeline. It's to communicate to Daniel that even though exile is almost over and your people are going to return to the land within a year's time and that's good news, this isn't the final answer. There are many more days and years to get through, but at the end of all this there is going to be a ten-fold Jubilee that is instore for the people of God. 2. What happens at the end of these seventy weeks? If you look with me at verse twenty-four, we learn that these seventy weeks have six stated purposes; to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. So, Gabriel announces that when this ultimate Jubilee comes, it's going to bring something far better than the Levitical Jubilee could ever have brought. It's going to bring the final answer to the problem of sin, it's going to usher in everlasting righteousness in a new temple. A temple that will not be perishable, one that will not suffer loss at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar or Titus in AD 70. Of course, these sound like similar things that our Lord Jesus accomplished. If we were to go to Luke 4:16-30, we would hear Jesus declare something really important. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declares, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” Luke 4:18-19, ESV That is language of Jubilee. What Jesus is announcing here, a few verses later, is that this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. The answer to this tenfold Jubilee of Daniel is Jesus. Jesus is the one who atoned for iniquity by giving his life as a ransom for many. The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the final and last word and as such the one to seal both vision and prophet. Throughout the Old Testament we learn that Jesus is the new temple. Though Daniel does not know who the anointed one who will come in the seventieth week, we do. The answer to Daniel's sins and the sins of God's people that he laments and confesses, the reason that Daniel's pleas for mercy are answered in the affirmative, the hope held out for God's people beyond a simple return to the land all point to Jesus. Even though Daniel sees here that a tenfold Jubilee lies in the future, as soon as that is announced in verse twenty-four, he is then challenged to consider by the angel Gabriel, that this comes about at the end of a long and drawn out process. So, this leads to the third question. 3. What are the divisions of the seventy weeks reveal? So far, we have focused on the relatively simple, but once we get into verse twenty-five through twenty-seven, things get more complicated. First, Gabriel tells Daniel that these seventy weeks are divided into three parts; first seven weeks, followed by sixty-two weeks, then one final week. Moreover, there are various people and events within these three epics of time. We have this anointed one who comes on the scene after the first seven weeks. Then during the sixty-two weeks Jerusalem is going to be built again but during a troubled time. Then during the final week this anointed one will be cut off, have nothing, the city is going to be destroyed, desolations will be decreed, and sacrifices and offerings will be ended. A lot going on here. As you can imagine there are virtually endless interpretations of these events and figures. To try to keep the main things in focus, the basic message is something like this. God's people are going to return to Jerusalem at the end of the first period of time, the first seven weeks, and they are going to rebuild. Then in the next sixty-two weeks there are going to be turbulent days back in the land. It's a troubled time. Nations will rule over God's people and Antiochus Epiphanies makes martyrs our of them. Things like we talked about last week in Daniel eight. Finally, after the sixty-ninth week, during this final week, the people of the prince, or this anointed one, will destroy the city and the sanctuary. This prince will be cut off, he will make a strong covenant and then he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings. If these seventy weeks end with a tenfold Jubilee that Jesus Christ accomplishes, then we learn within this seventieth week, we learn how Jesus brings about this tenfold Jubilee that he is going to accomplish at the end. He brings it about by humbling himself to the point of death. He is cut off. He brings it about by having his own people turn on him. In doing so he also inaugurates a new covenant and puts an end to the shadows of the sacrificial system that ultimately pointed to him. It may be the Sunday school answer, but even in one of the most complicated apocalyptic texts, it's still the right answer; it's all about Jesus. It all culminates in Jesus. So, this leads to the final question. 4. What is the main point? The main point is this; for exiles like Daniel when you return to the land things aren't going to be easy. Yes, you are going to rebuild the temple and the city, just as Jeremiah predicted and that's good news. But you will live in destressing times. In the words of one commentator, it's going to seem as if God's enemies, the beasts and the little horn and Antiochus Epiphanies and whoever else arises, have you directly in their crosshairs. But a day is coming friends when someone else, this anointed prince, will come and will stand in the middle of those crosshairs in your place. In doing so he will bring about something better than a simple return to the land could ever offer. He will bring about atonement for your iniquity. Everlasting righteousness and a most holy place that will never be subject to the ravages of the enemy of God. This person is Jesus Christ. Application Let me leave us with one simple and concise application. Confess your sins and hear the good news of the gospel. Yes, we are exiles and sojourners and some of us have been sinned against as exiles and sojourners and have experienced the ravages of this exile and sojourn in deep and profound and terrible ways. Friends don't be so hardened by those realities to the point where you fail to see the sin in your own life. Ask the Spirit to show you your sin, let the scriptures be that mirror that reveals to you your sin. Bring that to the Lord in confession. Also know that when we confess our sins, when we plead for mercy on the basis on Christ's work alone. The Lord says to each of us you are greatly loved. We see that confirmed in the atonement of sin that Christ accomplishes. The atonement that Daniel looks forward to in the seventy weeks and that we look back upon. A day is also coming when the vestiges of sin that remain in our flesh will be no more. Our Lord has saved and one day he will bring us home.

