Daniel was among the teenage boys who were taken to Babylon as captives to train in the king's palace. They received education and training and were offered choice food and wine from the king's table. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to eat food that was sacrificed to idols. God honored their loyalty to Him by making them stronger than the other boys and by giving them wisdom and understanding. Two lessons are taught: 1) live in the culture while being aware of where to draw lines. Maintain allegiance to God while being engaged in the culture; 2) parents should be aware of what the culture is teaching kids and model how to honor God as they involved in their kids' lives and activities.\r\n

King Nebuchadnezzar built a statue and demanded that all bow down in worship to it or be thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down. The Lord met them in the furnace and rescued them. This story teaches us to act now when presented with God's truth and to be unapologetic for our faith in God. As we are faithful to Him, the Lord meets us where we are and rescues us.\r\n