Podcasts about meshach

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, host Hunter guides us on our continuing journey through Scripture, marking the 256th day of the year. We delve into powerful stories and reflections from Daniel chapters 3 and 4, Psalm 81, and Revelation 17. Hunter begins by highlighting the dramatic tale of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their unwavering faith in the face of Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, and the lessons we can draw about resisting the “cult of self” in our own lives. As we listen to God's Word together, Hunter offers thoughtful insights on humility, hope, and the servant-hearted way of Jesus, reminding us that even amidst the fiery trials of life, God walks with us. The episode closes with heartfelt prayers and encouragement to cultivate hope and gratitude within community, looking forward to another day of walking together in faith. Whether you're new to Daily Radio Bible or a long-time listener, today's episode promises inspiration, comfort, and the reminder that, no matter what you're facing, you are loved and there is always hope. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Recognize the destructive life of the cult of self. King Nebuchadnezzar was the poster child for a life centered on the self—a man who built a 90-foot tall statue of gold as a monument to his own greatness and demanded all people bow down and worship an image of himself. That, friends, is the path of the self: it wants life to revolve around our own projects, desires, ambitions, and reputation. If it's not about us, it'll find another narcissist to orbit. So often, even religion gets caught up in the frenzy, enforcing the lie that life is found in worshiping anything but God—the living God who serves. But there is another way—Jesus, the servant King, shows us a life radically different from Nebuchadnezzar's. Jesus is self-giving, radically forgiving, and co-suffering in His love for all, even for those who set themselves against Him. When we awaken to Jesus, the living word, we do not escape the fiery trials and pressures of this world. But we are promised that we will never be alone in those flames. Just as God stood with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire, so He stands with us. In the end, we emerge from those flames into life—His life. The call today is to refuse to shape your life as a monument to self. Don't bow down to the cult of self or any idols that demand your allegiance. Instead, open your heart to the way of Jesus: the way of humility, service, and forgiveness. Participate in His self-giving, radically forgiving, co-suffering love. That is the way that brings true freedom and hope—hope that can't be destroyed by the fires of this world. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, for my daughters, for my son. And that is a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord of heaven and earth, you have awakened us in your mercy once more. Still our anxious minds, quiet our striving hearts and help us to rest in the knowledge that we are held by you. May we walk in step with your Spirit today, not ahead, not behind, but beside you in trust and love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God of all peoples, you formed every soul in your image and breathed life into every heart. Open the eyes of the nations, soften hearts grown cold and teach us to live as neighbors and friends. Let your Spirit move in power. Renew the face of the earth and usher in your reign of peace. Amen. And now, Lord, let me be a bearer of your peace. Where voices divide, let me speak grace. Where fear takes root, let me plant trust. Where the world rushes on, let me walk with you. May I seek not to climb, but to kneel, not to win, but to love, not to grasp, but to give. For it is in emptying that we are filled, in surrender that we are strengthened, and in union with you that we find our truest joy. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.   OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Pastor Jentezen Franklin calls believers to rise with courage and conviction in a world that often pressures them to sit down and stay silent. He draws on biblical examples—like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's idol—to show that standing for God may mean standing alone, but it always brings His presence and power. Franklin emphasizes that compromise may seem easier, but true victory comes when we boldly declare our faith and live by God's standards, even under fire. This first part lays the foundation: now is the moment for God's people to stand up in prayer, in righteousness, and in unshakable commitment to His Word. Jaggy and I are so glad you tuned in. Please share!

Send us a textDrawing from Daniel chapter 3, this powerful message examines the courageous example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image despite facing the fiery furnace. Their faith and conviction speak directly into the challenges Christians face today, where cultural expectations and political pressures often demand our allegiance in ways that contradict the Word of God.The tension between Romans 13—teaching that “God establishes authorities”—and the believer's responsibility to follow Christ first creates a challenging but important dilemma. As Reverend Ben Cooper boldly puts it, “God puts government in place, but then He gives us free will.” This is not a call to lawlessness, but a reminder that when human authority collides with divine command, our obedience must belong to Jesus above all.This message speaks into our divided world. Across nations and communities we see division by color, by finances, by postcodes, by schools, and even within churches. Yet the call of Christ cuts through the noise: “Am I going to follow Muppets on that side, or am I going to follow the ones that throw axes on that side? Who am I going to follow? I'm going to follow Jesus.”Through biblical exposition and practical application, the sermon challenges us to examine where we may have compromised with modern idols. These idols may not take the shape of golden statues, but they appear in ideologies, institutions, and systems that marginalize God's truth. From education systems that push Christian perspectives aside to churches that drift from biblical foundations, each believer is called to make a choice about where their loyalty truly lies.The message culminates with communion, reminding us that in Christ we discover unity that transcends political divides, denominational labels, or social barriers. At the Lord's table, we are one body, united by the cross. This unity is not found in cultural identity or human authority but in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Wherever you stand politically or denominationally, this prophetic word will encourage you not to “conform to the pattern of this world” but to stand firm in biblical truth. It will strengthen your resolve to endure fiery trials with faith and to declare, like the three Hebrews, “Even if God does not rescue us, we will not serve your gods.”This timely message is a call to courage, conviction, and uncompromising devotion. Above all else, it is a call to follow Jesus.Support the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NLT) When I was a kid, I attended Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach. We would have mandatory chapel every Sunday. Not being raised in a Christian home, I can recall it was the only time, for the most part, that I was ever in a church service. I remember one of the songs we sang in chapel was “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” At the time, I was experiencing a storm of my own because of the way my mom lived as an alcoholic. I remember singing, “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark. Walk on through the wind. Walk on through the rain.” The problem was that there was no mention of God in those lyrics. As we sang, “Walk on with hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone,” I thought, “Who is with me? The lark that we’re singing about? Who is here?” As Christians, we do walk through storms in life. But we can hold our heads high—not because of some bird singing but because the Lord is with us. He was with me as a little boy, though I hadn’t yet put my faith in Him completely. God was there as I cried out to Him. God was there when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow down to an idol. King Nebuchadnezzar, who ordered that the sentence be carried out, expected to see their incineration. Instead, he saw something amazing. “‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!’” (Daniel 3:25 NLT). God was there when Daniel was thrown into a lions’ den for faithfully praying to Him. When King Darius (Nebuchadnezzar’s successor) came to check on him, Daniel said, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22 NLT). God was there when Jonah—who tried to get away from Him by boarding a boat—was thrown overboard in the middle of a terrible storm and swallowed by a great fish. Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah” (NLT). These stories and countless others in Scripture reinforce an important lesson. We’re safer with God in a storm than anywhere else without Him. I would rather be with Jesus in a storm than in the plushest, most luxurious place on earth without Him. The Bible tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NLT). Sometimes God will calm or even stop the storms, but He is always with us through them. Reflection question: When have you gotten the sense that you were not walking alone through a storm in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No disciple wants trials, pain, or hardship. We prefer comfort, peace, and blessings—and understandably so. Yet the uncomfortable truth is this: some of the deepest spiritual growth occurs in the hardest seasons of life. The fires of adversity aren't meant to destroy you. They're meant to refine you, strengthen you, and shape you more fully into the likeness of Christ.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” — Isaiah 43:2If you're truly committed to becoming a disciple, you won't be able to avoid the flames of adversity. Trials will come, not because you're doing something wrong, but often precisely because you're walking faithfully with Jesus. These challenging seasons aren't signs that God has abandoned you—they're evidence He's refining you.Consider this: gold is purified in fire. The heat doesn't destroy the gold—it removes impurities, increasing its value and purity. Likewise, the fires of trials remove impurities from your heart, refine your character, and deepen your trust. It's easy to praise God when everything's going your way. But real faithfulness emerges when circumstances become unbearably difficult, yet you choose to trust Him anyway.The Bible repeatedly shows that disciples aren't exempt from hardship. Job endured incredible suffering, yet emerged closer to God than ever before. Daniel's faithfulness led him into the lions' den, yet God delivered him powerfully. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced literal fire, yet emerged unscathed, experiencing God's tangible presence in their trial.Your trials don't mean God is distant. Often, He's closer than ever during these times. Your hardships don't indicate His displeasure; they reveal His loving commitment to your growth. Every trial is an invitation to trust Him more deeply and discover His presence in new, profound ways.The key is your response. You can resist, complain, and grow bitter—or you can surrender, trust, and emerge stronger. Faithfulness isn't measured by comfort; it's proven by endurance. Keep worshiping when it hurts. Keep trusting when you can't see the outcome. Keep walking forward when everything urges you to retreat.Today, if you're walking through fire, hold onto this truth: you will not be consumed. Your pain has purpose. Your struggle is temporary. Your refinement is eternal. And God promises He will never let you walk through the fire alone.Question of the Day:What fiery trial are you walking through right now—and how is God refining you through it?Mini Call to Action:Write down one truth about God's character that you can cling to during this trial. Keep it visible and remind yourself of it daily.Let's Get To Work!Faithfulness isn't tested in comfort—it's proven in fire. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep standing strong. God is refining gold in you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