Though Daniel's prayer does not teach us everything about prayer it certainly teaches us some very important things about prayer that when we incorporate into our own prayer lives will greatly enhance the time we spend with God.

Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along extraordinary individuals such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, something was still missing. https://www.danielgutierrez.com

SummaryTerry interviews business thought leaders, and engages in lively conversation, about achieving success in business and life. Her guests share success stories and experiences about how listening to their angels and intuition, and integrating it with a practical and logical mindset helped them to reach their goals.Your 7th Sense is a show for mission driven entrepreneurs and leaders who seek guidance and information about doing things differently by shedding the fear of trusting their intuition and embracing their Inner GPS. They are ready to step off the hamster wheel of sameness and expecting results that never materialize. They, instead, embrace operating coherently by reducing stress and leading from the heart in ways that truly make a difference in business and life.ABOUT TERRYYouTube Channel SubscriptionClick here to Subscribe to my Channel ➤➤ https://www.youtube.com/IntuitiveLead...Click here for my Signature Video in this series ➤➤ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhaOt...-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Terry's gift to you!Download Terry's Quick Shift Technique to improve focus, decision making, reduces stress in the moment - http://www.QuickShiftZone.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with me on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuitivelea...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/your7thsense/Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrywildemannTwitter: https://twitter.com/Your7thSenseTVYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/IntuitiveLead...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrywild...-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Playlists and VideosYour 7th Sense Show Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=...Inward Journey for Intuitive Leaders Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Website: Intuitive Leadership: http://www.intuitiveleadership.com/Website: Your 7th Sense: http://www.Your7thSense.comTerry's Speaker Sheet: http://www.intuitiveleadership.com/sp...Quick Shift Solutions: http://www.intuitiveleadership.com/qu...Terry's Book - The Enchanted Boardroom: https://www.amazon.com/TerryWildemann...____________________________________________________________ABOUT - Daniel GutierrezOnce a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel Gutierrez realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos, and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, something was still missing. To find fulfilment, Daniel decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. During the past 10 years, he has led quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon and the top of the Himalayas. After the boardroom, now Daniel has been guiding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep dive mindfulness immersions. Though mindfulness is a lifelong practice, Daniel has become known for giving life altering strategies in as little as 60 seconds. When facing extreme pressure, executives go from highstrung to highly productive. Daniel has even turned Wall Street cubicles from a place of stress to pads of serenity. A beloved mentor and sought-after motivational speaker, Daniel was featured in the documentary Luminous World Views as one of eighteen world-renowned transformational thought-leaders. In November 2018 Daniel appeared as a special guest for renowned teacher, Michel Pascal on one of the biggest stages in the world, Carnegie Hall in New York City. He addressed a sold-out crowd with musical support from Earth Wind and Fire, Madonna and Michael Jackson’s best musicians. He is a bestselling author, who just released his fifth International Best Selling