When They Say I Must - You Are What You Worship - 242

Ralph Waldo Emerson's wisdom sets the tone for this week's exploration: "A person will worship something. Have no doubt about that... what we are worshiping we are becoming." As we continue our journey through the book of Daniel, we confront an uncomfortable truth—everyone worships something, and our devotion shapes our identity.

Why do we feel perfectly comfortable shouting at football games, painting our faces, and high-fiving strangers in celebration, yet hesitate to raise our hands in church? This cultural contradiction reveals much about where our hearts truly lie. Whether we recognize it or not, worship happens constantly through what we value, pursue, and prioritize.

The biblical account of Daniel and his friends facing Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue provides a powerful model for standing firm when culture demands compromise. Their response wasn't rebellion or criticism—just a calm, unwavering "we will not bow." Their fireproof faith emerged from knowing their true identity and having already determined their boundaries before facing the test.

We uncover fascinating insights about worship through examining the three named archangels in Scripture: Michael (associated with prayer), Gabriel (connected to God's Word), and Lucifer (originally heaven's worship leader). Before his fall, Lucifer was adorned with musical instruments and precious stones, but pride led him to redirect worship from God to himself—a pattern that continues in today's world through modern idols.

These idols manifest primarily as Mammon (materialism), Baal (power), and Asherah (pleasure)—the same three temptations found in Eden, in Christ's wilderness testing, and in our daily lives. They appeal to our desire for provision, power, and pleasure, attempting to elevate these things above God in our hearts.

The battle for worship continues today through cultural pressures that push Christians to conform to standards contradicting biblical teaching. Like Daniel, we must decide where to draw our line in the sand. When faced with the command to bow, will we stand firm in our convictions while maintaining the gentle, respectful spirit demonstrated by those three Hebrew men in ancient Babylon?

What are you worshiping today? Your answer shapes not just your spiritual life, but who you're becoming.

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Worship and Culture
• 4:23 Worship vs. Sports Culture
• 9:02 Daniel's Stand Against Idolatry
• 14:44 Music's Spiritual Influence
• 22:13 Three Archangels and Worship
• 27:39 Cultural Pressures to Compromise
• 32:51 Modern Idols: Money, Power, and Pleasure

Transcript

Daniel Moore: 0:08

To better understand worship from the enemy's perspective, it helps to look at its background In Scripture. To fully grasp a concept, we often need to trace it back to its origin. In this case, we can start by examining the three angels specifically named in the Bible, who are considered ruling or archangels. Each of them represents a different aspect of worship. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we're going to talk about that and more as we continue our study on unshaken, holding fast and a culture of compromise. We'll be back with this week's episode right after this.

Daniel Moore: 0:44

Welcome to Connecting the Gap. This is a podcast about marriage, bible and book studies, and occasionally we interview people that have a story. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you, guys for joining us this week. If you're not familiar with our show, check out our website at wwwconnectingthegapnet. All of our platforms are there YouTube and Rumble links. We're also in the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can also visit us on social, on X, facebook and Instagram, ctgaponline. If you're a fan of our show, please subscribe. Feel free to leave a comment on our platforms. Be before you leave a comment on our platforms, be sure to give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and we thank you and we'd be eternally grateful to you for doing that Well, as we continue our study, as we've been going through the book of Daniel.

Daniel Moore: 2:02

This week we're going to be in episode five of that series and we're going to continue with the studies that we've been doing here as we've been taking the different aspects of Daniel's life and applying them to today's culture and how, as he had to stand up in culture and fight, we have to do that today as well. This week, as we continue, we're going to get into this week's episode entitled when they Say I Must, you Are what you Worship. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said A person will worship something. Have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret, in the dark recesses of our hearts, but it will out. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship for, what we are worshiping we are becoming.

Daniel Moore: 3:04

You know, one thing to know about me is I'm a big sports fan, especially when it comes to college football. I'm a devoted supporter of the Texas Longhorns and I cheer for them all year long. You know, hook them horns. Hopefully you won't unsubscribe from my podcast now if you're a OU fan, for instance. But I'm a devoted supporter and here in this previous season the Longhorns switched to the SEC Conference. You know I figured out early on that the Southeastern Conference football is more than just a game. It's practically a belief system within the larger world of college athletics. When there is a home game, I always imagine what it would be like sitting in the stands and how loud that would be. I've never been able to attend in person, but there are many fans that have that love watching the game as much as I do Now.

