I love reading the story of The Fiery Furnace in Daniel 3!  I want to be brave and courageous and make a difference for Jesus because I have strong convictions! The king had built a giant statue that resembled himself.  When they hear the music, the people are to bow down and worship the king.  Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego did not bow down.  They are brought before the furious king. He offers them another chance. I am always amazed at the answer of the men: Daniel 3:16-18 (New Living Translation)  16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” They told the king – who had the power to throw them into the fiery furnace – that they didn’t need another chance.  The told him:  We’ve made up our minds.  We won’t worship or serve your gods or your statue.  We only worship the One True God.  He can save us.  But whether he saves us from the fire – or not – we have made up our minds. Daniel 1:8 8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. I love the KJV, which says that Daniel “purposed in his heart.” These young men had made up their minds to serve God.  They didn’t wait until faced with the situation; they didn’t take a poll to see what everyone thought; they didn’t need a concordance or a commentary – they had made up their minds way before this event to serve and worship God, and Him Alone.  Anything or anyone that caused that purpose to waiver became a hindrance. When Jesus came to earth, He taught us that there are two commandments that summarize everything in the Bible:             Love God/Love People Believers, we need to make up our minds – purpose in our hearts – that we will not let anything hinder us in obeying these two commandments. ***Lord Jesus, please, help me to stay focused on serving You.  I want to love You and love people as You did.  Thank You, Lord.  Amen