Daniel-The March to the Lions' Den

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

King Darius the Mede agreed to set up a rule saying no one in the kingdom may pray to anyone except the king for thirty days.

The satraps and administrators had so much fun spying on me and telling the king that I had prayed to my God. 

Of course I did.

The king was upset. He realized the satraps and administrators tricked not only me but him as well. There was absolutely nothing that could be done.

He turned to me. "Daniel. I am so sorry. I will try to do everything I can, but at this moment I must follow the law."

I think I even saw tears forming in his eyes. He turned away. "Take Daniel to the lions' den as is written in the decree."

The guards did not deal harshly with me. They didn't grab my arms or drag me down the corridor. They let me walk with dignity. I think, they, too, realized the horrible thing that the satraps and administrators had done.

We had quite the parade through the city. Babylonians stopped their work to watch us go by. The lions den was a distance away. 

The satraps and administrators followed, all of them. Giggling and sniggering. They didn't hide their mocking words. Instead they tried to get the people to mock me with them.

To tell the truth, I didn't let any of it bother me. I kept in mind what God had done for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I also kept in mind what God had done for Moses and the Israelites when they escaped Egypt, Joseph while he was in captivity, David as he fled King Saul, and a host of others--all helped by God. 

God doesn't promise to spare our lives, He promises to be our tower of strength, a place to hide, a place to find joy, our Father who listens and expects to be worshipped no matter what happens.

King Darius did not join the parade. He stayed in the palace. His eyes pooling with tears showed how sorry he was for allowing the satraps and administrators to trick him. 

We walked outside the palace toward the lions' den. I could hear their roars even from this distance. The animals were kept in a starving mode for times such as this.

Because of their hunger, the lions became ruthless and violent. No one lasted more than a minute after being thrown into the den.

I am prepare to die, though. I will never, under any circumstances or threat, give up my faith in God. 

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. What decree did the king sign into law?
2. What did Daniel do?
3. Why the the satraps and administrators tell on Daniel?
4. What was the king forced to do?
5. Where was Daniel taken?

Amy Carmichael-Living Where The Indians Live

By Mary Vee

Year: December, 1896 

Amy Carmichael: 29 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy - Woman wearing a sari

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in Bangalore, India. Technically speaking.

I have spent time in Bangalore as a missionary, yet I haven't had a chance to tell any Indians about God's love. The idea of being a missionary here is nothing like what I thought. It seems to me, no one is telling the Indians about Jesus. 

I feel very uncomfortable and want to do something to start my missionary work. I went to a Keswick meeting where Thomas Walker spoke. He has such a passion for missions and can speak the local language really well.

After the meeting I went to him. "I serve with the missionaries in Bangalore. I want to witness to the Indian people but I am struggling with opportunities. I'm trying to learn the language. Wouldn't you think it would be easier if I lived with an Indian family?"

He looked at me then shook his head. "No. You are clearly a sickly person. If you lived with Indians you would catch terrible diseases and end up dying. What good would that be?"

I was so hurt and offended by his words. I stood there and didn't say anything.

Photo Courtesy- Photo modified for this use

He folded his arms then said. "But, if you would like to live with my wife and me, we would help you and you could have opportunities to tell Indian people about God's love for them."

I didn't expect him to say that. "Really? You would?"

He smiled. "Yes. In fact, I'll write your mission board and arrange everything. You only need to pack your things and bring them to our mission in Palamcottah, the area of Tinnevelly.

It took a little time to receive permission, but in December 1896 I arrived in Tinevelly. What a great way to celebrate one year of living in India. 

Several months went by. Mr. Walker became a great help, like an older brother. He helped me learn the grammar of the language. 

I felt comfortable enough to ask the big question that had been on my heart. "Mr Walker, when I lived in Japan I found wearing Japanese clothes help the ministry. I think wearing the Indian clothing here in India will help the native people not be suspicious of me. I see none of the other missionary women wearing saris, though. What do you think?"