No disciple wants trials, pain, or hardship. We prefer comfort, peace, and blessings—and understandably so. Yet the uncomfortable truth is this: some of the deepest spiritual growth occurs in the hardest seasons of life. The fires of adversity aren't meant to destroy you. They're meant to refine you, strengthen you, and shape you more fully into the likeness of Christ.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” — Isaiah 43:2If you're truly committed to becoming a disciple, you won't be able to avoid the flames of adversity. Trials will come, not because you're doing something wrong, but often precisely because you're walking faithfully with Jesus. These challenging seasons aren't signs that God has abandoned you—they're evidence He's refining you.Consider this: gold is purified in fire. The heat doesn't destroy the gold—it removes impurities, increasing its value and purity. Likewise, the fires of trials remove impurities from your heart, refine your character, and deepen your trust. It's easy to praise God when everything's going your way. But real faithfulness emerges when circumstances become unbearably difficult, yet you choose to trust Him anyway.The Bible repeatedly shows that disciples aren't exempt from hardship. Job endured incredible suffering, yet emerged closer to God than ever before. Daniel's faithfulness led him into the lions' den, yet God delivered him powerfully. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced literal fire, yet emerged unscathed, experiencing God's tangible presence in their trial.Your trials don't mean God is distant. Often, He's closer than ever during these times. Your hardships don't indicate His displeasure; they reveal His loving commitment to your growth. Every trial is an invitation to trust Him more deeply and discover His presence in new, profound ways.The key is your response. You can resist, complain, and grow bitter—or you can surrender, trust, and emerge stronger. Faithfulness isn't measured by comfort; it's proven by endurance. Keep worshiping when it hurts. Keep trusting when you can't see the outcome. Keep walking forward when everything urges you to retreat.Today, if you're walking through fire, hold onto this truth: you will not be consumed. Your pain has purpose. Your struggle is temporary. Your refinement is eternal. And God promises He will never let you walk through the fire alone.Question of the Day:What fiery trial are you walking through right now—and how is God refining you through it?Mini Call to Action:Write down one truth about God's character that you can cling to during this trial. Keep it visible and remind yourself of it daily.Let's Get To Work!Faithfulness isn't tested in comfort—it's proven in fire. Keep walking. Keep trusting. Keep standing strong. God is refining gold in you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful message, we dive into the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—three men who stood firm in their faith even when faced with a fiery furnace. When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship of a golden image, they chose obedience to God over compromise, even at the cost of their lives.But what happened in the fire changed everything.Whether you're facing pressure, persecution, or pain—this message will encourage you to stand firm, trust God, and not fear the flames.

When life throws us into the fire, it's not to destroy us — it's to reveal who is standing with us. In Daniel 3:16–30, we see one of the most powerful displays of faith in all of Scripture. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, even when faced with the threat of a fiery furnace. Their courage, conviction, and trust in God show us how to live with unshakable faith in a world full of pressure and compromise.

Hey kiddos!

Many are familiar with the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, but what can we learn from a deep analysis of their actions?

September has been declared St Michael's month! As Kate reminds us in this sermon, remaining faithful often means resisting cultural norms and enduring challenges. Drawing on inspiring examples both biblical (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) and local (Kate Sheppard and Michael Jones), we are assured that discernment in community and trust in God's presence is the equipping we need. Gospel reading:Matthew 5:13-16Key text:Daniel 3

Guest speaker Shane Winnings, CEO of Promise Keepers and former missionary, delivers a powerful message at Godspeak Calvary Chapel from Philippians 1, challenging believers to endure trials with unwavering faith and to live for Christ's glory rather than worldly pursuits. Reflecting on his military and police background, including a grueling Seattle Marathon with a rucksack, Winnings emphasizes that true spiritual strength emerges through suffering, drawing parallels to Paul's joy in prison. He urges the congregation to shift their perspective from fitting Christ into life's plans to making Him the pursuit, using the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's resolve to trust God “even if” He doesn't deliver. Winnings' closing prayer calls for repentance and a renewed focus on Christ, aligning with Godspeak's mission of biblical application and cultural engagement.Reference VersesProverbs 11 verse 30, Matthew 13 verses 3–23, Romans 5 verses 3–5, Psalm 139 verse 8, Matthew 6 verses 25–34, Philippians 1 verses 1–30, Philippians 2 verses 14–16, 1 John 3 verse 2, 1 John 4 verse 17, John 17 verse 3, Romans 6 verse 23, Proverbs 16 verse 9, Daniel 3 verses 16–18, 1 Peter 4 verse 12, Matthew 19 verse 24Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information! https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

