Just a reminder that tomorrow, at 3:00pm Monday afternoon local time, a moment of remembrance will take place for those who served and gave their life for our country. All Americans are asked to pause for one minute of reflection, gratitude, and unity.

Scripture Passage: Daniel 1

This morning, we started a new series in the Book of Daniel by looking at how we, too, can make an impact in our world – even when it seems like everything is against us. Read Daniel 1:1-21 again and review these points from today’s message:

An attitude of Submission | You cannot be over those who are under you until you are willing to be under those who are over you. It doesn’t matter how above everyone else you think you are, if you let your pride get you out from under authority, you’re going to get in trouble.

1 Peter 2:13-15: 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (See also 2 Timothy 2:24-26)

An Attitude of Learning | We don’t study so that we can immerse ourselves in things that are anti-God, but to read them in light of what we know to be true. They never replace our knowledge of the Word of God – which is the basis on which we begin any conversation related to any other “wisdom.”

The Christian leader is always listening and always learning. We never forsake the timeless truths of Scripture, but are always ready to give an intelligent answer to the questions of the day and point people to Jesus.

An Attitude of Expectation | Daniel understood something that we often forget: Sometimes God allows evil people to have short-term success in order to be unexpected participants in His plan! Don’t believe me? God ordained the Babylonian invasion. He also ordained their later overthrow by the Medes and Persians! God was in control the entire time. (See also Genesis 50:20)

Warren Wiersbe: “Each believer is either a conformer or a transformer. We’re either being squeezed into the world’s mold or we’re transforming things in the world into which God has put us. Transformers don’t always have an easy life, but it’s an exciting one and it gives you great delight to know that God is using you to influence others.”

• Think and Talk About It

• Who was/is the most courageous person you’ve ever met?

• What made him or her courageous?

• Did this person display any of the attitudes we heard about today?

• Which attitude is the most difficult for you to have?

• What makes that attitude difficult for you?

• How are you – or how are we as a family – making an impact in the world?

Finally, take some time as a family. Ask God to show you and/or your family how and where you can make a bigger impact in the world today for Christ.