I Am The Alphabet

Scripture: (King James Version)
Revelation 1:8

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

God is all sufficient.

He is enough.

He is all we need!

Amen?

The Greek does give the article.  It is "I am THE Alpha TO the Omega".......which signifies "completeness".  From beginning to end.......Jesus is not only Alpha and Omega....BUT, everything in between.  He is and was and is to come......The Almighty!

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter.  In English we say, "from A to Z".  In our language Jesus is saying, "I am A to Z.  I am the alphabet."  Four times He boldly declares this in The Book of Revelation.  He is the "Author and He is the Finisher".  Then He says, "I am the Way, I am the Truth, I am the Life".  He said, "I am the Door....I am the Bread of Life....I am the Water of Life....I am the Vine....I am the Shepherd....I am the Resurrection".  He is the Alpha and the Omega but over 115 times God speaks to us - He is everything in between.  Emmanuel (God with us)....the wonderful Counselor.  All of these speak to us about Gods ability to meet ALL of our needs.  He is the Prince of Peace....the everlasting Father....the Mighty God.

Let us dwell now upon these words where He in essence is saying, I AM THE ALPHABET.  As important as the alphabet is to our way of living, so vital is Jesus to our lives.  What would we do without the alphabet?  What would we do without Jesus?  Without the 26 letters of our alphabet there wold be no literature and very limited communication of any kind.  Think of the volume and volumes of literature; the thousands and thousands of tons of print that roll from our presses every day.  Think about it....without the alphabet we would not have the precious Word of God.  It is vital to our way of life.  Jesus is vital to our way of life.  "He that hath the Son hath life, He that hath not the Son hath not life." Praise God that the elder men of God, inspired of the Holy Spirit and with the use of the alphabet, were able to impart to us Gods message; Gods thinking and Gods love.

Why is Jesus the alphabet?  Because He embodies the speech and the expressions of God. By Him we know what God is like.  By His lips and His life we know the heart and the thinking of God our Heavenly Father.  The Bible is the written word of God.  Jesus is the living word of God.  He says, "I am the alphabet".  He is supreme!  He is the Alpha TO the Omega  Nothing was before Him, nothing will supersede Him.  Nothing can take His place.  He is ALL in ALL! In Him we live and move and have our being! One could never form words enough to fully describe His greatness.

"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised".

There are only 26 letters in the alphabet, yet their combinations are inexhaustible.  The alphabet is inexhaustible in that it speaks of Christ.  Our Lord is a limitless fountain of wisdom and knowledge.  Love, power, truth, grace, mercy.....on and on we could go.  All that Jesus is to us and all that He provided for us is limitless and inexhaustible!

The alphabet is the key to all interchange of thought.          The same can be said of Jesus. Because of Him alone there is a two way communication between God and us.  God speaks to us through His Son.  Jesus said, "No man cometh to the Father but by me". 
                                                           

 
Jesus also said, 

   "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."  John 14: 13-14 

Thank God for sending Jesus.  Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.  It only takes 5 letters of the alphabet to spell out J-E-S-U-S.  But, oh the volumes and volumes of meanings in that wonderful name.  There is POWER in that name.  What does Jesus mean to you?

There is no tool in all the universe as versatile and adaptable as the alphabet.  Could anything better depict our Lord and His perfect adaptability in meeting our needs?  He says, "I am the alphabet".  There is enormous meaning in this.  Jesus is the beginning and the ending and everything in between!

Whenever there is a vacuum, He steps in to fill the void.

Only "HE" can do this.  We are a people with many many needs.  Praise be to God we have a Lord who is more than adequate to meet our every need.

Our Lord not only HAS the answer, He IS the answer!

He WAS...He IS...He is TO COME...the Almighty.

Yesterday He died for me

               Today He lives for me

                        Tomorrow He is coming for me.

He is not only King of the Jews and King of the Saints, He is the King of Kings!

Even so come Lord Jesus!

Are you ready for "His" coming?

