Scripture for today: Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17 (The Message)
Scripture-My special verse today: Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”
Observation: Three guys devoted to God. They are not the only Jewish exiles in Babylon yet they are the only ones that we read about in the bible. Why is that? Could it be that everyone else was just fitting in? God tells us about three guys who stood for him no matter the consequence. Three guys who wouldn’t bow down or back down. Three guys who stood to lose their lives instead of bowing to an idol. They had an incredible faith in God.
Application: What does it take to make the bible? These three guys had it, the gumption, the desire and the love of God above all else. Do I measure up? Would I choose God over death? I mean, its just an idol. I don’t really have to love it to bow down to it do I?
Life is so full of times when I can stick my big toe in but not be immersed and then, poof, I’m in over my head. Sin has an incredible hold on us once we allow it even a tiny bit of hold in our lives. It is sneaky, telling me that all I have to do is try it but don’t love it. However, when I allow it a tiny part of my life, it will swallow me whole. I need to be like those three guys. They were devoted when it cost them everything.
Prayer: No matter the cost, let me stand for you in everything, everytime.
