SPECIAL NOTE ON THE WISDOM AND COURAGE OF DANIEL: LAST DAYS REQUIREMENT FOR AMERICA’S STRUGGLE AGAINST ANTICHRIST (WITH VIDEO)

1. THEOLOGY

SCRIPTURE. “In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them TEN TIMES BETTER than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters (Magi) in his whole realm.” – DANIEL 1:20, AMP

A WORD HEARD (MAR 2026): “CHOKMAH!” WISDOM [חָכְמַ֣ת]: “From a root word meaning, ‘Skillful, shrewd, experienced; Divine Insight into God’s Created Order.’ NOTE: “חָכְמָה (‘chokmah’) isthe comprehensive, God-centered quality of mind and life that ‘DISCERNS what is Truly Right and Acts accordingly.’ While fundamentally Moral and Spiritual, it embraces practical insight, technical skill, administrative aptitude, and relational discernment. Appearing about 149 times in the Old Testament, it undergirds Israel’s worship, ethics, statecraft, and artistry.”

QUOTATION. “‘When the Word of God is ignored and violated, Divine Judgment is inevitable.’ The spiritual lessons embodied in the cold fact of The Captivity may well be pondered by the Church today, which too often has a form of godliness but without its power. ‘Worldly saints do not capture the world but become instead the world’s captives’ … Daniel’s Prophetic Revelation is the key to understanding the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24–25) as well as the Book of Revelation, which is to the New Testament what Daniel is to the Old.” ― DR. JOHN F. WALVOORD, Daniel: The Key to Prophetic Revelation, 1971; edited

COMMENTARY. “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the King [Nebuchadnezzar] inquired of them … At the time of their examination before him, when he put questions to them, which they gave a ready, pertinent, and solid answer to: And afterwards, when he had occasion to consult them on any affair: ‘He found them ten times, or ten hands better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm;’ than all the Magi and Sophies, the Enchanters, Diviners, Soothsayers, and such who pretended to Judicial Astrology. And to judge of and foretell things by the position of the stars; these young men were able to give more pertinent answers to questions put to them, and better advice and counsel when asked of them, than all the persons before described, throughout the King’s Dominions.” – JOHN GILL, An Exposition of the Old and New Testament, 9 vols., 1746-1763; edited

II. TEACHING

FIRST STEPS. It took place, best I can recall, on the evening of March 2, 1982, as my wife, Suzette, and I were preparing for a dinner party with Saudi student of mine named Fahad Meleki. I had been sharing my Faith with him a few times, and he invited us to dinner to speak further of this Christ.

Significantly, Mr. Meleki was the Westernized son of a Royal Court dignitary who was living with his girlfriend, an American, both of whom were students where I then taught at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

As Suzie was getting ready, I was for some reason pacing somewhat nervously in my little apartment office, as if something, or ‘Someone,’ was in the room with me. But I could see no one, so I cried out: “Who’s there?” No answer, and then that Voice that is not a voice said:

“Step over the line, son.”

As a somewhat newly minted follower of Christ, some 2.5 years into this journey with the Living Christ, I had been praying about my alcoholic addiction that was still plaguing me as a new believer. Suddenly the meaning of His Word to me is clear:

‘If you truly wish to be FREE, step over the line I have drawn for you, and I shall set you free of this forever.’

I responded: “Lord, if this is really You, I will open my Bible, and if the passage says anything about alcohol (I was down to drinking only wine by that point, largely removed from hard liquor, weed, and other substances), I’ll know it is You, and I am done with alcohol.”

And here is what happened, and why Daniel is so very special to me to this day. I simply let my Bible fall ostensibly randomly onto the couch, and it opened to an already highlighted scripture, DANIEL1:8 (AMP):

“But Daniel MADE UP HIS MIND [‘sum’ (שׂוּם) ‘determine, charge, firmly commit’] that he would not defile (taint, dishonor) himself with the king’s finest food or with the WINE which the king drank; so he asked the commander of the officials that he might [be excused so that he would] not defile himself.”