He tipped his head. "This of course needs to have prayer, but the idea seems filled with wisdom."

"Really?" I wanted to jump and twirl around like a little girl. I did pray, and even though the Walkers were the only ones who stood up for my idea, I still felt in my heart this is what God wanted me to do.


.

photo labeled permission for reuse.
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 Law that Could Not Be Changed

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

King Darius the Mede agreed to set up a rule saying no one in the kingdom may pray to anyone except the king for thirty days.

When I heard the news, I did the only thing that seemed right. I went home to my upstairs room and knelt by the window that opened toward Jerusalem. 

Three times a day I knelt and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as I had before.

This was the choice I decided to make. The punishment King Darius signed said anyone disobeying the rule would be thrown into the lions' den. Like my friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I know God can save me from any harm in the den, but if He choses not to, I also know that I cannot give up my faith in Him.

Of course the satraps and administrators hid, waiting to catch me praying. Once they had their proof, they ran to the king. They practically pushed the guards away. "Get out of the way, we have important business with the king."

King Darius gave them permission to come forward. "Yes. Yes. What is the problem?"

"O king live forever, did you not publish a decree saying no one is to pray to any god or man except you during the end thirty days. And if anyone did they would be thrown into the lion's den?"

The king frowned as if this did not seem to be that urgent of a problem. "Yes. The decree stands, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians. It cannot be stopped and there are no exceptions."

The two other administrators who served with me tipped their noses in the air. "Daniel, who I might remind you is nothing more than one of the exiles from Judah, has paid no attention to you, O king. Or to the law. He stills prays three times a day." 

The other administrator and satraps nodded.

Well, the smug looks on their faces showed they had me trapped. Maybe they did. But they will never get me to give up my faith in God.

The king became very upset. "There must be a way to save Daniel."

"My lord, you have signed the decree and said yourself that it cannot be undone and there would be no exceptions."

He rubbed his fingers through his hair. "Yes. I know. But I never thought this would happen.

"Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or law that the king issues can be changed."

The men were right. There was no way the king could save me from the punishment that had been signed into law.


Come back next time to see what happens.

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

1. What decree did the king sign into law?
2. What did Daniel do?
3. Why the the satraps and administrators spy on Daniel?
4. What did they do when Daniel chose to pray?
5. What did the king say?

Daniel-The Epic Plot Against My Life

By Mary Vee
Daniel 6

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Darius the Mede is the new king. He took the throne the same night his troops killed King Belshazzar. 

He set up his kingdom in this way: Three men were appointed as administrators serving under the king. I was one of the three.

Under us, 125 men served. They had the title of satrap and reported to the three administrators.

King Darius seemed very pleased with my work. He went so far as to say he would appoint me over the whole kingdom. The only person I would have to report to was him.

Everywhere I went the administrators and satraps watched me. Looking for any and every mistake I could make. I didn't feel pressure though. I did my best all the time, dedicating my service to God first and desiring to please the Almighty God by doing the work required by the king.

The one thing I really missed was friendship. All the people who worked near me kept their distance, yet watched my every move. I could see their eyes behind bushes, their feet sticking out from behind corners, their ears tuned to my every word. They grunted and groaned when they failed t catch me doing something wrong, hungry to get rid of me in some way.

My goal was not to please them but to live as a worker who was trustworthy, not corrupt or negligent.

Their goal seemed crystal clear. They didn't hide their desires. They said loud enough for me to hear, "We will never find any reason to bring a charge against Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."

"Daniel," a servant came to me. He seemed very upset. "The administrators and satraps have gone before the king. They said, 'O King Darius, live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue a law and enforce it. The law should say this: Anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be town into the lions' den. 

"Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered--in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be changed.'"

"The king thought for a moment. He seemed really pleased with the idea. He said, "Good idea." He called to his scribe and put the words into writing.

"What are you going to do? If you are caught praying as you do everyday, you will be thrown into the lions' den."

