Podcasts about abednego

It's Tuesday, March 3, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson, Timothy Reed and Adam McManus Taliban back in control in Afghanistan After 20 years of U.S. conflict in Afghanistan, the Taliban is back in control. Here's the latest. The Associated Press reports that the new Afghan penal code allows husbands to beat their wives, criminalizes criticism of the nation's leadership, and bans education for women beyond primary school.  And the Afghan-Pakistani War is heating up. According to recent numbers from Afghan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, 415 soldiers with the Taliban have died and 580 have been injured. Republicans support and Democrats oppose Iranian attack Here in the United States, there's a sharp partisan divide with Americans concerning the latest war with Iran.   An Ipsos/Reuters survey finds that 55% of Republican voters are in favor of the U.S. attack on Iran. Only 13% opposed it. And 7% of Democrats support the attack while 74% oppose.  Thus far, as of Monday — the casualties racking up in the war include 555 Iranian deaths, 31 Lebanese deaths, 10 Israeli deaths, and 4 American deaths.  Time on Doomsday Clock Ever heard of The Doomsday Clock?  Sponsored by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, it warns the public about how close we are to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making. It is a metaphor, a reminder, of the perils we must address if we are to survive on the planet. As of January 2026, the Doomsday Clock was moved to T-minus 85 seconds.  That's down from 17 minutes in 1992, and 5 minutes in 2012.   China, Russia, and France's place in the nuclear arms race Recent estimates put China's spending on its nuclear arsenal at $12.5 to $14 billion for 2024 and 2025. The communist country is outspending every nation except the United States. News reports point to Russia's development of a nuclear weapon to be detonated in space. And, just yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase the size of the French nuclear arsenal, as the second nuclear arms race progresses. Psalm 46:8-9 instructs us to “Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the Earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the Earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.” Evidence a Mexican cartel bribe Mexican politicians Mexico's El Universal newspaper carried pictures of the ledgers found in the cabin of the late drug lord Nemesio Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” The ledgers included references to Mexico's Attorney General's Office as well as members of military and state agencies.   Mexican journalists have explained that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has bankrolled political campaigns of Mexico's ruling party members in the National Regeneration Movement in exchange for relative immunity,  reports Breitbart. War Secretary Hegseth ends cooperation with woke Ivy League schools As The Worldview reported last month, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth cut ties between Harvard and the Pentagon, discontinuing military-sponsored and funding of graduate-level education programs.  Now, the War Department has announced no more cooperation with the rest of Ivy League schools. Secretary Hegseth explained the reason for this. HEGSETH: “Our senior service colleges have always been expected to act in the interest of this principle, to transform our senior war fighters into strategic thinkers, capable of mastering the complexities of modern warfare, and leading our joint force to victory at every echelon. Unfortunately, this sacred trust has been broken in this military's professional military education system. “For decades, the Ivy League, and similar institutions, have gorged themselves on a trust fund of American taxpayer dollars, only to become factories of anti-American resentment and military disdain. They've taken our best and brightest, the men and women who pledged their lives to this nation, and subjected them to a curriculum of contempt. “They've replaced the study of victory and pragmatic realism with the promotion of ‘wokeness' and weakness, they've traded true intellectual rigor for radical dogma, sacrificing free expression for the suffocating confines of leftist ideology.” As of last week, the Pentagon has also reached an agreement with Scouting America (including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts), to move away from what they call “diversity initiatives” and woke policies. Trust in U.S. government at 17% Among Americans, trust in the federal government has hit its lowest levels in seven decades — now at 17%. That's down from 77% in 1964, according to Pew Research's latest numbers. Oregon Democrats block bill to protect babies who survive abortions Oregon Democrats blocked a bill that would have given babies a chance to survive after a failed abortion. House Bill 4087, or the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, mandated that infants who survived a botched abortion be afforded the “same degree of professional skill, care and diligence … that a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.” Oregon Right To Life Executive Director Lois Anderson  laid out the inhumanity of the state's abortion law. ANDERSON: “Later abortions are currently legal in Oregon. There are no restrictions, no protections for unborn babies up until birth. And even if they survive an abortion procedure, they are not protected and required to be given medical treatment. “We know, from not only polling, but anecdotal information, and all of these candidates and discussing with Oregonians, that they would support this kind of legislation.” Micah 6:8 reminds us to “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” “I Can Only Imagine 2” movie lands #3 at the Box Office And finally, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” hit movie theaters this past weekend. The sequel focuses on the Christian band MercyMe and its famous “Even If” song, which lead singer Bart Millard said was written during a tough period in his life.   “I know You're able and I know You can Save through the fire with Your mighty hand But even if You don't My hope is You alone I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt Would all go away if You'd just say the word But even if You don't My hope is You alone” In 2014, Bart Millard and his wife learned that their young son, Sam, had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a chronic and life-threatening autoimmune disease. Sam's blood sugar levels were dangerously high, and he was hospitalized. Doctors warned that managing the disease would be lifelong and complex. For Bart, who had spent years singing about faith and trust in God, the situation shook him deeply. He later admitted that he struggled emotionally and spiritually. The crisis forced him to confront hard questions about faith in the face of suffering — especially when prayers do not bring immediate healing. Listen to comments he made to CBN. MILLARD: “These two songs in particular, “Imagine” and “Even If,” were written out of some difficult seasons of my life. Not all songs are written that way, but my therapy is working issues out through my songs. The ones that mean the most to me have come out of some pretty painful places and been therapeutic for me.” The idea for the song “Even If” came from Daniel 3:16-18. It says, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to King 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 deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your Majesty's hand. 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.'” “I Can Only Imagine 2” was #3 at the box office, grossing around $8 million. Watch the trailer and get your tickets at the website  www.ICanOnlyImagine.com. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, March 3rd, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Extra print story U.S. State Dept shedding the light of freedom for Europe The U.S. State Department is on the verge of launching an online portal to fight European censorship. The site, Freedom.gov, will allow Europeans to access content that has been banned by the European Union.  The Times reported, “This includes criticism of the Online Safety Act in the UK and the European Union's Digital Services Act, which force platforms to remove illegal content and harmful speech or face steep fines.” One official at the State Department added, “Digital freedom is a priority for the State Department, and that includes the proliferation of privacy and censorship-circumvention technologies like Virtual Private Networks.” 