Child-Like Faith

Mark 10:13-16 King James Version (KJV)

"And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."

                                                                              

"We see in this portion of scripture the very heart of our Lord.  We see a Lord who is willing and wanting ALL to come to Him for His blessing.  Let me at the very beginning give you the "heart" of this passage.....from the youngest person represented to the oldest person represented....... 
Jesus encourages loving hearts to bring to Him those who can not bring themselves, that they in some way might receive His blessing.
If you are reading this today and at some point, in some way, there are other people that have been instrumental in your desire to know Christ, be very thankful, because Jesus wants to bless YOU, this very day.

Now that you have the "heart" of this passage, let me open it up to you further. 
First of all, this scripture nor this message has absolutely nothing to do with infant baptism in any form...sprinkling, christening, or whatever!  The reason, those who believe in such ceremonies have to use scripture such as this is because the Bible does not teach infant baptism....and certainly not baptismal regeneration.  

Only those old enough to make a profession of faith were baptized in the Bible.  

The Baptism spoken of in the Bible is never by sprinkling or christening (so called)
but, by immersion in water, only.

The Bible does teach that children were brought to Jesus 

to be presented to the Lord, dedicated to Him.  

But understand - that even this in no way assures the child of Salvation.  

Rather, it is the parents (or other responsible person for the child) coming to Christ with the child, thanking God for the child.  This parent pledges or promises to raise the child, God's gift, according to the Word of God and publicly are asking God's blessing upon that child.

The real significance of the Dedication of Children is much more for the parents or guardian.  These individuals feel their deep responsibility in raising the child, to teach them God's Word and lead them to Christ for salvation.

There is no hint of being baptized here in the above scripture. 

 No hint of "godfathers" or "godmothers".  

No sign of The Cross, etc. 

In fact, the Bible says that Jesus baptized not.....but, His disciples... baptized in His name. (John 4:2)  So, if they brought the children to Jesus to be baptized they brought them to the wrong person.  The disciples were not accustomed to baptizing babies/young children or they would not have rebuked the parents for bringing them.
These children were not brought to a sprinkling or christening reception.  In fact, there was not a drop of so-called "holy water" mentioned anywhere.  

These children were brought to Jesus!  

The Fountain of Living Water, Himself simply "took them up in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them."
                                                                       

Jesus was displeased with His disciples because they discouraged those individuals for bringing others to Him....for discouraging those who themselves were anxious to come to Him.
Let me tell you.....it is a sin that brings displeasure from God when someone hinders ANYONE, no matter how young or how mature in years, from receiving the blessings of Jesus!
People better be mighty careful leading others to some meaningless ceremony or gathering rather that to The Living Christ, Himself and His anointed presence and power!!

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."   2 Timothy 3:5-7                                                                                                       

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 19:14  
Later Jesus said, Verily I say unto YOU.....
Yes friends,  He's talking to YOU now.  He's talking to those of you who are not in the Kingdom of God.   He is instructing You how You can enter the Kingdom of God....how You can be saved.

(Matthew 19:13- 30)Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.  And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,  Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

How can you be "born again"....."be saved"? 

By simple having child-like Faith.

A child doesn't understand mysteries and controversies.  A child doesn't see all the hypocrisies and prejudices.  They believe what is told to them about God and what is in the Bible.  Children believe without much doubt and not too many questions.  When they pray they believe that Jesus hears them and forgives them.  They believe He will answer their prayers.
When a child talks to Jesus, He is a person and He is near at hand.  Children are quick to forgive and forget.  They are cheerful and love to rejoice.  It makes them so happy when God blesses them and saves their soul. 

 Simple - child-like Faith and Trust.  

If you ask them about asking Jesus in to their hearts they won't say, "I think so" or "I hope so".  They believe and now they are full of joy.
                                                                           

So it is for everyone - just the way a child receives Christ.   

