Remember when I told you that I was going to attempt to read the Bible in 90 Days? I was determined, actually, and I’m still going strong! YAY!

This week, we read from Jeremiah through Hosea, which means that I also read Daniel.

I LOVE the book of Daniel. Maybe it is because I did the Beth Moore study on Daniel in January 2007. It spoke to me then, and it spoke to me again this week. In fact, every time I hear the name Daniel, I remember my lesson and it speaks to my heart again. This is what I learned back then, and I cling to today:

This morning I went to Ladies Bible Study at my church and it was awesome, as usual. We are doing a Beth Moore video series on Daniel. Today the theme was “No Smell of Fire”. It was so good. Basically, it was about how Rack, Shack, and Benny (V-tales reference . . .) were thrown into the furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. They said, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, . . . 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.” But even if he does not . . . (Daniel 3:17-18)

Beth Moore taught us about 3 scenarios when people of God face a fiery trial (she used the example of a woman finding a lump):
A – We pray and pray and are delivered FROM the fire. Out of this, our faith is built. But, how many times do we justify the outcome? We might chalk it up to better science that got us through the medical crisis.
B- We pray and pray, but we have to face the fire. God delivers us THROUGH. Out of this, our faith is refined. (Refiner’s fire . . .)
C- We pray and pray, and we are delivered BY the fire into God’s arms. Through this our faith is perfected.

As long as we are on this earth, our faith is being refined. Or, at least I hope it is. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds . . .” (James 1:2) There are so may great scriptures to get us through tough times. And, God will deliver us!! Whether he delivers us FROM the fire, THROUGH the fire, or BY the fire, he has promised to deliver us. What an awesome reminder that was to me this morning. I remembered times in the past when I felt like God was refining me. When I was delivered FROM the fire, yes, I forgot all about God’s great work. There have been times when I was delivered THROUGH the fire, but in some of those times I wasn’t allowing God to deliver me fully. Beth Moore showed us that in Daniel 3:27 it says, “They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” There was no smell of fire on them! When we allow God to deliver us fully, we won’t smell like the fire. When people look at us, they won’t say, “Oh, poor Kelleigh. She has had such a rough time.” Instead, they will say, “Look at the joy Kelleigh has. Her life must be good.” When we keep walking around with a victim hat on lamenting our circumstances, we are not bringing God any sort of glory. And after all, our purpose here on earth is to bring God glory!! We should be able to say what Paul says, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Oh, how I long to be that kind of witness!!

I still get goosebumps! THANK YOU, Lord, for teaching me this lesson!

Like I said, it is Day 65, and we start the New Testament on Day 68 (this Friday!). Mitch is going to be joining me as I read through the New Testament in 21 days. (Wondering about my math? The B90 challenge has 2 grace days built in, just in case we need a little more time.)

Will you join me as I read through the New Testament?! It is sure to change your life!

“When I study the Bible, I prepare myself to talk to others. When I read the Bible, God talks to me.”

- D.L. Moody

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