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God Bless,

Bob Gass, Author

Saturday 5 July 2008

Facing the fire (2)

"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego." Daniel 3:28

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had nothing to gain by challenging the king. So why did they? Because he ordered them to violate their convictions by bowing before his pagan image. No doubt they could've said, 'Better a live dog than a dead lion. If we stay alive, we can do some good for God and others.' That line would have sold most of us, but not them. Why? They recognized that their blessings came from God, not Nebuchadnezzar - and they understood that you can't abandon the principles of God and still maintain the blessings of God. Why grieve or disobey the One who controls everything, to get along with somebody who only thinks he controls everything? There'll always be those in your life who think they can control your future. 'If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.'(Dan 3:17-18). God controls our days! He's also bigger than those who think they control our lives. By refusing to bow, when bowing seemed their only option, these three slave boys radically influenced a pagan king and turned the hearts of an entire nation to Jehovah. Now maybe your influence won't be that widespread, but one thing you can count on: others are watching who'll be greatly impacted by the stand you take!

Soulfood Bible Readings   Jer 31-32, Lk 5:27-39, Ps 122, Pr 15:10-14

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