To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; Billie; dansangel; dutchess; Mama_Bear; FreeTheHostages; .45MAN; Aeronaut; ..

October 4, 2004

But If Not . . .

We do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. —Daniel 3:18

Bible In One Year: Isaiah 20-22; Ephesians 6

I recall a Sunday school lesson from nearly 40 years ago in which we were taught to love God in spite of our circumstances. Loving God is easy when He grants our requests and provides what we desire. Loving Him in difficult circumstances tests our faith.

In Daniel 3, we read of the life-and-death decision Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had to make. If they chose to worship the golden image, they would live; if they refused, death was certain. They answered King Nebuchadnezzar: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace . . . . But if not, . . . we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up" (vv.17-18).

Were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego lacking in faith when they said "but if not"? No. They knew God was fully capable of delivering them from the fiery furnace.

There's a lesson in this for all of us. Is God all-powerful? Yes. Is He able to deliver us from all our problems? Yes. Does God always deliver us from our difficulties? No.

We may not fully comprehend God's purpose in our difficulty and suffering, but we must not cease to love Him. We must trust Him and hope in Him in spite of the trials that threaten to overwhelm us. —Albert Lee

I have learned to love my Savior,
And I trust Him more each day;
For no matter what the trial,
He will always be my stay. —Hess

Genuine faith stays strong when deliverance seems distant.

2 posted on 10/04/2004 4:34:23 AM PDT by The Mayor (Scripture is meant to give us protection, correction, and direction.)

To: The Mayor; All

Thank you, Mayor..Good morning!

God Bless Our Armed Forces and all those who have served our country.

3 posted on 10/04/2004 4:55:38 AM PDT by MEG33 (John Kerry has been AWOL on issues of national security for two decades)

4 posted on 10/04/2004 5:26:58 AM PDT by GailA ( hanoi john, I'm for the death penalty for terrorist, before I impose a moratorium on it.)

Good morning, Mr Mayor, all. Happy to be here this morning. Mr Mayor, thanks for the good lesson. Too many people lose sight of how they should worship. There are too many 'things' they want to worship.

6 posted on 10/04/2004 6:49:05 AM PDT by Texagirl4W (Heroes are people who do what needs to be done when it has to be done, regardless of the consequence)

Mayor's Military Monday bump. :-)

7 posted on 10/04/2004 7:24:38 AM PDT by SAMWolf ("Chill out! I'm just here for your hamster." - Death.)

To: The Mayor; Billie; All

Military Monday Bump

10 posted on 10/04/2004 9:22:24 AM PDT by deadhead (God Bless Our Troops and Veterans Bush/Cheney '04)

When my kids were quite young and it was time for them to go to bed I would ask them who the three were that survived the firey furnace.

When they asked I would say "Shadrach, Meshach and ToBedWeGo"

Sorry...

13 posted on 10/04/2004 11:32:55 AM PDT by Syncro

To: The Mayor; Billie; dutchess; ST.LOUIE1; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; JohnHuang2; LadyX; jwfiv; Pippin; ...

Heavenly Father, please place all of our wonderful military members in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us with their selfless acts and bless their families. Allow us to openly express to these fine people our fervent thanks for all that they do to ensure our freedom.

Another favor we ask, dear Father, is to guide the votes of the American people in the upcoming presidential elections. Bless George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and their families and open the eyes of the American people to the fact that these men are the best suited to direct our county's affairs over the next 4 years.

We ask these favors as your humble and contrite servants in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

I've missed you all at the Finest. We're firmly transplanted back in FL (yay!) and anxiously searching for suitable employment. Love and (((((((HUGS)))))))) to everyone!

14 posted on 10/04/2004 12:45:34 PM PDT by dansangel ("Kerry would let Paris decide when America needs defending. I want Bush to decide. " - Zell Miller)

A New Hurricane:

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for yet another
catastrophic hurricane following on the heels of Charley, Frances,Ivan and
Jeanne. The path of this hurricane zigs and zags, and is therefore highly
unpredictable. Experts predict that this one will cause the most damage to
the United States that we have experienced in four years.

They are naming this one Hurricane Kerry.

Be advised, the only way for citizens to protect themselves is by being
behind a Bush.

15 posted on 10/04/2004 2:55:37 PM PDT by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)

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