The further back you stay from the lines of temptation, the easier it is to resist them.Some of us need new guardrails. Some of us need to move the ones we already have closer. Some of us need to reinforce them higher. Guardrails aren't weakness—they're wisdom. And make no mistake: we have a role to play in protecting ourselves. That's why God says, “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened.” Those are action words. First we act, then God steps in with His strength.Let's look at Daniel. In 605 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. He was brilliant, strategic, and subtle. When he took captives, he didn't just lock them away. He hand-picked the best and brightest—young men like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and put them in Babylon's reprogramming system. He gave them luxury food, world-class education, and high status. To most, it probably felt like an upgrade. But Nebuchadnezzar wasn't being generous. He was slowly stripping away their identity and their faith until they looked more like Babylonians than followers of God.Most celebrated the perks. Daniel saw the trap. He realized compromise doesn't remove temptation—it just weakens your willpower. Compromise doesn't solve conflict—it postpones it. And compromise reveals whether you're living for God or for your own comfort.Daniel drew a hard line. He decided he would not eat the king's food. That was a bold refusal to let Babylon redefine his values. It was offensive to their system, but Daniel had already made up his mind. Think about that—he didn't wait until the pressure was on. He decided ahead of time. He was young, far from home, surrounded by power, and under threat of death. But he chose not to defile himself before a holy God.Every time we compromise, it gets easier the next time. Every time we give in, our spiritual strength fades. But every time we stand firm, we strengthen our resolve. Your God-honoring beliefs will offend worldly standards. The question is—are you ready for that fight?Daniel made his choice before he knew the end of the story. We already know how sin's story ends. That's why we must decide now—before the pressure comes—to draw our lines and not defile ourselves in the presence of a holy God.

Life is full of “what ifs”, and often they are negative, right? They are usually full of fear and worrisome imaginations. And when you focus on all those “what ifs,” when you allow your mind to go to those negative possibilities, you become discouraged and frankly, miserable. So, let me ask you: How much time do you spend in the “what ifs” of life? In fear and worry, thinking about what could or might happen? Here's another “what if”: What if you changed “what if” to “even if”? Even if I lose my job, even if I get a bad health report, even if I'm robbed, even if someone I love dies. If you're born from above through faith in Jesus Christ, what if you faced your “what ifs” with truth from God's Word—truth that would set you free from the fear and worry and despair that your “what ifs” have caused? We have promises from God's Word we should throw in the face of our “what ifs.” Promises like: Isaiah 43:2: 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. Hebrews 13:5: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, when you're facing a “what if,” stop and talk to yourself. Seriously, you need to talk to yourself—out loud if possible—and remind yourself of God's promises. Remind yourself of these truths. Bring those “what if” thoughts into captivity and make them obey the Lord. You remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three Jewish young men who were forcibly taken from Jerusalem to Babylon to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar's court (Daniel 3). Shortly after they were forced into the service of this pagan king, they were faced with a direct affront to their faith in Jehovah God, as the king set up a golden image and ordered everyone to worship this pagan image or else be thrown into a fiery furnace. Talk about a “what if”! What if they continued to serve the true God, Jehovah, and refused to bow down and worship that golden idol? They would perish as young men in the prime of their lives. This was a serious what if; there was no question that refusing to obey the king's order would result in death. So, what was their decision? Here it is from Daniel 3:16-18: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “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.” They went from “what if” to “even if” and declared their trust in their God to deliver them. Even if they were burned to death in the furnace, they would not bow to any other god. Maybe you're facing a fiery furnace of your own—something that could destroy you or so it seems. Maybe it's a financial furnace, or a health furnace, or a relationship furnace. You're in the “what if” stage as you face the furnace. Can you replace your “what if” with an “even if,” declaring that even if your fears are realized, even if the worst happens, you will trust in God to deliver you, to go through it with you, and to rescue you? Can you say with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, “Even if he does not, I will trust him”? That is walking by faith and not by sight, and even if your faith seems small or weak, God will be pleased with your “even if,” and you can be sure he will get you through. I pray you will place your trust in the same God who delivered these young men and who will deliver you. Then there's the story of when God confronted Moses and told him he had a job for him to do—to face Pharaoh and deliver his people from bondage. Moses had a bunch of “what ifs.”

In his message No Other Gods, Pastor Steve Penate reminds us that the Ten Commandments are not about rules but about radical love and intimacy with God. To have “no other gods before Him” means nothing can compete with His presence or share covenant space with Him. In every generation, false gods—whether idols of stone, money, success, self, or culture—fight for our devotion. But just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when we refuse to bow, even in the fire, we encounter the true and living God who walks with us. Radical love leads to radical obedience, intimacy, and transformation.

When you and I were growing up as kids, why were we taught about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace instead of Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah? Underground House Calls is a part of "Go and Do," a ministry equipping believers to help their fellow believers in persecuted countries. More information can be found at: http://www.becomingjoshua.org

"I'd never heard the Lord tell me this before. I'd read it, but I'd never experienced it before that He Fills All Things." —Kristen WambachSHOW NOTESEpisode Highlights The BLISS acronym: A practical framework for encountering God. Understanding the "fiery love" of God as a force of intimacy, not intimidation. The prophetic dream of a house on fire and its spiritual interpretation. A powerful, practical activation: using a door threshold to practice perceiving God's presence. Exploring the mystical nature of a Christian's walk with biblical insights and historical examples like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The profound revelation: “I fill all things.” In this conversation, Kristen Wambach explores the theme of spiritual connection through the acronym BLISS, emphasizing the importance of small steps, love, and creating sacred spaces for encounters with God. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to deepen one's relationship with God, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the significance of God's fiery love.

This week's episode is a wild ride through Daniel chapter 2—and boy, does it get exciting! King Nebuchadnezzar has a nightmare so scary it makes him furious. He demands that his wisest helpers tell him not only what his dream means, but also what the dream was! Yikes. Nobody could do that—except for one person God had prepared… Daniel!

Journey with us as we examine the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, uncovering the vital role private conviction plays in resisting compromise. See how the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand strong in the midst of cultural pressure and public trials. Let your daily obedience shape your story and reveal Who you truly worship.Scriptures ReferencedProverbs 4:23; Isaiah 43:2; Daniel 1:5-20, 3:16-18; Matthew 6:6, 6:24, 22:37-40; Luke 6:27-28, 16:10; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:2; James 2:26Key InsightsWhy the refusal to compromise reveals who you truly worshipHow your private life and small decisions build the backbone for public faithThe difference between bite-sized and king-sized relationships with the Holy SpiritGod's presence in your trials and the real miracle of the furnacePrayer TargetsPlease join us in prayer for:A hunger for the Word.Tears for the lost.Testimonies to share.Get sermons delivered automatically: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Your Favorite Podcast AppWe would love it if you would consider joining us in person for one of our Sunday gatherings.Gathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 Additional ResourcesConnect online: Download our appVisit our website at SpringhouseSmryna.com.Subscribe on YouTubeGiving: Online tithes and offeringsJoin us online: LivestreamLearn what we believe.Find out what ministries we support.Discover Springhouse Theatre CompanyCCLI License 2070006

Have you ever felt pressure to compromise your faith—to bow to something other than God? Babylon represents the culture of compromise, calling us to trade faithfulness for comfort. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, even when threatened with the fiery furnace. Their story reminds us of this truth: Faithfulness means resistance. Resolve leads to resilience. And our refuge is not found in avoiding the fire, but in walking with Jesus through it.

