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Last week, we witnessed Daniel and his three friends being uprooted from everything they knew. Their world was turned upside down as they were taken into the custody of the mighty Babylonian empire. It was common for the Babylonians to educate the best and brightest in their ways. Almost overnight, these teenagers were on the path to immense influence. Upon arriving in Babylon, they encountered the pinnacle of worldly luxury. The city was magnificent and opulent, filled with pagan temples. The king’s palace, which was beyond their wildest imaginations would be their home. Despite the unique temptations they faced, they were prepared, having resolved in advance not to compromise their values.
"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Daniel 1:8
These young men were offered the same exquisite food the king ate, prepared by the finest chefs with ingredients sourced from far and wide. It was akin to dining at a Michelin-star restaurant - every day. Yet, they chose not to partake because they believed it would corrupt them according to God’s law. Note what the verse above emphasizes - Daniel decided beforehand he would not defile himself with the king’s food. He considered the real possibility that he would be asked to eat what isn’t kosher. When that moment arrived, he would say, "no.” This teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of our convictions. It begins with a decision firmly rooted in the heart before any action is taken. What about you? Do you have a plan for the daily temptations you face? If there’s one crucial lesson we can learn from the life of Daniel, it is this: Inner conviction will overcome any outward pressure.

It is widely acknowledged that mothers hold a uniquely cherished place in our lives. Do you realize that Mother's Day ranks as the third most celebrated holiday in America, following closely behind Christmas and Easter? Additionally, it is the third most attended Sunday in churches nationwide. Mother’s Day sees more phone calls exchanged than any other day of the year.Every child knows that no mother is flawless, yet there exists within each of us a sacred space that only a mother can occupy. This bond transcends age and time. I recall the memorable moment when Shaquille O'Neal returned to complete his college education. On his graduation day, amidst a throng of news reporters, there stood Shaq—imposing in stature, swimming in wealth and fame. Yet, as he donned his cap and gown, with a simple gesture his mother straightened his tie on national television. It was a heartwarming reminder that mothers are perpetually watching over us, and somehow, we never wish for that to change. Indeed, there's an undeniable significance to the role they play in our lives.Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Mother's Day may not evoke joy for every woman. For some, it stirs up painful emotions—perhaps due to infertility, estrangement from a child, or the loss of a son or daughter. However, even amidst such sorrow, many would agree that it is fitting to honor the mothers among us for their unwavering sacrifice and boundless love.This Sunday, we extend our deepest gratitude to mothers and pay homage to the divine order set forth by God. According to the Bible, mothers occupy a sacred and invaluable role. Moms, we honor you and express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do!

Daniel, along with his three companions, exemplified unwavering faith amidst the complexities of public life. Captured by the Babylonians as mere teenagers in the sixth century BC, they found themselves thrust into positions of influence within a pluralistic, secular society that often clashed with their deeply held beliefs in the one true God.
 
Much like our own time, where faith can feel marginalized and confined, the Babylonian empire presented Daniel and his friends with significant challenges. Their devotion to God was viewed as disruptive in a culture that favored pluralism.
 
Sound familiar?
 
Daniel’s life serves as a clarion call for God’s people to exhibit boldness. As a church, we aspire to emulate this courage as we navigate what we can’t always clearly see in the future. The parallels between Daniel’s time and ours are striking. Just as he influenced pagan culture with his unwavering commitment, we are likewise called to exert a Godly influence in our modern world.
 
These teenagers refused to compromise their convictions and as a result, they enjoyed the favor of God upon their lives. May we too, stand firm in our faith knowing that God’s favor accompanies those who boldly follow Him.

I often picture Paul as a seasoned soldier who is all blood and guts. He was constantly fighting the good fight, waging spiritual battles and slaying demons. However, in the final chapter of Romans you see the tender heart within him. This man accomplished great things for God but he did so through strong affectionate relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. With his concluding words he turns his attention to them. You can feel the overflowing emotions of love.
 
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house." Romans 16:1-5
 
The word greet appears 19 times alongside 33 names in this final chapter. Paul’s heart for others is an example for us all.
 
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
 
America is a lonely place for many, many people. Research reveals the number one reason why people attend their church regularly - “I was invited by someone who cared.” The church should be the ultimate place to build meaningful and lasting friendships. Can we take Paul’s encouragment and do this? It begins with a smile and kind greeting toward those you don’t know. The world can be cold but the church should be warm.

We are nearing the end of the book of Romans and in chapter 15 Paul begins his closing remarks. If you reflect on the life of this man, you really have to be amazed. Paul is nothing out of the ordinary in stature and presence, over time his body would become disfigured because of the violence brought against him. Yet, he would be one of the most significant individuals in the history of the world. Paul changed the course of Rome and Western civilization, not through the power of an army, but through the power of a message. His calling was to take the Gospel of Jesus where it had never gone before.
 
God used Paul to spread the message of hope and directed his steps along the way. This happened through much trial and tribulation but with God it is not about the destination, it is about the journey. In the journey we learn, grow and mature. The hardships along the way should cause us to lean on God. In the end, God’s will is accomplished and He is glorified. We focus on the prize; God focuses on the process.
 
What do you want to accomplish for God in this life? What God-sized dreams do you have? You might not have any, but it is never too late to begin. Without a vision of what you want to achieve, you will never start the journey. God won’t condemn you for not accomplishing what you want to do for Him. Rather he might say, “You didn’t have any desires, so you never even started.” The fulfillment is in His hands, but the initiative is in yours.

In Romans chapter 15, Paul encourages the church to maintain her unity once again. It turns out, this was quite a challenge for early Christians. I’ll give you some examples of what was happening in the local congregations…
 
The church in Galatia was known for its legalism. The church in Corinth was divided because some were tolerating the kind of sins that many unbelievers didn’t tolerate. The church in Pergamum was splitting because Christians were marrying pagans and it appears their pagan gods were being introduced. Many of Paul’s letters aim at preventing division due to doctrinal perversion.
 
Some scholars believe that the church in Rome was the most fragmented of all. Primarily, because it existed in the heart of the Roman Empire at a time when Christianity was out of favor. Nero was torturing Christians and some researchers say that early Christian martyrs were turned over to Nero by other Christians. The motivation behind this was envy, jealousy and rivalry.
 
Churches have been known to divide over the smallest and most insignificant matters. So it’s little wonder that three times Jesus prayed for our unity. The request came at a remarkable time in his life. We don’t wake up knowing when we are going to die. Jesus did. He knew exactly how much time he had. What does he do with his last 24 hours? He spends time instructing his disciples and he prays. More than once, he prays for our oneness.
 
Paul urges the strong not to become a stumbling block to the weak by exercising liberties that might cause the weak to stumble. If they are walking in love, the strong will gladly surrender the exercise of their liberties for the good of the weak. The benefits our liberties offer are so small, and the blessings for limiting our liberties are so great that this should not be an agonizing decision.
 
There’s an aphorism you might be familiar with: “Might makes right.” What this refers to is society’s view of what is right is determined by those in power. The Christian ethic upends this. Those who are strong have an obligation to the weak. They are not to victimize the weak but to come to their aid. All for the sake of unity.