Understanding True Sacrifice

Daniel 3:17-18 (KJV) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The men in today’s passage, unlike the others, were distinct because of their sacrifice. They were willing to offer their lives in loyalty to their God, the result was an encounter with the Son of God (Daniel 3:25). Those who in obedience to Jesus’ command in Luke 24:49 sacrificed their time, businesses, and pleasure and waited in Jerusalem also encountered the Holy Spirit as a reward.

Every child of God who desires to walk in spiritual power and authority must learn the way of sacrifice. For instance, you would sacrifice food so you can fast, sleep so you can pray at night, certain fun so you can spend that time studying, certain purchases so you can give the money to God, etc.

You will not enjoy the unique possibilities that are in God If you seek, obey, and serve God only when it is convenient.

Go into today knowing that the language of spirits is sacrifice and if you intend to do business with the Spirit of God, you must learn to live sacrificially (Psalms 50:5).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, please give me the grace to live sacrificially so I can be more useful to you. Amen.

—Dr. Emmanuel James