But let me tell you something. The level of faith I'm calling you to in this word is not coming with a guarantee that you're always going to be walking around your fire. There might come a time when you have to lay down your life or your influence or your job. The best thing about the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is not that God delivered them, it's that they were willing to step into the fire whether God delivered them or not. Hello, and thanks for stopping by for today's Destined for Victory, where we feature the preaching ministry of Pastor Paul Shepard.
Always glad to have you with us. God has a long history of doing the miraculous, but sometimes He has something in mind other than our immediate deliverance. Today, Pastor Paul challenges the level of our commitment and leaves us with an important question: Do we have enough faith to follow God into the fire even if there's no guarantee He'll save us from it? Stay with us now, or come see us at pastorpaul.net to listen to Destined for Victory on Demand. That's pastorpaul.net.
Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts at Spotify or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Now let's pay close attention to our Destined for Victory message. uncompromising faith. Why must you keep on finding raggedy people to bring into your inner circle? Why? Must you satisfy your loneliness with something that is worth nothing?
Listen, if you want a fixer over, I know some people just love being, they love projects. And sisters are especially Cursed with this.
So let me help some of you, sisters.
Some of y'all are, especially here, and I know where it comes from, because you're nurturers by nature.
Some of you have a strong sense of nurturing and you love to nurture and develop and bring along and all that. But you mess around and bring that into your love life. And you got a problem on your hands. Because God didn't call you to find men who are projects.
Well see, Pastor Um He has potential. I'm not telling you what I think, I'm telling you what I live as a pastor with. These wonderful daughters we have around here, and they come sometime and they bring something. Our little spiritual daughters come in and they bring something and stand it up in front of me. Past I want you to meet.
And I meet it. I mean him. And I already, we haven't talked yet, but just what I'm looking at. I'm already thinking Girl, are you on crack? But I give them time, sit down, talk.
Hey man, how you doing, sir? All right, and it goes south from there. Had it happen on more than a few occasions.
Some fixer-upper. Listen, if you want a project Buy a foreclosed house. That's not been cared for and all that. Go for it. Just get in there and knock out walls and do all you want.
Don't go find some living being trying to fix it up and make it suitable for a life partnership. See how few amens I get with a message like this? I'm good, I'm good. I'm just telling you, I just proved to you. I'm good.
Oh, I better say something because I don't want to leave me. I'm good. I've been preaching a long time. I can do this. Go home just as happy.
I won't think the first thought. How come they didn't like my message? I'm not evaluating this. Y'all gonna yelp and give me one star all you want. I don't care.
Better be glad I got enough God in me to not write you back. Yo, mama, you know, I ain't gonna do it. Got enough God where I won't do that to you. Yeah, y'all have messed me up. I don't even know where I am.
But seriously, seriously. We have to take a good hard look. What are my practices? If I were to follow you for a month, if I were to shadow you for a month, what practices would I see in your life? And the bigger question is not: what do I see, but are those practices that are getting you where God wants you to go?
Not okay, so there's no active sin in your life. Praise God for that. But are your practices leading you into the quality of life God's called you to live? What about your priorities? when you rank things that are most important to you.
Is the place they hold in your life? Is that... Importantly because stuff can sneak up on you so quickly. Have you ever seen something just grab a place of importance in your life and you wonder how in the world did this become so important to me? It can have very I told you decades ago when I was single, the last year I was single, 1981.
I got married in 82. In 81, I took a vacation. I said, well, let me take my last single vacation. In Bermuda. Bermuda's island I love.
And so I went to Bermuda by myself. Single. And um Of all the things I enjoy there, the beautiful beaches and what have you, and riding the mopeds on that island. Usually, you don't get to rent a car, you ride a moped. You can scoot all around the island.
Oh, just beautiful. And I was in my hotel room. Putting on my stuff so I could go to the beach. And turned the TV on, and back then, I'm talking 1981, there weren't all these many, many channels, it was just a few little regular channels. And while I had the TV on, while I'm putting on my trunks and what have you, a soap opera came on.