Unfortunately, so many people know so much that they know too much.  
Those individuals who have over active brains are always thinking, often leading them to criticism and skepticism.  But, they along with everyone else must come to Christ and receive His gospel as a little child.  They must come simply believing and trusting in Jesus.

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."  John 6:37

                                                        

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(2 Part) Recovering The Lost/Locating The Ax Head

2 Kings 6:1-7
 King James Version (KJV)

"And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it."

"The Prophet Elisha had gathered around him a school of prophets.  The present quarters had become over crowded.  So, Elisha took some of the students down to Jordan to build a new school by the river.  They set out with their axes, every man taking a beam.  
We know from the above scripture that at least one of them had a "borrowed" ax. It is this young man and his borrowed ax that we want to center our attention on this morning.  I would like to speak on the subject:  

Recovering The Lost.

It is the cutting edge of the ax head that especially demands our attention.  The ax head speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon our lives; the penetrating power of God, the effectiveness of a a spirit filled life, testimony and service.  It speaks of lively worship and witness.
When you lose the ax head - the cutting edge of the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit you don't have much left! 
When you lose the power and the anointing you lose the joy of salvation.   Friends, your education, your personality, your enthusiasm and zeal can never substitute for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  When you lose the power and the anointing ....the cutting edge, you are not cutting or trimming but just scratching up the bush.
                                                  

You may say "it is just a handle."  It is just a stick of wood. 
Sadly, today there are many ministers of the Gospel preaching with just a handle.  They are whittling away with just an old dry stick.  The Bible says that it's the anointing that breaketh the yoke...the anointing power of the Holy Spirit.  "It is not by might and it's not by power but by my spirit says the Lord."  (Zechariah 4:6)  

Notice with me the "Loaning" of the ax head.  We read that it was "borrowed."  It was owned and loaned by another person.  This meant that this man using it had to give an account of it.  We are not our own.  Everything we are and everything we have is loaned to us from God.  One day we must give account to God for those things.  Those gifts and tools He has placed in our hands.  What are we doing with the time, talents, treasures, things and tools that God has blessed us with?  We are responsible!  We must give account!
                                                        

Next, notice the "Losing" of the ax head.
But, before we consider that.....let's think for a moment of the "Loosening" of the ax head.  
Because you see....before you can lose the ax head and before it can "fly off the handle" it has to become loose.   
I don't have to tell you or remind you that "loose living" will rob you of the Holy Spirits anointing.  You may shake yourself like a shorn Samson and swing away with just a handle and not even realize that the Holy Spirit has departed.

                 The ax head always gets loose before you lose it!

No Christian backslides all at once.  They get loose little by little.  Somebody says they committed "such and such" sin and backslide.  No - they backslid and then went out and did "such and such".  It gets in your head, in your heart and then in to your hands.

The ax head first gets loose and dull.  

Why?  

Because of neglect.  

Out there in this world we come in contact with all sorts of things.  We hit hard knots of persecution, discontentment, and discouragement.  There are old nails of fear, doubt...and much more.  

Unless we keep that cutting edge honed and sharpened on the grindstone and whetstone of prayer and The Word of God, it will get dull!  

Some ax heads get loose and are lost simply 
                                                      because they "dry out".  
They shrink and slip right off.  Some just dry up because they won't worship and praise the Lord.  I don't mean just some dry Amens now and then.  I mean some good ole juicy Healleluyahs, Glory to Gods and Thank you Jesus!

When I was growing up we used to burn a lot of wood.  And, yes, we had to cut our own wood.  My Dad was real particular about our axes.  Every now and then he would have us soak the ax head in oil or water.  That ax handle would swell up and get good and tight.  Let me remind you that oil and water are types of the Holy Spirit.  
So - you want to know the remedy for dry or loose ax heads?  A good old soaking in the Holy Spirit.....a fresh refilling and a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit!
                                                                       

It is easy to get dull.  It is easy to get dry.  It is easy to get loose.  The Bible says, "be ye filled with the Spirit".  Be ye "being" filled.  It is not, " I was filled 15 years ago or even 1 year ago.  
But, are you filled and full right now?  Otherwise, we get loose.

