11-26-10 Friday, 8:55 am Springfield, 23 degrees, feels like 14, clear and sunny skies.
We had a great thanksgiving day! It began as I drove my niece and her college friend to the turkey trot. We ran, along with 7100 other participants. My niece finished fourth overall among women, and her friend from college won female first overall. I finished 1251 with a time of 28:47, 59th out of 179 men 50-54. The day was capped off by a wonderful meal followed by family games into the night.
Today I have no appointments and will use the time to work on my sermon and series on angels, rest, exercise, decorate around the house, and prepare for all that lies ahead.
Daniel 2:24 – 3:30
Daniel is used by God to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and is promoted in the government. He takes Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with him. In chapter 3, the king builds a 90 foot statue to himself, and decrees public worship. The three Jewish men refuse, and are thrown into a super-heated furnace. The king peers in and sees the three joined by a fourth walking around in the furnace. In 3:28 the king praises the God of Shadrach et al and states that “He sent an angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.”
This is a dramatic story, and one of many in which God’s servants are rescued. I think the key is that when facing this punishment for refusing to worship an idol, they stated “the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (3:17-18) Their resolve, come what may, is refreshing and defining in their lives. May this type of single-minded dedication to Christ be increased in this current generation, and through the ministries of Wesley UMC.
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