Fellow Believers,
One of my most favorite books in the Bible is found in the Old Testament. The book of Daniel is full of stories with tremendous characters that display unyielding resolve as each story unfolds. Chapter 3 tells us the story of Daniels friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they stood strong in the face of King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite being ordered to bow down to a huge golden statue on command Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego decided to serve God alone knowing that their decision could cost them their lives. Even when faced with death in a fiery furnace Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said in Daniel 3:17b-18 (NCV), "The God we serve is able to save us from the furnace. He will save us from your power, O king. But even if God does not save us, we want you, O king, to know this: We will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Everyday we are faced with the same challenge that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced. We are always confronted with the challenge of living up to the Christian values in a world that so often seems devoid of values. The challenge could spring up when you least expect it or you could confront it in your work place. What will be your answer? Will you stand strong in the face of adversity as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did or will you bend your beliefs in favor of being liked by people of the world? I challenge each of you to stand strong in the face of adversity and those of the world and tell them that I will only serve the one true God, and even if I am wrong I will not compromise what I believe.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mike
One of my most favorite books in the Bible is found in the Old Testament. The book of Daniel is full of stories with tremendous characters that display unyielding resolve as each story unfolds. Chapter 3 tells us the story of Daniels friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they stood strong in the face of King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite being ordered to bow down to a huge golden statue on command Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego decided to serve God alone knowing that their decision could cost them their lives. Even when faced with death in a fiery furnace Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said in Daniel 3:17b-18 (NCV), "The God we serve is able to save us from the furnace. He will save us from your power, O king. But even if God does not save us, we want you, O king, to know this: We will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Everyday we are faced with the same challenge that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced. We are always confronted with the challenge of living up to the Christian values in a world that so often seems devoid of values. The challenge could spring up when you least expect it or you could confront it in your work place. What will be your answer? Will you stand strong in the face of adversity as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did or will you bend your beliefs in favor of being liked by people of the world? I challenge each of you to stand strong in the face of adversity and those of the world and tell them that I will only serve the one true God, and even if I am wrong I will not compromise what I believe.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed and were victorious as they danced in an extremely hot furnace with an angel of God that did not even let the fire touch them. We too can share in this same victory if we practice the same faith and belief of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This week and the rest of my life I am going to live my life under the "Fiery Furnace Challenge" and I ask you to join me and watch it change your life.
Your Brother in Christ,
Mike