Book, Radical Mindfulness.WEBSITE: https://www.danielgutierrez.com/sacred-journeysGIFT: https://www.danielgutierrez.com/gift-giveawayWebsite URL: www.danielgutierrez.comFacebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/abundancedanielTwitter:@motivatordanInstagram: @motivatordanYouTube: motivatordan See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A moment of total presence opened Daniel Gutierrez to hear a message from his soul that redirected his life from the material to the spiritual. He decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. Over a decade, he led quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon and the top of the Himalayas. Daniel's daily practice of meditation and mindfulness radically altered his life and his business. He now helps entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep dive mindfulness immersions, and shares life-altering strategies with executives that help them go from high-strung to highly productive. Watch this interview with Daniel to be deeply moved by the story of how radical mindfulness opened him to receive the most profound spiritual experience of his life. BUY ‘Radical Mindfulness' by Daniel Gutierrez: https://amzn.to/2Xvg3ZN WATCH our first interview on Soul Nectar Show About Daniel Gutierrez Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel Gutierrez realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. As President of PRIMER, a prestigious national leadership organization and an advisor to the Department of White House Personnel for the Obama Administration, Daniel was a highly regarded and deeply revered leader. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America” along Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, actor Edward James Olmos, and CNN's Soledad O'Brien, something was still missing. To find fulfilment, Daniel decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. During the past 10 years, he has led quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon and the top of the Himalayas. After the boardroom, now Daniel has been guiding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep dive mindfulness immersions. Though mindfulness is a lifelong practice, Daniel has become known for giving life altering strategies in as little as 60 seconds. When facing extreme pressure, executives go from high- strung to highly productive. Daniel has even turned Wall Street cubicles from a place of stress to pads of serenity. A beloved mentor and sought-after motivational speaker, Daniel was featured in the documentary Luminous World Views as one of eighteen world-renowned transformational thought-leaders. Connect with Daniel: Web   http://www.danielgutierrez.com/ Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=676002517 Twitter  https://twitter.com/motivatordan Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/motivatordan/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gutierrez-b51438/   YOUR GUIDE TO SOUL NECTAR – KERRI HUMMINGBIRD SAMI I love mentoring women to rewrite the story of their lives through inner transformation, connection to essence, remembrance of purpose, and realignment to authenticity and truth. If you don't want to settle for anything less than a life of passion and purpose, book a Discovery Call and let's talk! Schedule today! http://bit.ly/2CpFHFZ FREE GIFT: The Love Mastery Game, an oracle for revealing your soul's curriculum in every day challenges. http://www.kerrihummingbird.com/play Do you lack the confidence to trust yourself and go for what you want? When you take actions towards your dreams, does self-doubt infect your certainty? Do you find yourself distracting and numbing while also feeling something is missing inside? Do you feel disrespected and like your wisdom is being dismissed? Do you have a hard time asking for what you need? You may benefit from healing the Mother Wound and reconnecting with the Divine Mother for love. Find out more at www.motherwoundbook.com You may be a member of The Second Wave, here to uplift human consciousness from the inside out by healing patterns of suffering that run through your ancestry.

