Amy Carmichael-Breakbone Fever Took Me Down-But God Gave Me A Surprise

By Mary Vee

Year: November 8, 1895 

Amy Carmichael: 28 years old

From Amy's Journal

A train in India Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael and I am so excited to be here in India. After docking in India, I spent three weeks helping missionaries located near the port city. I am not yet at my destination, but I have boarded a train headed for Bangalore.

In Bangalore, I will meet the missionary lady who contacted me and will finally be able to get to work.

My excitement didn't last very long, though. While the train moved past villages, temples, and hills, my insides started to hurt. It almost seemed like every bone in my body was broken. 

A worker brought me a cup of tea. I tried to lift the cup to my lips but didn't have the strength. When the train finally reached the Bangalore station, I tried to stand. I had to drag myself off of the train then fell into the arms of the waiting missionary. 

This was not the first impression I wanted to make, but what could I do? I was so very sick. The missionary took me straight to the hospital, the one I came to serve.

I woke some time later. A doctor stood by my bed, looking at a chart. "How do you feel?"

"Awful. My bones hurt. They all feel like they're broken."

He nodded. "Yes I know. You also have a high fever. This is called dengue fever. It is also called break bone fever, I think you can understand why."

"How long will I be sick?"

He raised one shoulder. "The worst pain will take a week to pass. After that, you'll need several weeks to fully recover."

Sigh. My plan to be a missionary in India did not include sitting in a hospital bed for several weeks. My bones hurt. Yes, I already told you that, but it's all I think about. Even my heart isn't happy to finally be here. I am lonely for my mother, my friends like Mr. Wilson who helped my family in England, Misaki San in Japan. Someone who could be my friend.

There hadn't been time to make friends, yet. Did anyone know or even care that my birthday was soon? I tried so hard to think of good things. God says we should when we feel sad, lonely, or depressed. A nurse later told me, "These feelings of sadness are part of the dengue fever. We understand."

But did she really? I was sent here to do missionary work, not to be a patient.

During my recovery, I spent my time learning the Tamil language. There are many languages spoken in India, but Tamil formed the foundation of the other Indian languages. I'd have a better chance of being understood by more people. 

December 16th came. My birthday. No one knew, and I didn't feel it was proper to tell anyone. Yet, I really had hoped someone knew. Anyone Or who would visit me in the hospital and become my friend. I sat on my bed, still having the depression sickness, and thought only sad things.

Suddenly a bouquet of flowers flew through my opened window and landed on my lap. Imagine my complete surprise.

I leaned out the window and saw a young man. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't know. I just did," he said.

I sat back down and touched the red, yellow, and orange flowers. So soft, and silky. I smelled them. A sweet sent touched my nose. I laughed.

God was so good to me. He sent me flowers on my birthday. I cried. God is so thoughtful.


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-What is the Writing on the Wall?

By Mary Vee
Daniel 5

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I am a prophet of God and am a prisoner in the land of Babylon with many other Jews.

Several years have gone by since I saw those frightening visions of what would happen in the future. I went about doing my work in the palace, not hardly being noticed by anyone of importance. The king didn't have any real need for me which made life easier.

I never really was worried that anything bad would happen when a king sent for me. Each time one called, God had somehow communicated with whichever man was king at the time. Confused, the king demanded the meaning of the message. 

Each time I prayed and God told me the meaning. I answered the king's questions truthfully as God directed, even if I had to give bad news. The kings respected me for that.

News spread among the staff in the palace. King Belshazzar planned a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles this evening. I was glad I didn't have to go because barrels of wine had been order. The guests would get drunk and I just didn't want to be a part of that.

I did my usual work, ate supper then went to bed. I was surprised to hear a guard knocking at my door. "The king has summoned you."

I grabbed my robe and went with him. This new king didn't know me very well. He looked at me and raised one eyebrow as if to say he didn't think I would be of any use to him. He said, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have great understanding, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom."

"I am Daniel."

He stood then walked over to the wall and pointed. "The wise mean and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

In truth I didn't want any of those things. I was willing to ask God for the meaning and to tell King Belshazzar what it was, but that was it.

Come back next time to find out what the writing meant.

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1. Why did the kings of Babylon trust Daniel?
2. Why had King Belshazzar called Daniel?
3. What would King Belshazzar give Daniel if he answered his question?
4. Was Daniel excited to get the reward? Why or why not?

Nebuchadnezzar-Call for Daniel. He Will Help

By Mary Vee
Daniel 5

From King Belshazzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Belshazzar. I am the king of Babylon. These words are my report of what happened on this night.

