“…we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,

the God whom we serve is able to save us…

But even if he doesn’t…”

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

securely tied, fell into the roaring flame.

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted.

“I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed!…”

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.

…the fire had not touched them.

Not a hair on their heads was singed,

and their clothing was not scorched.

They didn’t even smell of smoke!

Daniel 3:16-18, 23, 25-27

(Hubble telescope photo)

“Praise the name of God forever and ever,

for he has all wisdom and power.

He controls the course of world events;

he removes kings and sets up other kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the scholars.

He reveals deep and mysterious things

and knows what lies hidden in darkness,

though he is surrounded by light.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,

for you have given me wisdom and strength…”

Daniel 2:20-23

I will bless the LORD who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Psalm 16: 7-8

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer:

‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else.

For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin,

and I don’t commit adultery.

I’m certainly not like that tax collector!

“But the tax collector stood at a distance

and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed.

Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying,

‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’

I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee,

returned home justified before God.

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled,

and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:11, 13-14

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come.

I did not come to abolish the law of Moses

or the writings of the prophets.

No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear,

not even the smallest detail of God’s law

will disappear until its purpose is achieved.

Matthew 5:17-18

…let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word.

There is a difference between straw and grain!

Does not my word burn like fire?”

says the LORD.

“Is it not like a mighty hammer

that smashes a rock to pieces?

Jeremiah 23:28-29

…Then they will know that I am the LORD.

…I will make known my holy name…

…Everything will happen just as I have declared it.

Ezekiel 39:6,7,8

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me,

and anyone who isn’t working with me 

is actually working against me.

Luke 11:23

…I will put my Temple among them forever.

I will make my home among them.

I will be their God, and they will be my people.

And when my Temple is among them forever,

the nations will know that I am the LORD…

Ezekiel 37:26-28

This is what the Sovereign LORD says:  Look!

I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!

Ezekiel 37:5