And, then comes the "Losing" of the ax head.
The man in the scripture above was feeling a beam and that ax head had gotten dull, dry ad loose.  It flew off and into the water.  

Oh, the tragedy of lost power, 

 A lost anointing..... 

A lost effectiveness for God.

This is the picture of many churches and many christians.  Even in the midst of a diligent work for God we can lose the cutting edge anointing if we don't pray and stay in The Word.  If we don't worship, witness and keep the ax head in good shape.....keeping the Holy Spirits power in our lives.

Do we have the dynamite of God or are we just lighting off fire crackers?  

Why should we be content with fire crackers when God has given us dynamite?

Have we gotten a little dull?

A little dry?

A little loose?

Perhaps what we all need is a good soaking in the oil and water of the Holy Spirit!

Perhaps we need a good tightening and sharpening so we can go out and feel some more beams for Jesus.  Amen?

Tonight we will conclude with 

The Locating of The Ax Head 

or Steps to Recovery.

Scripture:  2 Kings 6: 1-7

This morning we saw how the ax head was "Loaned", how it was "Loosened" and how it was "Lost".  Tonight we want to preach on -

Locating The Lost

Power restored

and

The Anointing Renewed

Praise God the story does not end with LOSS.  

There is Recovery!

There is power lost but praise God there is power regained.

We have likened the ax head to the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The effectiveness of a Spirit filled life and testimony.
The penetrating power of God, lively worship and witness.

The man in the scripture was a man in the midst of diligent service to God lost his ax head.  But, before he lost it, it became loose.  Loose living robs us of the anointing of God.  
One doesn't backslide all at once.  It begins with neglect.  
Neglect in prayer, in worship, in witness and in reading and studying The Word of God.

Locating the ax head......
Notice that first of all, when the man lost his ax head he confessed it.  He said "Alas Master it was borrowed".  
We said this morning that the ax was owned and loaned by another person which meant that made this man responsible.  He must give an account.  
What are we doing with those things God has entrusted to our hands?
But, he confessed his loss.  We will never regain our loss regardless what it is unless we are honest with God and confess our need and our loss.
We can keep on whittling away with just a handle...going through the motions..just skinning the bark..with no penetration and no power.
Thankfully, this man had sense enough to stop swinging until the ax head was recovered.

When we are willing to cry out to God and confess that we have lost it, then we are on our way to recovery.

#1 Step to recovery is Confession.

Elisha, the man of God said to this young man who lost his ax head, "where did you lose it"?  The man said, "right there".  
He showed him the place.  

He knew where he lost it .....and so do you.  

People who lose out know when and where they lost it!  
You know when you gave up praying and seeking God and His Word.....when you quit being faithful to the house of God.  You know when you stopped your time of worship.... where and when you allowed the matters of this world to lead you astray.

Confess it!

Go back there and show God the place. 
Restore that altar.  Give up that habit.  
Get back in to His Word again.  Be faithful to worship.  
Praise God again.  Get right with your earthly relationships.  

You know where you lost it.  

Confess it and tell God you want your ax head back.

Step #2 is Intercession.

He appealed to his master.  "Alas Master".   He was confident his master could help him.  Thank God we have our master whom we can call on!  We are confident He can help us!  We can confess our need to Him and He will hear us.

When we intercede He intervenes!

Step #3 is Supernatural Intervention.

The man of God cut down a stick and threw it in the water over the spot where the ax head fell and the iron did swim. 
                                            

The "recovery" wasn't affected by natural means but by      Divine Intervention.  

The iron did swim.  It did not just float.  It swam.  It swam over to where the man could pick it up.  It defied the laws of gravity. It overcame the current.  Let me tell you......God knows how to defy the laws of nature and overcome the currents to bring us deliverance!

Step #4 is Appropriation (to take possession of)

And the man of God said, "pick it up - take it up to thee - reach out and get it".

