Sunday, 23rd January, 2022
Bible Reading: Daniel 3: 16-18
Memory Verse: But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up. Daniel 3:18 (BSB)
Everyone in the land had bowed to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar according to the order of the King, except these three who declared that they would not bow to any other god but the Lord God Jehovah, so the King had commanded in anger to multiply the intensity of the fire by sevenfold. All they were requested to do was just a bow to the image and they would be free. But they stood before the king and said: ‘Our God is able to deliver us from this fiery furnace” (vs 17). That is the one side of the coin of the ability of God. They believe He is able to deliver them.
But their faith went beyond that point of deliverance. THEY ALSO BELIEVED THE LORD WAS ABLE NOT TO DELIVER THEM….BECAUSE HE IS ABLE TO DO ALL THINGS. HE MAY DELIVER THEM….AND HE MAY CHOOSE NOT TO DELIVER THEM….HE CAN DO ALL THINGS (vs 18). The three Hebrews preached the FULL GOSPEL to us in this generation. Today, our preachers and motivational speakers usually do not balance the two sides of the gospel of Christ. So, their preaching and motivational talks never prepare us for WHATEVER STORMS THE LORD MAY WANT TO BRING AHEAD OF US FOR HIS OWN PURPOSE AND FOR OUR GOOD. “Our God is able to deliver us….and if He refuses to deliver us….NO PROBLEM…We will still love Him”. THAT IS THE BALANCED GOSPEL. It is not EVERYTHING working against you that is caused by one household enemy or generational curse.
If God had removed all the enemies of Joseph the moment he had the dream, who would have sold him to Egypt? Who would have lied against him and get him jailed? And how would he have gotten in touch with the butler who got him introduced to Pharaoh? “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.” Romans 8:28 (KJV). IF ADVERSITIES AND AFFLICTIONS WOULD GIVE HIM THE GLORY, THAT IS WHAT HE WOULD CHOOSE TO DO WITH HIS CHILD. In the case of the three Hebrews, He knew He would take the greatest glory not to prevent them from entering into the fiery furnace. HE KNEW HIS GLORY IS IN THE FIRE.
HE KNEW THAT TO DELIVER THEM BEFORE THEY GOT INTO THE FIRE WAS TO DEPRIVE THE WHOLE LAND OF SEEING THE GLORY OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL. HIS GLORY WAS IN THE FIRE…SO THEY MUST GET THERE…SO HE DIDN’T NEED TO DELIVER THEM. Not all negative things are demonic, but all demonic things are negative. Trust always in the Lord your God. God could cause men to ride over your head; you will go through fire and through water, but He definitely will bring you into His abundance (Psalm 66:12). “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Quote: You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but You brought us out into a wealthy place – Psalm 66:12
Prophetic Decree: In His mysterious ways, your destiny shall definitely find full expression.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for your incredible ways of bringing men into greater glory.
2. I break the backbone of self and sin in my life, in Jesus name.
3. I solemnly declare: Thy will be done in my life, in Jesus name.
4. Holy Spirit, please teach me the ways of God, in Jesus name.
5. I receive prophetic insights into the hidden plans and purpose of God for my life.
6. Holy Spirit, please help me to wait on you till the end in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 32-34