Amy Carmichael-I Know You Will Miss Me

By Mary Vee

Year: 1894 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy- Japan

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary helping the Barclay Buxton family and other missionaries tell the people of Japan about the God who loves them.

A month after my last visit to Hirose, Misaki San and I planed another visit. I woke the day before we left and had a feeling that God would save eight souls. 

When I told the other missionaries in our group about the eight souls, they said the number was too high. 

"Amy, my dear, perhaps you should instead pray for God's blessings on the meetings instead. I mean, who are we to say if 2 or 6 or even 8 people will choose to follow Jesus," said one of the missionaries.

"I'm sorry," I said. "But I believe with all my heart that God is saying eight people will desire to choose to follow Jesus and I'm asking you to support my going with prayer."

"All right. we will," they finally agreed.

The prayer meeting began and kept going after Misaki San and I left. The missionaries prayed for the eight people who would choose to follow Christ. That night in Hirose I held a Bible study. Eight people chose to follow Christ. Although I made several visits after this one, God did not give me the feeling that others would choose to follow Him.

I am thankful for what was done in Hirose. The number of people who now believe in Jesus as their Savior had tripled.

After each visit to Hirose, though, my headaches worsened. Light hurt my eyes. I had to lay in bed for weeks and still the headache did not improve. I took a boat to China to visit a doctor there. He said my health would not allow me to continue working in Japan.

I didn't want to believe him. I also didn't want to be a burden on the missionaries in Japan. A missionary on the other side of the island said they urgently needed help. Maybe the weather would be better there. I couldn't wait to go. 

There was a terrible storm that rocked out boat. I became sick so terribly sick that I fainted. Some help, huh. I'd became more sickly than the missionary I was replacing. My only choice was to go back to Matsuye.

I finally had to realize, God had another place for me. With a huge amount of sadness, I bought a ticket to sail to China. 

As I boarded the boat, my heart ached horribly. I wasn't a failure, but I wished I could have stayed and continue the work. The other missionaries in Matsuye were so very kind. They all pretended I would be back after a nice six month rest. We all knew it wouldn't be so. I would never be well enough to live here full time.

The ship pulled away from the dock. I slipped my hand into a pocket and found a note from Misaki San. She wrote, "I know you will miss me. I have a favor to ask of you. Remember that Christ is sitting by you at this very moment. Talk with Him. Tell Him everything you are thinking. Do this to forget me."

This was a difficult assignment. Misaki San and I were more than friends. We had become sisters. She was right, only Jesus could help me.

And now, I wonder where God will lead me next.

Resources used for this series:
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Daniel-The Kings Frightening Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I am a slave to the king of Babylon. My work is here in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace.

I am called upon whenever the king's advisors cannot answer his questions. He knows I will pray and ask God for what to say. He even encourages me to do so because then he will hear the right answer.

The answers, though are not necessarily something that will benefit the king. At least King Nebuchadnezzar is mostly interested in hearing the truth over what pleases him. Not all kings are this way.

Last time, Nebuchadnezzar told you about a dream he had. The dream came last night, and it scared him terribly. Scroll down to the last post to read the dream.

After he finished telling me the dream he said, "Belteshazzar," that is the name he calls me, even though my given name is Daniel. "Belteshazzar tell me what the dream means. Not one of the wise men in m kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."

I was thoroughly confused at the time. I prayed and God told me the meaning of the dream. My thoughts and the meaning of the dream terrified me. I couldn't speak, the meaning was so terrible.

King Nebechadnezzar finally said after I'd been quiet for such a long time, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you. Tell me what you know."

I took a deep breath and answered him. "My lord, if only the dream was meant for your enemies and its meaning for your adversaries! The tree you saw grew large and strong with its top touching the sky. It was visible to the whole earth with beautiful leaves and lots of fruit providing food for man and animal. It also gave shelter to the beasts of the field in addition to nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air. You, O king, are that tree!

"You have become great and strong. Your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky. Your kingdom extends to distant parts of the earth.

"You saw a messenger, a holy one from heaven who said, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump which is bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Leave the roots in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him live like the wild animals for seven years.'"

I bowed my head. "This is the meaning of your dream, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against you, my lord. You will be driven away from people and live with the wild animals. You will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven years will pass before you will acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and can give them to whom He wishes.