Hallelujah!

God has promised you.....It's yours - claim it - take it - thank and praise God for it!

And he put out his hand and took it.  He confessed his loss. He prayed and interceded and the Master intervened.  A miracle was wrought.  He appropriated the promise and recovered what he had lost.

  You can do the same!

                                                     

Fellowship In The Fire

                                                                           

Scripture Reading:                                                                                                          Daniel 3: 1-30 (King James Version) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon. My text for today is Verse 25.   I will be speaking on the subject Fellowship in the Fire. We have here the story of 3 Hebrew men who refused to worship anyone else or anything else...other than the true God of Heaven... 3 men who remained upright among a bending and compromising people.   A trap was set for these 3 loyal Hebrews who loved their god and kept his commandments.  This king and his cord were in effect saying, "let's see the godly people suffer and see how much faith they really have." There is nothing the devil and the world like better than to back a Christian...a true man or woman of God into a corner and hammer and challenge their faith and dedication to God.   They tried these 3 Hebrews and they will try you and I. But, praise God we serve a God  that has ways of opening doors in blank walls  and making a way of escape where there is no way.   There is no doubt that our God is able to deliver us.   He can - and He will deliver us from trials, temptations, troubles, afflictions, hard places.   These 3 Hebrew men boldly declared the ability and power of their God.  They said, "if He does not ....they will still not bow down to any other Gods."   And... into the fiery furnace they went....their dream of deliverance seemingly unfulfilled. Have you ever desperately trusted God for deliverance "from" a certain trial or hard place?  Instead of God delivering you from it, did He go "through it" with you?  Perhaps many times God sees the need of introducing us to the Fellowship of the Fire.     "I see 4 in the fire, one is like the Son of God." God is able to deliver us through the fire!  Too often we limit God deliverance.....to just deliverance "from" the fire.  We prefer to have faith for escape rather than faith to endure.  But, these 3 Hebrews found out that when the fire became their lot - they were not without the Lords fellowship.  They were not without His freedom.  They were loose....walking in the fire.  Many times God receives greater glory and honor and we get greater good by being delivered from the fire rather than out of it. God is able to protect us by the fire!   Through the flames God brought these 3 Hebrews to a place where they were beyond the reach of their enemies.  The very flames that consumed the kings men that threw them in the fires, formed a protecting wall around the 3 Hebrews.  God can use our troubles and hard places as a barrier from the enemy to place us beyond reach. God is able to liberate us even in the fire!   In the midst of a world that is constantly mouthing "FREEDOM", it is wonderful to realize that God's people have liberty and freedom even in the furnace of trails and troubles. Walking in Fellowship with The Son of God.... they found liberty from bondage.  (loose) they found liberty from pain (no hurt) they found liberty from fear (the Son of God with them). God is able to cleanse and purify us through the fire!   When the 3 Hebrews came out of the furnace there was no smell of smoke on them.  Too often we come out of a fiery trial bearing the smell of smoke.  Our lives and experiences leave us smelling with the smoke of bitterness, questioning and complaining.  But, we can come through without a singe - without the smell of smoke.  We can and should come through our trials praising God for what He brought us through.                                             God is able to convince with the fire! The fire did not touch the 3 Hebrews but, let me tell you, it touched the onlookers!   None would have seemed harder to reach for God than King Nebuchadnezzar, but just listen to Him after he witnesses the Fellowship of the Fire that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego experienced.  He was convinced by the fire!  He said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshack and Abendego....  There is no other God who can deliver after their sort." So, the result of the fiery furnace was not three believers less but one believe more. When the world sees faith that will not diminish when troubles and hard places come, they are convinced that truly there is a God that is able to deliver.  Praise God! He may very well deliver you from the furnace but remember this Child of God......if He doesn't, He will Fellowship with you in the furnace.  He has promised "Lo, I am with you always".  With His Fellowship will come freedom that only He can give.   If the Son of Man set you free, you are free indeed!