Topic: He’ll Protect You [Thursday, January 19th]
*…O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (Daniel 3:16-18).*
As a Christian, never find yourself apologetic, intimidated, or reluctant to express your convictions about Christ and the message of the Gospel. Nothing and no one should prevent or keep you from proclaiming Jesus as Lord. He’s greater than any government, institution or parastatal. He rules and reigns over the universe, everything from galaxies to governments. No name or power is exempt from His rule (Ephesians 1:21).
Therefore, refuse to be intimidated by any legislation that forbids the proclamation or expression of your faith in Christ, and preaching of the Gospel. Take a cue from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were threatened by the government of the day to bow down to the king’s golden image or burn in the fiery furnace. They refused to compromise, choosing rather to die, than to cower.
Read again in our opening scripture their inspiring statement of conviction and absolute commitment to the Lord, in their response to the king’s decree. It infuriated the king, who ordered that they be thrown into the fiery furnace. The fire was so intense that it burnt and killed the men that threw them in. Howbeit, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unscathed. The Lord protected them. When Nebuchadnezzar noticed they were unhurt by the blazing inferno, he repented; read his submission in Daniel 3:28-29.
That’s what happens when you stand your ground in faith, in spite of fierce and daunting opposition. Soon enough, your detractors will be inspired by your faith and convictions, which could lead to their salvation. So, serve God with your life. Your job may be taken away from you for preaching the Gospel, but they can’t take away the joy of the Lord that’s in your spirit. They may liquidate your company, but they can’t liquidate your spirit.
God is able! Trust Him. He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace; He brought Daniel out of the lion’s den; He delivered Mordecai from wicked Haman. He’s the One that stands for you; He’s the One that fights for you. He’s the One that protects you.
*PRAYER*
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the comfort of the Scriptures; I’m strengthened and energized by the Spirit in my inner man such that no matter the challenges, I triumph gloriously. The Holy Spirit lives in me, and He’s made me more than a conqueror, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
*Further Study:* *||* Daniel 6:27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. *||*
*||* Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. *||*
*||* Daniel 3:28-29 [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. *||*
*Daily Scripture Reading*
*1-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Matthew 13:24-43,
Genesis 44-45
*2-Year Bible Reading Plan:* Matthew 7:21-29,
Genesis 19