CONSCIOUS CONSULTANT HOUR ~ AWAKENING HUMANITY ~ Sam Liebowitz, will discuss all types of topics to help you raise your awareness. [NEW EPISODE] Radical Mindfulness This week, on The Conscious Consultant Hour, Sam welcomes Author, Speaker, Mentor and Consultant, Daniel Gutierrez . Daniel Gutierrez is the author of the new International Best-seller, Radical Mindfulness. Once a high-powered executive and in-demand consultant, who graced the covers of Latin Business, Cypen and Color Magazines, Daniel realized that there was more to success than a 7-figure earning potential. Though Daniel was listed as one of the “Top 100 Hispanics in America”, something was still missing. At the height of his career, Daniel left it all behind and decided to dedicate the next chapter of his life to becoming a Master of Mindfulness. During the past 10 years Daniel has led nearly 30 quests to the heights of the Machu Picchu, the depths of the Amazon and the top of the Himalayas. After the boardroom, now he has been guiding entrepreneurs and corporate executives in deep dive mindfulness immersions. A beloved mentor and sought-after motivational speaker, Daniel was featured in the documentary Luminous World Views as one of eighteen world-renowned thought leaders in the area of transformation and leadership. . Segment 1 Sam begins today's show with the quotes from Abraham and the Universe. He describes how often the universe assists us to see that things happen at just the right time throughout our life rather than when we want them to happen. Daniel shares his beginnings as a successful business consultant before deciding to discover further meaning in his life. Daniel details his time spent in South America and what he learned from indigenous cultures there. Segment 2 Sam and Daniel describe the subtle differences between stillness and mindfulness. Daniel describes how awareness and mindfulness are meant to be a practical way of life. They explore how mindfulness allows us to find what what Daniel calls “divine bread crumbs” which give us greater understanding of ourselves. Daniel explains the origin of his idea of radical mindfulness and how he combines various philosophies in his book Radical Mindfulness. Segment 3 Sam and Daniel touch on the Evolutionary Business Council and how it has evolved to provide the best global impact they can. They discuss how younger generations have become more focused on mindfulness, but can still learn from the wisdom of the past. They touch on the importance of letting go of expectations and being clear about our desires. Daniel shares what he learned about himself in the process of writing his latest book. Segment 4 Daniel details his plans to opens a bilingual meditation center in Peru. He describes his future plans to spread his message of mindfulness through his books. Daniel touches on how radical mindfulness allows us to notice what is going on inside ourselves and leads to our external reactions. They conclude with Daniel providing encouragement for anyone going through a difficult time in life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-conscious-consultant-hour8505/donations

Pastor Olu reminds us that When attempting to understand a passage of Scripture several things are important. Here are a few. Firstly, what is the meaning of the original language? Secondly, what is the context? Thirdly, how does this particular portion of Scripture compare with other passages of similar topic? Though Daniel 9 has been a “difficult” passage to interpret, join us as we attempt to simply see what the passage says. This portion of Scripture in today’s message is an answer to Daniel’s prayer. God had both an answer and an eternal plan in response.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.facebook.com/FOTWChurch/ http://thewayfollowers.blogspot.com/

Most people are both familiar and unfamiliar with the dramatic book of Daniel.  Though Daniel may look like a hero, the real hero ends up being the sovereign God.  Listen in as we jump into this story's first chapter and find the good news of Jesus.

Daniel J. Lewis from "The Audacity to Podcast" visits Podcasting 101 to talk all things podcasting. If you haven't guessed by now...it's sort of what we both do. Though Daniel had been around quite a bit longer than I. He's got this "How to" podcasting thing down! Wait...wait...before you click unsubscribe and hightail it over to his podcast I would just like to say...there is room in your feed for both of ours shows! LOL Daniel also runs his own network, Noodle.mx network. He has a handful of shows on the network as well as another fist full of shows that he has brought into the network. He has a ton of advice to give and hands it out freely on this show...not to mention weekly on his podcast...and his blog! This man is a jack of all trades when it comes to podcasting. Without even knowing it he's kind of a mentor, I think he's doing great things for us podcasters and for that I'd like to say thank you! Now, we do things a bit different, and thats ok...but at the end of the day we both love podcasting and we both love helping people out! Also, if you're looking to run a companion podcast, a podcast about a TV show series then this episode goes deap into how exactly to go about doing that. Lots of great information! This is something that I've been working on myself. I soon will be launching my own "Companion TV show podcast" so it was something that I was interested in learning! Also, in the near future I hope to have running blog up soon on the "Under re-construction" website and I hope I can be half as helpful as Daniel. I really do recommend checking out his website and saying hey to him on Twitter @TheRamenNoodle. Thanks again Daniel for coming on the show and I hope we get a chance to yap again in the future! Jason A.K.A. The Angry Ginger

Daniel Espinoza's Top 5 rail warm ups. You need to warm up on that speaking voice though, Daniel.