Daniel Moore: 3:55

Many days I have found myself reflecting on how it's completely normal for us to cheer loudly, shout, paint our faces and even high-five strangers at football games or even while watching from home. But we often feel awkward if someone lifts their hands or says a heartfelt amen during a worship service. I dream of the day when the praise at my church surpasses the energy and excitement of Saturday football stadiums. God isn't against us enjoying sports. What matters to Him is whether he's our top priority. We should pause and ask ourselves why we're quick to praise athletes who don't even know we exist. Yet we hesitate to show gratitude and awe to the God who created us.

Daniel Moore: 4:41

In the end, it's really all just about worship. When I talk about worship, I'm not just referring to singing praise songs during a church service, joining in a responsive reading or praying with a small group. While those are ways we express worship, the heart of worship lies within what's happening deep inside of you. It revolves around the answers to some key questions that we all wrestle with, like what is most important to me, or who or what do I love the most? Where does my loyalty truly lie? What takes top priority in my life, and where am I investing most of my time, my energy and my resources? When we answer those questions honestly, we gain a clear understanding of where we truly stand with God. He made us in His image, as spiritual beings designed to worship, and if we're not worshiping our Creator, we're likely placing something else in the position that only he deserves. That's actually what idolatry is Giving our hearts, and devotion to false gods trying to fill God's place with something that was never meant to be there Idolatry Worshiping anything or anyone in place of God. You know that can take different forms. It's not limited to pagan statues or exotic shrines devoted to objects or animals.

Daniel Moore: 6:12

In today's culture, we're constantly surrounded by tempting idols like power, money, sex and fame, each demanding our attention and our loyalty. If we're not firmly rooted in Christ, if we haven't drawn a clear line we refuse to cross, our hearts can easily be drawn in and swayed by these cultural idols. When that happens, the enemy gains a foothold, distracting us from our calling and stealing the purpose peace and joy that God designed us to live in. But it doesn't have to be this way. When others pressure us to bow to their idols, we have the power to stand firm and refuse. This isn't about creating an us-versus-them mindset. Rather, it's about recognizing that our hearts are chasing different things. With that awareness, we can stay grounded and stand strong, no matter how intense the pressure becomes, just like Daniel did, as if they hadn't already endured enough.

Daniel Moore: 7:21

After proving themselves and earning a place in the king's inner circle, daniel and his friends were once again put under intense Babylonian pressure, this time directly confronted with the command to bow down. There was no way to sidestep this cultural clash. It became a spiritual tug of war. They had to either stand their ground or just give in.

Daniel Moore: 7:47

King Nebuchadnezzar constructed a massive gold statue, measuring 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide and placed it on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He called together all the officials, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, the advisors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and every other provincial leader to attend the dedication ceremony for this image he had erected. So all these officials gathered and took their places before the statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. Then the herald loudly proclaimed. Nations and people of every language, this is what you are commanded to do. As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, the flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. That's Daniel, chapter 3, verses 1 through 6.

Daniel Moore: 8:57

This story delivers a powerful punch, with several spiritual insights. We'll explore a few, but let's begin with one that often goes unnoticed. The king's idolatry involved both image and sound. King Nebuchadnezzar didn't just build a massive statue, he also arranged for music to accompany it, creating a full sensory spectacle. He wanted his people to be fully immersed in the experience, using sight and sound to compel them to bow before an idol born out of his own pride, and we shouldn't be surprised.

Daniel Moore: 9:35

Satan has always relied on sights and sounds to deceive and tempt. And why? Because targeting both senses at once is far more powerful than influencing just one. As someone who craves worship for himself, the enemy understands that humans are created to worship. He knows how deeply people are moved by sound, especially through the rhythm, melody and the harmony of music. Music holds incredible power. It can shape our moods and deeply impact our thoughts. Ever wonder why almost every movie has a soundtrack? It's because music enhances the emotions we're meant to feel as we watch. A scary movie, for example, wouldn't be nearly as terrifying without those tense, creeping strings playing whenever someone slowly opens a closet door or walks alone through the woods. And then there are song lyrics. How often do they get stuck in your head? You could hear a tune on the radio once and end up humming something like Build Me Up, buttercup for days on end.