I forget which one it was at the time, but I saw like the last 20 minutes of it while I'm prepping. And it got good. And us And I was already ready to go, but it was probably five more minutes of it. I said, Well, let me just sit here and see the rest of this. And I watched the rest.
And then it ended at a place. Y'all know what happens. Where it's like, okay, so what's gonna happen now? And it left me right there and they said, tune in tomorrow. And I said, Wow, I sure do want to know what's gonna happen.
So I went on out that day, and the next day. I was at a different beach. And Just laying out, chilling, maxing, relaxing. And all of a sudden Panic struck me. I said, oh, what time is it?
Look at my watch. And it was just probably 10 minutes or whatever away from the start of that thing I had started watching the day before. I said, oh, I gotta see. I got up, brushing sand off me, jumped on my moped. I was about 20 minutes from my hotel.
I was zooming all around and think. RAN! in my room so I can see the rest of this stupid show. Here's my point. I've watched that thing.
Every day till I left.
Some are old. Dumb.
Soap opera. But I had to see it. When I got home, I just I just broke that spirit of bondage off of me. I said, I refuse. Getting ready to marry me or wife sitting up here watching this silly stuff.
I got a life to live. Things to do. I wasn't in vocational ministry yet. I had a job to go to. I can't stop working to watch this.
But I had to intentionally break it when I got home that quick.
Something can jump on you. And you know all these shows they have now. Oh come on somebody. All these channels you got now? All the opportunities for you to get caught up in something that is nothing.
All the sports, all the recreational, all the. Gambling that's around now, you used to have to go to a certain state now. Folks sit on their computers and just gamble all day long. There's all kinds of opportunities for you to get caught up in some practice, some passion. To make something a priority that has no business being a priority.
Y'all hear what I'm saying? And partnerships, there's all kind of raggedy folk for you to hook up with. All kinds of people just looking for you, they got nothing better to do, so they'll come into your life gladly. And so the question is. What?
What is Causing you to compromise right now in your life when you think objectively. Not just is it sin, no, no. Does it make sense for your life? In what ways are you tempted to compromise?
Some of us haven't gone all the way over, but you're sure taking a good hard look at it. Tempted. Oh man. I really could be. Yeah.
And see, when something gets in your head, have you noticed about yourself now that if you let something Fester. See, thoughts eventually yield to actions. You will not think about something forever and not act on it. You do know that about yourself. Ah, I'm just.
You don't go to the mall to window shop all the time. Let's put it that way. I'm gonna bring it down to where you can live. Nobody said, I'm gonna spend the next two hours just looking around the mall.
Next day, I'm going back. I just want to do some more looking around the mall.
Next day, I'm going to the mall, I'll be back. I'm just looking at something. No, no, you're not going to keep doing it. You're not a professional looker. How many know sooner or later You are gonna get something.
Isn't that right?
So you keep looking at raggedy people? Keep looking at them. I'm dead looking. Yeah. Better than being in my house by myself.
Friday night. And the feeling's right. Oh, what a night. You gotta make up in your mind. Am I going to put myself in a position To compromise God's plan and purpose for my life.
Let's learn from these men. What did they do? They are called, and notice who was called to this bowing session. All of the officials and leaders. I found out That the enemy always goes for those of us who God is giving influence to.
Because the enemy wants the strike to count broader.
So he doesn't just pick on just any old body. He finds you because God has you growing in influence. God has you growing in responsibility.
Some of you, God is blessing you on your job, blessing you in various areas of your life. You have growing influence over other members of your family besides your immediate household. You're beginning to have influence over others. The enemy always targets leaders because if you get leaders to bow, they will teach the other people to bow.
Well, don't go away. The second half of today's Destined for Victory message, featuring Pastor Paul Shepard, is coming right up. In John chapter 14, Jesus said, He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me, He said. That's why Destined for Victory is here, to teach timeless truth for a victorious life by pointing people to Jesus Christ.