"The command to leave the stump and roots means your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Please, O king, accept my advice. Turn away from your sins by doing what is right. Turn from your wickedness by being kind to those who suffer. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.


Come back next time to read what King Nebuchadnezzar decided to do.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________
2. Why did Nebuchadnezzar call for Daniel's help with the dream?
3. What was the meaning of the dream, according to what God told Daniel?
4. What advice did Daniel give to King Nebuchadnezzar?

Nebuchadnezzar-I Had a Dream

By Mary Vee
Daniel 4

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose one of their brightest young men to serve me in my court. He calls himself Daniel but I call him Belteshazzar

What impresses me most about Belteshazzar is his ability to answer questions no one else can answer.

Just last night I had a dream. The visions that passed through my mind terrified me. A few moments ago, I called my magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. I told them my dream, and just as I suspected, none of them could interpret the meaning. 

I sent for Daniel.

"Sire, Daniel has arrived as you requested," said my guard.

I waved for him to come forward. "Daniel, I had a frightening dream last night. I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream. Interpret it for me."

"I will ask my God to tell me the meaning."

It was the answer I expected from him. "All right, this was my dream. As I lay in my bed, I saw a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky. It was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful. Its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter and the birds of the air lived in its branches. From it every creature was fed.

"I saw a messenger, a holy one coming down from heaven. He called in a loud voice, 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches. Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals run away from under it and the birds from its branches. But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground in the grass of the field.'

"The loud voice then said, 'Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal until seven years pass.'

"The loud voice said, 'The decision is announced by messengers. The holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and set over them the lowliest of men.'

I sat back on my chair and held out my hands. "This is my dream. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, because none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods in in you."

I knew Daniel would take a moment to speak with his God. I waited, giving him the time to learn the answer for me.


Come back next time to hear Daniel's answer.


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1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________
2. Who did Nebuchadnezzar call first to tell him about his dream?
3. Could they help him?
4. Who else did Nebuchadnezzar call?
5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar think this person could help?
6. What was Nebuchadnezzar dream?
7. Why did this frighten him?

8. Who will Daniel ask for help?

Amy Carmichael-No One Will Listen to You, Amy

By Mary Vee

Year: 1894 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary helping the Barclay Buxton family and other missionaries tell the people of Japan about the God who loves them.

About a month after two women accepted Jesus as their Savior in the nearby city of Hirose, I woke and felt in my heart that God wanted me to go there again. I felt in my heart four people would ask Jesus to be their Savior.

I told the Buxtons about my desire to go to Hirose. They and the other missionaries from nearby gathered and prayed. My translator, Misaki San sat with me and prayed for a whole day. The next morning we left for Hirose.

When we arrived I told everyone we saw on the city streets about the Bible study I would have that night. Some of the people recognized me from previous visits and nodded politely. 

The weather was cold that day and stayed cold at night. Hardly anyone came to the meeting. I wasn't disappointed, though. I still believed there were four people who wanted to ask Jesus to be their Savior, I just needed to find them before Misaki San and I returned home.

Misaki San pulled me aside after the meeting. She said, "I have heard other Christians in this city say the message we bring offends the Buddhists and keeps them from wanting to be Christians. They say we should not tell the people to get rid of their idols. They are hoping you see their wisdom in helping you."

My heart pounded. How could the other Christians say this? God specifically says in the Bible that we should not have any other gods. That included the idols in the Buddhist's homes. "No, Misaki, San. I cannot take back these teachings. I must tell them to get rid of their idols if they truly want Jesus to be their Savior."

The Japanese Christians who sat in the Bible study sighed. They knew none of the people in Hirose would listen to me if I insisted they get rid of their idols. The few men and women who attended stared blankly, politely listening, but not hearing the words. 

I began to wonder if I was wrong. I couldn't give in. I wouldn't. But I didn't know how to share God's love with men and women who wouldn't give up their idols. 

Then a woman sitting in a corner of the room said, "I want to believe." 

My heart leaped. I said a prayer, dismissed the meeting, and walked to the woman. We sat together and talked. I told her the good news of how God loves her. A few minutes later her son came into the room looking for her. Rather than say anything, he stood close and listened. Both mom and son asked Jesus to be their Savior.

I practically skipped down the city streets toward one of the Japanese Christian's homes. I wanted to tell them the good news so they would help the new Christians. 

A man opened the door. "I am so glad you came to my house. I happen to have a guest who wants to know more about the God who loves him."