Upon seeing the Scripture, I shouted what could only be interpreted as an exuberant War Cry as Suzie came running to see what was happening. I shouted: “Honey, I am free of booze, and I KNOW that I will never need to drink again!”

Nor have I in these past 45 years. “So if the SON makes you free, then you are unquestionably free!” (John 8:36, Amplified).

OPEN DOOR.  A little over a year from then in 1983, I got a call from Dr. Jack Keeler of Regent University (then called CBN University) and was offered a position with their newly assembled faculty. Nine months after arriving, I was appointed as Founding Director of the Institute of Public Affairs Journalism.

And the rest, as they rightly say, is my personal, not ever perfect, but Great Adventure that has led me to this present Moment as a fiercely independent, Digital Circuit Rider. And it truly is, beloved:

“The Best Job I Ever Had.”

THE COST OF WISDOM. “‘Cheap Grace means Grace Sold on the market like cheapjacks’ wares.’ The Sacraments, the Forgiveness of Sin, and the consolations of Religion are thrown away at cut prices. ‘Grace is represented as the Church’s inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; Grace without cost!’ The Essence of Grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid: ‘Everything can be had for nothing!’ Since the Cost was infinite, the possibilities of using and spending it are infinite. What would Grace be if it were not cheap? …

Cheap Grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap Grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

‘Costly Grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has.’ It is the Pearl of Great Price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the Kingly Rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the Call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows Him!’ … Costly Grace is the Incarnation of God!’” – DIETRICH BONHOEFFER, The Cost of Discipleship, 1937; edited

THE PRINCIPLE. The Way to Divine Wisdom requires more than merely being ‘Born Again and Filled with God’s Spirit.’ It demands TOTAL COMMITMENT to Christ and the Study of His Word, Sacrificial Love of God and Truth that one would lose his very life to learn and share and defend. – Dr. Cliff Kelly, Mar.19, 2026

III. THE WAY OF ‘CHOKMAH’

As I pondered which approach to take in specifying this important matter, I settled upon one so obvious that it nearly escaped my notice. But on a sleepy Thursday, it occurred to me as with a small but significant Epiphany.

Toward the following Biblical Ideas.

THE WISDOM OF DANIEL. On a very personal level, Daniel remains a figure in Biblical History very nearly unassailable. A commentary by Moody Bible Institute graduate JASON DEXTER, for example, noted the following important facts about “Daniel’s Character” (Study and Obey, Nov. 2024; edited).

“We know that Daniel was a young man of the nobility and was the cream of the crop of the Israelites (1:3-4). He was young, likely 16-18 at this time, good-looking, intelligent, and wise. He was taken as a captive for just these reasons. After a time of training in the Babylonian ways, culture, language, etc., he entered the personal service of Nebuchadnezzar as an adviser and also an overseer. Daniel lived in Babylon for over 60 years, into his eighties.”

DANIEL’S CHARACTER. Most notable is the fact that became dramatically apparent to my own Deliverance from Addiction by the Daniel 1:8 passage was his exceptional, unbroken Devotion to God.

• WISDOM. “Numerous examples can be seen throughout the Book of Daniel. He was never one to act hastily, but he was patient and prayerful. He waited for the right time and opportunity to act and then he did so with modesty. See the example of his dealings with the Commander of the officials in chapter 1 (1:8-16). See his example when Arioch came to execute him and all the other wise men (2:14-15).”

• HUMILITY. “In the eyes of the world Daniel had an amazing talent. He could have used it for his own gain, but he didn’t. It would have been easy for him to become prideful, but he never did. Every time he had an opportunity to praise himself, he gave all the credit, glory, thanks, and praise to God (2:28-30, 4:19). When he approached the Commander of the officials he also did so with humility and respect. He didn’t care about gifts (5:17). NOTE: Up and to the point of betraying God!”