I had several choices, actually. I could pray in secret. I could simply pray inside my head where no one would hear me. Or I could continue to pray, kneeling by my window as I always have in the past. But praying at the window meant anyone would see me.

Come back next time to see what happens.

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1. Who did the new king, Darius place in the top three men over the kingdom.
2. What did the king think of Daniel's work?
3. Why were the satraps and other administrators jealous of Daniel?
4. How did they plan to get Daniel in trouble?

5. Did the king agree to the idea?

6. What do you think Daniel will do?

Amy Carmichael-36 Servants

By Mary Vee

Year: December, 1895 

Amy Carmichael: 28 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael I am a missionary in Bangalore, India.

Well, that is what everyone else says I am but I don't feel that way at all.

The mission compound here is strictly run with English rule. The missionaries have their daily schedule, which, for the women, involves walking about, stitching, conversations in the parlor, afternoon teas, cricket matches, discussions about politics, meals etc. 

I spend most of my free time learning the local language. Still, sigh, I was expected to live as a proper British woman. 

I was told that the caste system of India pressured the English to live like this. I didn't understand. I asked if there were new convert classes for me to visit. They practically laughed at me. "There hasn't been a convert here in a long time. Really, Amy, you are asking quite too much, you know."

During the rainy seasons, the British took vacations at a resort high in the mountains. I was given permission to ride my own horse while the three other missionaries rode in chairs on long poles, carried by Indian servants. It took thirty-six servants to carry everything four missionaries needed to the hill station in Kotagiri so the missionaries could rest. 

Rest? When would the servants rest?

The girl who was assigned to be my servant, Saral was forced to walk with the other servants. That was when an idea came to me. While I worked in Japan, I noticed the Japanese people didn't listen to me when I wore English clothes. I returned the next time wearing Japanese clothing and found many Japanese willing to listen. What changes would there be if I did that here.

What if I dressed in the Indian clothing, would the Indian people listen to a message about the God who loves them? And what if I lived with an Indian family, wouldn't I learn the language faster? Another thought hit me. The English missionaries would never allow this. They would say acting in anyway not British shuns Queen Victoria and the empire.

I had to do something. When we arrived at Kotagiri, I saw few Indians. And those I saw kept their eyes to the ground, refusing to look up at me. They hid in fear of being punished for being seen.

I didn't treat Saral this way. She was a friend, like Misaki San in Japan. I wanted to share my room with her, but was told this would be an outrage. The only way to calm everyone down, sad to say, was to have Saral stay with the other servants. There must be a way to break down the barriers.

While in Kotagiri, I spent my days studying the language. During my free time I went for walks with Saral. We walked to another hill station where Keswick-style meeting were schedule to take place. Thomas Walker was the scheduled peaker.

I expected Walker to be an old man because he knew the local language even better than the local people! For someone to be that smart and to have worked in India so long, he had to be old. But when he stood on the platform, I saw he was only a few years older than me and his message energized me with hope.

Maybe Thomas Walker was the one who could help me be a real missionary to the Indian people.
.

photo labeled permission for reuse.
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-Seventy Sevens

By Mary Vee
Daniel 9

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

I was in the middle of praying to God, asking Him to forgive our nation for the sins we have done when suddenly a man whom I had seen in a vision before appeared. 

His name was Gabriel. He surprised me by flying quickly to my side a moment ago. It was nearly time for the evening sacrifice.

He obviously had something important to share--right then. I waited for him to speak.

Gabriel said, "Daniel, I have come to give you insight and understanding. The moment you started praying an answer was given. I have come to tell you that answer because you, Daniel, are highly esteemed. Think about this message I am about to give and understand what I am about to say.

"A decree has been issued. Your people have seventy sevens of time 

1. To stop the rebellion
2. To put an end to sins
3. To make things right for the things you have done wrong
4. To bring in righteousness that lasts forever
5. To seal up the prophet's vision
6. And to anoint the Most Sacred Place

"You need to know and understand this: From the moment the decree is spoken there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One comes. The streets of the city will be rebuilt with great defenses even though trouble surrounds the workers.