What does it mean to be an unshakable witness in a world that doesn't share your faith? In this message, we explore the biblical meaning of “witness” — from the Old Testament word ‘Ed' to the New Testament ‘martus' — a word that also gives us “martyr.” A witness is someone whose life and testimony point clearly to God, even under pressure. Looking at Daniel 3, we see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stand before the blazing furnace with bold faith: “The God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if He does not…” Their confidence was not in outcomes, but in God Himself. We also reflect on Daniel 6, where Daniel's integrity was so consistent that his enemies could find no fault in him. His life was above reproach — both in the eyes of the world and before God. This message challenges us to: • Live with visible integrity • Stand firm in faith when pressured • Be ready to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) • Trust God whether He delivers us from difficulty — or sustains us through it An unshakable witness is not loud for the sake of it, but faithful, courageous, and rooted in hope.

This message reveals the power and majesty of El Elyon — God Most High, the One who rules above all powers, kingdoms, and names. From Melchizedek blessing Abram to the fiery furnace where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood unshaken, we see that El Elyon is not just sovereign in title but supreme in authority and presence. He alone establishes boundaries for the seas, commands the angels, and reigns as refuge for those who dwell in His shadow. Jesus, our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, embodies this same Most High God — the One who delivers, protects, and reigns forever. This sermon calls us to recognize His unmatched supremacy, to place no other gods before Him, and to live anchored in the confidence that there is truly no other God who can rescue, reign, or redeem like El Elyon.

In a world full of tension, outrage, and cultural noise, what does faithful living actually look like? In Week 4 of Against the Flow, we step into Daniel 3 and the fiery furnace to discover the posture Scripture calls us to: not fear, not rage, not aggression—but faithful presence. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us how to honor authority where we can, draw a clear line when obedience to God is at stake, and remain steady in a world that demands compromise. This message tackles real cultural tension—including questions about authority, obedience, conscience, and compassion—and asks a crucial question: When do Christians submit, and when must we obey God first? If you've ever wondered how to live faithfully without getting swept into outrage or apathy, this message is for you.

What happens when obeying one command of God seems to require breaking another? That's the question at the center of this compelling lesson on Christian ethics — and it may be one of the most practically important questions a believer can wrestle with.In this episode, Dave Rich opens a multi-part series on apparent moral conflict — those moments when two God-given duties seem to pull in opposite directions. Drawing from a wide sweep of biblical accounts — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, Rahab, the Hebrew midwives, Abraham and Isaac, and many more — Dave lays out the three major Christian ethical frameworks used to address these conflicts: Conflicting Absolutism, Graded Absolutism, and Non-Conflicting Absolutism.Rather than simply telling listeners what to think, Dave walks through the real strengths and serious problems of each approach, giving particular attention to Conflicting Absolutism. He applies these frameworks to the three friends in the furnace and a relatable modern scenario to show how each position actually works in practice.This episode is essential for anyone who has ever faced a moral hard case and wondered whether God's commands can truly conflict — or whether the answer is found in understanding them more deeply. Solid, honest, and carefully reasoned, it's an invitation to wrestle well with what the whole Bible says. ★ Support this podcast ★

The culture is loud.But Jesus is still clear.In a world filled with pressure, comparison, success-chasing, and constant noise… the question isn't if you'll worship.The question is what you'll worship.In Part 2 of our 4-week series Culture Shocked, Pastor Bryon unpacks a powerful moment from the book of Daniel that confronts one of the biggest struggles in our culture today: idolatry.Not statues.Not golden images.But the modern idols of approval, success, comfort, control, politics, relationships, and self.When everyone else bowed, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm.They refused to worship what culture demanded—and God met them in the fire.This message will challenge you to examine what's competing for your devotion and call you back to wholehearted worship of the one true God.This series isn't about politics.It's about kingdom living in a broken world.If you've ever felt pressure to blend in, bow down, or compromise—this message is for you.

• 00:00 – Introduction: The Final Day & God's Goodness ◦ Welcoming the congregation and reflecting on God's constant goodness.• 01:30 – Foundational Scripture: Doing All for God's Glory ◦ Reading Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. ◦ The difference between the "journey" (our daily experiences) and the "destination" (God's glory).• 04:00 – Recap: Lessons from Day 1 and Day 2 ◦ Moving from being a "hearer" to a "doer" and tasting God's goodness. ◦ Believing that God can do more than we imagine.• 06:15 – The Miracle at the Gate Beautiful (Acts 3) ◦ Analyzing the healing of the lame man and his immediate reaction of leaping and praising God.• 08:30 – Pillar 1: Glorifying God (Praise) ◦ The importance of making praise a public testimony after receiving a blessing. ◦ Defining the "Master" of your life: Is it your own will or Christ?.• 12:00 – Warning: The Parable of the Empty House ◦ A warning based on Matthew 12 about keeping the heart's "house" occupied by Christ to prevent the return of evil.• 16:45 – Invitation: Christ on the Throne of Your Heart ◦ Inviting the Holy Spirit to live in you permanently as a temple. ◦ A call to surrender the "throne" of your decisions to Jesus.• 20:15 – Pillar 2: Being a Witness (Humility in Success) ◦ Example of Joseph and Peter: Attributing success to God alone rather than personal skill. ◦ "Not by our power or piety," but by faith in the name of Jesus.• 26:30 – Pillar 3: Being Prayerful (Boldness in Trials) ◦ How the early church responded to arrest and threats. ◦ Praying for boldness to speak the Word rather than praying for the removal of hardship.• 31:00 – Encouragement: Overcoming the World ◦ Jesus' promise in John 16:33 to take heart because He has overcome the world. ◦ Remaining faithful even when faced with fire, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.• 35:45 – Pillar 4: Being a Giver (Sacrificial Community) ◦ The early church model of sharing so that "no one was in need". ◦ The blessing of the Widow of Zarephath's obedience.• 39:00 – Lessons on Obedience: The Wedding at Cana ◦ How simple obedience (filling jars with water) preceded a great miracle.• 42:15 – The Widow's Mite: Total Surrender ◦ Why giving out of one's "whole livelihood" matters more than giving out of abundance.• 45:00 – Summary and Call to Maturity ◦ Recapping the four responsibilities: Glorify, Witness, Pray, and Give.• 48:30 – Closing Prayer & Corporate Worship [68–76] ◦ A final prayer for the church's 23rd anniversary and for the community to be lights in the world

God can do a lot through a low-key leader. These 3 young men were tossed into the fire because they stood on their convictions in humility and courage. Through the influence of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it was King Nebi who ended up changing his tune that day. God used the influence of three powerless young men to shape the heart of the world's most powerful leader at the time. Look at God go!

