Based on “When the Heat Gets Turned Up” by Pastor Dean Corns;
8/28-29/10, Message #DC133; Daily Devotional #5 - “You Have a Defender”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.” (Daniel 3:16)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Today, when others around you do things that are not pleasing to God, what will you do? Will you go along with what others are doing, or will you choose to obey God? Who will you follow today? Will it be you, another person, or God? We can learn much from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s choices. Even more specifically, we can learn much from what these three men chose not to say. We can learn from the fact that they confidently communicated the fact that they did not need to defend themselves and their actions. They only needed to obey God. They trusted that God would be their defender. Trust God. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Psalm 40:4) How can you grow in this area of your life?
“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." (Daniel 3:17-18) Today, step out in faith. Simply obey God. When sharing your faith, you don’t have to be argumentative. And when making a stand, you don’t have to defend yourself with words or extend long, drawn out explanations of your actions, nor try to convince someone else of their mistakes. Simply state your position, and stay quiet and obedient to God. And if you walk into a furnace as a result, Jesus will be there with you and you will be refined.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. (Psalm 119:34) Do you find yourself explaining the choices you make in life? This may be obvious or subtle. Ask God to help you identify the people with whom you usually do this. Then ask God to reveal your heart as to why you do this. Meditate on God’s Word and ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit. Allow God to be your defender in all areas of your life.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 40
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Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.