Join us for an eye-opening episode of Nephilim Death Squad, where David L. Corbo and Top Lobsta are joined by Matt from the Standard Coffee Shop for a deep dive into the Book of Daniel. In this hybrid Bible study, we explore the trials and triumphs of Daniel and his companions, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as they navigate the challenges of staying true to their faith in the face of adversity. Matt brings his insightful perspective to the table, offering a fresh understanding of these biblical stories and their relevance to our contemporary lives. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their spiritual journey while immersing in rich biblical teachings.The conversation seamlessly weaves through various topics, from the mystical elements of the Bible to the modern-day applications of its teachings. With discussions on the significance of standing firm in one's convictions, the importance of purposing in one's heart, and the ever-present battle against the influence of the world, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Whether you're new to biblical studies or a longtime believer, you'll find valuable insights and engaging dialogue that resonate with the core of Christian faith. Tune in now to witness a compelling hybrid Bible study unlike any other.☠️ NEPHILIM DEATH SQUAD   Skip the ads. Get early access. Tap into the hive mind of dangerous RTRDs in our private Telegram channel — only on Patreon:

How do you make decisions in the face of fear? Today's episode follows three brave young men as they defy an earthly king to obey their Heavenly King. We explore the history of Babylon, learn about the plight of Judah, and follow Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they find themselves face to face with Jesus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this stirring message, evangelist Bob Holmes reminds us of the limitless power of God. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and stories of faith, he illustrates how the Creator who spoke the world into existence can do anything, anywhere, at any time. Through personal testimonies and biblical examples, this episode calls listeners to renewed faith, trust, and courage in the God who still works miracles today.Topics DiscussedThe nature of faith from Hebrews 11God's power as Creator compared to man's inventionsTestimonies of God's providence in ministry and daily lifeHow faith emboldens us to face trials like David, Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoEncouragement to trust God rather than worryThe reality that God can work in any circumstance—palaces, prisons, deserts, hospitals, or even the belly of a fishPractical stories of answered prayer and miraculous provisionKey TakeawaysFaith pleases God: Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.God is unlimited: He is not bound by time, place, or circumstance.Worry denies His power: Trust replaces fear when we remember who God is.God still works today: Just as in Scripture, He answers prayer, provides, and shows His power in unexpected ways.Our role is trust and obedience: We can follow Him confidently, knowing He is already ahead of us. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

In this Bible Story, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to worship the statue Nebuchadnezzar set up, and are thrown into the fire as punishment. The flames rage but they are unharmed. The Lord protects them, and Nebuchadnezzar awes at the power of their God. This story is inspired by Daniel 3. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Daniel 3:25 from the King James Version.Episode 164: Nebuchadnezzar, filled with ego, built a statue like the one in his dream. But this one was made entirely of gold, a representation of his kingdom being eternal and rejection of what God said would happen. He ordered all the men of Babylon to gather and bow down to the statue. However, there were three men in the crowd who would not. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three were thrown into the fire for their testimony and refusal to bow. But God did not abandon them. Instead, He used this as a prime opportunity to show Nebuchadnezzar and the whole kingdom of Babylon His power. In response it was they who bowed to Him.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sermon by Matt Murphy unpacks Daniel 3 around Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, showing how the pressure to bow—through authority, conformity, spectacle, and fear—mirrors the idols and cultural pressures we face today. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship Babylon's false gods, we too are called to resist modern idols of self, wealth, politics, sexuality, and nationalism. Every false god either consumes us or abandons us, but the living God meets His people in the fire, rescues them, and proves Himself faithful. Our hope is not found in grit but in grace—Jesus took the ultimate furnace of judgment in our place and now stands with us in every trial. Because of this, we can live day by day with quiet faithfulness, refusing to bow to lies, and trusting that we are never alone in the fire.

Your Daily Prayer

Through the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will see an example of courage that could only come from faith in God. These three young men knew that God was bigger than anything life can throw at us. And more importantly, that God was better than anything death could take away. So what does courage look like in your life right now?

In this Bible Story, we were introduced to Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The three young men are specially chosen out of the Judaen captives to sit under the king as wise men. King Nebuchadnezzar attempts to indoctrinate them into Babylonian ways, however they prove that following the Lord proves to be more useful for human flourishing. This story is inspired by Daniel 1:1-16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Daniel 1:8 from the King James Version.Episode 162: The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had fallen and the men of nobility were taken captive. Among these handsome and well educated men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four feared God and though they were brought into the King's court to be influenced, God used them to skillfully influence the King and his men instead.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will see an example of courage that could only come from faith in God. These three young men knew that God was bigger than anything life can throw at us. And more importantly, that God was better than anything death could take away. So what does courage look like in your life right now? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1518/29

Forging is violent. It's hot. It's pressure.And it's what God uses to shape a man into who he was made to be.In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stand in the fire—not because God failed, but because He's forming something. Sanctification isn't what earns our place in God's family. It's what proves it.In this episode, we break down:Why spiritual pressure is often confirmation—not contradiction—of your callingWhat biblical manhood looks like under trialThe truth about worship and the subtle tyranny of compromiseHow Daniel's friends changed a king by refusing to bowThe real meaning of sanctification and how it shapes everything from family to legacyIf you're feeling heat in your home, your work, or your soul—this is for you.Kavod Family is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Christian Ministry.

Pastor Bryan shares the second half of a lesson from Daniel, Chapter 3. In this story that highlights great faith, Dr. Chapell reminds us that the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was not in expected God to save them, but in trusting God, no matter the outcome. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1286/29

How do we follow the Lord in a world that is increasingly hostile to Him? Today we look at Daniel 3 and learn some key principles from the faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and see that sometimes obedience to God means civil disobedience to the world. Join us! Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. In 2025, we were added to the "Best 100 Bible Podcasts" list from www.millionpodcasts.com. We are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Every believer will endure fiery trials. It is not if, but when. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego teaches us how to navigate the difficulties of life. That even with personal struggles, challenges, or even persecution God is always present with us. We must remain faithful and trust God above the circumstances, even when the pressure tries to seduce us into compromising and bowing to the fire. Our outcome will not only be deliverance but lessons in endurance through the fire. Our unwavering faith during adversity serves as our testimony to the power and presence of a God who never leaves His people.