Daniel Moore: 10:44

My teenage years were in the 80s. It was a time caught between the free love era of the 70s and the boundary-pushing culture of the 80s, and popular music carried a lot of influence, just like it does today. Back then, many youth groups were often preached to about the impact of rock and roll. A lot of pop music, especially disco, was filled with sexual innuendos, if not outright explicit content. Heavy metal was becoming more mainstream, also often highlighting themes like sex violence, suicide and death. There was even growing concern about backward masking, hidden, subliminal messages on some albums, meant to influence listeners in harmful ways.

Daniel Moore: 11:30

I experienced firsthand the power of music and how deeply it can influence people. I remember wanting to play rock guitar with a distortion turned up loud, rocking the crowd. My dad wanted me to play hymns on an acoustic for street service on the square in my hometown. We didn't really see eye to eye on the rock guitar future and after I took acoustic guitar lessons for about six months, I got bored and I quit. I really always wanted to play the drums, but my dad wouldn't let me have those either. Drums were something the naked bush people in Africa danced to in the jungle to mate, and those were demonic and out of the question.

Daniel Moore: 12:11

With such a strong musical background and deep love for it, I naturally became curious about how to approach popular music, especially rock, in a way that honored God. I didn't want to open the door to anything that might lead me into spiritual struggle or give the enemy influence over my heart and mind. So, along with the other teens in my youth group, I attended a youth rally where they exposed the dangers of rock music. At the end of the event, many young people made the decision to follow Jesus, while others brought their records and cassettes forward to burn as a symbol of leaving behind a lifestyle shaped by the dark messages and the music that they once embraced. They had found freedom and wanted to inspire others to do the same. Their message was bold and while it drew a lot of criticism and even ridicule, they weren't afraid to stand up for their convictions. It was an emotional discharge of legalism which later in life, I regretted burning a lot of my Christian rock albums, which can't even be purchased today. That was a little extreme for me.

Daniel Moore: 13:16

In the long run, I still listen to 80s rock with a mix of praise and worship and Christian rock. To this day, the argument is out there that all of rock music isn't bad and it isn Christian rock. To this day, the argument is out there that all of rock music isn't bad and it isn't wrong to listen to. That argument may be true, but there are people that have shunned secular music because it has helped them with their walk with God. It helps them to stay more focused on Him when they saturate their minds with the things of God. And I get it, I really do. You know.

Daniel Moore: 13:46

Like the Babylonians, I understand that music carries a unique and powerful influence. I truly believe Satan often uses it as a subtle tool to spread his message, slipping it in quietly like harmless background noise. He's a master of deception, remember. He disguises himself as an angel of light In 2 Corinthians 11-14, a reflection of who he once was as Lucifer, before his rebellion and his fall from heaven. Back then he was responsible for worship, and I believe that probably included music. In fact, I'm convinced that worship and music still play a central role in heaven today. To better understand worship from the enemy's perspective, it helps to look at his background In scripture.

Daniel Moore: 14:43

To fully grasp a concept, we often need to trace it back to its origin. In this case, we can start by examining the three angels specifically named in the Bible, who are considered ruling or archangels. Each of them represents a different aspect of worship. The first angel, michael. He appears in response to Daniel's prayer in Daniel 10.13 and Daniel 12.1. We'll have more on that shortly. Gabriel is another archangel known for delivering messages from God's Word. He appeared to Mary to announce that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, in Luke 1.26-56. Then there's Lucifer, who was originally the angel responsible for leading worship, as told in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. Every meaningful encounter with God includes these same three elements prayer, the word and worship. I believe each of these three archangels was given authority over a third of heaven by God's design. Scripture tells us that when Lucifer fell, a third of the angels fell with him in Revelation 12. His downfall provides a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and surrender in the heart of a true worshiper.

Daniel Moore: 16:00

Consider this passage from the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 14, 12-14, it says how you have fallen from heaven morning star, sun of the dawn. You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations, it says. This passage was directed at a man, the king of Babylon, but the real message was aimed at the spirit operating behind him. It's much like when Jesus said to Peter Get behind me, satan. After Peter objected to Jesus' suffering and death in Matthew 16, 23. Although Jesus was addressing Peter, he was clearly rebuking the enemy working through him.