To connect with what God is doing through Destined for Victory today, please visit pastorpaul.net. That's pastorpaul.net. Or call 855-339-5500. There's more coming your way from the book of Daniel right now and the rest of today's message: uncompromising faith. Once again, here's Pastor Paul.
And I'm here to tell you: leadership is not about your title. Leadership is about your influence. Is there anybody looking at your life? If the answer is yes, then the enemy wants you because he wants them, and he figures he can get two for one. You get leaders to bow.
then getting the rest of the folk to buy won't be difficult at all.
So he's going after you. He went after Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Someone asked me after the first service. How come Daniel's not mentioned there? Because the king didn't go. He had his herald make the people bow. He was back in his palace doing something else, and no doubt Daniel was there.
Daniel was not called to this particular session, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were. And so they were called, and the moment came, the music played. And everyone there bowed, or so we're told in one verse, but that's why you got to keep reading. The next verse tells you We know that the three guys didn't bow. Because the next verse tells you about some snitches.
Pastor, there's snitches in the Bible, yes. Snitches in the word. Daniel 3, verse 8. At this time, some astrologers came forth. And denounced the Jews.
Skip down to verse 12. They said, They are some Jews whom you set up. Over the affairs of the province of Babylon. The snitch is named up. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
who paid no attention to you, O king, They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up. And that's something how they've throughout history there have always been people who while they compromise while they're bowing They're not happy to just bow. They bowing and looking. Yeah. Have you ever noticed that about your life?
That people in your life, they bound, but they want to make sure they know. Look at it. If you're listening to a broadcast or a CD, I'm down, I'm acting simple down on the ground, making a point. There's always people who are not content to bow. They want to make sure other people bow.
And if you don't bow, they will know it. And they described the fact that these three young men, under the pressure, remember what the stakes are here: whoever doesn't bow is gonna burn in the furnace. These are no easy stakes. And yet they stood. when everyone else bowed.
That's what I came to ask you. Are you willing to stand? Even though you live among people. who have determined they're going to bow. And when the king heard that, he became furious, we're told.
And he called those three young men in. He said, Now, look, I've given you really good jobs, I've given you favor in my kingdom. You have high positions. I could have easily given them to my own people, I gave them to you.
Well, he gave them to them, frankly, for good reason. Remember in chapter 1, they excelled, they were 10 times better than their peers.
So of course he gave him the job for a good reason. But now he's just saying, and you repay me. with disloyalty. He said, I tell you what, gonna do you guys a favor. I'm going to have the band play it again just for you.
And this time I want you to bow. I ain't playing with y'all. I want you to bow. And he says, if you do not, you will suffer the fate that I The creed.
Now, when you get a chance, look at their response. They say, King. We're not slow. to answer you. We don't have to get in the huddle.
Okay, give us a minute. Yeah. I ain't trying to burn today. Come on, think about that. Think about yourself in that situation.
Ain't trying to burn today. You know, God knows our hearts. Have you ever done wrong while saying God knows your heart? Have you come on? I need some honesty up in here.
You did what you know you had no business doing. And you said, God knows your heart. What that got to do with anything? God knows our hearts, so you know, we could bow, and God would know that we're standing up on the inside, though we're bowing on the outside. They didn't go with any foolishness like that.
And if you want to get to the best place, the place God has called and ordained for your life, if you want to experience His glory in magnificent ways, you're going to have to be radical in your commitment to obedience. You're going to have to say, for Christ I live, and for Christ I die. He died for me. I'm willing to die for him. I'm willing to stand up for Him.
I'm willing to glorify Him in my life and also in my death if I have to. They said, We're not slow to answer you. Then they said, The God we serve is able to deliver us. Because the king had said Just a little bit before that, the king said, listen. I'm going to have you thrown in the furnace.
And his question was: And what God will save you from my hands?
So when they replied, they said, God is able to deliver us from your hands. Then they said, and he will deliver us. I believe God gave them a quick unction to speak something that He was going to do that they had no natural way of knowing.
Sometimes God will drop a word of knowledge. One of the gifts of the Spirit is a word of knowledge.
