Day 63 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day sixty-three of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. We have finished Ezekiel (26 down, 40 to go). If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

--------------

Day 63 Readings: Ezekiel 47:13-Daniel 8:27

We have the familiar texts of Daniel in the lions' den as well as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Both of these stories communicate clearly God's ability to protect those who serve God against incredible circumstances. The testimony that these events and the faith of God's servants are powerful. Clearly deep impressions were made. You can imagine what was all the talk of the people after these two events.

Perhaps most powerful in today's reading is the statement by the men before they are put into the furnace: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV)

They say:
+ We don't need to answer your accusations, oh world.
+ Our God is able to save us from anything you throw at us.
+ Our God will save us from anything you throw at us.
+ But even if God lets us perish in your hands we will not serve your gods or worship your idols.

Oh that we would have such faith when trials and temptations come our way.


God, thank you for the faith and testimony of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Help us know and trust you so much more than we know and fear the world. Amen.