April 21, 2008
No
More Manipulation
Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need
to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing
furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from
your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we
will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Dan
3:16-18
Refuse to be manipulated by
the enemy’s threats. Spirits who manipulate ultimately want to control you.
The enemy will try fear, power, anger, lies, and bribery to manipulate you to
change your mind and give in to his temptation. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
refused to even argue with such nonsense. They simply said NO and added that if
he did carry out his threats, that their God was able to deliver them, but they
would not give into him regardless! Through the fire of affliction they were
able to experience the fruit of their faith. Not only did they come out without
the smell of fire on them, but they also came out free from bondage. In
addition, King Nebuchadnezzar had no choice but to acknowledge the Most High God
they worshiped.
It is time that we refuse to
allow the enemy to manipulate us anymore! He is working overtime right now
knowing that his time is short. He wants to wear you out, fill you with fear,
and stop you from moving in the things of God. God has good plans for you and
will never leave you helpless! You are not without help. Is the arm of God too
short to save you? Give no thought to the enemy’s threats any longer. Refuse
to entertain his means of manipulation. Stand in faith, knowing who sits on the
throne of heaven! You may even get to experience the deliverance of your God.
You can’t be delivered if you are never thrown into the fire of affliction! It
is in affliction that your God looses you from the instruments that bind you.
Face fear and the fire with
faith. For without faith, it is impossible to please God.
Janet
Fairbrother