They Were Unperturbed

Devotion for Tuesday September 19, 2017

Topic: They Were Unperturbed

Text: Daniel 3:8: – 18

There are kinds of faith that God cannot ignore or overlook especially when it will glorify Him. When Esther did the unusual because the lives of God’s people were at stake, she got God’s approval and the favour she sought from the king. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made up their minds to refuse the worship demanded of them, despite the increase fire temperature, and they knew that arguing the matter would do no good (Daniel 3:16), they persisted in their decision. To them, casting them into the furnace; the terror of it has no effect on their minds to induce them to alter the resolution they had taken. Their faith was in the fact that they serve a God who is able to deliver them. Should He not deliver them, they were equally determined and satisfied that in one way or another, He will deliver them out of the fire. That was a resolute faith

There are two reasons for their resolutions: first was on the power and providence of God, and secondly, their cause, which was God’s glory, and the testifying of the true religion. And so they make open confession that they will not so much as outwardly consent to idolatry.

Here is a challenge for us, the present day Christians who delight to fight enemies. When confronted with issues that will not glorify God in our offices, villages, towns and wherever we may find ourselves, what will you do? Do you resist even to the point of shading your blood? These young Hebrews men were resolute and God honoured them. Honour God by standing up for Him and obviously, He will honour you too

Food for Thought: Do you have the kind of faith that God cannot overlook?

Memory verse: Daniel 3 verse 17

Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant me such undaunted faith to stand out and glorify you no matter the kind of challenge that may confront me in Jesus name.

WHEN GOD IS ANGRY: Devotion for Sunday October 2, 2016

WHEN GOD IS ANGRY: Devotion for Sunday October 2, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:17 – 22       Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 21

Our bible reading for the day is a continuation from where we stopped yesterday. In this our text for today, the prophet compared Israel with other nations, as the gold and silver are compared with baser metals. The prophet describes them as the refuse that is consumed in the furnace, or thrown away when the silver is refined. What a comparison and assessment! This result ought not to be associated with people who have the Almighty God as their God.    

This is very unfortunate when compared with the glory they have enjoyed when they were in good terms with God. Then nations were afraid of them. What happened to Israeli nation is also same with anyone who has tasted the mercies of God and later fall out of faith. In God's assessment and account, they were seen as useless and good for nothing. In the furnace, the dross shall be fully separated, and the good metal purified. That is the essence of the furnace.

When God brings His own people into the furnace, He sits by them as the refiner by his gold, to see that they are not continued there any longer than necessary. This is how God treats us. We know the case of Job. God didn’t allow him to stay longer than necessary when he had proved that his sickness and troubles of life shouldn’t make him to curse God as Satan anticipated. I have personally had such experience.

Therefore, it is expedient we take to heart this warning from Matthew Henry Concise Commentary. In his opinion, those who suffer pains, or lingering sickness, and find that their hearts can scarcely bear these light and momentary afflictions, take warning to flee from the wrath to come; for if these trials are not sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the cleansing their hearts and hands from sin, far worse things will come upon them. God’s anger can consume us in a twinkle of an eye and the only way to avoid it is to amend our ways. We should escape it by repenting of our sins and turning back to Him. Are you willing to do it today?

Food for Thought: Nahum 1:6

Prayer: My God and my Father, give me a truthful heart to love and obey you because it is a fearful thing to fall into your hands in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.