Pdt. Ellya Makarawung (TB) Daniel 3:23-25etapi ketiga orang itu, yakni Sadrakh, Mesakh dan Abednego, jatuh ke dalam perapian yang menyala-nyala itu dengan terikat.  Kemudian terkejutlah raja Nebukadnezar lalu bangun dengan segera; berkatalah ia kepada para menterinya: "Bukankah tiga orang yang telah kita campakkan dengan terikat ke dalam api itu?" Jawab mereka kepada raja: "Benar, ya raja!" Katanya: "Tetapi ada empat orang kulihat berjalan-jalan dengan bebas di tengah-tengah api itu; mereka tidak terluka, dan yang keempat itu rupanya seperti anak dewa!"

In “Even If,” Pastor Robert Madu reminds us that true rest isn't found in comfort, but in trust. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, confident faith says: “My God can deliver me, my God will deliver me… but even if He doesn't, I still won't bow.” Don't just trust God for results; trust Him for who He is.   Thank you for partnering with Social Dallas! To GIVE Online- head to our website: www.socialdallas.com/give Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also follow us on all Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/social_dallas

Come As You Are Jesus extends a remarkable invitation to all of mankind. Matthew recorded it for us in his Gospel. Matthew 11:28-30“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This is literally an open invitation to every man, woman and child on the planet, open and available to anyone who would simply come. But to fully understand his invitation, his offer for rest, we must back up one paragraph. Matthew 11:27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. What Jesus is saying here is significant. In the ancient scrolls or what we now refer to as the Old Testament, the word “know” means far more than just knowledge, it refers to an intimate relationship. And that is exactly what Jesus is offering in his invitation, an intimate relationship with himself. Just as the Father knows the Son, Jesus is inviting us to know him, not just know about him but to be in intimate relationship with him. O how marvelous, O how wonderful!  And once we accept his offer of salvation and we belong to him, we begin to gain deeper and more significant revelation into how much he loves us. And once we have that epiphany, that Aha moment when we realize that there is nothing that we can do to make God love us any more than he already does, he truly loves us just as we are, and with that realization then we can begin to trust him…I mean really trust him, with all of our heart. Christian, I promise you, once you grasp the reality of God's love for you through Christ Jesus, you'll never look at trials and tribulations the same way again. You will see, just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did in the fiery furnace, that you're not in this world alone, Jesus is right there with you, right beside you, helping you endure, persevere and overcome. Beloved, are you weary? Are you burdened? Are you exhausted and burned out and just tired of it all? Then I urge you to take Jesus up on his offer. He wants to give you everlasting life and he wants to give you rest in the here and now…but remember, it may not mean that your problems will just go away, however Jesus is offering to walk through them with you and to give you his peace and strength for the journey. Is your soul hungry for something more, are you thirsting for something beyond this world? Then simply, just as you are, come to Jesus. Revelation 22:17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.To God be the glory! I love y'allpastor doug

This powerful exploration from Sunday, February 1st 2026, of biblical history takes us on a journey through God's unwavering covenant with humanity, from creation to the prophets. With Assistant Pastor Dillon Meadway we discover that God's desire for relationship with us has remained constant across thousands of years, despite humanity's repeated failures and wanderings. The timeline presented reveals a striking pattern: God delivers His people, they experience His favor, yet within generations they drift back into compromise and idolatry. This isn't just ancient history—it's a mirror reflecting our own spiritual struggles. The story of Daniel and his three friends stands as a watershed moment in this narrative. These young men, taken captive to Babylon and pressured to conform to the world's most powerful empire, made a choice that echoes through eternity: they purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves. Their decision wasn't based on guaranteed outcomes but on covenant faithfulness. When faced with the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared the most profound statement of faith: 'Our God is able to deliver us... but if not, we still will not bow.' This 'but if not' faith challenges us to examine whether our Christianity is a small dot within the large circle of our lives, or whether our faith is the encompassing reality that defines everything we do. The favor of God, we learn, is worth more than all the riches of Babylon—worth more than career advancement, social acceptance, or earthly comfort.

In this episode of Bible Reading and Coffee Drinking, we dive into Daniel 3, the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. Faced with a command to bow or burn, they choose faithfulness over fear and trust God no matter the outcome. This chapter reminds us that God is present with us in the fire and that obedience does not depend on guaranteed deliverance. Grab your Bible and coffee, and let's explore what unshakable faith really looks like.Also, use the code "Podcast20" to get 20% off our entire store. This is a special code specifically for our podcast listeners! See all our our hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out this podcast and all previous episodes on Spotify, iTunes, Google more! - https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlMY BIBLE: Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation - Find it here: https://amzn.to/3MuDAUSCHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR CHRISTIAN APPAREL, PRODUCTS, BLOGS, BIBLE VERSES AND MORE:Website | https://www.livingchristian.orgStore | https://www.livingchristian.org/store.htmlPodcast | https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlFOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/living_christian/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/livechristian1 Twitter | https://twitter.com/livechristian1Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/living_christian/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchristianABOUT US:Living Christian believes that our Christian faith isn't just for Sunday mornings in Church. Our faith impacts every aspect of our lives and the challenges we face every day of the week. We want to connect to people who are seeking to determine what Living Christian means in their own day-to-day lives. We are focused on providing resources and products to a community of believers. We provide daily biblical inspiration, motivation and guidance through social posts, blogs and Christian apparel and products.This work contains Music Track The 126ers - Winds of Spring that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Source: https://directory.audio/free-music/pop/5092-the-126ers-winds-of-springAuthor: The 126ers#christ #christian #christianity #christianblog #christianblogger #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #newtestament #oldtestament #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #lukewarm #christians #christianpodcast #christmas