Last time I told you about the hand that suddenly appeared and wrote on a wall. There was no body, only the hand. The sight frightened me. I sent for my wise men to find out what the message meant.

They studied the markings.

Not one of the men could tell me the meaning of the writing on the wall. Not one.

They touched it, looked at the markings, spoke with each other, and still, no one could tell me what the message meant. 

They hadn't seen the hand. If they had, they would be as frightened as I was. 

These things just don't happen. There had to be a reason. Maybe something horrible. Terror gripped me. The guards said my face looked pale. They called the doctors. Everyone was confused and no one knew what to do. 

The queen entered the room. "O king, live forever," she said. "I heard your voice. And I see you are frightened. Don't be alarmed. Calm yourself, you look so pale. There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. 

"In the time of your father he was found to have wisdom and intelligence like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar, who was your father, appointed this man as chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners. 

"This man, Daniel, whom King Nebuchadnezzar called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind, knowledge, understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for him. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writings mean."

She was the first person who had given me good advice. And everything she said made sense.

I turned to the guard standing nearby. "Go and get Daniel. Bring him here to the banquet table."

"Yes, sire."

I sat in my chair, which I had turned to face the writings and held my cup. I drank and stared at the writings. What could they mean?


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1. What frightened King Belshazzar?
2. Whom did he call to tell him what the message meant?
3. Did they succeed?
4. Who came into the room to help King Belshazzar?
5. Whom did she suggest should be brought to tell the meaning of the message?
6. Why did she suggest this person?

Amy Carmichael-If She Accepted Christ She Would Be Killed

By Mary Vee

Year: Nov-December, 1895 

Amy Carmichael: 28 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael and I am so excited to be here in India. I am not yet at my destination. I'll be able to continue my journey in three weeks.

The missionary who met me at my ship said he needed someone to stay at his house while he was gone. He had a business trip and wanted someone to stay with his two daughters.

I thought it was a good idea. This would give me a chance to rest from the long ocean voyage before taking the train to the mission where I would work.

While at Mr. Arden's home, I used the time to learn as much about India as I could. I asked his daughters and anyone who would listen to my questions. I learned that one of Jesus' disciples, Thomas, was captured and sold as a slave. His owner brought him to India. While in India, Thomas was sold again to the king. Tomas was told to design buildings for the king. Every moment he could, Thomas told the king about the God who loved him. The king listened and soon asked Jesus into his heart.

I really loved hearing that story.

A week later, one of the missionary ladies came to me and said, "I have a problem. I wrote my missionary letter to those who support me back in England. In the letter I told them about a young Muslim girl who was very excited to learn about God. She even wanted to ask Jesus into her heart. When her brother heard her plan, he said he would kill her if she did.  The poor girl became so frightened of her family, she never asked Jesus to save her. 

"One of the supporters wrote me back. She said the story was much too sad to be in the newsletter. She asked me to only send stories with happy endings. Was I wrong? Should I change the endings?"

I couldn't believe I had actually heard such a question. "No, of course not. You need to report the truth to them. Let them know exactly what is happening. How else will they know the need for missionaries here?"

It wasn't much longer before I learned telling the truth, even among the Christian, was not the popular thing to do.

There is so much work that needs to be done here. People who truly love God, want to tell the truth, and want to help others learn about Him need to come.

Maybe you could be a missionary. Have you though about it?



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.

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King Belshazzar-The Party Crasher

By Mary Vee
Daniel 5

From King Belshazzar's Chronicles

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Belshazzar. I am the king of Babylon. These words are my report of what happened on this night.

As is the custom of kings, I gave a banquet for a thousand of my nobles. I ordered barrels of the finest wine and plenty of the richest foods in the kingdom.

Years ago my father, King Nebuchadnezzar, invaded and conquered the Jews living in Judah. Slaves by the thousands were brought here, to Babylon, along with chariots full of plunder taken from their great city, Jerusalem.

Buried in my treasury were some of the finest pieces of gold and silver goblets I have ever seen. The Jews certainly have excellent craftsmen. I was told these pieces came from the temple for their God.

We had an exquisite gold or silver goblet for each nobleman's place setting. The table looked magnificent.

We drank wine and ate, and drank more wine, praising the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. We laughed and drank some more.

Suddenly I saw fingers of a human hand appear. They were much larger than life. The fingers wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamp stand in the royal palace for all of us to see.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from what the hand was doing. Even knowing I had drink inside me, seeing the hand with no body and writing on the wall frightened me. My knees knocked together and my legs gave away. My servants ran to my side to help me stand.

"Quick!" I could barely speak. "Get the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners here at once."