Hey friends, Amy here! We're officially in August and if you're like me, you might've had moments this year where you thought, “I really expected more by now.” Maybe you've been pressing in, praying, hoping—and the change hasn't shown up yet. If that's you, I want to remind you of one powerful truth: your faith matters.This episode is a charge to your spirit. A reminder that faith is not passive—it's a force. It's the thing the enemy is actually after. He doesn't care about your house, your job, or your finances. He's after your belief—because your faith has the power to move mountains.I talk about how we build faith like a muscle—through the Word, through community, through what we feed our minds and speak from our mouths. I share how your friends of faith matter more than you think, and how easy it is to accidentally feed fear instead. But you don't have to stay stuck. You can rise.We also get real about fiery seasons—the kind you barely survive. I share a powerful moment with a friend who walked through the fire and came out not even smelling like smoke. That's the kind of legacy a life of faith leaves: one that ripples, transforms, and overcomes.So if your soul needs a reset, if your vision feels cloudy, or if fear has been too loud lately—press play. This is your reminder that you're here for more, and that the same God who parted the seas lives in you.Connect With Us:Website: https://www.youaremore.comFree Download: 5 Steps to Win Through AdversitySocial Media: Follow us on Facebook and InstagramEmail: amy@amywienands.comEpisode Minute By Minute:00:00 – What to do when life looks different than you expected01:00 – Why the enemy is after your faith, not your stuff02:30 – Faith is a force: it changes everything03:30 – Building your faith muscle starts in the Word05:00 – What to do when the Bible feels overwhelming06:00 – Speaking God's promises over your situation07:00 – Fear vs. Faith: the two forces shaping your life08:30 – Everyone has fear—here's how to confront it09:30 – The power of faith-filled friendships10:30 – Speak with a “see-through” mentality12:00 – The fire won't consume you: the story of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego13:00 – You're on this earth to win14:30 – Speak to the mountain—don't just report it16:00 – Fear paralyzes; faith mobilizes17:00 – Final encouragement: you're made for moreBe intentional, stay focused, and remember you are more!

Sometimes we run away from our talents because we think God wants us to become a hermit version of ourselves. However, the truth is that God may wish to us to lean into the gifts He has given for His glory. We see the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego use their talents to take a stand for God and give Him glory. Daniel 1:17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.Following Jesus and enjoying life are not mutually exclusive. Let's connect to learn more about how that can look in your own life.Let's connect on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Right between soul fatigue and soul restoration lies the battlefield of your faith. In Part 3 of our Psalm 23 Collection, Pastor Travis Hearn delivers a prophetic “bonus track” message that shakes the very foundations of compromise. Rooted in the sacred words of Psalm 23 and the fiery showdown on Mount Carmel, Don't Bow to Baal is a call to holy defiance—a divine interruption between green pastures and soul restoration. This isn't just another sermon. It's a spiritual wake-up call. With piercing conviction and biblical power, Pastor Travis reveals how the enemy strikes hardest when you're most vulnerable—right after the breakthrough, right after the blessing. Baal may no longer be a statue, but its spirit is alive and thriving in our culture. In the pressures of popularity, comfort, and conformity—will you stand, or will you bow? Drawing from Elijah's confrontation with Baal, Jesus' wilderness temptation, and the unwavering fireproof faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, this message ignites courage to stand when everyone else bows. It calls you to rebuild your altar, reignite your fire, and renounce every idol fighting for the throne of your heart. The line has been drawn. No more wavering. No more silence. No more compromise. If you don't bow—you won't burn. The fire isn't your end; it's where God reveals Himself. Welcome to the holy resistance. DON'T BOW TO BAAL.

Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach, and AbednegoJacob Wang, Youth PastorDesert City ChurchPhoenix, AZ

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – their refusal to bow down to the king's image and their deliverance from the furnace – is among the most oft-told of the Bible. Archaeology has provided a compelling backstory for that event, illuminating some of drama that the narrator would have assumed. Dr. John Walton, Old Testament Professor Emeritus at Wheaton Graduate School, is a frequent contributor to this podcast. He has many volumes in his “Lost World” series along with many other publications, including (with Andrew Hill), A Survey of the Old Testament (4th ed.). He is currently collaborating with Dr. Aubrey Buster in preparing a major commentary on Daniel (NICOT). The first volume on Daniel 1-6 is due out soon. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4kIGFj9  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4kSBFIV 

Back To Basics // Week 13 // SanctificationPastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson1 Thessalonians 4:1-3a NIV1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified…but youSanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then ShapedIsaiah 64:8 NIV8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your handJeremiah 18:1–4 NIV1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.Sanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.Daniel 3:16-18 NIV16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”Daniel 3:23-25 NIV23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”Daniel 3:26-28 NIVSanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal3. Being Rooted So Not To Be RestlessJohn 15:1-4 NIV1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.John 15:5-9 NIV5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.Sanctification is not achieving, it is abiding.It's about trusting deeper, not trying harder.Philippians 2:12-13 NIV12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.Galatians 3:1-3 NIV1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?1 Thessalonians 5:15-24 NIVPhilippians 1:6 NIV6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…Sanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal3. Being Rooted So Not To Be Restless

In a culture that tried to reshape everything about them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in quiet defiance, refusing to bow. This week, we'll dive into the story of their bold obedience in Babylon and how their actions spoke louder than words. When the fire raged and the pressure mounted, it revealed the power of a God who shows up in the furnace. If you've ever felt alone in the fight to stay faithful, this is your reminder: the fire can't destroy you when Jesus is in it.

Fear says, What if this goes wrong? Faith says, Even if it does, God is still good.Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had that kind of faith... and it's the kind I want too.

In this episode, I'm speaking directly to the Kingdom Creatives; you know who you are. If you feel that fire in your bones to speak, build, write, or launch something for the Kingdom, this one's for you. We're diving deep into the journey of what I call the Roaring Bride, those of us being refined in hiddenness, shaped in the wilderness, and prepared for something greater than comfort or applause. If you've been asking, “Why am I still in this hard season?” let me remind you: the wilderness isn't punishment. It's preparation. I'll walk you through what it really looks like to submit to the process, lean into intimacy with the Lord, and discover your true roar, the one that doesn't come from striving, but from abiding.  If you're ready to launch your podcast, monetize your message, and fund the ministry God has called you to roar—join us at resistandroar.com. Raise your roar, let's create and build together!   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kingdom Creatives 00:53 The Roaring Bride: Hidden and Refined 03:20 The Call of the Wilderness 07:08 The Importance of Community and Fellowship 08:18 The True Roar vs. False Confidence 16:30 The Woman in Revelation 12 24:30 The Process of Hiddenness and Forging 27:11 The Fire Within: Embracing the Wilderness 30:01 The Wilderness Season: A Time of Preparation 31:36 The Roar of the Bride: Emerging from Hiddenness 33:33 The Process of Dying to Self 34:47 Remaining in the Fire: Lessons from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 37:34 God's Protection in Our Waiting 39:38 The Anointing Oil of the Holy Spirit 41:12 Emerging from the Wilderness: The Roaring Bride 41:41 Intimacy with a Powerful God 47:06 The Transformation of Desires in the Wilderness 49:49 The Roaring Bride: Carrying His Glory 54:38 Encouragement for the Waiting Season 55:56 Outro VIDEO podcast (1).mp4  

What does it really mean to trust God in uncertain times? In this Summer at Graceway message, Pastor Tim Dunn unpacks powerful lessons from the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel. Discover the spiritual rhythms that build trust, the importance of remembering who God is, and how to keep your faith anchored when life gets hard. Whether you're in the fire or the lion's den, this message encourages you to talk to God, reflect with others, and hold onto hope.

