Community Devotions

Does God Rescue

SCRIPTURE

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

OBSERVATION

 King Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree that all people would worship the status of him or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were brought to attention b/c they didn't follow through with this standard of worshiping the statue. With that being said, they were thrown into the furnace only to be unharmed and God was glorified through this event. 

APPLICATION

My application is to have a steadfast faith and belief in the Lord that He will deliver me from any circumstance. Also to have confidence to be brave to stand for what is right no matter the consequence. My obedience to the Lord is worth more than comprising my faith and His truth.  

PRAYER 

Lord, build my faith and trust in you so that I can stand in confidence that you will navigate me through challenging times and to rest on the truth that you are always in control and will work all things out according to your will. 

Do Not Omit a Word

SCRIPTURE

This what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’S house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. - Jeremiah 26:2-3

OBSERVATION

A prophet is to speak the whole counsel of God’s word. His job as a mouthpiece is to receive the truth and speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He is not a revisionist or an editor for God (as if God needed editing!) that sugar coats God’s message in order to make it more palatable for people to receive it. God has no use for self-appointed public relations consultants who speak half-truths or even untruths who think they are intermediaries for him. God uses prophets who receive his words and speak it with no omission. When Jeremiah was threatened with death for speaking the whole counsel of God’s word, he did not cower nor shrink back from his assignment nor his message, “Do with me whatever you think is good and right” (26:14). 

APPLICATION

What is it within me that makes me think I have to “defend” God, his words and his actions? Why is there an inward temptation not to speak the whole counsel of God’s truth and omit some unpleasantries in God’s word? It is the fear of man—being afraid of the rejection from people. It is also the approval of man—my insecurity to feel the need to be accepted by people. For people to embrace and appreciate the good news of the gospel they must first understand the bad news of God’s wrath and human depravity. As a pastor/shepherd there is an office and function of a prophet that I must walk in and courageously speak. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for speaking to me with such clarity and conviction this morning! Please help me to kneel before you in order that I can stand before man. I humble myself before you and ask for your strength Holy Spirit so that I can stand courageously with God-confidence before people. Father, may I find my always find my identity, purpose and contentment in my belovedness as your son. Jesus, give me the grace when I fall and the strength to move forward to your upward calling. Would you help me to lead with love, wisdom and courage? I love you so much! Maranatha.