Romans 12:2 AMPC “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].”
I’ve watched human beings created in the image of God (including myself) follow mere delusions. We’ve all been affected by the mind control machine. When a person believes he/she is right about something we won’t stop at nothing to defend our cause. And how often we are dead wrong?🤔 (Proverbs 14:12) Emotions are very tricky. Trusting our feelings cause us to turn on husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, etcetera. Jesus said this would happen big time in the last days:
Matthew 24:10-12 NLT “And MANY WILL TURN AWAY FROM ME and BETRAY AND HATE EACH OTHER. And MANY FALSE PROPHETS will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
FALSE PROPHETS ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE PULPIT
When you hear the phrase, “False prophet,” you might think of a church or a cult leader gone astray. But false prophets come in all shapes and sizes. They’re not just in known religious cliques. They look like everyday people. They have blanketed social media, television, movies, books, music, every medium. EVERY form of communication has been tainted by the Devil and has false prophets. Evil, twisted, ideas are always made to look good. If a person doesn’t learn to filter EVERYTHING seen and heard through God’s word they’re in big trouble. They will be brainwashed even more and have their minds controlled by wicked spirit entities.
1 John 5:19 AMPC “We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one.”
“The WHOLE WORLD [around us] is under the power of the evil one,” God’s word says. Not some of it, ALL OF IT! The Devil’s stamp is on this world system; lies, more lies, and even more lies.🐍 But ahh how different is the word of God:
John 17:17 HCSB “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
John 14:6 HCSB “Jesus told him, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
THE ANTIDOTE TO MIND CONTROL: JESUS😊
Hebrews 4:12 HCSB “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 HCSB “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Jesus is the word of God. (John 1:1) Nothing is more powerful than God’s word, NOTHING!😊 He is the gift, the tool, the weapon given to us by God to renew our minds and equip us for every good work. ALL OF US have been affected and infected by mind control. Hence we need the washing of the word. This reminds me of a time I was backslidden. I was in a fornication relationship with a witch.🎃 She had me totally under her spell for about a year. What broke it? The only thing that can, God’s word.😊 While in this relationship I had stopped reading the Bible altogether and was dying. After being given a loving but stern warning from God to get out of the relationship I knew I was in trouble and didn’t have the power to stop. It was revealed to me I had stopped studying my Bible daily like I used to which is why I was so weak. I picked up the Bible again. I studied it DAILY, and talked with God in prayer begging for his help and forgiveness. I felt life coming back into me again.💪😊 In about two weeks I had the strength to end the relationship with that witch for good! And I’m not just calling this woman a witch it’s what she really was. Looking back I remember the times she slyly tried to indoctrinate me into witchcraft. Fornicating with her and rebelling against God was really the same thing according to 1 Samuel 15:23. Only God’s word got me out of that mess that could have ended very badly.😥🤕
It’s easy to follow the crowd or the pattern of this world. Standing up and standing out for God takes courage. The Holy Spirit gives us courage as we regularly feed on the word of God and apply it. Our minds get renewed. Without the word of God no renewal takes place. I would rather have my mind controlled by Jesus than by the cruel, evil spirit entities of this world.
Romans 8:5-11 HCSB “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.”
The benefits of letting our minds be controlled by the Spirit are outer worldly!😊 It results in eternal life!
Revelation 17:7-14 HCSB “Then the angel said to me, “Why are you astonished? I will tell you the secret meaning of the woman and of the beast, with the seven heads and the 10 horns, that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast that was, and is not, and will be present again. “Here is the mind with wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated. They are also seven kings: Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must remain for a little while. The beast that was and is not, is himself an eighth king, yet he belongs to the seven and is going to destruction. The 10 horns you saw are 10 kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because He is Lord of Lords and King of kings. Those with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
Wow! Who knows more about governments than God? He’s seen them come and go. He is supreme ruler of all! Throughout history God foretold and foreknew every kingdom that would exist including those ruling now. One thing is for certain, they will all come to an end. (Daniel 2:44) They have picked a fight with the wrong person: The Lamb Jesus Christ; the Lord of lords, and King of kings.
Revelation 16:13-14 HCSB “Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the dragon’s mouth, from the beast’s mouth, and from the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons performing signs, who travel to the kings of the whole world to assemble them for the battle of the great day of God, the Almighty.”
Wow! All the kings of the world are being gathered by demons to, “The great day of God, the Almighty,” Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16) This is not a movie, this is real. The kingdoms of earth are being mobilized to fight God!😲
Psalms 2:1-4 HCSB “Why do the nations rebel and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One [Jesus]: “Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them.”
UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS👽
Demons are lying spirits. All they do is spew false propaganda. All the kings of the world are under their spell and so are the people of this world. Demons work for Satan whom Jesus called the ruler of the world. (John 12:31,14:30,1 John 5:19Ephesians 2:2) Under their control the peoples and rulers of the world think the world is heading in one direction when it is really headed for another, “The great day of God, the Almighty,” Armageddon.😲
Revelation 16:15 HCSB “Look, I am coming like a thief. The one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame is blessed.”
The only way out of this mess is Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins and be saved! He is coming soon like a thief, when folks least expect Him. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Following the pattern of this world only leads to eternal death in the lake of fire:
Revelation 14:9-13 HCSB “And a third angel followed them and spoke with a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is mixed full strength in the cup of His anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the mark of his name. This demands the perseverance of the saints, who keep God’s commands and their faith in Jesus.” Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them! ”
THE WHOLE WORLD
The whole world is under the control of evil spirits. Since the fall of man (Adam) this has been the case. Think about this for a moment: every tyrant throughout history has sold their subjects THE LIE that they had to do this or that for the greater good of all to be saved from impending danger. Sounds familiar?🤔 And what always winds up happening afterwards? Many still die! Hitler did it. So did Nero. So did Caiaphas the high priest. (John 11:47-54) Caiaphas who was High Priest when Jesus walked the earth reasoned with his fellow jews and clergymen that it is better for Jesus to die (murder Jesus) instead of the Roman Empire getting upset because of reports of some new king of the Jews in Jerusalem, then bring in their armies and slaughter everybody thus crushing any Roman resistance. But the real reason Caiaphas and the ruling clergy wanted Jesus dead is they feared the growing numbers of people who were believeing in Him. As Jesus spoke God’s word truthfully and with authority the Pharisees and Sadducees false religion was shown up for what it was: FAKE! They feared losing their positions and their choke hold over the people. So getting rid of Jesus was their solution. Sounds familiar?🤔 Not too many years later in 70 A.D. the Roman army came in and destroyed Jerusalem. MANY still died.
There is nothing new under the sun. People are believing all sorts of lies today. Out of fear and ignorance many just go with the world’s flow hoping things will get better. But sadly as in the case with past tyrannical systems people never fully understand what they are acquiescing to until it is too late.😥 Yes, many die. God foretold a great hoodwinking job that would take place in the last days right before Jesus returns. Some believe it is happening right now:
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 HCSB “And then THE LAWLESS ONE will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of His mouth and will bring him to nothing with the brightness of His coming. THE COMING OF THE LAWLESS ONE IS BASED ON SATAN’S WORKING, with ALL KINDS OF FALSE MIRACLES, signs, and wonders, and with EVERY UNRIGHTEOUS DECEPTION among those who are perishing. They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved. For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that THEY WILL BELIEVE WHAT IS FALSE, so that ALL WILL BE CONDEMNED — those who did not believe the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness.”
ALL will be deceived and condemned who did not love the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness. They will fall for the FAKE MIRACLES, the false signs and wonders. They will believe the unrighteous deceptions. Why? Because God has handed them over to it. “They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved.” God sends them strong delusion so that they will believe the lie and are condemned. May this never be us. Look at the world around you today and ask yourself, does any of 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 sound familiar?
Daniel 12:6-10 KJV “And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? [7] And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. [8] And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? [9] And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. [10] Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”
The passage above refers to great events and mysteries Daniel was shown would take place during the time of the end. He wanted to know what it all meant but was told this special knowledge was not for him. It is reserved only for those who serve God during the time of the end; “The wise.” Daniel was told these servants of God would understand the prophecy. But none of the wicked would understand.
WHO ARE “THE WISE?”🤔
Daniel 11:32-35 KJV “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but THE PEOPLE THAT DO KNOW THEIR GOD shall be strong, and DO EXPLOITS. [33] And they that understand among the people shall INSTRUCT MANY: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. [34] Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. [35] And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”
Daniel 12:3 KJV “And THEY THAT BE WISE shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS as the stars for ever and ever.”
“The wise,” “Them of understanding,” are the persecuted church of God. “The wise,” are those who do exploits for the kingdom of God. They collectively and individually instruct many in the ways of the Lord and turn many to righteousness. These are busy in God’s work. (1 Corinthians 15:58) No wonder they understand, they take God seriously. And God enjoys revealing Himself and His will to them. They know why they are here:
Ephesians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
God reveals himself and His plans to those who are serious about serving Him and keep His words.
If you are one of these you understand what is going on in the world today as God foretold you would. On the contrary if we are not actively engaged in the work God ordained for us long ago you cannot understand what is truly happening or is about to occur. It is written. You might think you know but you don’t. This is why it is so dangerous to be lukewarm. Lukewarm Christians know things about God but cannot understand all that God wants them to unless they repent:
John 14:22-24 CSB “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.”
Amos 3:7 NLT “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.”