He Played His Lyre, and The Evil Spirit Would Leave!1 Samuel 16:23 “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.”When I heard about this verse, I loved it because it shows us another example of the power of music. When David played his lyre, the evil spirit would leave Saul. Did you know that music could set you free from evil spirits? Are you starting to see the power of praise and worship? Are you starting to see the power of music and singing? Praise and playing musical instruments have been setting captives free for a very long time.God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days, with priests blowing trumpets and the people remaining silent. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. When the priests sounded the trumpets, Joshua commanded the people to shout, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. God allowed the Israelites to take this city. (Joshua 6:1–20)God reduced Gideon's army from thousands to just three hundred men so that Israel would know the victory came from Him alone. At God's instruction, the men carried trumpets and torches instead of swords. When they blew the trumpets and shouted, God threw the Midianite army into confusion, and the enemy turned on itself. Israel won the battle without fighting by strength, showing that obedience, proclamation, and trust in God released His power. (Judges 7:1–22)When King Jehoshaphat faced a vast enemy army, he sought the Lord, and God declared that the battle belonged to Him. Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army, praising God as they marched into battle. As they worshiped, the Lord caused the enemy armies to turn on one another, and Judah did not have to fight at all. The victory came through praise, revealing that worship invites God to act powerfully on behalf of His people. (2 Chronicles 20:1–30)While imprisoned in Philippi after being beaten and chained, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God in the middle of the night. As they worshiped, a sudden earthquake shook the prison, opening the doors and loosening everyone's chains. Rather than escaping, Paul and Silas remained, leading the jailer and his household to salvation. Their praise not only brought physical freedom but also opened the way for lives to be saved. (Acts 16:22–34)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar and refused to bow to the golden image, declaring their unwavering faith in God. They proclaimed that God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He did not, they would not worship any false god. Their words were an act of praise rooted in trust—honoring God above fear, outcome, or survival. Their worship was not expressed through song, but through bold confession of God's power and faithfulness in the face of death. (Daniel 3:16–17)I like this example because it shows us that there are many ways to praise. If you don't like music, if you don't like singing, that doesn't mean that you can't be set free by praise and worship. There are so many ways to praise the Lord. Music happens to be my favorite, and for me, one of the easiest, because if I don't know what to say, there are plenty of others who have written beautiful songs who do know what to say. However, if you don't like music or singing, don't count yourself out. You can praise the Lord with your writing, with your words said outloud. You can praise the Lord with gratitude or in the things you say to others. There isn't just one way to praise the Lord. I pray that by the end of this series, you understand that there are so many different ways to praise. There is a way for everyone.When King Hezekiah received a threatening message from the Assyrian king, he took the letter to the temple and spread it before the Lord. In prayer, Hezekiah praised God as the one true Lord over all kingdoms and asked Him to act so that all would know His power. God responded by promising deliverance, and that very night the Assyrian army was defeated without Judah having to fight a single battle. Hezekiah's prayerful praise and trust in God's sovereignty led to a decisive victory and public recognition of the Lord's supremacy. (2 Kings 19:14–37)Again, this is a different kind of praise. King Hezekiah went in front of the Lord and presented the letter from his enemies. He then praised God as the one true King and asked God for help. Do you see how easy it can be to praise the Lord at times? All it says that he did was to praise the Lord as the one true King over all kingdoms. This is why I have placed a link in the previous episode for the praise sheets that I received at my prayer group. However, you don't even need those sheets. You can simply tell the Lord how great you think He is. I tend to say, “You are the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You are the Almighty One. We worship you. We adore you, and we glorify you.” You can say whatever it is you think about the Lord.My homework for you today is to stop and think about 5 things you can say to the Lord to praise Him. What is it you think of Him? What do you know to be true about Him? Once you have these 5 things, you can have fewer or more; I just randomly decided on 5. Once you have these, then I want you to say them every single day to the Lord. It doesn't matter when you say them, but try to say them every day and watch how your life changes. Watch how your trust in the Lord begins to grow because you are reminding yourself every day how amazing He is. If you have to ask the Lord for something, start with these few praise statements and then ask Him. Watch to see if there is any difference in the number of answered prayers, or in the way they are answered.This is just one tiny way to add more praise into your life without going overboard or taking up a lot of extra time. Just give it a try. What have you got to lose? What could you gain? Trust me, more praise and worship in your life is exactly what you need right now. I know I may not know you, but I know this is what we all need right now. We need to replace the worry and anxiety of this world with praise and worship, and we then watch our lives feel a bit easier.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening today. Lord, I ask you to show them the power of praise and worship. I ask that you bless them with graces when they are praising you. I ask that you open their eyes to the ways that praise and worship are changing their lives. Help us to see with your eyes, Lord. Help us to notice more of you in our lives. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus! If you know there's more to your faith than routine and rules, I'd love to stay connected with you. You can join my email list to receive scripture-rooted encouragement and reflections to help you walk boldly with Jesus in your everyday life. You can sign up through the link in the show notes (CLICK HERE)—I'd love to have you with us. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. God is on your side, and we are rooting for you—always. Have a blessed dayToday's Word from the Lord was received in September 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, you are precious to me. I took each of you with me to the cross. You were there with me that day, each of you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Faithfulness to God is often tested when obedience comes at a cost. Pastor Wesley Welch walks through Daniel 3, highlighting the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to stand firm when pressured to compromise their faith. Their story reminds us that God is worthy of our trust whether He delivers us from the fire or sustains us through it. In a culture that demands conformity, we are called to unwavering allegiance to the one true King.

Daniel 3:24-25 (ESV)24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”Today, I will be taking my story out of the book of Daniel. We will be looking at the specific posture of faith these men took that positioned them for God's intervention.Summarizing the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:Jerusalem was taken captive by BabylonKing Nebuchadnezzar wanted to educate their best youth in the literature and language of the Chaldeans (highly educated class of men who serve the king)Three of the youths we know as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; who were later appointed over affairs of the provinceKing Nebuchadnezzar decided to make a statue of gold for all in Babylon to worshipShadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to obey the king's commandThe Chaldeans maliciously accused the Jews of being insubordanate to the king's orderThe king was furious at this and threatened them Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrews thrown into the fiery furnaceHe looked and saw four men walking around, unharmedNebuchadnezzar declared the God of Shadrrach, Meshach and Abednego delivered his servants who trusted in Him3 Faith Postures In My “Fiery Furnace” Experience1. Faith Obeys God Even Under PressureDaniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image, even though disobedience meant death in the fiery furnace.Key truth: Biblical faith chooses obedience to God over cultural pressure, fear, or consequences.Acts 5:29 (ESV)“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”Romans 12:2 (ESV)“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”Cliche -”WWJD?” - But I find myself asking that often.2. Faith Trusts God's Power—But Submits to His WillDaniel 3:17-18“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but if not, we will not serve your gods” Key truth: Faith believes God can act but also trusts Him even if He doesn't act the way we hope.Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”Matthew 26:39 (ESV)“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'”2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”3. Faith Experiences God's Presence in the FireDaniel 3:24-25God didn't keep them out of the fire—He met them in it. A fourth figure appeared with them, and they were unharmed.Key truth:Faith does not promise the absence of trials, but the presence of God in them.Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”Psalm 66:10–12 (ESV)“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”Matthew 28:20 (ESV)“And behold, I am with you always…”Hebrews 11:11-12 (ESV)11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