Several guards ran out of the room while my servants helped me to my chair. "Hand me my goblet." I drank some more, but it didn't calm me any. Surely it was just the drink playing with my mind. By the time the guards left, the hand had vanished.

Seeing the hand vanish unnerved me as much as it's first appearance. What was happening? Did everyone else see the same thing? Surely they did because all the nobles gasped when I did. No I am not going crazy.

The guards escorted the enchanters, astrologers, and diviners into the banquet hall moments later. "Come," I ordered, waving them forward.

They approached my chair. "Look at the wall." I pointed to the writing. Their eyes widened. Good. At least they could see the writing as well.

"Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck. He will also be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

I expected these rewards to pry one of them to tell me the meaning. They all walked to the wall and stroked their beards.

I leaned forward, waiting to hear the interpretation.


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1. Who was King Belshazzar's father?
2. What things had his father taken from Jerusalem?
3. What special place in Jerusalem did these thing belong?
4. What did he do with them?
5. Why did the people praise the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone?
6. What frightened King Belshazzar?
7. What did he offer to have someone tell him what it meant?
8. Do you think any of these men can give him the answer?

Daniel-The Meaning of the Vision Scared Me

By Mary Vee
Daniel 8

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel.

Last time I wrote you about a vision I had in which the horn of a goat killed a ram.

While I watched the vision and tried to understand the meaning, a man stood close to me. 

I heard a man's voice calling from the canal where the animals fought, "Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision."

I was terrified when I realized the one coming to speak to me was an angel serving God. I fell to the ground and lay flat. 

"Son of man," he said to me, "this vision is about the end times."

While he spoke to me, I was in a deep sleep. My face to the ground. The angel touched me and raised me until I stood.

He said, "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the end times. The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will grow out from his nation but will not have the same power.

"A master of lies with a stern face will arise when rebels have become completely wicked. This king will become very strong, but not by his own power. 

"He will cause astounding destruction and will succeed in whatever he does. 
"He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 
"He will cause lies to prosper and he will consider himself superior. 

"When the people feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed. But not by human power.

"The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given to you is true. Seal up the vision for it concerns a time in the future."

I was exhausted and lay sick for several days. Then I was able to get up and do the king's business. 

The vision scared me. It was beyond my understanding even after hearing the meaning from the angel.

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1. Who had the vision?
2. Who told Gabriel to give Daniel the meaning of the vision?
3. What was the vision about?
4. After the angel finished speaking, what happened to Daniel?

Amy Carmichael- When An Indian Met a European on the Streets of India...

By Mary Vee

Year: November 8, 1895 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael and I am so excited to be here in India. I am not yet at my destination. My ship docked only moments ago.

In this short time, though, I learned lessons I wished I never had to hear.

As I stood in the street watching the people move, the different languages spoken, clothing worn, etc, I learned some cultural differences.

Apparently European men are called sahibs and European women are called memsahibs. Whenever an Indian needs to make a decision, he or she is expected to ask a sahib or memsahib.

If a sahib or memsahib walked into an Indian store, the owner was expected to walk away from any Indian customer immediately and rush to the European customer. The owner would shout a greeting and press his hands together as a way of respecting this honorable shopper.

On the streets, which were unbelievably crowded, no Indian person would dare touch or bump a sahib or memsahib even by accident

When sahib or memsahib travelers arrive in a city, those with transportation rush to take these loyal guests to a hotel and offer them food. Indian travelers would never receive this kind attention. As a matter of fact, Indians wouldn't even consider eating at the same restaurants, going to the same clubs, riding a horse or playing European sports with sahibs or memsahibs. This simply was not acceptable.

The more I learned, the more I felt depressed. This land belonged to the Indian people. I prayed that God would help them see they are valuable and important.

So you know, reader, long after I stopped being a missionary, the Indian people received control of their country and didn't have to be treated like this any more. But while I am here, you will read more stories from me that tell of the mean ways the Europeans treated the Indians.

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.

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Let Amy hear from you!

Daniel- The Vision About Evil Days to Come

By Mary Vee
Daniel 8

From Daniel's Journal

This is a citadel in Jerusalem
Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel.

Recently I had a vision about four beasts. Four horrible beasts. The sight upset me so much I couldn't think. Even after I was told the meaning of the vision. I kept the whole thing a secret.

Two years later, during the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, another vision came to me. This vision took me to the citadel of Susa. A citadel is a fortress on a high ground overlooking a village and Susa is a city southeast of where I have been a slave in Babylon.