God reveals himself and His plans to those who are serious about serving Him and keep His words. God reveals His plans to prophets who in turn reveal them to the church. Lukewarm Christians pick and choose which words of God they deem important. This is not taking God seriously. They are rejecting the gift of the Holy Spirit, the one who leads into all truth:
John 16:13 HCSB “When the Spirit of truth comes, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL THE TRUTH. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. HE WILL ALSO DECLARE TO YOU WHAT IS TO COME.”
Again, knowing the truth, what’s really going on, and, “What is to come,” is given by the Spirit only to those who seek God diligently. Please do not be nonchalant when it comes to God.
A FEW FINAL WORDS
1 Corinthians 15:58 CSB “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Now is not the time to be falling away. It’s now time to be excelling in the work of the Lord. A good runner doesn’t intend to slow down when he/she gets close to the finished line.🏃
1 Corinthians 9:24 HCSB “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.”
One might ask, “How can I know if what I’m doing pleases the Lord?” The next passage says:
Romans 12:1 KJV “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”🤔 Whoever does this will be empowered to do what the next verse says also and will know what God’s will is for him or her:😊
Romans 12:2 KJV “And BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: but BE YE TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Whoever presents themselves as a living, holy, sacrifice unto God, doesn’t conform or bring themselves into harmony with this world. But instead is being transformed into the image of Jesus. He/she will know and be able to discern what God’s will is for them. God guarantees it. They will also understand the critical time we are in. Hence they will be able to choose what is best and make the most of every opportunity to serve the Lord.😊
As we observe this world it’s sometimes amazing that so many haven’t a clue as to what’s really going on. And they cannot understand as Daniel the prophet was told by God. (Daniel 12:10) But you true servants of the Lord have ears to hear and eyes to see. God is increasing your understanding as He said He would. Why? God loves you and doesn’t want any to perish. People perish for a lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6) Be thankful that God has counted you among those He calls, “The Wise.”😊 And if we feel a nudge from the Spirit saying we need to get more involved in our Father’s business that’s a good thing. Obey the Holy Spirit. Let us also humbly remember what our Master says whenever we do the will of God:
Luke 17:10 HCSB “In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’ ””
Philippians 1:9-11 HCSB “And I pray this: that your LOVE will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
___________________________________________________________________________________________ Our bodies do not belong to us like some think. Did we create them? Our bodies belong to God. Believers are God’s Temple, the place God dwells by His Spirit:😊
2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF THE LIVING GOD; as God hath said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, and WALK IN THEM; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
What great intimacy we have with Almighty God!😃 God Himself lives and walks in us!
John 14:22-23 KJV “Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? [23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE will come unto him, and MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM.”
God lives with and makes himself manifest in a special way only to those who love Him and keep His commandments. The world doesn’t keep God’s commandments hence they cannot know Him. They know of Him but not intimately.
The temple of God is Holy and devoted to the worship of God. (Romans 12:1-2) We are that temple. As in the past there will always be rivals to the worship of God and defilers of His temple because the Devil hates the worship of God.
THE IMAGE THE BEASTS AND THE MARK
Revelation 13:15-17 KJV “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. [16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
God foretold a time would come right before Jesus’ return when a certain beast would have power to give life to the image of another beast. The image would be empowered to speak, and cause as many as would not worship the image to be killed. The beast causes ALL from the least to the greatest, rich and poor, free and slave (that’s everybody) to receive a mark IN their right hand or IN their foreheads.😳 The pressure would be so great to receive this mark that no one can buy or sell unless he/she has this special mark of the beast. As bizarre as this sounds remember it all starts with worship of the image and of the beasts. The beasts and the image want worship. They are rivals to the true worship of God. They require absolute allegiance or suffer the consequences; economic sanctions, and death.
But we are the temple of God. And God’s temple has nothing to do with the worship of other gods. GOD LIVES IN US! If we worship other gods or defile our temples He will leave us. So the real test imposed by the beast is, “Who really is our God? This world? Money? Food? Clothing? Shelter? Or is the God of Heaven and earth our God?🤔
Whoever receives this mark of the beast or worships the beast or his image is in a world of trouble. How do we know this? God’s word says:
Revelation 14:9-11 KJV “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
Whoever worships the beast, his image and receives the mark of the beast is doomed! They are tormented day and night in the lake of fire forever and have no rest. It behooves us to seek our God so that we will never wind up in this predicament.
I’ve heard Christians (or folks I thought was Christians) say things like, “There’s nothing to worry about you can’t be deceived into taking the mark.” Hmmmm🤔, though I agree with them we should not worry (about anything) I believe the nonchalant approach regarding this is a serious mistake. Because as we just read whoever receives the mark of the beast or worships the beast and his image is damned in the lake of fire FOREVER!😳 That should be a cause of great concern.