• RELIANCE. “‘Daniel faced a number of very difficult situations, trials, and temptations.’ He never relied on himself or trusted in his own strength or wisdom (though he was very smart and good looking too!). ‘When faced with a dilemma, he prayed to God and asked God to show him His favor and compassion’ (1:9, 2:17-18, 6:10-11, 9).”

• STEADFASTNESS. “Daniel lived in a foreign culture and was continually pressured to give in to sinful customs and practices (peer pressure). In each situation he chose instead to follow God unwaveringly. He wasn’t brash or prideful or rude about his beliefs, but he stood by his convictions with courage and boldness (1:8, 6:10-11). NOTE: This earned him the respect of the King and his commanders, by his Personal Integrity and the Lord’s extension of Grace to the King. Thus, he was given his Babylonian name, ‘Belteshazzar,’ or ‘May Bel Protect His Life.’”

• COURAGE. “‘Daniel was very bold.’ He pronounced the true meaning of dreams and visions, even when those would be negative and unpopular (4:19,27; 5:22,25-28).” NOTE: As with any priest or pastor who remains unafraid to tell the Truth, no matter how difficult, no matter how unpopular, no matter: ‘The Cost of Wisdom.’”

DANIEL’S GIFTS. To complete our Profile of Daniel from whom we can learn so much about surviving and succeeding in Perilous Times, I now consider the writing of LESLIE CHUA, founder and senior pastor of Rock of Ages Church. Prior to his current pastoral role, Leslie was a financial trader, investor and businessman, and his experience spans multiple industries across various countries. He was also a board member of the Singapore International Monetary Exchange.

His essay is titled, “The Daniel Anointing,” published in their online journal, Rock of Ages (July 29, 2023; edited). ANOINTING: “Anoint means to rub or smear with oil, ointment, or a similar substance, frequently as a religious ceremony to consecrate someone or something to a Holy Mission. ‘It also means to Choose or Appoint someone to a high position, especially via Divine Intervention or Authoritative Designation’” (AI Overview, ret. Mar. 19, 2026; edited).

• WISDOM & DISCERNMENT. “First, the Daniel Anointing is the Anointing of Wisdom and Discernment. To begin with, Daniel and his 3 friends were already smart and accomplished in their academic abilities. That was the reason they were selected to be trained in the Babylonian civil service academy. They were ‘Skillful in ALL wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace’ (Daniel 1:4). However, to survive and thrive in the hostile Babylonian court, they needed an additional edge. God added to their wisdom even More Wisdom – ‘God gave them learning and skill in ALL literature and wisdom’ (Daniel 1:17).”

• SUPERNATURAL WISDOM. “Second, the Daniel Anointing is the Anointing of Supernatural Wisdom. Daniel was given this Uncommon Wisdom. Besides the added Wisdom and Discernment, ‘Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams’ (Daniel 1:17b). Joseph is the other Biblical character endowed with such a Supernatural Anointing. Such a kind of Wisdom cannot be learnt. It cannot be acquired through the hard work of study and practice. It is ‘A Spiritual Gift’ [1 Corinthians 12:8] – ‘For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit’]. It is God-given. It is supernaturally endowed. This Supernatural Capability set Daniel further apart from the rest. The ability to understand dreams and visions is a prized asset, especially in the Ancient World. God and the gods frequently communicated to people through Dreams and Visions. Notice that the wise men in the Babylonian court are known as magicians, diviners, and enchanters.”

• COURAGE II [DK’S FAVORITE]. “Third, the Daniel Anointing is the Anointing of Courage. Having Wisdom and Supernatural Wisdom was not enough. Daniel was given the Anointing of Courage. So were his 3 friends. ‘To remain steadfast and faithful to God in a Dark and Dystopian Time require Courage. Having Wisdom without Courage is useless! Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image even when they were threatened’ – “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). Now, that is COURAGE! It is the same with Daniel. When Nebuchadnezzar asked him to interpret another dream, Daniel spoke truthfully despite it being God’s warning of judgement to the king. ‘Daniel had the temerity to ask the king to repent of his sins!’ (Daniel 4:4-27).”