Daniel Moore: 16:59

In this passage from Isaiah we see how Lucifer, or Satan, tried to shift worship away from God and direct it toward himself. Isaiah highlights five bold I will declarations filled with words like ascend, raise, exalted and highest. Lucifer's ultimate goal was to take God's place to be the most high, the one all creation worships. This craving for exaltation appears to be his deepest desire. He even tempted Jesus, asking him to bow down and worship him in Matthew 4, verse 9. It's also worth noting that Lucifer is described as having stringed instruments. In Isaiah 14, 11, it says your pomp is brought down to Sheol and the sound of your stringed instruments. Another translation suggests these instruments may have been harps. In the NIV it says all your pomp has been brought down to the grave along with the noise of your harps.

Daniel Moore: 17:59

In another passage, this one from the prophet Ezekiel, we find a message addressed to the king of Tyre, but once again talking about Lucifer. It says in Ezekiel 28, 12, and 13, you were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was your covering the sardius, topaz and diamond, beryl, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and emerald with gold, the workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. The description of Lucifer as perfect in beauty and the reference to his presence in Eden make it clear that this passage isn't about the king of Tyre, but about Lucifer himself. He was adorned like royalty, covered in every precious stone and equipped with timbrels. Those are small percussion instruments, similar to tambourines and pipes or woodwind instruments.

Daniel Moore: 19:02

It makes sense that the angel responsible for leading worship in heaven would be closely connected to music and use it as a part of his domain, even in his rebellious attempt to rise to God's throne. Interestingly, when you look at all the instruments associated with Lucifer in Scripture, nearly every major family of instruments is represented strings, percussion and wind. If there's any lingering doubt, the rest of the passage further highlights Lucifer's connection to music as the guardian cherub in Ezekiel 28.14, he was anointed to lead worship through music, but through his widespread trade Ezekiel 28.16, he attempted to trade his role as a worship leader for the spotlight to become the object of worship himself when he was cast out of heaven and down to earth. In Ezekiel 28, 17, he lost his position as heaven's worship leader, but he retained his understanding of music's influence and continues to twist and manipulate it for his own purposes. In Ezekiel 28, 14-17, it says found in you Through your widespread trade. You were filled with violence and you sinned, so I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor, so I threw you to the earth. I made a spectacle of you before kings. You know as much as I love music. I'm fully aware that the enemy still uses it as a strategic tool to influence our minds and hearts with messages that go against God's truth. Just look at how music has been connected to things like alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual immorality, self-destructive behavior and even suicide over the past few generations. Songs like the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil in the late 60s or Foreigner feels like the first time in the 70s. And then you got Ozzy Osbourne's Suicide Solution in the early 80s, and those didn't exactly bring messages of hope or healing.

Daniel Moore: 21:34

If Lucifer is no longer the one leading worship in God's kingdom, then who took his place? The answer to that we did. As believers, we have been given the role of worship leaders, and that's one of the key reasons the devil despises us. He lost his position and we were chosen to fill it. God designed us with the same three types of musical expression found in instruments. He designed us with strings, or our vocal cords, with percussion or clapping, and wind, or the breath that we sing, so that we could be living instruments of worship. The Psalms repeatedly encourage us to praise Him with our voices, our hands and our breath. This serves as a powerful reminder that one of the greatest tests in life is who or what we choose to worship.

Daniel Moore: 22:28

The enemy's goal is to get us to worship anything but God, to follow his path of distorted worship, whether it's by bowing down to him or to something glorified by culture, like wealth or fame. His aim is always to divert our worship away from the one who truly deserves it. At its core, the Christian life comes down to a daily battle over who or what we choose to worship and how we express that worship. Take a moment to open your heart to what God might be trying to say or reveal to you in this area. What is the Holy Spirit gently speaking to your soul? If you ever question whether worship is truly our most fundamental struggle. Just look at how the Bible begins and ends, both with battles over worship, from Satan tempting Adam and Eve in Genesis to seeking global control in Revelation. His goal has always been to redirect human worship. Ideally, he wants it for himself, but he'll settle for anything that takes it away from God. His mission is to lead good people into bowing before cultural idols that are unworthy of their devotion.

