God hid the most precious and profitable things on the inside. He hid oil in the ground and underneath oceans. He hid diamonds and gold beneath the earth. He did the same with us. He hid so much wealth inside of us - and yet we spend a lifetime chasing it the world's way.

It took me 50 years to discover this one most important truth about humanity.  Yes, we all have the Holy Spirit once we accept Jesus Christ as Lord - but with that should come the discovery of our purpose (the gold, diamonds and oil) God hid deep within.

The Prophet, Elisha, said to the widow who was so broke and about to lose everything she owned, even her sons to be sold into slavery. He asked her one question... "tell me, what do you have in your house?" She said, "all I have is one jar of oil." He told her to go get some pots and don't get a few. He knew how God works. God just doesn't give, he gives the Bible says abundantly (translated - He gives "extravagantly"). In other words, what do you have inside of you?

The three God-fearing government officials had a choice: Bow down and worship the golden idol as commanded by the king; or, be thrown into the furnace and be burned alive. They refused, opting instead to tell the king that God would deliver them - and even if he didn't, they would rather be burned alive than serve false gods and bow to the golden image the king had set up.

The king was Nebuchadnezzar. The three government officials were Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. 

We know the story. And we know that God was with them from the time they were thrown into the furnace, until the time they walked out of the furnace with not even a hint of smoke on them.

Nebuchadnezzar was so in awe that not only did he decree that others throughout the kingdom not dare speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, but he promoted all three to even higher positions.

What can we learn from this?

1. Like those who threw the three into the furnace, those who try to ruin you, God will cause the same or worse ruin to come upon them. Neither fret over what people are doing to you nor fear them!
2. Trust God for the outcome. Don't bow to political pressure or threats of losing your job if you don't go against your faith. Know that God is in the fire with you and you will come out without scorch. The flames will rage around you, but God will protect you.
3. Give God glory before, during and after your trial and He not only will rescue you but in the end, cause the very ones who tried to destroy you, to promote you!
4. Challenges will come. Threats are real. Those in authority over you may even fire you or demote you. Ridicule and despise you. Plot against and lie on you. But know that they can't defeat you. You will, in the end, come out on top. The fix is already in, in your favor. You may be on the ropes, but they can never deliver the knock out blow. 
5. Place everything you have in God's hands. Be confident in Him. You don't need to "get back" at anybody because God has your back. Do all you can and leave the rest to God. The battle is His, not yours. Represent God and He will rescue you. Stand on His principles and He will stand up for you. Be confident in this one thing. They may form a weapon against you, but it won't do the devastation to you they thought and schemed. They may try and ruin you, but they themselves will come to ruin. Have confidence in God and surely He will not only bring you out; but in the end, promote you.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego is found in Daniel 3

You're wealthy when you have everything money can buy. Ahhhh, but you're rich when you have everything it can't.

Jeffrey Epstein is wealthy but all of his money can't buy one hour of freedom. Howard Hughes was wealthy but his money couldn't buy him a sound mind.

God has so RICHLY blessed us that we so often miss it. Don't wish to be wealthy.

Think of all you have that money can't buy and thank God that you're rich! 

Until selfishness morphs into selflessness, we're not ready to lead well. It's why so many systems and departments led by so many Christians are failing too.

We have adopted the same model of leadership as the world... "me first." Jesus taught and led just the opposite. Me first. If you lead with this mentality and claim Jesus Christ as Lord you may have the position, but you will never have the power you so desperately want. Servant leadership was good for the 20th century.

What is needed today and few understand, even fewer willing to practice is sacrificial leadership because we live in an ultra-selfish generation.

To lead well, eat last. Better yet, pass your plate to your worker who is still hungry.