God Likes to Be Outnumbered The message focuses on the idea that God often chooses to work when the odds are stacked against His people, so that when victory comes, it is clear that it was His doing, not their own. Gideon’s Army God told Gideon he had too many men (32,000) to fight the Midianites, lest Israel take credit for the victory. God instructed Gideon to allow those who were fearful to leave, resulting in 22,000 departing, leaving 10,000. God further reduced the number by having them drink water from a river, selecting only the 300 who lapped the water like dogs. The 300 were equipped with trumpets and pitchers with torches inside. They surrounded the Midianite camp and, at a signal, broke the pitchers, revealed the torches, blew the trumpets, and shouted, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” God caused the Midianites to turn on each other, and they were defeated. Pride and God’s Glory God likes to be outnumbered because when He wins the battle, He doesn’t want people taking credit for it. Pride can lead people to believe they are capable and strong on their own. God ensures that when victory comes, it is clear that it was His doing, leading to proper worship and praise. Examples of God Being Outnumbered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Nebuchadnezzar built a statue and commanded everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. Nebuchadnezzar threw them into a fiery furnace. The king saw four figures in the furnace, the fourth resembling the Son of God. They emerged unharmed, demonstrating God’s presence and protection. Noah: Eight souls (Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives) worked on the ark for 120 years. They were against an entire race of people. God sent the flood, and only those on the ark survived. Moses: Moses confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. He faced the entire Egyptian army. He led the Israelites to the Red Sea, where God parted the waters, allowing them to cross safely and drowning the pursuing Egyptian army. Jonathan: Jonathan and his armor bearer went to fight the Philistines. Jonathan told his armor bearer that there is no restraint to God to save whether by few or many. They climbed a cliff and attacked a Philistine outpost, killing 20 men. Samson: The Israelites bound Samson with new cords and handed him over to the Philistines. Samson broke free and killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. David: David, a young shepherd, volunteered to fight Goliath. He went into the valley with five stones and a slingshot. He struck Goliath with a stone, killing him, and then cut off his head with Goliath’s own sword. Hezekiah: Sennacherib and the Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem. Hezekiah prayed to God, laying Sennacherib’s threatening letter before Him. God sent an angel who killed 186,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night. Asa: Zerah the Ethiopian came against Asa with an army of a million men and 300 chariots. Asa prayed to God for help, acknowledging that it is nothing for God to help, whether with many or with those who have no power. God smote the Ethiopians, and they fled. Romans 8:31-39 If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword? In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature. Application Encouragement to have faith and trust in God, regardless of the circumstances. Even when feeling outnumbered, outmanned, or outgunned, God is always greater and can deliver. The importance of recognizing God’s hand in victories and giving Him the glory. The reminder that God is always with His people and will fight their battles.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three young men from Judah who found themselves in a heated situation.They were brought into the court of King Nebuchadnezzar II, and ordered to bow before the king's golden image. The alternative was a one-way ticket to the fiery furnace.The king's command would have been easy for these guys to follow, but their own King of Kings had already commanded them to place no other gods before Him, and to stay away from the evil of graven images. They may have been wary of the king's wrath, but their faith in God was stronger.They replied in Daniel 3:16–18, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter...Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”Rather than violate their commitment to obey God, these men put their lives in His hands. They didn't know whether God would intervene to save them. They knew God could, but they didn't know that He would. Regardless of the outcome, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose to live for the Lord, and if necessary, they were willing to die in obedience to the Lord.Romans 14:8 says, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”As an example of His power, God intervened to spare their lives. Even though He allowed them to be tied up and thrown into the furnace, the blazing heat didn't affect them at all. They walked out unharmed.In the midst of our own challenges, we know God can and does show up for us. He asks us to trust Him with the obstacles we face every day, and even with our very lives.Let's pray.Jesus, it's unlikely anyone will threaten to throw us into a fiery furnace, but sometimes it sure feels like our feet are put to the fire. Remind us to trust you...with every dilemma, every shortcoming, and every situation. We give you our challenges and our lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Send us a textThere are some songs that stay with us—not because they were tied to a moment, but because they put words to a posture of faith we keep coming back to. Even If by MercyMe is one of those songs for me. At its core, it gives voice to a tension we all know well: trusting that God is able… while also learning to remain faithful when He doesn't act in the way we hope He will.Key Points“Even If” by MercyMe gives voice to a deeply biblical kind of faith—a faith that remains even when God doesn't intervene the way we hope He will.The song is rooted in Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare that God can save them…but even if He doesn't, they will not bow.The modern testimony behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” echoes the same posture—sorrow acknowledged, trust unshaken.This phrase even if names something many believers live daily: trusting God when the outcome is uncertain, painful, or opposite of what we prayed for.The enemy still whispers the same lie King Nebuchadnezzar did: “What god could save you now?” Recognizing that lie and responding with truth shapes our spiritual resilience.Scriptures ReferencedDaniel 1–3 – Context of the exile, rise of Daniel and his friends, and the furnace accountDaniel 3:16–18 – “The God we serve is able…but even if…”Daniel 2:49 – Their roles in BabylonDaniel 1:17–20 – God-given wisdom and favorSupporting historical reference from the story behind “It Is Well with My Soul”BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Consult a summary or introduction before diving into a book you're less familiar with (e.g., study Bible intros, Blue Letter Bible, BibleProject).Read in context – Start in Daniel 1 and read through Daniel 3 to see the full arc of faithfulness.Consider historical context – Culture, timeline, exile setting, and long-term leadership roles.Follow cross-references – Explore the broader biblical theme of steadfast trust.Ask reflection questions – “Where is my even if? Where am I tempted to bow to cultural pressure?”Additional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayBlue Letter Bible ESV Introduction to the Book of DanielBible Project Introduction to the Book of Daniel - BibleProject.comBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Daniel 3 in context -- meaning start in chapter 1 and read all the way through chapter 3. Consider the historical context of this story. Perhaps even research the historical details further. Ask yourself how you would respond in this situation. Decide today that you will reChange your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

In this week's sermon, we take a look at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three young Jews who find their faith challenged in a foreign land. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pdchurch.substack.com

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said, “Our God is able to save us—but even if He does not, we will not worship the image.” Then King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking unharmed in the fire, and one looked like a son of the gods. He said, “Praise be to the God who rescued His servants!” The fiery furnace and the call to follow Jesus both demand courage and a willingness to suffer for faithfulness—knowing God is with us. Daniel 3:16–18, 24–25, 28Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.Luke 9:23–26And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are captives in Babylon. This episode covers covers the exciting stories in Daniel 3-5. We will learn what happens to them when they refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's seven year punishment, and finally what happened the night Babylong was destroyed by Medo-Persia.Year B Quarter 1 Week 2All Bible verses are from the NKJVFind the Lessons Here: https://mybiblefirst.org/?module=products&func=product&id2=25Connect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesus

Common Table's November 30, 2025 sermon. First Sunday of Advent - Daniel 3:1, 8-30 // Into the Fire w/Lauren LeggettAdvent begins with a blaze! We lit the first Advent wreath candle as UPSEM graduate and certified lay minister Lauren Leggett led an exploration of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into the fiery furnace of the king!