In today's Morning Manna, we step into the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and discover that true freedom is not found in comfort, but in the presence of the Fourth Man. As King Nebuchadnezzar looks on in awe, he sees not three but four men walking unharmed in the flames. What unfolds is a divine revelation of God's power, Christ's presence, and the miraculous deliverance of His faithful servants. Receive encouragement, insight, and the assurance that no fire is too hot for the presence of God to bring you through. Teachers: Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart.Join the leading community for Conservative Christians! https://www.FaithandValues.comYou can partner with us by visiting https://www.FaithandValues.com/donate, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!https://www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!https://www.amazon.com/Final-Day-Characteristics-Second-Coming/dp/0578260816/Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/final-day-10-characteristics-of-the-second-coming/id1687129858Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. https://www.sacrificingliberty.com/watchThe Fauci Elf is a hilarious gift guaranteed to make your friends laugh! Order yours today! https://tru.news/faucielf

Almost every Christian denomination accepts that God is sovereign--which is interpreted to mean that He always does precisely what He pleases, and everything that happens on earth has either His explicit or implicit stamp of approval. So when we find ourselves in a crisis--we or someone we love gets a terminal diagnosis, or we don't have enough money to make the mortgage and may lose the house, or we're in the direct path of a natural disaster, etc--we pray for a miracle, because we all know that God can do anything He wants. And who knows? Maybe He'll say yes. But if He says no, the common theology goes, it's because He sees the bigger picture. He knows more than we do, and we have to just trust that He knows best. That sounds so spiritual, doesn't it? Some believers manage to weather these trials of faith, pointing to Job as their example, when he said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21) and "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). (One side note. When you hear of a great saint who loses everything and yet clings to their trust in God anyway, certain that He has a greater purpose for their loss, does that inspire you to praise God--or to praise that great saint? Who actually receives the glory for that?) This theology has its roots in Calvinism, which espouses an extreme form of predestination (meaning that God chooses whether each of us will ultimately be saved, or damned, before we're ever born. He has to do this, they argue, because it is God who gives us the faith even to be saved, Eph 2:8-9, and if He withholds that faith, salvation for that individual is impossible.) So God, in this theological persuasion, decides a priori who will be saved and who will not, and then punishes those to whom He has not given the faith to be saved for their sins. They do have scriptures to back up their argument--if you take them out of context. One of the big ones is Romans 9:18-21, which says: "Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?' But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, 'Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?'" In this passage, Paul was comparing Israel's hardness of heart in rejecting the Messiah to Pharaoh from the time of the Exodus (Romans 9:15-17). The reason it took ten plagues and the decimation of Egypt for Pharaoh to finally release the Israelites was because Pharaoh's heart was hardened, far beyond reason. Paul's point in this passage was that God did this so that He could display His power to the Israelites, delivering them with great signs and wonders (Romans 9:17). If Pharaoh hadn't resisted, it would not have taken great miracles to do it. (In the same way, Paul argues, the fact that Israel had rejected Jesus gave the Lord the opportunity to bring the Gentiles in to the New Covenant, too.) But if God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, is Pharaoh still responsible for his own actions? If we go back to the original source text, we can see that this isn't quite the whole story. God did tell Moses in advance that He would harden Pharaoh's heart before the plagues ever began (Ex 4:21, 7:3). But for the first five plagues, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Ex 7:22, 8:15, 8:19, 8:32, 9:7). It was only by the sixth plague that the scripture says God hardened Pharaoh's heart (Ex 9:12). Pharaoh still made his own choice first; God just enforced it and used it for His own purposes. I love the analogy Charles Capps uses to explain this. If one sets clay and wax out in the hot sun, the sun will harden the clay, but melt the wax. The sun adds the same heat to both, but the substance (wax or clay) determines its effect. A potter chooses whether to make “noble or ignoble” vessels from clay not arbitrarily, but on the basis of the quality of the clay. If the clay is supple and pliable, it can be made into something beautiful; if it is brittle, it might not be fit to shape into something worthy of display. God works with what we give him. In the same way, in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), the sower sows the Word indiscriminately, but it is the condition of the soil that determines the harvest. Luke later writes that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and Peter writes that He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9, more on this later). Likewise, any reasonable person would have been terrified into obedience by the plagues, long before they progressed to the death of the firstborn. And some of the Egyptians did believe and take refuge in Goshen, and the final exodus included “a mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38), meaning some of the Egyptians were convinced, converted, and left with them. God gave the Egyptians the opportunity to escape the plagues that might otherwise have caused death, telling them to pull their livestock and their servants inside before the hail (Exodus 9:19), and to paint their doorposts with the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:22-23), which was symbolic of and foreshadowing the blood of Christ. Again, the Lord is “not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He didn't want to harm the Egyptians, but neither did he want them to keep His people in bondage. So, did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? Yes, but perhaps only in the sense that God performed the miracles, and Pharaoh’s heart was such that those miracles caused him to dig in his heels. We’ve all met stubborn people like this, with whom any direct attempt at persuasion will cause them to double down on their original position. God does not override our free will, so in this case, He worked with it, using it to His advantage. Our choices do matter. But He's so amazing that He takes those choices and still manages to work “all things together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). As a result of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God’s people had a legacy of spectacular stories to remind their children and their children’s children of His might on their behalf. My point in saying all that is just that the argument that God sovereignly controls everything that happens is inconsistent with the overall teachings of scripture; even the individual verses that seem to suggest that don't stand up to scrutiny. But a larger problem is that, taken to its logical conclusion, the theological position that God's will is absolute, and will come to pass no matter what we do, leads to a sense of futility. Why pray--why even evangelize--if God is going to do what He's going to do, regardless? To their credit (though against logic), most Calvinist denominations recognize that the scriptures are very clear that we should still both evangelize and pray, and they therefore preach that we should do both, just because God said we should. (Sort of the equivalent of a parent saying, "Because I said so, that's why!") But historically, many Protestant denominations stemmed from or were heavily influenced by Calvinist doctrine. As a result, until about the late 18th and early 19th century, almost all missionary activity around the world came from the Catholic church, which I suspect was precisely because it held no doctrine of predestination, so they thought their efforts could make an eternal difference. Motivation matters. (Protestant missions largely date back to William Carey's work in India in 1793. The London Missionary Society was founded two years later, in 1795, and in 1810, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was founded.) Even if we're not ultimately each predestined for heaven or hell, God is still sovereign, though, right? He knows way more than we do. So doesn't that mean sometimes He'll say no to our prayer requests, and when we all get to heaven, we'll understand why? Yes, God is sovereign in the sense that He is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing, but He is not all-controlling (and I covered this extensively in this podcast https://www.drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/why-bad-things-happen-from-a-biblical-perspective on why bad things happen, from a biblical perspective). God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; they did anyway. Was that God's will? Certainly not! He did everything