Really? This is amazing! After I shared God's love with his guest, the guest asked Jesus to be his Savior. I was so excited I could barely breathe, but I knew there was a fourth person somewhere who wanted to ask Jesus to be his Savior. Misaki San and I walked back to the house where we were staying for the night. Most everyone had gone to bed. I walked to the sitting room and asked "Do you know of anyone who is interesting in asking Jesus to be their Savior?"

One man nodded. "My wife. She told me she wanted to be a Jesus person but she is out of town and won't be back for a week."

How could this be? I was sure there would be four. I went to bed and struggled to go to sleep. During the night I woke many times. I prayed for God to show me who the fourth person was. 

A knock on my door woke me. I looked out the window and saw the sunrise. A servant said, "The man's wife has returned early from her trip. She would like to speak with you."

"Really?" I quickly dressed and woke Misaki San. We went to the sitting room and met with the woman. Just as I thought, she had questions about the God who loved her. By the end of our conversation, she asked Jesus to be her Savior.

Four. An uncommon number of Japanese to ask Jesus into their heart in one visit, one full day. But God said it would be so. And it was.

I couldn't be any happier. Today was my birthday, and I received the best gift ever. Thank you, God.

Resources used for this series:
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Ezekiel-The Voice of The Lord Comforted Me

By Mary Vee
Ezekiel 40

From Ezekiel's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Ezekiel. I am a prophet living in Babylon. As a prophet, my job is to tell the people messages sent from God. Other Jews who live in Babylon with me are prisoners along of the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar, too. We serve as slaves for the Babylonian people. 

One of my jobs is to keep record of what has happened to us. My people have lived here, as slaves, for twenty-five years. 

Our beloved city, Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar's army fourteen years ago. I received word saying the Babylonian army had burned the city to the ground. Our homes. Our memories. Everything, destroyed. Even though I was not there, I can picture the  destruction in my mind, and weep over our loss.

We celebrated another new year ten days ago. This day, the tenth day of the first month, was the same day Jerusalem fell into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. My heart was heavy. I long to go back to my home but know this is not yet God's timing. 

We as a nation sinned and deserve this punishment. As I sat, by the brook, the hand of the Lord touched me. He took me to a very high mountain of Israel in a vision. A man stood there, his skin was bronze. 

He stood in the gateway holding a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. The man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears and pay attention to everything I am going to show you. For that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see."

Of course I would. I listened to everything and watched closely as the man went about the city that looked like Jerusalem. He measured the east gate, the outer court, the north and south gates, the inner court, rooms set aside for preparation and room for the priests, the court and altar, the portico, outer sanctuary, Most Holy Place and side rooms. He measured the temple, decorations, table and doors--the place was huge. 

The man took me to the east gate. There I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters. The land was radiant with his glory. What I saw was like the vision of His glory showing me the destruction of Jerusalem and the vision of the dry bones. I gasped and fell facedown, afraid.

The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the east gate. Even with my head down the light amazed me and caused me to feel even more afraid. Every part of me shook.

The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court. There I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple. The voice said, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. 

While I shook in fear, His voice, the voice of the glory of the Lord comforted me.


*********************************************************************************************

1. What is Ezekiel's job?
2. Where does he live?
3. Why does he live there?
4. What did he see in his vision?
5. Why was he afraid?
6. Who comforted him?

Nebuchadnezzar-How Did Three Men Survive the Fiery Furnace?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expected their obedience.

Three of the men did not obey me. I became so angry that these Jews dared to defy me that I ordered the fiery furnace heated seventy hotter to punish them. 

Do you know what those three men did? They didn't beg for their lives. They didn't weep. At least they didn't have a defiant face. They stood respectfully and accepted the punishment. I've never encounter such a problem. Usually watching men beg pleased me.

To make matters worse, my best guards died when they pushed the three men into the furnace. I thought all of that was bad enough, but when I watched the three men fall into the fire, they didn't burn. They stood up and walked around talking with each other, unharmed. The ropes we used to tie them up had fallen off. 

And then a fourth man appeared. He looked like a son of the gods. I have no idea where he came from.

These men had to be servants of the Most High God. I went to the opening of the furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

The three men walked out. They didn't limp or rub their arms. The satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They walked around the three men and inspected them. 

"They have no injuries," said one.

They touched their hair. "The hair on their heads is not singed," said another. 

