Day 5–Jesus With You In the Fire
Scripture reading for June 12: Daniel 3:24-25 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Have you ever had a day when it felt like you were thrown into a fiery furnace with no way out? Possibly the enemy of your soul painted a picture of consuming flames and humiliating defeat. You chose to stand firm in faith, not knowing for sure how it would end for you. But God’s presence took you through the leaping flames and brought you out of the furnace without even a smell of smoke.
This was the case of three young Hebrew men who refused to bow in worship to an idol set up by the king of Babylon. They were threatened with a painful death in flames of fire if they would not bow and worship the idol. They were mocked by the king for trusting their ‘god’ to deliver them. But they chose to fear God, Who could also cast their souls into a real eternal hell, instead of fearing man who could only kill their bodies. God miraculously delivered them and also revealed His love and mercy to the king of Babylon by allowing him to see a fourth man in the fire and hear the young men’s testimony.
When we choose to put our lives in God’s hands, He then can use everything, good or evil, for His purposes and glory. This principle is comforting for those in emergency services where we sometimes face these fiery trials that threaten our faith and confidence. We need reminded that God is ever-present in our time of trial and is with us in the fire. He will work out everything for our good and His glory.
Prayer: Father God, I am thankful for the assurance that I am never alone when I find myself in the midst of a fiery trial. By faith, I can trust You that You will work out all for good to all involved. Strengthen my faith each day as I walk with You through the fire. Amen.
Day 4–Don’t Fear Evil
Scripture reading for June 11: Luke 9:1-2 “And He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.” Isaiah 54:17“. .no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication is from Me., declares the Lord.”
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He instructed them to ask: “Deliver us from evil (the evil one).” (Matthew 6:13) One of man’s basic fears is of evil and the evil one. This comes from the fall in the Garden of Eden when the serpent enticed Eve with his lie to become like God. For most this is an unspoken fear that can also bring torment.
As Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, He gave them authority over disease and demon spirits. They were to proclaim the kingdom of God as having arrived in Jesus Christ and spoil Satan’s kingdom by healing disease and sending away demonic forces. They weren’t to fear evil, but overcome evil with doing good and proclaiming victory over evil and the evil one through Jesus Christ as Lord. This was walking out the Scripture in Isaiah 54:17 by faith that no weapon of evil formed against God’s people would succeed. Through divine authority they will refute the lies of Satan. As God’s children they had an inheritance from God of His authority and His vindication through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
First responders often face forces of evil and darkness in every arena of service. The battle we face is not flesh and blood, but wicked spiritual forces in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) As believers in Jesus, we do not operate in fear but by faith overcome the evil with good. (Romans 12:21) We remember that we are children of God and enjoy a heritage of authority in Jesus’ Name and are made righteous by Him. Evil forces will not succeed in their lies or destruction.
Prayer: Father God, by faith I receive Your instruction to pray for daily deliverance from evil and forces of Satan. Help me to remember Whose I am and my heritage from the Lord of authority and favor. Amen.
Day 3–Not afraid to speak!
Scripture reading for June 10: Luke 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 21:13-15 “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
One of man’s greatest fears is public speaking. As a young man in high school, I was very shy and faced a fear of speaking. I took a speech class and joined the school’s public speaking team. I forced myself to write and memorize speeches and dramatic readings. I also volunteered to be in a class play and was selected for a lead role. I disciplined myself to master these fears in spite of internal opposition.
Jesus Christ recognized that His own disciples also had a fear of public speaking. They were tax collectors and fishermen, common people in the workforce. Jesus was calling them to go and proclaim the ‘Good News’ of the kingdom. He knew that they would face opposition, both internal and external. He told them not to let fear of what to say or how to defend themselves hinder them. They should by faith trust God through the Holy Spirit to give them what they needed at the exact time they needed it. God would be with their mouth and supply them with words and wisdom that their adversaries, visible and invisible, could not withstand. Every incident of confrontation or opposition was an opportunity to witness the love and heart of God the Father.
First responders work mostly behind the scenes but have regular interaction with people in situations of need. Often, we must speak to individuals we do not know and family members or friends. This instruction from our Lord brings freedom and confidence in every incident as we invite the Holy Spirit to give us words and wisdom.
Prayer: Father God, I invite You to be with my mouth every day as I have need to speak to those in distress or great need. Give me confidence to speak to those who may be intimidating or combative. Thank You for no fear of speaking. Amen.
Day 2–No Fear!
