Thriving in Babylon by Dr. Larry Osborne

About the book:

Thriving in Babylon (David C. Cook, April 2015)

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 a 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, he has a much to teach us 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.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the author:

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. Osborne is the author of numerous books, including Accidental Pharisees. He and his wife live in Oceanside, California. They have three grown children.

Margie’s Comments: Thriving in Babylon by Dr. Larry Osborne is one the best books I’ve read about living successfully in an increasingly pagan world. Not a book to read in a hurry, I had to pace my reading in order to absorb the truths Dr. Osborne teaches from the story of Daniel. One of the main things we learn from Daniel is the importance of our choices, even to those that might seem insignificant at the time. By laying a foundation of godly choices based on the truths of God’s Word, we are assured a life that will gain in significance and influence. But we might never know the extent of that influence until we are in eternity with the Lord.

                  The story of Daniel has always been fascinating to me. He and his friends withstood many obstacles in their exile, but because of their unwavering faith in God they earned the respect of the Babylonian and Persian kings they served. Dr. Osborne does a great job of applying the circumstances of Daniel’s life to the world we live in today—something I really appreciate. Over and over, the author emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s principles as the building blocks of life. When we make good choices in seemingly insignificant areas, the challenges and tests get increasingly harder. Still, once the pattern of right living is established, even though the temptation is stronger to walk away, the pattern of obedience should be so ingrained in us there is no other option.

                  If you struggle with the increasingly pagan society we live in, I’d encourage you to get a copy of Thriving in Babylon and to read it, prayerfully and thoughtfully. 

*I received a copy of the book from the publisher through LitFuse Publicity in exchange for a review.