They felt their robes and rolled the fabric in their hands. "Their robes are not scorched." 

They sniffed the air around the men. "They have no smell of fire on them! How can this be?"

I was as amazed as my advisors and realized there could only be one answer to explain this miracle. I said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They have trusted in him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble. For no other god can save in this way."

I turned to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. "I am promoting each of you to a new position in the provide of Babylon."

The three men surprised me again. They didn't rejoice, or say 'I told you so', or give a disrespectful look of victory. No, they each kept their wise looks of respect. Huh. After seeing what had happened, I guess I really did expect them to respond this way. Their dedication to their God really shows.


*********************************************************************************************

1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. Who were the three men who did not obey the king?

3. When the Nebuchadnezzar ordered the 3 men into the furnace, how did they act?

4. What happened while they were in the furnace?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar let them out of the furnace?

6. What didn't their hair feel like?

7. What didn't their robes feel like?

8. What didn't the air around them smell like?

9. What did Nebuchadnezzar decide from this information?

10. What did Nebuchadnezzar decree?

11. What was the last surprise?

Amy Carmichael-When One Becomes Two

By Mary Vee

Year: 1894 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary helping the Barclay Buxton family and other missionaries tell the people of Japan about the God who loves them.

I have been sick for a long time. At last I feel better. I'm not sure what is causing the pain. The doctor thinks it's the weather here in Japan. I'm just thankful that God is healing me.

While I lay in bed healing this last month, I spent my awake times praying. I asked Him to keep leading me everyday, to help me do His will, to help me honor Him in all I say and do. Then I prayed for the people of Japan. So many have never heard about Jesus. 

Every time I think about it, I just want to hop out of bed, run to the nearest city, and tell everyone I see about God's love. 

The day comes, at last. The doctor says I can go back to work, I call my translator, Misaki San to visit me. I am so happy when she arrives. "Misaki San, we simply must go back to Hirose tomorrow."

Her face lights up. "Wonderful news. I am so glad you feel better." 

The next day we hire a rickshaw to take us to Hirose. It is bitter cold out, and unlike a car, there is no glass to protect us from the wind. A rickshaw is kind of like a horse and carriage: bumpy with no protection from the weather. 

To distract me from the wild ride, I start a conversation with Misaki San. "While I rested this last month I prayed a lot."

"This is good."

"I asked God to give us two souls for this visit."

"Really? You realize that most missionaries are excited when one person believes in Jesus as their Savior after trying for a whole year."

"Yes. I remember," I say. But that doesn't mean we can't try.

"These people are very strong in their beliefs of Buddha, Amy. It will be difficult for them to understand something different."

"Yes, I know. But God can help the people understand."

"You're right. Who knows. Maybe God will save two souls today."

We arrive back in Hirose. Since this is my second visit, I know better where to go We pay the rickshaw driver and walk the same streets as last time. I see the weaver girl working on her project. 

She calls us over. "I've been so happy since Jesus is now in my life." She smiles and sets her work down. "I want you to speak with my friend. Do you have time?"

Of course we do. The weaver girl asks us to wait while she finds her friend. It doesn't take long before the two girls come back. The weaver girl introduces her friend. I greet her in the expected Japanese way then tell her all about Jesus. To my delight, she decides to believe in Jesus as her Savior. 

I am so excited. I remind the girls to visit with the Christians in the village. I tell them the names of the people and where they live. The weaver girl says she has already met the family and has been studying the Bible with them. 

Misaki San and I bowed to the girls and leave. The smiles I saw on their faces really warm my heart.

"Let's keep walking, Misaki San. Maybe there is a second person here, ready to hear about Jesus."

"All right." 

We walk to the end of the street then turned. An older woman walks to the front door of a home. I walked to her and say, "Do you have time to talk?"

Misaki San translates for me. The one woman looks at me then at Misaki San and says, "Yes. What would you like to talk about?" She welcomes us into her home and gives us tea. 

I tell her about the God who loves her, and that there is nothing we can do that is good enough to earn our way to heaven. Only God's Son is perfect and could pay the great price for our sins. She listens to me speak then to Misaki who translates in her language. When I ask her if she wants to accept God's gift of salvation, she says yes. I teach her how to pray.

A wonderful peace comes over her face. She seems so happy. I tell her about the Christian family in her city and where they live. "They can help you learn about God's Word." She says she wants to go and plans to visit them tomorrow.