In my vision, I stood by the Ulai Canal. Above me a ram with two horns also stood by the canal. Its horns were really long. And, oddly enough, one of the horns was longer than the other. 

The ram charged to the north, south, and west. No animal could stand against him. This ram did as he pleased and became great.

Photo Courtesy

The vision amazed me. As I thought about what the ram did, a goat with a horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth. The goat never touched the ground. He flew towards the ram and charged with a rage.

The goat attacked, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless and couldn't stand up against the goat's attack. The goat knocked the ram to the ground and trampled on him. No one even tried to rescue the ram.

The goat was like a super power, but at the end of this battle, his horn had broken. Four horns grew up in place of the one. They were facing the four winds of heaven.

A small horn grew out of one of the horns. It grew in power to the south and east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it touched the host of the heavens. The horn threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 

The horn said it was as great as the Prince of the host. It took away the daily sacrifices intended for the Prince and the place of the Prince's sanctuary was brought low.

Because of the rebellion, many of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given to the horn. It was successful in everything it did and truth was thrown to the ground.

I heard a holy one speaking, and a second holy one said, "How long will it take for all of these things to happen?"

The holy one said to me, "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary will be rebuilt.

The next time I write you, I will tell what this vision meant, according to God.

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1. Who had the vision?
2. What animal came first?
3. What was most amazing and scary about the first animal?
4. What animal came second?
5. What did the second animal do to the first one?
6. What power did the newest horn want?
7. So many terrible things will happen, according to this vision to Daniel. How long will it be before it happens?

Daniel-The Meaning of the Scary Beast Vision

By Mary Vee
Daniel 7

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel.

Recently I had a vision about four beasts. Four horrible beasts. The sight upset me so much I couldn't think. I asked one of those standing near me, "What is the true meaning of all of this?"

He said, "The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever--yes, for ever and ever."

I still didn't understand. I asked a few more questions. "Please, tell me the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and, I must confess, the most terrifying. The iron teeth and bronze claws--the beast that crushed and ate its victims. The one who trampled under its foot whatever was left.  

"And, please tell me about the ten horns on its head. Also about the one that spoke. The one that looked larger than the others and had eyes and a mouth that spoke. I saw it start a war against the saints. It was winning until the Ancient of Days came and gave judgement in favor of the saints of the Most High. Those saints then possessed the kingdom."

He said, "The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 

"The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will arise, different from the earlier ones. He will conquer three kings. He will speak against the Most High and will hurt his saints. He will try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for three and a half years.

"But the court will sit, and this evil one's power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. The power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom. All rulers will worship and obey him.

So this was the end of the vision and its meaning. I was so upset by my thoughts. My face turned pale, but I kept the whole thing a secret.
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1. Who had the vision?
2. Daniel mostly wanted to know about the which beast?
3. What was the fourth beast?
4. What were the ten horns?
5. After Daniel heard the meaning of the vision what did he do?

Amy Carmichael-The Pompous Englishmen

By Mary Vee

Year: November 8 1895 

Amy Carmichael: 27 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael and I am so excited I am going to shout from the rooftops: I AM A MISSIONARY AGAIN!

The Keswick Society agreed to sponsor and support my work as a missionary, once again. 

Before I could leave, the board insisted I received training in the ways of India to prepare me for my journey. I really wanted to leave right away, but after the fiasco in Japan, (arriving in the cyclone and no one there to show me the way) I saw the benefits to being prepared.

India belongs to Britain at this time. I know, India has since gained it's independence for you readers. India is twenty times bigger than the British Isles. I've been told the land overflows with mountains, jungles, plateaus, rivers, and deserts.

There are many more people living in India than in Britain. My tutors say nearly three hundred million people live there. At least ten times more people than in Britain.

When one of the instructors said there are many languages spoken and many religions, I wasn't worried. My short stay in Ceylon convinced me I could learn the Indian language I needed. 

Poverty is a big issue in India. There are so many poor people it is difficult to care for all of them. I will work to help those in need near where I live.

The tutors also taught me about the politics between India and Britain. But I won't bore you with those details. What I do want to tell you is I stepped onto my ship bound for India on October 11, 1895 and put my things in my second class cabin.

A British man, whom I didn't know, told me I was going to India at the best time. "This," he said, "is the cold season. Quite perfect for drinking and parties."

I had no intention of going to any of these parties and hoped there wouldn't be any drinking where I would live.

Several other men bragged about the parties they planned to attend. I began to wonder just who the heathen actually were in India.

On November 8, my ship docked at the port of Madras. I was surprised at what I saw.

