August 16

Daniel 3

God supernaturally protects Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.

INSIGHT

What courage it took to defy the king! Nebuchadnezzar sets up a golden image and orders everyone to bow down to it. When the Jews are brought to him in violation of the order, they say, “God may protect us from the fire, but even if He doesn´t, let it be known that we are not going to serve your gods!” Surely God gives His grace in times such as these. For those of us who are living in easier times, our total dedication to the Lord must be seen in our selfless commitment to serving Him.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that—though all of us sin—God’s compassions are new every morning:
Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said:
“O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth” (2 Kings 19:15).

“Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts” (1 Kings 8:23).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
For Your name´s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great
(Psalm 25:8-9, 11).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
They said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• The leading of the Lord in your life
• Opportunities for evangelism
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103:21-22).