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS. “‘In the last 2 to 3 years [2020-2023], I often say that the Days Ahead will be Dark and Dystopian.’ An increasing number of Christians are beginning to Discern the same thing as we race toward the End of this Present Age. Many believers are anxious and worried. I can understand why.

‘But do not despair. God is in control of everything!’ So, let us put our trust in Him. If God could enable Daniel and his 3 friends to thrive in the belly of the Babylonian Beast, He will also enable us to live through and navigate the Dark and Dystopian Time ahead.  The Darker the time, the Brighter His Light will shine upon us. The Tougher the road ahead, the more Grace we will experience. God’s [Costly] Grace will always be sufficient for us.

‘His strength will be made perfect in our weakness. May the Lord Jesus give us the Daniel anointing! May He anoint us with Supernatural Wisdom and Courage for such a time as this!’”

IV. LAST THOUGHTS ON COURAGE AND COWARDICE

In all of this well-deserved fascination with The Prophet Daniel over the decades of my journey with Christ would not be revealed to me more fully until doing this very study. It has helped me in so many ways I cannot yet count them, not the least of which is his unassailable COURAGE throughout his entire life.

MORAL COURAGE IN THE AGE OF TRUMP. You have heard me say it many times in the past few years with increasing vehemence: The White Evangelical Church in America is filled, led by, and now emblematic of a ‘House of Cowards.’

Thus to the well-respected journal, The Atlantic, and the equally respected PETER WEHNER, contributing writer at The Atlantic and Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum. His essay is titled, “The Evangelicals Who See Trump’s Viciousness as a Virtue” (Feb. 6, 2026; edited).

• OPEN. “The National Prayer Breakfast was founded in 1953, when President Dwight Eisenhower accepted an invitation to join members of Congress to break bread together. Every president since has participated, regardless of party or religious persuasion. It offers an opportunity, according to its organizers, for political leaders to gather and pray collectively for our Nation: ‘In the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago.’ Donald Trump never got that memo—or, if he did, he’s found ways to ignore it.

• SPEECH. “In a rambling, 75-minute speech at the Prayer Breakfast yesterday [Thurs. Feb. 5, 2026] , we saw the ‘Quintessential Trump.’ His comments were grievance-filled, narcissistic, conspiratorial, factually false, divisive, and insulting. He referred to his critics as ‘lunatics.’ He engaged in projection, comparing them to ‘Dictators’ and ‘the Gestapo.’ He labeled Republican Representative Thomas Massie a ‘moron’ because he won’t cast legislative votes the way Trump wants. Joe Biden is ‘Crooked Joe,’ while Jacob Frey is ‘the horrible fake mayor’ of Minneapolis. Trump praised El Salvador’s authoritarian President Nayib Bukele—Bukele has referred to himself as ‘the world’s coolest dictator’—for his ‘very strong prisons.’ (The prison that Trump celebrates, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, known as CECOT, is notorious for its cruel and inhumane conditions.) Trump emphasized that Bukele—who also spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast—is ‘one of my favorite people.’”

• CHURCH. “My colleague Jonathan Rauch, an eminently fair-minded, reasonable, and wise writer, recently explained why, after heretofore avoiding the term, he has come around to the belief that: ‘Donald Trump’s governing style qualifies as Fascist.’ Even if you disagree with Rauch’s conclusion, it’s still worth wrestling with his catalog of the President’s misdeeds, broken into 18 categories. And the case Rauch makes—that although America is not a Fascist country, it has a Fascist President—will almost certainly become stronger over time. ‘At some point, then, it may become nearly impossible for Pastors who are not fully on board with MAGA to look away, to stall for more time, to let others do the heavy lifting, or to tell themselves that things aren’t so bad, that Silence is Golden.’”