He could to keep them from doing it, short of making them automatons, when He told them, don't do it. Likewise, any sovereign can set laws that his citizens may not necessarily obey. The US is a sovereign nation and in 1974 the administration set the "National Maximum Speed Law" of 55mph. But many drivers exceeded that speed limit daily. The New English Translation has the word “sovereign” appear more than any other biblical translation (368 times). Not one of the original Hebrew or Greek words connotes the idea that He controls everything that happens. Most of the time, "sovereign" is just the way they render God’s names. The word sovereign is often translated from Shaddai (meaning Almighty) when it’s part of God’s name (48 times in the OT). Other times it’s translated from ‘elohiym: supreme God, as a superlative, or ‘elyown, meaning High or Most High. Sometimes it's thrown in as part of the transition of ‘Adonay: an emphatic form of the Lord. Sometimes it's translated from tsaba’, also translated the Lord of Hosts, meaning one who commands an army. In some cases the word sovereign is used to describe God's characteristics, but in context, it doesn't mean what we typically mean by the word (that His will always happens). The NET version of 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, "O LORD, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all." Only this translation uses the word sovereign; the others , translate it Head. This word connotes the idea of a supreme ruler, but not of one who always gets His way. Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield (magen: shield, buckler, protector).” The same verse is translated in NET: "For the LORD God is our sovereign protector." Clearly the word magen does not indicate that He always gets His way, either. Sovereign power is also translated as holiness from qadash: "to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate." This word is used in Ezekiel 28:25: "'This is what the sovereign LORD says: When I regather the house of Israel from the peoples where they are dispersed, I will reveal my sovereign power (or holiness) over them in the sight of the nations, and they will live in their land that I gave to my servant Jacob." It doesn't mean supreme dictator there either. Micah 5:4 says, "He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the LORD's strength, by the sovereign authority of the LORD his God. They will live securely, for at that time he will be honored even in the distant regions of the earth.” Sovereign authority here is the words ga'own (exaltation, majesty, pride) shem (name, reputation, fame, glory): thus, it's better translated “in the majesty of the name” of the Lord. Not a supreme dictator there either. Habakkuk 2:14 says, "For recognition of the LORD's sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea." Sovereign majesty here is yada (to know, to perceive, to make known) kabowd (glory, honour, glorious, abundance), also translated “for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Still not indicating ultimate control over everything that happens. Of course God's will does not always come to pass. As I mentioned earlier, the classic example of this is 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” and 1 Timothy 2:4: “[He] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Matthew 18:14 also says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world, not just those who are saved. 1 John 2:2 says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world”, and 1 Tim 4:10 says, "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” This doesn't sound like a God who created anyone for the expressed purpose of eternal damnation to me. On the contrary, He did everything He could possibly do to save us all, short of making us automatons. But not everybody will be saved, because He doesn't force us to choose Him--nor does He make any of our other decisions for us, either. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." God wills it; He paid an enormous price for it; but He won't get all of us, because we get a choice. There are other verses that imply the concept of sovereignty as we typically define it (in the sense that when God decides to do something, He does it, and no one can stop Him). Here are a few of those verses: Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Isaiah 46:10: “I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” Romans 8:28: “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” (i.e. He can use bad and work it for good.) But these verses refers to God’s right and His power -- they say nothing about voluntary restrictions that God has placed upon His own power. Those limitations are defined by the covenants God had in place with mankind at various points in history. Once He gives His word that He will do this and not that, He cannot violate it--He exalts His word even above His name (Psalm 138:2). It's the integrity of His word that literally holds the universe together (Hebrews 1:3). Again, more on this in this podcast: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/why-bad-things-happen-from-a-biblical-perspective and extensively more in "Blood Covenant Origins" and "Blood Covenant Fulfilled" from this book series: https://www.drlaurendeville.com/books/biblical-retellings). A quick overview, though: since God gave the earth to man in the garden, and man decided to obey Satan, God had to find a legal entry to get back in. That was the purpose of the covenants—first the Adamic, then the Noahic, then the Abrahamic, then the Mosaic, and now finally, the New Covenant. In the middle three there were stipulations of what we had to do, and therefore what God would do for us, if we kept up our end. But there were provisions for blessings even in those. For instance, a common Old Testament example I've heard preached to back up the idea that we never know what God's going to do, but we should have faith in Him anyway, is Daniel 3:18. Here's how that verse is preached: "If you throw us into the fiery furnace, 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 even if He does not save us, 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." Except that's not what that verse actually says. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, the Hebrew kids in Babylonian exile in that story, were under the Mosaic covenant, and they were on the right side of it--so they had a right to the blessings (Deut 28:7), and they knew it. They knew God’s promises. That’s why they were able to stand up to the king—just like David could call Goliath that “uncircumcised Philistine,” absolutely convinced of the outcome, because he had a covenant, and Goliath didn’t. In the story in Daniel, what the verse actually says is, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” The Jewish captives respond saying, “If that is the case” (implying, if you will throw us in to the furnace, the subject of the previous verse). Then they say, “But if not”—and the Hebrew never qualifies if not what. People tend to assume they are saying “but if God doesn’t deliver us” (the end of the previous thought). But it could just as easily have meant, “If it is not the case that you will throw us into the fiery furnace,” just like it did in previous verse. This would change the entire meaning of the verse, and would be far more consistent with the rest of scripture. I can think of no instances anywhere in scripture where someone put faith in God’s covenant promises, and God did not come through. He can’t not come through—because again, He exalts His word above His very name (Ps 138:2)! In the New Covenant, Jesus paid to make sure we are always on the blessing side, having fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf, and become the curse for us (Gal 3:13). Because of that, every single promise is now Yes and Amen in Him (2 Cor 1:20). When Christ saved us, the word in Greek is sozo—that word appears 110 times in the New Testament. It includes spiritual salvation, but it also means physical healing, to rescue from physical danger, and to deliver from the penalties of judgment. All of these things are accessed by faith. Scripture doesn’t say that sometimes God says no to physical healing; on the contrary, every time someone came to Jesus for healing, they got it—and He was the exact image of the Father (Col 1:15), doing nothing but what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). He turned no one away, saying, “Nope, this one is God’s will for you, to bring glory to Himself.” What brings God glory is healing, not sickness (John 9:1-4), and the “fruit” of answered prayers (John 15:7-8). It’s the blessings of God on our lives that are supposed to get the attention of the world around us. So back to the issue of praying for miracles. The theological position of most Christian denominations is that God can do anything, but there’s no guarantees that He will. Because of course, we can look around and see so many good Christians (some of the best!) who pray, and don’t seem to receive. What are we to do with that? Shouldn’t we adjust our theology to account for all of these practical examples… no matter what the Bible actually says? My dad died of cancer when he was 48 years old. We had lots of people praying. I had several well-meaning believers after the fact try to console me with the idea that God “allowed” this to happen for some inscrutable reason of His own… maybe someone might come to the Lord as a result of our loss, someone suggested. (What actually happened was that I became a religious Pharisee for about 10 years, going through the motions, but I didn’t trust God at all. I figured, based on that theology, that God was like an army general who made sacrifices for the greater good, and sometimes—sorry!