Families lived on the streets. Those who owned anything had a mat of palm leaves to sit or lay on instead of just the dirt. These poor didn't wear any clothes but had bracelets and anklets with rings piercing their ears and noses. The sight disgusted me. India was a crown jewel of Britain. How did this happen?

A British man stood near me. He saw the look on my face and explained. "The poor come from the mountains and countrysides to try to make a life for themselves. Many of them die in the streets."

"Oh how terrible. We should be doing something to help them."

He said, "I dare say, madam. You speak harshly and ignorantly. We have built these amazing buildings all around you. Take a look at the British prestige demonstrating our better way of life."

The buildings surrounding the very poor were amazing--I'd much rather help feed the poor then step inside any of those buildings.

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-Four Beasts Came Up From the Sea

By Mary Vee
Daniel 7

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Daniel. I have worked in the palace of many Babylonian kings most of my life. This may sound like a wonderful job, but in truth, I am a slave. I am commanded to go here and there and ordered to do whatever the current king wants. 

I was very young when the Babylonians marched to my city of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, how I long to see you again. Sigh. 

I am much older now. And I am tired. Nebuchadnezzar has died. After him, these men followed as kings: Evil-Merodach, Neriglissar, Labashi-Marduk, Nabonidus, and now, Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus.

I'm not sure why, but each king has allowed me to continue working in the palace. I am asked to interpret dreams, explain events, and give advice. I only say words God tells me to say.

In the first year of Belshazzar's rule, I had a dream and visions passed through my mind as I lay on my bed. I wrote down the most important parts. These, I will share with you.

In my vision at night I looked, and there right in front of me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.

The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off then it stood on two feet like a man. The heart of a man was given to it.

The second beast looked like a bear. It stood up on one of its sides. In its mouth were three ribs between its teeth. Someone said, "Get up and eat your fill."

The third beast looked like a leopard. It had four wings on its back. Wings like a bird. This beast had four heads and was given the authority to rule.

The fourth beast was terrifying and frightening. So very powerful. It had large iron teeth and ten horns. It crushed and ate its victims and crushed underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the other beasts.

The horns interest me. A little horn appeared. It had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke. It said, 

"Thrones were set in place.
The Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow.
The hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands took care of his needs.
Ten thousand times ten thousands stood before him.
The court was seated.
And the books were opened."

I kept watching until the fourth beast was destroyed and thrown into the fire. The other beasts had their power taken away but were allowed to live for a period of time.

In my vision I saw one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He walked to the Ancient of Days and was given power, glory, and authority. All peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away. His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

This was my vision. Next time I will tell you the meaning God gave me.

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1. Who is the current king of Babylon?
2. Where is Daniel living and what is his job?
3. Describe the first beast.
4. Describe the second beast.
5. Describe the third beast.
6. Describe the fourth beast.
7. What happened to the beasts?
8. Who do you think is the one who came with the clouds of heaven?

A Psalm To Sing In Times of Trouble

By Mary Vee
From Psalm 44

From the Psalms the Exiles Sang

Photo Courtesy

Most of the Jews from Judah have been taken as prisoners to Babylon. A few weeks ago we heard about Daniel and his friends Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. God told Daniel they would be there for seventy years.

In the Old Testament we often see songs sung by the people to God about their situation. While in exile, the Jews continued to sing songs, praises and cries to the Almighty God. 

This is a good Psalm for us to remember when we are facing trouble. This is their song found in Psalm 44:





Our fathers have told us, O God what you did in days long ago. You drove out the nations giving our fathers a place to live. 

It wasn't by our fathers' sword or anything thing else they did, the victory was yours. You did this because you loved them.

When we have battles, we don't trust in our bow or sword. You and you alone bring the victory over our enemies. We will praise your name forever.

But times have changed. You have humbled us.

For your sake we face death all day long. 

Rise up and help us.

Redeem us because of your unfailing love.


(from Psalm 74)

Remember the people you purchased of old.
You, O God, are my king from of old. You bring salvation upon the earth

(from Psalm 79)
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance. hey have defiled your holy temple. They have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

(from Psalm 80)
Here us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine before Ephraim, Benjaamin, and Manasseh. Awaken your might. Come and save us. 

(from Psalm 89)

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever. With my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

I will say that your love stands firm forever. That you establish your faithfulness in heaven itself. 

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord. Your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. 

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord/ Who is like the Lod among the heavenly beings?

O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen

(from Psalm 137)

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs. Our tormentors demanded songs of joy. They said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

How can we sing he songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? 

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1. Where are the Jews?
2. Why are they there?
3. What are they asking of God?
4. Which Psalms are included here?