The Double Dare series is geared to challenge us to "Live differently in these troubling times." In part 2 we will look at what it means to "Be Bold" in our faith. We have a tendency to trust people more readily than we are willing to trust the LORD. We live by faith in other people. In Daniel 2 we see three scenes: Scene 1: The King's Bedroom (v. 1) - Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by disturbing dreams. Scene 2: The King's Courtroom (Vv. 2-13) - Nebuchadnezzar calls in all of his magicians, mediums, sorcerers, and Chaldeans (influential Babylonian wise men) demanding they interpret his dreams. - His faith in all of his pantheon of deities is rattled because his seers can't interpret his dreams. - The fraud of the Chaldeans is revealed. They can't do what they're "supposed" to be there for. - This rallies the fervor of the captives (Daniel and his friends). The king's dreams, his disturbance, the failure of the seers to interpret the dreams, were all a setup so that God could use Daniel to show them: No, there are not many gods. No, it's not like you can pick your beliefs and all roads lead to God. Daniel is going to show them: There is only ONE GOD and that God - THE GOD - has revealed these things to Daniel and he is there to reveal them to King Nebuchadnezzar. Scene 3: Daniel's Prayer Room (Vv.14-23) - Daniel and his friends don't just sit back and observe. They actively get involved. - Daniel doesn't panic at the threat of death. - There is a stark contrast between the response of the king and the captives (Daniel and Co.). The king is sleepless, disturbed, concerned. The captives are serene, calm, and trusting in the Lord. - There's a great short poem by Elizabeth Chaney, called the Robin and Sparrow. “The Robin and the Sparrow" Said the robin to the sparrow, “I should really like to know, Why these anxious human beings Rush about and worry so.” Said the sparrow to the robin, “Friend I think that it must be, That they have no Heavenly Father, Such as cares for you and me.” - They put their faith on the line (v. 16) - Daniel activate his faith in God, because he had already abandoned his life to God. - They put their faith in the Lord (v. 17) Prayer is their first resort, not their last resort. Your prayer life is directly proportional to three things: 1. Your perception of prayer: James 5:16 says, "The fervent," that means red hot, "The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much," or gets the job done. So your prayer life is directly proportional to your view, your perception of prayer. 2. Your perception of God (Vv. 21-22) Daniel and his friends prayers according to what they knew of God a. God is in total control b. He is interested in guiding people c. He is in tune with everything. 3. Your perception of the problem DOUBLE DARE: Be aware and take advantage of the daily opportunities to display your faith in the way you respond to people's questions, opinions, and difficulties. It will wake intentionality and it will take boldness. Here's the secret: When you bow before God, you can stand before men. Where is God calling you to BE BOLD? School, work, a relationship, a neighbor? Be sure that you're bowing before Him; that you're on your knees before Him. From the strength you gain on your knees, like Daniel and his buddies, you step up to the crisis and then step out in complete trust in God. The dare: Be bold. Put your faith on the line. Place your faith in the Lord. Step up and talk to men about God, and talk to God about men!