PART 1

Pastor's series, "Staying Cool When Things Get Hot" is a character study of Daniel. He maintained his witness in an ungodly culture and didn't compromise to be relevant. We too can maintain our faith, by making a commitment to be a transformer and not a conformer. We believe, as you read these notes, God’s Word is working in and through you.

We are looking at the life of Daniel. There were only two Bible characters that God showed what the world was going to look like, John and Daniel. Throughout Daniel’s life he never compromised his faith.

Daniel 1: 1-9 (KJV)

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

• Nebuchandnezzar captured Daniel and tried to force him to assimilate into a new culture
• Daniel was promoted without compromise
• Daniel’s witness never waivered in the 70 years he spent in exile
• God used an evil king to fulfill His will and plan
• God is in the midst of all that is going on now
• Daniel purposed in his heart he would not cave in and compromise
• Daniel showed respect to those in authority even though their beliefs were total opposite from his
• You show favor, you reap favor
• Daniel never compromised on his way to the top
• What you compromise to gain you will lose every time
• Daniel had an excellent spirit

Takeaways

1. A commitment to be a transformer not a conformer
2. Always put God first
3. A spirit of excellence

Part 2

Continuing our study of the life of Daniel, Pastor Blunt shared how Daniel’s excellent spirit, habits and his abilities to be responsible and trustworthy caused him to stand tall and stay cool in a culture gone wrong. We believe, as you read these notes, God’s Word is working in and through you.

Foundation is everything. When we face tough and difficult times, it is the Word that helps us to face the storm. The devil will immediately come to steal that Word from you.

• If you want to win, you emulate and study a winner
• What do you do when you feel frustrated but know God has a destination for you?
  • Find someone who is at the destination where you want to be
  • Emulate their qualities
  • Daniel made it through without giving up his witness

What caused Daniel to be promoted?

• He knew his identity in Christ
• He excelled by being a problem solver and not a problem maker

Daniel 6:3-4 KJV

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

• He had an excellent spirit
• He had no fault
• He was trustworthy
• He proved himself before he was promoted
• He was faithful and responsible
• He was a lifelong learner
• He was an example

Emulate the qualities you want from others.

Daniel 6:10 KJV

3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

• Have the habit of prayer
• Praise and thanksgiving

We keep from compromising by wearing the right hat.

HAT (acronym)

Habits

Associations

Thoughts

The greatest barrier to our future is our past.

• Whatever I’m thinking about the most is my idol
• God is to be on our mind more than our other thoughts
• Focus on God and watch peace come in
• Habits, associations, and my thoughts will keep me cool in a culture that is ungodly