Daniel Moore: 23:39

We're already seeing the early signs of forced worship in today's culture, especially through the moral conflicts unfolding across America. It wasn't enough for abortion to be legalized. Now many are being compelled to support it, whether by offering it or funding it through the workplace benefit plans. These cultural clashes are happening on multiple fronts, and you might be facing one in your own life right now. From the redefinition of marriage to debates over who uses which public restrooms, our society continues to push Christians to conform to standards that clearly conflict with our faith. Instead of continuing to list every cultural battle, let's get to the heart of the matter how should we respond when faced with these challenges?

Daniel Moore: 24:27

Looking at the story of Daniel, we see a powerful example. Looking at the story of Daniel, we see a powerful example. Despite intense pressure and blatant exhortation, daniel and his Hebrew friends chose to stand firm in their faith rather than bow down to the king's idol. Their courage offers a clear model for how we can face similar situations today. In Daniel 3, verse 16 to 18, it says I mean talking about staying calm under pressure. I mean notice that they didn't start a rebellion. They didn't stage a boycott or criticize the king for making idols or argue their case. In fact, they told the king there was no need for them to defend themselves in this situation. They simply declared we will not bow. They made it clear they trusted God to deliver them. But here's the most powerful part Even if he didn't, they still wouldn't change their minds as a result. They were thrown into the blazing furnace, yet they emerged without even a trace of burns. God protected them and honored their unwavering, fireproof faith. Where did their strength of conviction come from? Well, as we've seen, they had a solid foundation. They knew their true identity even when the Babylonians tried to redefine and mock it. They had already determined what they believed before ever being taken captive, and they chose to see their trials as opportunities to grow stronger in faith. These three key principles believe, embrace and endure formed the backbone of their character, allowing them to stand firm without being defensive or combative.

Daniel Moore: 26:39

Sometimes the idols in our lives aren't as obvious as a giant golden statue or even the modern-day elevation of self over God's original design. But the reality is every one of us worships something, whether we're aware of it or not. We all bow down to something. Every day, in every place and in everything we do, worship is happening. It's part of who we are and how we live. Worship is simply our response to what we value the most, and more often than we realize, we let culture influence and define what that is.

Daniel Moore: 27:20

Wondering what or where you truly worship, just trace where your time, affection, energy, money and loyalty go. They will reveal the real object of your worship. We all need to take the time to reflect and honestly identify what we're truly worshiping. Every one of us has an altar. It may not look like a physical shrine in our homes, but whatever holds the most value in our lives will naturally take the highest place of honor, will naturally take the highest place of honor.

Daniel Moore: 27:50

We are the only part of creation that does this, offering up worship. And why? Because we were made in God's image, designed to bring joy and glory to the one who created us. But not everyone chooses to worship God. And if you're not worshiping Him, rest assured you're still worshiping something. It's as natural as breathing. It's how you were made. But you'll never find true satisfaction, walk in your purpose or experience lasting fulfillment if you're worshiping anything other than God. Many people have replaced the Creator with something he created, making it the center of their lives, and that's exactly what the devil wants to pull us off course, keeping us distant from God and from the identity and calling that he designed for us.

Daniel Moore: 28:51

Christians are just as susceptible as non-believers, stirring God's jealousy when we compromise and give priority to the countless things the world tells us are most important. When we look to anything other than God for ultimate meaning or fulfillment, we're stepping into idolatry. It might be something we're addicted to, like prescription drugs, illegal substances, alcohol, pornography, sex or shopping or gambling, but it could also be things that are good on their own alcohol, pornography, sex or shopping or gambling. But it could also be things that are good on their own, such as family, work or even church. The moment we elevate everything above God as the most important part of our lives, it becomes an idol. I'm convinced that idolatry is widespread in today's culture. Just take a look at what people spend their money on and maybe even more telling what they strive for, such as greater wealth, larger homes, more possessions, better looking bodies and increased power.

Daniel Moore: 29:48

While the Bible speaks clearly about idolatry, some brush it off as an outdated idea, claiming it only applied in the Old Testament. But that's simply not true. The New Testament is just as direct. In 1 Corinthians 10.14, it says Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. All throughout scriptures, three false gods appear again and again. One of them is the spirit of mammon, the god of greed and materialism. Those who follow mammon live by the mindset of never enough. That same attitude is everywhere today. As many chase after wealth, believing it will bring them happiness. Mammon constantly tries to take God's place in our hearts, as stated in Matthew 6, 4. Now, there's nothing wrong with having money, as long as the money doesn't have you.