—it’s you. The effect on the rest of my family's faith and outlook on the world was similar to mine, or worse.) All of that is predictable in hindsight, because cancer and death are the fingerprints of the Enemy, not of God. The Enemy comes to “steal, kill, and destroy”—Jesus came that we might “have life, and have it more abundantly.” It’s very clear who does what. But the vast majority of the body of Christ today preaches this confused theology, attributing horrific things to God under the strange explanation that because God’s ways are higher than our ways, somehow from His perspective, bad is good, and wrong is right, and once we all get to heaven, we’ll understand. (No wonder I didn’t trust God anymore when I believed this. How could I trust a God like that?) I get why the Church at large preaches this—they’re trying to make the Bible fit our experience. God's supreme sovereignty is a nice, spiritual-sounding explanation which borrows from the long Calvinistic tradition, even if we don't take it quite to that extreme (though some denominations still do even that). But what finally set me free was when I realized that God’s definition of good and mine are actually the same. That my dad’s death at such a young age was never His will. That how God dealt with mankind at various times in history was dependent upon the covenants in place at the time--and today, we're under the best covenant of all, the one where all the curses for disobedience are paid for in full, and all that's left is the blessing, which we can receive by faith. Here's what that doesn't mean: it doesn't mean that faith is a new form of works, that God now watches to see if we reach the critical threshold of faith before He doles out our miracle... and if we don't quite get there, ah, too bad, try harder next time. No! He's not responding in real time to our faith at all, deciding which requests to grant and which to refuse. God already provided every blessing in spiritual form in Christ’s atonement, 2000 years ago (Gal 1:3, Isaiah 53:4-5, 1 Peter 2:24). We receive all of those blessings now the same way we receive salvation: by faith. It's "in your account" already, as it were, just waiting for you to make a withdrawal--just like salvation is freely available, waiting for you to accept it. But God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He doesn’t sovereignly say yes to one person and no to another for things that we know are in His will—if we know that we’re asking for something already in His explicit will, He hears us, and if we know that He hears us, we know we already have the requests made of Him (1 John 5:14-15). (That is the key, though--we can only have faith that we'll receive things that were already paid for in the atonement of Jesus. We can ask God for other things outside of that, but in those cases, God might say yes, or He might say no, for our own good--James 4:3. So it's quite useful to know scripture, so you can know for sure what you can stand on!) Back to my dad, and so many others besides. At that time, my family didn’t know any of this. We thought, we should pray, we should ask, and maybe God will say yes and maybe He will say no. But that’s not faith—that’s hope. And God didn’t say no—He said yes, 2000 years ago! Jesus paid an incredibly high price for God to say yes. Jesus also gave us the formula of how to receive in Mark 11:23-24: believe, and don’t doubt. If you do that, it’s as good as done. Unopposed faith (without doubt, James 1:6-8) is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). It’s cruel to tell people that they didn’t receive their miracle because they didn’t believe hard enough, or pray long enough, though. But the solution to that isn’t to blame God’s “sovereignty” instead! (That’s how people lose their faith—who wants to serve a God whom they believe “allowed” the Holocaust, or 9-11, or child trafficking, or etc to happen?) Rather, the solution is to understand that we’re in a war, and that Satan is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). While he’s a defeated foe ever since the cross (Col 2:15), and we now have authority over him through Jesus (Matt 28:18, Eph 1:17-19), most of us don’t know it. We don’t know that, with the authority we now have, Satan’s only weapon against believers now is deception and fear (2 Cor 10:3-5)—and of course anything he can indirectly control against us that is part of the fallen world. But Jesus has already overcome the world on our behalf (John 16:33). And understanding God’s perfect love for us casts out fear (James 4:18). Because if He loves us enough to send Jesus, how will He not also freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)? But most of us are so focused on what we see, on the things this world says, that a cancer diagnosis, for example (or any other terminal doctor’s report, or insurmountable financial problem, etc), strikes fear into our hearts. Whatever we focus on, we magnify—and if we’re in a church that tells us maybe God will come through and maybe He won’t (for things that He’s explicitly promised in His word), then we’re standing on shifting sand. It’s hard enough to deal with our own doubt and unbelief, without being surrounded by the doubt and unbelief of others. But absolute trust God’s word—even if it means isolating ourselves from well-meaning believers who might cause us to doubt—is the only way. Jesus on numerous occasions got away from the crowds or put everyone out of the house except for his few top disciples before he performed a miracle. Abraham received because he did not consider anything except God’s promises (Romans 4:19). He didn’t have a contingency plan (or at least he didn’t anymore after the whole Ishmael thing was out of the way). Because he didn’t consider any of the natural circumstances, he didn’t waver in his faith. In the same way, today, our lack of fear of Satan’s schemes is proof to him that we’re going to win (Phil 1:28)—and if we stand firm (Eph 6:13-14) and resist the devil, sooner or later, he has to flee (James 4:7). We’ll win, if we don’t quit. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this Faith Friday edition of Morning Manna, we step into the heart of the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. As the rage of King Nebuchadnezzar boils over and the flames are stoked seven times hotter, we witness the cost of unwavering faith in the face of tyranny. Why did God allow His faithful servants to be cast into such a deadly trial? And what does their bold stand teach us about trusting God when the heat gets turned up in our own lives? Join us as we explore Daniel 3:19–23 and discover the power, purpose, and peace of standing firm when the fire is at its fiercest.Join the leading community for Conservative Christians! https://www.FaithandValues.comYou can partner with us by visiting https://www.FaithandValues.com/donate, calling 1-800-576-2116, or by mail at PO Box 399 Vero Beach, FL 32961.Get high-quality emergency preparedness food today from American Reserves!https://www.AmericanReserves.comIt's the Final Day! The day Jesus Christ bursts into our dimension of time, space, and matter. Now available in eBook and audio formats! Order Final Day from Amazon today!https://www.amazon.com/Final-Day-Characteristics-Second-Coming/dp/0578260816/Apple users, you can download the audio version on Apple Books! https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/final-day-10-characteristics-of-the-second-coming/id1687129858Purchase the 4-part DVD set or start streaming Sacrificing Liberty today. https://www.sacrificingliberty.com/watchThe Fauci Elf is a hilarious gift guaranteed to make your friends laugh! Order yours today! https://tru.news/faucielf

What it means to be a light for God in a dark society; three traits that caused Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to rise far above their peers in Babylon; based on Daniel chapter 1. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29

NEW PODCAST: On this special solo edition of Stand Up For The Truth, Dave Wager asks a loaded question many of us don't stop to think through: What are we really asking when we sing “God Bless America”? This isn't just about waving flags or reciting patriotic songs. Dave unpacks the biblical reality that blessing always comes with responsibility. Drawing from Psalm 33:12—“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”—he challenges listeners to consider whether we're seeking comfort or commissioning. Have we used our blessings to glorify God and serve others, or have we settled into comfort and forgotten the Giver? From the roots of Irving Berlin's famous song to the fiery furnace of Daniel 3, Dave walks us through what true loyalty looks like—loyalty to God first, even when national pride gets loud. Patriotism isn't wrong, he says, as long as it doesn't eclipse obedience to the Lord. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't start a rebellion, but they drew a clear line. The call is the same for us today: respect authority, pray for leaders, and live lives marked by godliness and dignity—but never bow to what contradicts God's Word.

What it means to be a light for God in a dark society; three traits that caused Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to rise far above their peers in Babylon; based on Daniel chapter 1. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29