Hope, Humility, and Wisdom.

They matter if you're trying to live well in a troubled world.

For Daniel, his troubled world was Babylon. For you and I, it's probably some corner of America.

(I've actually heard serious discussion about whether America is the "Babylon" of prophecy. We won't quibble about that.)

Let's take the comparison between those places this far: when we look around our world we too see a lot of not-gods being exalted and leaving their worshippers empty.

We see violence and destruction in our cities- fear stalks our children.

We find sexuality being presented without the protection of reverence.

Our leaders are politicians, and we expect them to lie- and in turn we begin slandering them as soon as they announce a bid for office.

We Christians supposed to be "salt" and "light" in a dark and flavorless world, but if it's not an outside circumstance tripping us up, our own pride and tempers keep us from the ways of God.

How shall we then live?

Larry Osborne takes you to the story of Daniel, highlighting the way God taught him how to live. Frankly, it's hard to imagine a country more hostile to the God of Scripture than Babylon, yet the leaders of Babylon came to deeply respect this devoted Hebrew. How?

Daniel was taken from his home as a captive, yet he came to a position of influence.

His viewpoints would have been very controversial, yet the reputation of his integrity won him a hearing.

He lived peaceably amidst the pagans, while practicing fidelity to his God.

Oh, the lessons we can learn from Daniel!

And "Thriving in Babylon" is an upbeat-and-yet-serious, challenging and pastoral look at these lessons. As with every title I've read from David C Cook publishers, a lot is said in 199 pages. Expect to underline and make notes.

"When we obey the light we have, God shows up. And every time he does, our hope grows stronger. We begin to experience Biblical hope: the deep-seated optimism and confidence that comes from knowing that God can be trusted even when we have no idea what he's up to." ~Larry Osborne

Like many Christians, I knew a little about Daniel. What Christian doesnt learn about Daniel and the lions den? Ive also read the book of Daniel a few times and I know the importance of his prophecies in Christianity. I was not sure what to expect when reading this book but I must say that I was really impressed by what was presented and I learned a lot about Daniel. This book put his life in a new perspective for me. From his willingness to honor God when he could lose his life doing so, to the humbleness and strength involved in picking his battles and being a Godly man in a Godless society. This author really got me thinking about how my Christianity furthers Gods cause or detracts from it. I finished this book with a great deal of hope in my heart. If Daniel could thrive in Babylon, then so can we. Great read.

Dr. Larry Osborne has served as a senior pastor and teaching pastor at North Coast Church one of the ten most influential churches in the country since 1980. Dr. Larry Osborne is a pastor who recognizes truth . . . and has no compunctions in administering it.

How refreshing!

In his work, THRIVING IN BABYLON, Dr. Osborne takes a fresh look at the book of Daniel. Discarding the typical interpretation of Daniel as a book of mystery, disregarding the popular interpretation of Daniel as a book of encouragement, Dr. Osborne engages the text with scholarship and wisdom, and opens up the eyes of those who will see. Along the way, the author explores:

Why panic and despair are never from God

What true optimism really looks like

How humility disarms even the greatest of enemies

Why respect causes those who would otherwise have nothing to do with God, to listen

How wisdom can snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat

But be warned . . . as an old proverb counsels us, Truth can sometimes wear a wry face. Are you prepared to handle the truth?

Author Dr. Larry Osborne can deliver it.

5 stars for a refreshing, reflective understanding of the life of Daniel

If you only read one book this year, I suggest this be it. Osborne's book is that timely.

Osborne looks at Daniel for lessons in thriving in Babylon. We might think of Daniel's story as saying something like, if we do the right thing God will keep us from harm. Nothing could be farther from the truth, Osborne writes. Just read about the heroes of the faith in Hebrews, the ones who were tortured, imprisoned, killed, etc. They were great people of faith but God in His sovereign wisdom declined to rescue them. He chose to be with them in their trials rather than delivering them from their trials. (23)

The lesson we get from Daniel is that he found a way in a wicked culture to glorify God and serve God so that kings acknowledged Him. Osborne identifies three qualities that marked Daniel's life: hope, humility, and wisdom. He addresses them in detail in this book. He explores where they come from, how they're developed, and the impact they had on the wickedness around Daniel. For example, it was Daniel's humility in serving his masters so well that his influence in Babylon grew greater and greater.

I really like Osborne's insights. I was reminded again that God is in control. I was also reminded that God's judgment begins with His own people (and what that might be saying about our current culture). I found out that hardship serves a purpose, as a spiritual boot camp. Those who have not been through a spiritual boot camp will have trouble thriving in Babylon as there are necessary spiritual qualities one can only get through boot camp experiences.

I loved Osborne's example of watching a rerun of the USC - Notre Dame football game. Only a few minutes left and Notre Dame is ahead. The USC quarterback gets sacked and ten yards are lost. The clock is ticking. But Osborne, a USC fan, is not stressed. He knows what happens two plays later. What a lesson for Christians, even when we get sacked and lose yardage. We know who wins!

I really like the way Osborne writes. He has a way with words and inserts a bit of humor from time to time. His insights are timely and full of wisdom. Some of his thoughts seem counter intuitive, like honor and respect toward godless leaders. But Osborne is a stickler for being biblical, just like Daniel. I found his teaching to be right on. If you are ready for a biblical perspective on living in a godless culture, read this book.

Unfortunately, there were no discussion questions included in the galley I read. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for classes and small groups. This is an important book for our time and discussing it with others would make it even better.

I received a complimentary digital galley of this book through Litfuse for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Larry Osborne in his new book Thriving In Babylon published by David C. Cook gives us Why Hope, Humility, and Wisdom Matter in a Godless Culture.

From the back cover: Meet a man forced to live in a fast changing and godless society. He faced fears about the future, concern for his safety, and the discouragement of world that seemed to be falling apart at warp speed. Sound familiar? His name was Daniel, and with the power of hope, humility, and wisdom, he not only thrived, he changed an empire while he was at it. Though he lived thousands of years ago, we can still learn much from him today.

Even in Babylon, God Is in Control

In Thriving in Babylon, Larry Osborne explores the adult story of Daniel to help us not only survive but actually thrive in an increasingly godless culture. Here Pastor Osborne looks at:

Why panic and despair are never from God

What true optimism looks like

How humility disarms even our greatest of enemies

Why respect causes even those who will have nothing to do with God to listen

How wisdom can snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat

For those who know Jesus and understand the full implications of the cross, the resurrection, and the promises of Jesus, everything changes not only in us, but also in our world.

Daniel was taken from The Holy City, Jerusalem, in chains and brought to Babylon. He lived out the rest of his life there. Daniel became a highly respected leader in Government that reported directly to the King. What does that have to do with us? Because of Adam we lost the perfect world that God created for us. Now we live in a world gone haywire. The same way that Daniel was able to make an impact and change his society we can as well. In Five Sections: Section One: Daniels Story, Section Two: Prepared For Battle, Section Three: Hope: Where Courage Is Birthed, Section Four: Humility: How Credibility Is Earned, and Section Five: Wisdom: The Power Of Perspective. Dr. Osborne lets us know that not only is it possible to live a Godly, confident life when it seems that the world around us seems to be falling apart, it is also possible to make a significant change for the good in that world. I think everyone should have a copy of this book. I think it would also make a great gift for friends and family. I recommend this book highly.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Quinn Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.