Many of us fall into despair so quickly when even a little rain falls into our life. But the Bible teaches us that in this world we will have trouble and tribulation. But praise be to God, He has equipped us to endure the rain and even the storms that come our way. He never promised us a life without storms but He did say He would be the umbrella. Come join us in this broadcast of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim discusses walking through the storm without even getting wet. Listen as she reveals His truth that even in the darkest and most dreadful storm, He is already there. Matthew 14:22–32 – Jesus and Peter walking on water www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-32&version=KJV John 1:1,14 – "In the beginning was the Word... and the Word was made flesh" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1%2C14&version=KJV Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=KJV Luke 16:19–31 – The rich man and Lazarus www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A19-31&version=KJV Jeremiah 33:3 – "Call unto me, and I will answer thee..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+33%3A3&version=KJV Matthew 7:7 – "Ask, and it shall be given you..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A7&version=KJV John 10:9 – "I am the door..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A9&version=KJV John 14:6 – "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=KJV Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+3&version=KJV Hebrews 13:5 – "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A5&version=KJV Jeremiah 29:11 – "Thoughts of peace, and not of evil..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11&version=KJV 2 Chronicles 30:9 – "If ye turn again unto the Lord..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+30%3A9&version=KJV 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=KJV Hebrews 13:8 – "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A8&version=KJV Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts,  Spotify,  Google Podcasts,  YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page. 

When life heats up and the path forward feels uncertain, the Christmas story reminds us of an unshakable truth: God does not wait for calm—He steps into the fire with us. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Rev. Addison Spears gives us a message that offers steady hope, timeless courage, and the assurance that no matter what you're facing, you are not alone.

When life heats up and the path forward feels uncertain, the Christmas story reminds us of an unshakable truth: God does not wait for calm—He steps into the fire with us. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Rev. Addison Spears gives us a message that offers steady hope, timeless courage, and the assurance that no matter what you're facing, you are not alone.

When life heats up and the path forward feels uncertain, the Christmas story reminds us of an unshakable truth: God does not wait for calm—He steps into the fire with us. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Rev. Addison Spears gives us a message that offers steady hope, timeless courage, and the assurance that no matter what you're facing, you are not alone.

When life heats up and the path forward feels uncertain, the Christmas story reminds us of an unshakable truth: God does not wait for calm—He steps into the fire with us. Drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Rev. Addison Spears gives us a message that offers steady hope, timeless courage, and the assurance that no matter what you're facing, you are not alone.

The Suffering of Daniel      Daniel's story begins in the shadow of national tragedy. As a young man, likely in his mid-to-late teens, he was taken captive when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and carried many of Judah's nobility to Babylon (Dan 1:1–4). Torn from his homeland, stripped of freedom, and thrust into the heart of a pagan empire, Daniel entered a culture saturated with idolatry, sorcery, and political scheming. Babylon sought not only to enslave his body but to reprogram his mind, to erase his identity as a servant of the Lord and remake him into a loyal functionary of the empire. The king ordered that his name be changed, his education redirected, and his diet replaced with food from the royal table (Dan 1:5–7). Yet from the very beginning, “Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” (Dan 1:8). Daniel was resolved to stand firm in his faith. He understood that his real allegiance was not to Babylon's king but to the God of heaven. In a foreign land, he refused to lose his spiritual identity.      Daniel's discipline, humility, and doctrinal integrity made him a standout in Babylon. He did not protest his captivity, rebel against authority, or seek escape through human means. Instead, he accepted his circumstances as part of God's sovereign plan and chose to function as an ambassador for the Lord in enemy territory. God rewarded his faithfulness by granting him “knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom,” and Daniel himself was given “understanding of all kinds of visions and dreams” (Dan 1:17). Through divine promotion, Daniel rose to positions of high influence under successive kings and empires, yet he never compromised his loyalty to God. Living in the center of a hostile, idolatrous culture, Daniel demonstrated that it is possible to maintain spiritual stability and grace orientation even when surrounded by corruption and pressure. Daniel understood that divine viewpoint, not environment, determines stability.      Suffering intensified with the passing years. Daniel's three companions—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—faced the fiery furnace when they refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (Dan 3:12–18). They told Nebuchadnezzar, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, let it be known… that we are not going to serve your gods” (Dan 3:17–18). They were willing to die rather than dishonor God. Their deliverance from the furnace demonstrated divine power, but more importantly, it vindicated their faith and revealed God's glory before a watching pagan world. Thieme notes, “This historical event illustrates a tremendous principle in the doctrine of suffering. God has designed human suffering for the blessing of the believer. Blessing is only possible when there is a consistent daily intake of Bible doctrine, which leads to spiritual maturity and occupation with Christ.”[1] Likewise, Daniel himself faced the lions' den when he refused to alter his prayer life under Darius' decree (Dan 6:10). He understood that prayer was a lifeline to the God who sustained him.      Daniel's long exile, spanning roughly seventy years, was marked by pressure, promotion, and persecution. He served under multiple kings, from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus, and in each administration he maintained the same spiritual consistency. Though elevated to positions of immense political power, he remained humble before God, recognizing that all authority is delegated by the Sovereign of heaven (Dan 2:21). His prophetic visions and intercessory prayers reveal a man whose heart was never seduced by Babylon's wealth or wisdom but fixed on God's promises to Israel. Through testing, isolation, and exposure to pagan corruption, Daniel became the living embodiment of grace under pressure, a believer functioning in the devil's world without being conformed to it (Rom 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-16).      Daniel's captivity demonstrates the divine principle that adversity is God's classroom for spiritual advance. Like Joseph in Egypt and David in the wilderness, Daniel learned that promotion comes not from human favor but from the Lord (Psa 75:6–7). His entire life illustrates that faith is most often tested in crisis, and that true stability is the result of divine viewpoint thinking applied under pressure. Through exile and affliction, God transformed a Hebrew captive into a statesman-prophet, refining his faith through suffering and using his life as a witness to Gentile rulers. Daniel's story proves that spiritual victory does not require favorable circumstances, only a heart anchored in divine truth. In every generation, his life stands as a model of how to live faithfully in a pagan world without losing one's spiritual integrity: “The people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Dan 11:32). Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.   [1] R. B. Thieme, Jr., Daniel: Chapters One Through Six (Houston: R. B. Thieme, Jr. Bible Ministries, 2003), 83.