"After the sixty-two sevens, the Anointed One, Messiah, will be cut off and have nothing. Soldiers of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come quickly like a flood. War will continue until the end. Utter destruction has been decreed. 

"That prince will make a treaty with many people for one seven of time. In the middle of the seven he will put an end to sacrifices and offerings to the Lord. At the biggest moment of his terrible rule, he will set up an idol that mocks the Most Holy Place, and it will stay until the destruction is poured out on him."

Gabriel's message was difficult to understand. So much is yet to happen. There are some messages that I record for now, knowing that the understanding will come at the right time.


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1. Who visited Daniel while he was praying?
2. Who sent the visitor?
3. Why did the visitor come?
4. What do the people of Judah need to do?
5. The Anointed One has come! Who was the Anointed One?

Daniel-Sigh--Seven More Years

By Mary Vee
Daniel 9

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

I recently received the words given by God to the prophet Jeremiah. The message said we would be in captivity a total of seventy years. We had seven more to go.

I suppose I should have been happy that we had served sixty three years and only had seven more to go. But, I must admit, I wanted to go home. I wanted to go back to the home where I lived as a boy.

My heart ached for the other Jews living as captives here in Babylon. Seven years can seem so long.

I bowed by my prayer window and said this prayer on the behalf of all the Jews living here in captivity:

"O great and awesome God, You are the one who keeps Your covenant of love with all who love You and obey Your commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled. We have turned away from Your commands and laws. We have not listened to Your servants the prophets who speak in your name to our kings, princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land.

"Lord You are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame because of our unfaithfulness to You. You, O Lord are merciful and forgiving even though we have rebelled against You. We have not obeyed You or kept the laws You gave us through Your servants and prophets. We have all sinned and turned away, refusing to obey You.

"The curses written in the Law of Moses have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You. You have done what You said You would do. Still we have not searched for Your favor by turning away from our sins and giving attention to Your truth. You have been righteous in bringing this disaster on us because we did not obey You.

"O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous ways, turn away Your anger from us. Please hear my words, I am Your servant. Look at the empty sanctuary and city that bears Your Name. We are not asking because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. 

"O Lord, please listen! Please forgive. O Lord, please hear and act. Do not delay. Your city and Your people bear Your Name. Forgive us."

While I was still speaking to the Almighty God and praying to Him, Gabriel, the man I had seen before, appeared before me. It took me by surprise.

Come back next time to see what happened.

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1. How many years had the people of Judah been captives in Babylon?
2. How many more years did the people have to serve as captives?
3. How did Daniel know?
4. What did Daniel do for the people of Judah?
5. Who suddenly appeared before Daniel while he was praying?

Amy Carmichael-A Proper British Woman

By Mary Vee

Year: 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--now that I have recovered from the horrible dengue fever. (This sickness causes a person to feel like all their bones are broken and makes them feel uncontrollably sad. It takes weeks to get well.)  

The weather here in Bangalore brings temperatures in the 80's during December. 

The first lesson I learned in this Bangalore mission group, besides my Indian language studies, was how to be a proper British woman. 

I loved going outside in the fresh air. It only rained once in a while. The mission had a few horses and I enjoyed riding. I took one of the horses out, sat in the saddle with one leg in the stirrup and the other next to it, spread my dress neatly and signaled the horse to go.

Riding side saddle is considered the proper way to ride for British women. Why, I'll never know. If the female rider could put one leg on either side of the horse she could press with her knees to signal the horse what she wanted to do. 

But, no! I was given a whip to signal the horse. I really didn't want to do that. 

AND how could I get the horse to trot, canter, gallop, or go all out for a run? This was impossible when riding side saddle.

I walked the horse riding side saddle for as long as I could endure. Then, when no one was watching, I swung my left leg over the saddle, fixed my dress to lay neat, then nudged the horse with my knees to take off. 