Scripture reading for June 9: 2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the Gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Romans 8:15-17 “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by Whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, . . “
Fear is a spiritual force that comes to torment us with doubt and unbelief. An acronym that I have borrowed from others is ‘False Expectations Appearing Real’ and our enemy Satan likes to draw our minds away from trusting in God and His Word. Satan uses thoughts and our senses to steal our peace, make us react in haste, and lose self control. He paralyses us with tormenting fears of failure, punishment and rejection by man and God.
Tormenting fear is not from God. The Holy Spirit produces in us the qualities of God which are power, love, and a sound mind. The apostle John stated that God’s perfect love has cast out all fear. He stated that fear has torment because of fear of punishment for sin and Christ Jesus lovingly gave His body and blood to pay for our sins. (1 John 4:18) Since we have His Spirit in us, we can fan into flames the Gift of God which is given to us by the Father to empower us for His service. The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of adoption that affirms our true identity as sons and daughters of God. This identity brings freedom from guilt and fear of rejection.
First responders, especially, need regular reminders of their identity and worth. Those in law enforcement regularly face attacks on their identity and even attacks on their lives. Those in the fire and medical service also face derision from hurting people under influences of drugs, alcohol, anger or fear. The Holy Spirit in us affirms us and gives us a sound mind to work from.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for affirming us regularly as Your children and helping us to rest in all that Jesus Christ has done and is doing for us daily. Help me to live in the Spirit of power and love and a sound mind today as I serve You and others. Amen.
Week 24–Day 1–Don’t fear men
Scripture reading for June 8: Luke 12:4-5“”I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear Him Who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”” Proverbs 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
Fear is a hidden force that lurks in the minds and hearts of human beings. Our enemy, the devil, thrives in an atmosphere of fear because he works through lies and deception. His lies bring about fears of punishment or rejection that allows for manipulation and control. A fear of failure holds man back from obedience to God and locks them in lifestyles of addiction and slavery to the flesh. Behind these fears, the devil works through men and women to plant fear and division instead of the faith and obedience that comes from hearing God’s Word. Proverbs 29:25 states that “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
Jesus warned His disciples concerning the fear of men and their manipulations. They were not to fear those who threatened them with death because those who can kill the body do not determine a person’s eternal fate. God Alone holds that authority and He is the One we must fear (respect) and obey. Through Jesus Christ’s steadfast love and faithfulness our iniquity has been paid for and fear of death and punishment is removed. Through a relationship with Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we turn away from sin and evil.
First responders who are also faith responders understand this admonition of Jesus. We act in faith, trusting God to keep us safe as we deal with those who are hurting or those who through fear seek to manipulate or control others. We can be free from the fear of man and the fear of death and punishment through resting in Christ Jesus. We are then free to more effectively do our jobs.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for delivering us from the fear of man and his manipulation and threats. Help me to live each day trusting in You Alone for safety and wisdom to effectively deal with each incident in the courage of faith. Amen.
Week 23 Responder Video Highlight–?
Scripture reading for June 6: Colossians 1:27 “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” Pastor John Kilough–Army Veteran and soul care specialist!
Day 5–The Mystery–Christ In You!
Scripture reading for June 5: Colossians 1:27-28 “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone will all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” 1 John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
The great mystery of God’s indwelling presence in each believer is discussed in this passage by Paul the apostle. God’s specialty is revealing mysteries to those truly seeking answers. He delights in showing grace to the humble, but opposes the proud and arrogant.(1 Peter 5:5-6) Although hidden from many Jews, God had revealed the mystery of His grace made available to Jew and Gentile through Christ Jesus. In Christ, God’s glory was displayed in His death for lost sinners and His resurrection from the grave in power and glory. God was making forgiveness of sins and His indwelling presence in the Holy Spirit available to all, Jew and Gentile, not based on works or deeds of righteousness, but through faith alone.
The mystery was simply, “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” The Holy Spirit reveals the ever-increasing glory of Christ in our mortal bodies as we live by faith. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Paul proclaimed Christ as Lord and Savior, warning them to repent and believe, teaching all the revealed mystery that all may become mature in Christ through His indwelling Holy Spirit. John stated plainly, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Eternal life through the indwelling Son and Holy Spirit is revealed to whoever believes.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for responding to my need to have Your indwelling presence with me each day by bestowing on me the Holy Spirit. Teach me daily the riches of the glory of this mystery: “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” Use me to proclaim Jesus Christ through my life and service. Amen.