• CLOSE. “I imagine that all of the White Pastors I know think that if they had been a Minister at [the time of Martin Luther King’s struggles]—especially if they were a Minister of churches that were made up of White Segregationists—they would have found a way to ‘Speak Up rather than be Silent, would have STOOD with King instead of‘ those who urged Caution in the name of Unity. THE QUESTION now comes again in our time: What does it mean for the Church to be the Conscience of the State?’”

THE COURAGE OF DANIEL. In stunning contrast to the Moral Evisceration of today’s White Pastors stands a True Man of God. So do we happily conclude on a much higher note through the brief and eloquent Summary of Daniel’s Courage by the eminent 91-year-old Pastor Emeritus, CHARLES ROZELL SWINDOLL.

His essay is titled, very simply: “Daniel and Courage,” published in Insights Magazine on September 14, 2021. Here are his THREE MAIN IDEAS.

• PRECEPTS. “‘The First Test was whether Daniel would have the Courage of his Convictions—the confidence to ACT in accordance with his belief that the Precepts of the Lord are right’ (Daniel 1). The food from the king’s table was identified with Babylonian gods and Daniel saw that eating the food would sanction Idolatry. He determined he would not defile himself in that way. Even though partaking might have gained him some advantage and refusing could bring negative consequences he chose to ‘Honour God and OBEY His Precepts.’ One element Daniel’s Courage was rooted in was his desire to Honour and Please God above all. Like Joseph who said, ‘How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’ (Genesis 39:9 NIV), Daniel’s reverence, awe, and love for the Lord and His Word conquered fear of the king and consequences. Daniel believed the Precepts of the Lord are right and were given by a Higher Authority than the king. ‘He chose to OBEY God rather than Man. He Honoured God and God blessed him and his efforts with the result that Daniel was “10 TIMES BETTER” than the other captives.’”

• PROVISION. “‘The Second Test of Courage involved solving a Great Problem’ (Daniel 2).The king had a troubling dream and demanded that his wise men not only interpret the dream but also tell the king what his dream was. Failure would result in death to all the wise men including Daniel and his three companions. To save the situation Daniel went to the king offering to recall and interpret the dream. ‘It took Courage to trust God for the provision of an answer.’ The Courage in this instance came from the fact that Daniel already had proven God trustworthy when he dared to do right. Previous victory bolstered present Courage and Faith to tackle this Problem. Daniel asked his three friends to pray, and God answered by providing Daniel wisdom for the solution of the problem. ‘Prayer is another element in Daniel’s life that resulted in courage and it is a necessary element for leaders today.’ Personal prayer and prayer support emboldens us to trust God for provision of solutions to problems we encounter. God’s promise is, ‘If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you’ (James 1:5).”

• PROTECTION. “‘The Third and Final [arguably his hardest] Test of Courage came when Daniel was past 80 years old and the Object of Jealousy’ (Daniel 6). His enemies sought to turn his devotion to God against him by getting the king to issue an edict that all prayer to anyone other than the king himself should cease for 30 days. ‘The Penalty for disobedience was Death by Lions.’ Daniel knew the Penalty but courageously continued his devotion to God by praying three times a day in front of an open window. This wasn’t about snubbing his nose at the king in some sanctimonious arrogant act. It was about the priority of his devotion to God. ‘He never feared the consequences because he believed God would Protect him.’ As 1 Peter 3:14–15 says, ‘But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.’ When Daniel was caught praying and thrown into the Lion’s Den. He trusted in the Lord’s protection.’ He gave God the glory when he acknowledged this protection saying, ‘My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me’ (Daniel 6:22).”

CODA. We have covered a great deal of ground here today, beloved, so let me close our conversation by citing a song lyric with which Mr. Swindoll began his excellent piece. It Sums Up all that has been said here in perfect concision and Christian Truth.

“Dare to be a Daniel. Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm. Dare to make it known” — Philip P. Bliss, 1873; edited

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