Daniel Moore: 30:45

The second is Baal, a false god associated with power and rooted in pride. You can read about him in Judges 2.11, judges 10.10, and 1 Kings 18.18. And he's also mentioned in Jeremiah 2.23 and Hosea 2.17. He represents self-reliance in the pursuit of personal achievement. Think of those old funhouse mirrors or even today's apps that distort your reflection to make you appear extra strong or larger than life. Bill projects a similar illusion to his followers, encouraging the belief that you don't need God. You're strong enough to handle everything on your own. We see this same mindset today, in the belief that staying busy gives us control over our lives. It's the force behind workaholism and our overloaded schedules. We speed through traffic because we constantly feel behind, trying to catch up any way that we can. We eat on the go, juggling phone calls and checking emails and texts. At work our minds are at home, and at home we're thinking about work. Many of us spend just a few minutes a day with our spouses and children and even less time with God, all the while putting in nine or ten hour work days. It's clear the spirit of Baal is still very much present in the modern world.

Daniel Moore: 32:13

Lastly, there's Asherah, the goddess of pleasure, especially sensual and physical indulgence. You can read about her in 1 Kings 14.23, 2 Kings, 17.10, and Jeremiah 7, verse 16-18. Also known as Ashtoreth, she was worshipped through acts of lust and sexual rituals. Different cultures have given her various names over the centuries, like Venus by the Romans and Aphrodite by the Greeks, always tied to fertility and sensuality. Her influence promotes the belief. If it feels good, do it, and that's a mindset that still echoes strongly in today's culture. I think it's clear that this God of sensual pleasure, lust and sexual gratification has plenty of modern day followers. There's no need to reference the latest statistics on rape, human trafficking or pornography to prove the point. Our culture openly embraces nearly every form of sexual expression, including the increasingly widespread acceptance of homosexuality. And it's not just men being influenced. Even suburban soccer moms can fall under the idol's spell, as seen in the 125 million copies of Fifty Shades of Grey that sold worldwide by mid-2015.

Daniel Moore: 33:45

These false gods power, money and sex have been fighting against our connection with the one true God since the very beginning. They first appeared right in the Garden of Eden. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. That's Genesis 3, 6. In that moment you can see all three mammon and the desire for, for provision or good for food, asherah in the pull of physical attraction or pleasing to the eye, and Baal in the drive for self-exaltation or, desirable, for gaining wisdom.

Daniel Moore: 34:25

We also see these three same counterfeit gods used when the devil tempted Jesus. Right after his 40-day fast in the desert, the tempter came to him and said If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. If you are the Son of God, he said. 5 and 6, verses 8 and 9. After Jesus' fast, the devil tried to exploit his physical hunger by tempting him to turn stones into bread. That's an appeal to the appetite, or asherah. Next, he challenged Jesus to throw yourself down in a display of power and pride. That's Baal. Finally, he promised that's Mammon. He promised all this I will give you targeting greed and desire for worldly wealth. That's mammon.

Daniel Moore: 35:35

By stirring our appetites, pride and cravings, these same false gods remain some of the enemy's most effective tools. Chances are, some version of these three temptations will cross your path today as well. Nebuchadnezzar showcased the same temptations in Daniel 3. His golden statue was visually striking at 90 feet tall, symbolizing his pride and power. He paired it with seductive music, completing the trio of temptations tied to worship, just like it has been since the beginning of creation.

Daniel Moore: 36:12

The core battle remains the same the fight for our hearts and who or what we choose to worship. We are in the midst of a battle every single day, deciding who or what will receive our worship. Just like Daniel and his friends, we're constantly pressured to bow down, but we must stand firm and be bold enough to say I will not bow to the images promoted by Hollywood. I will not give in to my government's push for me to compromise my faith. I will not surrender to my fleshly desires or make my own pleasure the center of my life. Today we will worship the living God, our Lord and Savior, jesus Christ. Today we see our line in the sand and today we will not cross it. That's going to do it for this week's episode. As we leave, don't forget that we believe that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap. Connecting the Gap is an extension of Connecting the Gap. Ministries, we pray that you have a blessed week.