The day ends and two souls have come to know Jesus as their Savior. Misaki San and I ride back to our homes. The cold doesn't bother me as much this time. How could it? The angels are rejoicing over two new souls!!

Come back next time. I have much more to share!


Resources used for this series:
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Nebuchadnezzar-Weren't There Three Men?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Nebuchadnezzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is Nebuchadnezzar. I am the king of Babylon. My dominion is vast and we are powerful.

My army conquered the Jews from Judah and took them as captives. I chose a few of their smartest young men to serve in my court and gave them positions of honor. I expect a lot from them. Most of all, I expect their obedience.

The workers recently completed a ninety feet tall image of gold, as I commanded. On the dedication day, I told the musicians of horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music to play at the moment I assigned. I sent out heralds ahead of time to tell the people when they heard the music they were to bow down and worship the image.

Of course the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers agreed this was a great idea. The people will be brought together and will give me the respect I deserve as their king.

I went out to my balcony and watched the process. I signaled the musicians. The people from every nation and tongue bowed before the image--or so I thought. After the ceremony a few of my astrologers reported certain Jews refused to bow down. Imagine my surprise when I learned these were men I had placed in a high position in my kingdom.

How dare they defy me? My anger boiled and I ordered my guards to bring them to me. After a few minutes I managed to calm down and remember how good these men did their job. I offered them one more chance to obey my command by bowing down to the statue when the music played.

The three men refused! They said they would bow down to no other than their Jewish God. Talk about disrespect! I ordered them bound right then--and the fiery furnace pumped to seven times the heat. Even with this threat, the men would not give in. Did they really expect their God to save them from what I, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered? I think not.

My strongest soldiers bound the three men and pushed them toward the furnace. I watched from a safe distance. Those three men will be sorry they defied me, that's for sure.

The soldiers pushed them close and the door to the fiery furnace was pulled opened. A blast of heat came out in a ball of fire. The soldiers pushed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace. But before the soldiers could get away the fire took their lives.

I watched inside the furnace from a safe place. I wanted to witness the torment these men would suffer for disrespecting me. As I looked, though, I saw the three men standing in the midst of the flames. I called out to my advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

The advisor answered, "Certainly, O King."

"Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

I walked to the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

I will finish this telling next time.


*********************************************************************************************

1. Nebuchadnezzar is the king of _____________

2. He ordered __________ to signal the people of his new command.

3. When the people heard the _______ they were to ___________.

4. Who did not obey the king and why?

5. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give them a second chance?

6. Why did the men refuse the second chance?

7. What did Nebuchadnezzar order?

8. What happened?

Shadrach-Pushed Into The Fiery Furnace

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends, Meshach and Abednego and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

The guards yanked our arms behind our backs and tied ropes around us. I've never seen King Nebuchadnezzar this angry before. 

To heat the furnace seven time hotter than he would for anyone else proved his incredible anger.

We still wore our robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes as we were forced to walk to the furnace.

King Nebuchadnezzar's command came so quickly and the furnace pushed to the super hot heat so fast that the burst of flames from the fire killed the soldiers who pushed us. Their last shove, before they died, caused us to fall into the blazing furnace.

The three of us landed on the floor of the furnace. The air around us was hot, but my skin didn't burn. I stood up. So did Meshach, and Abednego. We knew we couldn't just walk out of the furnace so we stood there, waiting to see what would happen next.

Then, to my surprise, I saw a man dressed in a white robe standing with us. He spoke with a gentle voice. "Don't be afraid. I am with you." 

We stood together not really sure what to say to each other. Our clothes didn't burn or catch on fire. We had air to breathe. The flames made a roaring sound all around us but never touched us. We moved our hands through the air and flames. It was thicker than air but not as thick as water.

A voice called to us from the entrance of the furnace. I looked and saw King Nebuchadnezzar shouting, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"

We walked toward the opening. I looked back, though, and didn't see the man who stood with us. Meshach and Abednego saw me look. We all smiled to each other and stepped out the furnace door.

A swarm of satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers crowded around us. "The fire didn't burn them!" one shouted. 

They touched our hair. "Not a hair on their head is singed," said another. 

They touched the fabric of our robes. "Look, their robes are not scorched." 

They took a breath. "There is no smell of fire or smoke on them," said another. "How can this be?"