CAN SOMEONE BE DECEIVED TO TAKE THE MARK?
Is it true that a person cannot be deceived or tricked into receiving the mark of the beast? God’s word says:
Revelation 19:20 KJV “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which HE DECEIVED THEM THAT HAD RECEIVED THE MARK OF THE BEAST, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
God says EVERYONE who receives the mark of the beast and worships his image IS DECEIVED into doing it. For further discussion as to how this could happen and encouragement regarding this topic please check out the article, “Can You Be Deceived To Take The Mark?” Since God’s word says those who receive the mark of the beast are deceived into doing so we must be vigilant and pray earnestly that we are not deceived and fall into temptation:
Matthew 26:41 HCSB “Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” SHADRACH MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO
This all reminds me of something that happened during the days of king Nebuchadnezzar the ruler of the Babylonian empire—the dominant kingdom in the world during that time. One day king Nebuchadnezzar set up an image of gold and held a dedication ceremony for his image. He summoned all of his top officials throughout his vast kingdom to come to this ceremony. When they all were gathered together these instructions were given:
Daniel 3:4-6 HCSB “A herald loudly proclaimed, “PEOPLE OF EVERY NATION AND LANGUAGE, you are commanded: When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. But whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.””😳🔥
‘Bow down to the image or die!’ These were the instructions given to all the king’s distinguished guests. Sounds familiar?🤔 There were 3 men in the audience who refused to bow down. Yes, their names were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These men worshipped The Most High God, the God of heaven and earth. Bowing down to an image of gold or anything was unthinkable to them. Imagine yourself as one of them as the instructions to bow down were given. The music starts playing and everyone bows except you. Some who have already bowed are looking at you like you’re crazy. Maybe someone tells you, “You fool, you better bow down or else!” Everyone is bowing down and worshipping the golden image and there you are standing out like a sore thumb with nowhere to hide. Sounds familiar?🤔
Of course it was reported to the king that 3 men refused to bow down. Let’s see what happened next:
Daniel 3:13-15 HCSB “Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up? Now if you’re ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don’t worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire — and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?””
King Nebuchadnezzar offered them a second chance to defile themselves and worship other gods.👎🏽 How will our dear brothers respond to this?
Daniel 3:16-18 HCSB “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.””
What a bold answer!😊 While their reply obviously upset the king, can you imagine how glad Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made the King Of Kings heart feel by their answer?😊👍🏽 Can you imagine how glad we too make God feel when we refuse to bow down and worship other gods?😊👍🏽
Let’s see what happened next:
Daniel 3:19-25 HCSB “Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times more than was customary, and he commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. So these men, in their trousers, robes, head coverings, and other clothes, were tied up and thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. Since the king’s command was so urgent and the furnace extremely hot, the raging flames killed those men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego up. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fell, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire. Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound, into the fire?” “Yes, of course, Your Majesty,” they replied to the king. He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”” GOD ALWAYS REWARDS FAITHFULNESS!!! ALWAYS!!!😊
King Nebuchadnezzar never expected this! God rescued his servants from the fire!😃 The 3 of them were in the fire unharmed and with them was a 4th person. God allowed the king to see this 4th person whom he said, “Looks like a son of the gods.” The Lord was with them in the fire.😃
Daniel 3:26-30 HCSB “Nebuchadnezzar then approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire and called: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God — come out! ” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. When the satraps, prefects, governors, and the king’s advisers gathered around, they saw that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men: not a hair of their heads was singed, their robes were unaffected, and there was no smell of fire on them. Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.” Then the king rewarded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.”
All the officials of the kingdoms of the world got to see God’s power that day. You think they spread the news about what they saw when they got home in their own countries? Yeah.😊 What a witness this was for The True God Of Heaven And Earth.😊 What great courage God gave Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. Can you imagine all the questions they were asked about their God that day? You think someone may have come to know the true God after all this? Even king Nebuchadnezzar had a change of heart. A FEW FINAL WORDS
Luke 9:24 KJV “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
How was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego able to boldly lay down their lives for God? Because they lived for Him!🤔 A person unwilling to live for God will not have the courage to do what they did. Living for God means loving Him, loving one another, and obeying His commands. (1 John 5:1-3)
Ecclesiastes 1:9 GNT “What has happened before will happen again. What has been done before will be done again. There is nothing new in the whole world.” Our loyalty; who we really serve, will be tested just like Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. Now is the time to be building ourselves up in our most Holy Faith. (Jude 1:20-21) Now is not the time to be falling away like many are.😪 (Matthew 24:9-10) Remember, if you truly believe in Jesus Christ your body is His temple. Do not defile yourself and sell out for a few temporary trinkets here on earth.
Like The Bereans 