Hopes common to mankind.

• Hope found in their heritage and status.
• Hope found in their resources—money, skills, intellect.
• Hope found in political movements. Osborne
• Hope found in the new idea. Osborne [Example: Zimbabwe]
• Hope found in powerful and influential people. [Illustration: Jerry] 

Lasting hope is not changed by the circumstances.  Daniel 6:10-16

• Daniel did not change his pattern of prayer. (10a)
  • 3x a day.
  • Window open and facing Jerusalem.

• Daniel did not change the content of his prayers. (10b)
  • Prayers of thankfulness.

• Daniel did not change who he prayed too! (10b)
• Daniel’s reputation of serving God continually did not change! (16)
• God did not change in his blessing of Daniel and changing the hearts of kings. 

Lasting hope navigates the foggy present in hope of a clear future.  Daniel 12:1-13

• There is blessing in not knowing tomorrow.
• Knowing tomorrow in light of today can confuse. (8)
• God’s advice to keep walking faithful and you will be blessed. (12)

Avoiding the trap of false hope.  1 Timothy 3:15, 4:7-16

1. Commit to church as a pillar for truth. (15)
2. Commit to a church that teaches the Word of Truth. (7, 13)
3. Commit to spiritual training. (7b, 8)
4. Put your hope in the Living God who saves you. (10)

Benediction

1 Timothy 4:15-16 “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”