We look at the account of King Nebuchadnezzar throwing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace.

YouTube Description In this faith-building message titled "Let God Be God," Pastor Chad Veach continues Zoe Church's series Watch God Work by teaching from the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3. He unpacks how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in the face of cultural pressure, trusting God not only for deliverance but through the fire. This is a word for anyone walking through a storm, waiting on a miracle, or learning to trust even when things don't go as planned. Through scripture, stories, and humor, Pastor Chad reminds us that God doesn't always rescue from the fire but He always shows up in it. At Zoe, our mission is simple: People Saved, Disciples Made, Leaders Raised, and The Church Released. Through every service, we seek to share the love and hope of Jesus, impact lives, and see transformation in communities in Los Angeles and around the world. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this stream with friends and family!

Every week, members of The Gospel Project for Kids team offer guidance to help you as you prepare to teach each session to preschoolers and kids. This week, we discuss Unit 16, Session 2—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 08Daniel 3 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 08 Daniel 3 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1208db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Nebuchadnezzar's Command to Worship His Idol 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue. It was ninety feet tall and nine feet wide. [1] He set it up in the plain of Dura [2] in the province of Babylon. 2 King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all of the rulers of the provinces [3] to come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all of the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of King Nebuchadnezzar's statue. They stood in front of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 The herald called out loudly, “To you peoples, nations, and languages, this command is given: 5 When you hear the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, [4] and all kinds of musical instruments, [5] you will fall down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, and all kinds of musical instruments, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshipped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The Young Men Remain Faithful 8 At that time, some Chaldeans approached the king and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your Majesty, [6] may you live forever! 10 You, Your Majesty, gave an order that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, and all kinds of musical instruments must fall down and worship the golden statue, 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. 12 There are Jews whom you appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. These men do not pay attention to you, Your Majesty. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the gold statue that you set up.” 13 Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar said to bring Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and that you do not worship the golden statue that I set up? 15 Now, if you are ready, at the time when you hear the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, and all kinds of musical instruments, you must fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. What god will be able to save you from my hands?” 16 Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “We have no need to answer you about this matter. 17 Since our God, whom we serve, does exist, he is able to save us from the blazing fiery furnace. So, he may save us from your hand, Your Majesty. [7] 18 But if he does not, you should know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden statue that you set up.” The Young Men Are Miraculously Saved by God 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed against Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. He said to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated. 20 He ordered some men, who were soldiers from his army, to bind Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego in order to throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. 21 So these men were bound in their coats, their pants, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were thrown into the middle of the blazing fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace was extremely hot, those men who carried Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego were killed by the intense heat of the fire. 23 But these three men, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who had been tied up, fell into the blazing fiery furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and immediately stood up. He said to his advisors, “Didn't we throw three men, who had been tied up, into the middle of the fire?” They answered the king, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men, who are untied and walking around in the middle of the fire, unharmed. What is more, the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace. He said, “Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” Then Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego came out from the middle of the furnace. 27 The satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal advisors gathered together and looked at these men. The fire had no power over their bodies. Not a hair on their head was singed, their robes were not damaged, and the smell of fire had not stuck to them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who sent his angel and saved his servants, who trusted in God and ignored the king's command. They gave up their bodies and did not pay homage or worship any god except their God. 29 So I have issued an order that every people, nation, and language that speaks any blasphemy against the God of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego shall be cut to pieces, and his house shall be turned into a pile of rubble, because there is no other god who is able to save like this.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. Footnotes Daniel 3:1 Literally sixty cubits and six cubits Daniel 3:1 Or in the niche in the city wall Daniel 3:2 The precise distinctions between these Aramaic and Persian titles for government officials are uncertain. Daniel 3:5 Or a type of pipe or bagpipes Daniel 3:5 The identification of some of these instruments is uncertain. Daniel 3:9 Literally O King Daniel 3:17 The translation of this verse is difficult. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 07Daniel 2:31-49 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 07 Daniel 2:31-49 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1207db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel 2 31 You, Your Majesty, were looking, and there was a very great statue. That statue, which was large and extremely bright, was standing in front of you. Its appearance was frightening. 32 The statue looked like this: Its head was fine gold, its chest and its arms were silver, its abdomen and its thighs were bronze, 33 its shins were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly fired clay. 34 You continued to watch until a stone was cut, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet that were iron and clay, and it smashed them. 35 Then all at once the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed and became like the chaff on the threshing floors of summer. The wind carried them away, and no trace of them could be found. However, the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the entire earth. 36 This is the dream. So now we will interpret its meaning for Your Majesty. 37 You, Your Majesty, are the king of kings to whom the God of Heaven has given a kingdom, power, strength, and glory. 38 Wherever there are people, wild animals, and birds of the air, God has given them into your hand, and he has made you ruler over all of them. You are the head of gold. 39 After you another kingdom will arise that will be inferior to yours. Then another kingdom, a third kingdom of bronze will arise. This kingdom will rule the entire earth. 40 A fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron, since iron crushes and shatters everything. So, like iron that smashes, it will crush and smash all of these other kingdoms. 41 Because you saw feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, this will be a divided kingdom. It will have some of the hardness of iron, because you saw iron mixed with common clay. [1] 42 What is more, the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay. This means that part of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 You saw iron mixed with common clay. This means that the different parts of the kingdom will be a mixture of different races of people, [2] and they will not remain united to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 In the days of those kings, the God of Heaven will establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another race of people. It will crush and put an end to all of these kingdoms, but it will stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain, but not by human hands, and it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to Your Majesty what will happen after this. The dream is sure, and its interpretation is certain. 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell facedown and paid homage to [3] Daniel. He commanded that a sacrificial gift and incense be offered to him. 47 The king said, “Truly your God is the God of Gods, the Lord of Kings, and the Revealer of Mysteries, because you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 When Daniel requested it, the king appointed Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon. Daniel remained in the royal court. Footnotes Daniel 2:41 Common clay is literally clay of clay, with two different Aramaic words for clay. Daniel 2:43 Literally will be mixed among the seed of man Daniel 2:46 Or worshipped #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

I'll Serve God No Matter The Consequences: Is That Your Heart's Cry? Or Just When It's Easy? Daniel 3:16-18 16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us c from Your Majesty's hand. 18But 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.”