Day 4–Jesus with His disciples
Scripture reading for June 4: Mark 16:17-20 “And these signs shall accompany those who believe; in My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”
The Holy Spirit living in us as believers in Jesus Christ is not some mystical feeling. We don’t walk around like zombies in a trance or like someone possessed by a spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered as children of God to fulfill our Father’s will of bringing message of the kingdom of God to lost people. We are given power to speak to others on behalf of Christ, like ambassadors speak for their native country when visiting a foreign country. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We do this in the context of our normal family relationships and in the setting of our jobs or in our recreation or travels. We are indwelt by God’s Spirit but it is not to be weird or for show or to call attention to ourselves.
As we go forth each day in our assigned tasks using our gifts and talents to serve others and God, God is with us doing His work. As we see needs, we are led by the Holy Spirit to speak to those needs in prayer and to extend our hands to serve. Jesus works with us through the Father’s Gift, the Holy Spirit, to bring tangible witness of God’s love, power, and desire to see all men served, saved, and marked for His forever family. Sometimes we come against demonic forces and are given power over them to bring deliverance. Sometimes we confront sickness and disease, as agents of God to bring healing. At other times we subdue violent people, bringing protection and correction. All that we do is for God’s glory and kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for clear instruction concerning our mission as Your children to a lost world of fallen people. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and use us to bring the Good News to all in need. Amen.
Day 3–A Helper Forever
Scripture reading for June 3: John 14:15-18 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
In the last major teaching to His disciples, Jesus prepares them for His leaving them through the cross in death and then ascension to heaven following His resurrection. If you remember, God had promised that His Son Jesus would be “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Now Jesus explained that instead of His physical presence, God the Father would answer Jesus’ prayer to send them another “Helper,” the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit would be with them ‘forever!’ The world could not receive this ‘Helper,’ because it cannot see Him or know Him. Those in the world are blind to this “Helper” Who was the Gift of the Father in heaven.
Jesus went on to say that His disciples would know Him (the Holy Spirit of Truth) and allow Him to dwell in them and be with them continually for an unlimited time–forever. His disciples would not be left as an orphan without support and family presence. In the form of the Helper, Jesus Himself would come to them and be with them in a way that was not limited to physical location or time. The Holy Spirit within them would cry “Abba” “Father”, marking them as distinctly belonging to God’s forever family. (Romans 8:15-16)
O how we as first responders and all believers need God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit with us and living in us! God’s amazing love is given to us through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) It is in the power of the Spirit we can obey God’s commandments and walk in truth. When we set our mind on the Spirit, we enjoy life and peace (rest). (Romans 8:5-6)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for not leaving us as orphans, but giving us Your Gift of the Holy Spirit of Truth. Fill me with Your love and truth. Empower me as I set my mind on Your indwelling presence, to walk in obedience to Your commandments. I am comforted forever by Your presence. Amen.
Day 2–“Immanuel”–God with us.
Scripture reading for June 2: Matthew 1:20-23 “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel.”
God’s promise of His presence with His people and giving them rest was faithfully reinforced over time by prophets like Isaiah who spoke plainly about a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. (Isaiah 7:14) This Son would be given the Name “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Not only would God be present with His people, but He would save them from their sins. The angel visiting Joseph, the betrothed husband of the virgin Mary, clearly instructed Joseph to act in faith to take Mary as his wife. The Child she was carrying was conceived through the Holy Spirit. The angel gave Joseph the Name “Jesus” for this unique Child, Who would save His people from their sins. Joseph, at first fearful, believed God’s messenger and took Mary as his wife and raised Jesus as a son.
Now, instead of a visible cloud of glory or pillar of fire, God the Father sends His Holy Spirit to dwell in believers in His Son, Jesus. Believing in Jesus saves us from the penalty and power of our sins. Jesus give us rest from guilt and shame and working for acceptance. His Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. His Spirit marks us as belonging to God and distinct among all people. The Holy Spirit brings gifts and graces empowering His people to share God’s love and desire to see all saved from their sins and adopted in His family. Since God has placed us as first responders in a role of serving hurting people, we should eagerly seek to receive the Father’s Gift of the Holy Spirit. We should ask for the Gift as we believe in Jesus.
Father God, thank You for being true to Your promise to Moses, Isaiah, and through Your Son Jesus Who is “Immanuel,” God with us! I believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit that I might reflect Jesus to those I serve. Amen.