Nebuchadnezzar stroked his beard. He stepped closer to us and held his arms out wide. "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!

Can you imagine that! Truly God is amazing.

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1. Why was King Nebuchadnezzar angry with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? (You will have to look at the last story for this answer).

2. Why did King Nebuchadnezzar order the furnace to be made seven times hotter?

3. What happened to the guards who took Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the furnace?

4. What happened while the three friends were in the furnace?

5. Did the visitor go with the three friends when they walked out of the furnace? Why?

6. What did all the officials notice when the three friends stepped out of the furnace?

7. What did King Nebuchadnezzar say?

Amy Carmichael-God Gives The Best Presents

By Mary Vee

Year: 1894 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary helping the Barclay Buxton family and other missionaries here tell the people of Japan about the God who loves them.

Not long ago, I felt ready to travel to nearby villages and serve God there.  My interpreter, Misaki San, and I prepared for the journey. We left for Hirose today. 

Before I left the Buxton's home, I prayed, asking God what He wanted me to do in Hirose. When I finished praying I had the feeling God had one specific person in mind to hear the Gospel. I prayed for him or her and told Misaki San the news.

She suggested we tell the other missionaries. "They would pray for us while we're gone," she said. 

It was a good idea. I told Mr. Buxton and the other missionaries. They immediately knelt and prayed.

We hired a rickshaw, pulled by a Japanese driver. On the way to Hirose, Misaki San told me the people living in that village worshipped Buddha. They strongly believed in the Buddhist ways and may not listen to what we say.

Only God could help us with this problem. I prayed the entire trip, asking God to show me the person I should speak to and to give me the right words to say.

The trip was long and bumpy. I was very thankful when we finally arrived. 

Misaki San and I stretched our legs. The little village had beautiful trees, quaint stores, and clean streets. On one street I saw a young girl weaving silk. She looked up as we passed and rubbed her eyes. 

"Do you have time to talk?" I asked.

She set her work down. "Yes. I'd like a break."

As I told her about Jesus, her eyes widened. She listened to the words Misaki San translated. She asked how she could have Jesus as her Savior. We helped her pray. 

We must have talked for at least an hour. I told her about one other Christian in the city. They could meet together and study the Bible. She smiled and said she wanted to start tomorrow.

On our ride home, Misaki San and I retold the story of the silk weaving girl who accepted Jesus as her Savior and praised God. We couldn't wait to tell the others what God had done.

I wanted to go back to Hirose the next day. Sadly, I became ill and had to stay in bed a whole month before I was well enough to travel again.

This wasn't the only present God gave me, though. 

Come back next time. I have much more to share!


Resources used for this series:
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Shadrach-Standing Our Ground Before King Nebuchadnezzar No Matter the Cost

By Mary Vee
Daniel 3

From Shadrach's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Shadrach. My friends and I have lived in Babylon for a little while. We're not Babylonians. We are Hebrews who were born in the land of Judah. 

King Nebuchadnezzar has a lot of power. His Babylonian kingdom is huge. If the king becomes angry with a person, that man would never find a way to run or hide to get away from Nebuchadnezzar or his soldiers.

King Nebuchadnezzar is very angry with my friends, Mesach, Abednego, and me. He set up a ninety foot image and ordered everyone to bow down to it. 

My friends and I have very high ranking positions even though we are slaves. We are expected to obey Nebuchadnezzar's decrees. This time we could not. We cannot bow down to any god. We will only worship the one true God.

Nebuchadnezzar yells at us for a little bit then gives us a chance to change our mind. He stands waiting for us to give him an answer. The answer he wants is that we will bow down to his god.

I speak for the three of us. "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you when it comes to bowing to your image. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it. He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

I look sideways at my friends. All they do is glance at me. That's all they can do with the king staring at us. I knew they agree with everything I had said.

Nebuchadnezzar isn't happy, though. His face turns a dark red and he stomps. We have lost favor in his eyes. "Heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual. And you," he called the strongest soldiers in his army to come. "Tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace."

What do you think will happen? Come next Saturday to read more of the story.

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1. Why did Nebuchadnezzar give the three Jews a second chance?
2. Do you think he gave others a second chance?
3. What did Nebuchadnezzar want the three Jews to do?
4. What did the three Jews decide to say?
5. King Nebuchadnezzar was angry or happy with their answer?
6. What did Nebuchadnezzar do with the furnace?