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-3ce68255e5fbbb6d29124630242939e5 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 05Daniel 1 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 05 Daniel 1 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1205db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel Is Taken to Babylon 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into Nebuchadnezzar's hand, along with some of the vessels of the House of God, and he brought them to the land of Shinar, [1] into the house of his god. He brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. 3 The king told Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, [2] to bring some young Israelite men from the royal family or from the nobility. 4 He was to choose young men who had no blemish, who were good looking, who had insight into all kinds of wisdom, who possessed knowledge, understanding, and learning, and who were capable of serving in the king's palace, in order to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. [3] 5 The king assigned them daily rations from the special royal food and from the king's own wine. He ordered that they should be trained for three years. At the end of training they were to serve the king. 6 In this group of young men were the Judeans Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 The chief of the officials gave them new names. He gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar, Hananiah the name Shadrak, Mishael the name Meshak, and Azariah the name Abednego. The Young Men Are Steadfast in Their Faith 8 Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the special food of the king or with the wine that he drank. So he sought permission from the chief official, so that he would not have to defile himself. 9 God made the chief of the officials favorable and sympathetic toward Daniel. 10 Then the chief of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink. Why should he see your faces looking less healthy than those of the other young men who are your age? You put my life at risk before the king.” 11 Daniel said to the superintendent whom the chief of the officials had placed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days. Tell them to give us only vegetables, and we will eat them and drink water. 13 Observe our appearance and the appearance of the young men who eat the special royal food. Then deal with your servants based on what you see.” 14 So he listened to what they said about this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days, their appearance was noticeably better than that of the others. They were healthier than any of the young men who had been eating the special royal food. 16 So the superintendent permanently took away the special royal food and the wine they were to drink and gave them only vegetables. 17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and insight into all kinds of literature, as well as wisdom. In addition, Daniel also understood every kind of vision and dream. 18 At the end of the time which the king had set for them to be brought to him, the chief of the officials brought them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king spoke with them, and none of the others were found to be comparable to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they served the king. 20 In every matter concerning wisdom and understanding that the king sought from them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [4] and spell casters in his entire kingdom. 21 So Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. Footnotes Daniel 1:2 That is, Babylon Daniel 1:3 The term may refer to eunuchs, but it is not limited to this meaning. Daniel 1:4 The Chaldeans were the ethnic group ruling Babylon. Daniel 1:20 The distinctions between the various kinds of occult practitioners are unclear. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Daniel 3:16–18, Proverbs 4:23. True strength begins with surrender. In a culture that bows to pressure and fear, the furnace becomes the place where trust is exposed, idols lose their grip, and bondage burns off. This Sunday, Pastor James Powell unpacks how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us "even if" faith the kind that guards the heart, resists cultural idolatry, and reveals Jesus in the very fire meant to break us.

Daniel 3:1, 8-30 Due to some technical issues, the beginning of Susan's sermon was cut off. On this first Sunday of Advent 2025, we were introduced to the theme for Advent: "Be Amazed!" This week's focus was on the three youths, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who refused to bow down to the image of King Nebuchadnezzar. As a result, they are thrown into the fiery furnace. Yet God protects them. (Image of the fiery furnace by artist Konstantinos Adrianoupolitis, in the public domain.)

Through their wisdom and through their service to the king, Daniel and his friends bear witness to the power and glory of God through their faithful witness. Many of us know the account found in today's reading, wherein Daniel's friends (here called by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) are forced to decide between paying homage to Nebuchadnezzar's idol or burning alive in a giant furnace. They choose the difficult path of faithfulness, confessing that God can save them if he so desires. In chapter 4, the king recounts a dream and Daniel's interpretation of it, followed by the fulfillment of the dream wherein the king is humbled by God Almighty.Daniel 3 - 1:04 . Daniel 4 - 8:58 . Proverbs 27:1-13 - 17:59 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In this passage, we see King Nebuchadnezzar's actions in response to Daniel's perfect interpretation of his dream of the statue. The King's response to build a self-glorifying golden statue and demand its worship and the people's response to this command reveals mankind's tendency for vain glory, apart from the Holy Spirit. In this desire for ‘glory,' Satan exploits an individual's insecurities, weakness, and emptiness to incite them to ungodly, Satanic behavior.In contrast, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego give us an example of courageous faith in the midst of great persecution. Their ‘perfect moment' refusing to worship any other god teaches us how to stand firm in what we believe— with courage, integrity, and respect.

In this passage, we see King Nebuchadnezzar's actions in response to Daniel's perfect interpretation of his dream of the statue. The King's response to build a self-glorifying golden statue and demand its worship and the people's response to this command reveals mankind's tendency for vain glory, apart from the Holy Spirit. In this desire for ‘glory,' Satan exploits an individual's insecurities, weakness, and emptiness to incite them to ungodly, Satanic behavior.In contrast, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego give us an example of courageous faith in the midst of great persecution. Their ‘perfect moment' refusing to worship any other god teaches us how to stand firm in what we believe— with courage, integrity, and respect.

Share this program with a friend or family member at www.joniradio.org!   --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Have you ever felt pressured to compromise your faith to fit in? In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3—a story of courage, conviction, and the unmistakable presence of God in life's fiery trials. Christine challenges listeners to recognize the modern idols we're tempted to bow to and to live with the kind of unshakable faith that says, “Even if God doesn't…” This message will inspire you to stand firm, stay faithful, and trust that God is with you in the fire. ✨ You'll discover:● How to recognize the “modern idols” that compete for your worship.● Why courage and conviction are essential in a culture of compromise.● How to trust God's presence when the heat is on. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide → http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk + + + + SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribeORDER Christine's newest book, Don't Look Back → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine For more great stuff, check out:LISTEN to Christine Caine's Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaineDONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine Follow Christine on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChristineCaine/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineCaine Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and bestselling author who awakens people everywhere to discover their God-given purpose and live transformed lives for Jesus. Alongside her husband, Nick, she founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors. She also launched Propel Women, an initiative equipping women worldwide to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their calling. Through Equip & Empower, Christine activates people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Christine is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, and she holds a Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. For over 30 years, she and Nick have faithfully served the global Church. You can tune into her weekly Equip & Empower and Life & Leadership podcasts for practical insights and encouragement, always pointing to the hope found in Jesus. Christine and Nick live with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia. To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit http://www.christinecaine.com.

Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.