Sometimes God will tell you something you don't know. He knows it, so he downloads it to your mouth and you hear yourself say it. You haven't experienced that yet. Keep walking with God. Keep being open to the Spirit of God.
And it has happened in my life on a couple of occasions. You hear yourself say something, say, where did that come from? They said, He's able to deliver us from your hand, and he will deliver us. But the next one proves that they're sold out. They said, but even If he doesn't.
See, that's where I'm preaching for some of y'all to go. You've been making some progress in your spiritual walk, but you got to get to the even if. Place. Even if I gotta be lonely more than I want to be. 'Cause God made me say goodbye to the raggedy folk.
I need some even ifers. Even if Yeah. I lose this job because this job insists that I do something unethical. or illegal. Did you hear what I said?
Sometimes you work for a job, they might as well put it in your job description. You got to lie. You gotta say what you know is not true. I know Christians. Friend of mine has a friend who was on the job and the boss said, When this person calls, tell them I'm not here, she said there's a problem.
So what's that?
So you're here? No, no, no. I don't want them to know I'm here. She said, I could tell them you're busy. I could tell them you're unavailable.
He said, no, I don't want them to know I'm in the building. She said, no, that's a problem because you're in the building. She said, I don't lie, sir.
So I'm not gonna lie for you. She even said Now, when he calls, I'll put him on hold. Buzz your office and tell you that he's on the phone and if you want to get up and walk out, When you walk out, I will take him off hold and say, I'm sorry, he's not here at the moment.
Now do you know In her case, it worked out well. He was so intrigued about somebody with that level of integrity. He questioned her more, found out about her faith in Christ. And he didn't receive Christ, but he respected her. Said, I will never ask you to do that.
Now that's a happy ending. And they all lived happily ever after. Kept getting checks every other week. How many know That that won't always happen. How many of y'all know some of y'all's bosses and supervisors?
Would write you up so quick. Come on, Nisa Mana, stay up in here.
Some of y'all would be asked to pack your stuff out. At that moment. How dare you defy me? I can get anybody else to take your job. And have you walking out.
But if you are determined For Christ I live. And if necessary for Christ, I'll die. For Christ I'll be unemployed. For Christ I'll be humiliated. Whatever it takes, so that I...
can live with a clear conscience before my God. You know, God never promised us that our lives will always be blue skies and rainbows.
Sometimes it will start raining. A rebellious child will break your heart. You may lose a job or even a marriage. If these things happen, remember Pastor Paul's message today: God may not always keep you from the fire, but He'll always walk through it with you. Thanks so much for being here with us for today's Destined for Victory message: Uncompromising Faith.
To hear any recent message on demand, stop by Pastor Paul.net. That's pastorpaul.net. And while you're there, be sure to check out our online store for some of the best Christian resources on the market, including books and DVD messages from Pastor Paul Shepard. Speaking of outstanding resources, we've got a brand new one to share with you today, introducing our latest booklet, Overcoming Bitterness. Based on some of Pastor Paul's best sermons, this message will show you key strategies to removing bitterness from your heart once and for all.
As you follow along, you'll gain strategic insight into ways to cultivate hope and reclaim the joy of the Lord's salvation. Again, that's Overcoming Bitterness, a helpful booklet for anyone who still struggles to let go of past wounds and press on toward his or her victory in Christ. Request your copy today when you make a generous gift to Destined for Victory by phone, by calling 855-339-5500. That's 855-339-5500, or by visiting pastorpaul.net to make a safe and secure donation online. or by mailing your gift to Destined for Victory.
Post Office Box 1767, Fremont, California, nine four five three eight. Giving to ministries often declines during these summer months, so we are so appreciative of your generous support today.
Well, I'm suggesting to you that you and I gotta start living that way and thinking that way. I'm a solution looking for a problem God will send me into.
Some of y'all are complaining, Lord, every time I turn around, I'm in some troubling situation. That's why God has you there. That's tomorrow in our message, being good stewards of success. Until then, remember, he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. In Christ, you are destined for victory.