The wind blew in my face. The sweet smell of plants filled the air. The sun poured on the countryside. Everything was simply wonderful!

Until..

I saw a carriage. I thought, how fun! I'd race the carriage. I didn't know whose carriage it was, but the idea seemed good. At the time.

That night, when the missionaries gathered to chat, the ladies looked down at me. "You are very irresponsible. What were you thinking racing the representative of the Queen? You are behaving like a child."

"I didn't mean to cause any harm. I've been in the hospital room recovering from the dengue fever for so long--I just wanted to enjoy the beautiful countryside."

The women missionaries shook their heads. "That is no excuse. You obviously need lessons on how to act like a proper British woman."

I didn't want to be a proper British woman. I wanted to be a missionary to the Indian people. If that meant I needed to apologize then I would. "I'm sorry. I'll try harder."

The woman raised her chin. "You do that. Your bad behavior can ruin your testimony."

I didn't want to upset the women any more, so I excused myself and went to my room. I closed my door, plopped on my bed and cried. She must be right. I have so much to learn about India and the ways of the people. I don't want to harm my testimony.

Then I thought back to all the fun I had, wiped away my tears, and giggled.


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 Sad Message

By Mary Vee
Daniel 9

From Daniel's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

King Belshazzar was murdered. The new ruler is Darius the Mede. I and the other Jewish captives have lived in Babylon serving the Babylonians for sixty-three years. I pray each day that we can go back to our homeland, Judah.

I guess I had hoped Darius the Mede would choose to set us free.

I fully understand why we are here. Words written by Jeremiah the prophet have been passed from hand to hand for all the Jews here in Babylon to read.

Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe saw that the words came to us. As is our custom, each person gathered around his friends and neighbors, read the words then gave them to those who had not seen them yet. 

Recently a servant delivered the message to me. It said, God had told Jeremiah that we would be prisoners for seventy years. I had to sit down after reading those words. We had another seven years to go before God would allow us to return to Jerusalem. 

These seven more years would end the punishment for what we had done. In the past. But what about the things we have done against God's commands while here in Babylon? Would our time as captives come to an end or not?

My heart sank. I couldn't eat. 

I had long ago read of Job's trials. His stories were told here not long ago. (Scroll down to see them or search in the search bar for his story). How he prayed for his children and loved them so much he offered sacrifices for the things they had done wrong--sins he knew and didn't know about. 

The only way we as a nation of Jews would return to our homeland, farm our land, raise our families where our fathers raised us, and have the freedom to worship the Almighty God is to confess and pray for forgiveness.

Since I am kept apart from the other Jewish prisoners as a servant of the king here in the palace, I have no choice, but to do as Job did.

So I bowed my knees and faced my prayer window.

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1. Who was the new king?
2. What happened to King Belshazzar? (look back at the last Bible story for this answer).
3. What words did Daniel receive and read?
4. What was the sad message?
5. What did the people need to do?

Daniel-Late That Night...The Message Came True

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.

I have been summoned to King Belshazzar's banquet hall. The second I arrived, he motioned for me to approach his chair. 

He showed me strange writing on the wall. He said, "A hand appeared out of nowhere. I don't understand the writing and neither can anyone else. 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."

I didn't want any of those things, but I was willing to do my job. I prayed and asked God to give me the meaning of the message.

When I understood the message I said to the king, "O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar greatness, glory, and spender. Because of the high position he gave him, everyone in every nation and language dreaded him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death. Those he wanted to spare, he spared. Those he wanted to promote, he promoted. And those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 

"But when his heart became full of pride, he lost his throne and had his glory taken away. He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdom's of men and sets in power over them anyone he wishes.

"But you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all of this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you. You and your nobles, your wives, and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. These things cannot see or hear or understand. You did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.

"Because of these things, God sent the hand that wrote the message on your wall. Here is the meaning of these words: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin

Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel: You have been found lacking.
Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

King Belshazzar commanded his guards, "Put the purple robe on Daniel and a gold chain around his neck." He turned to me, "Daniel, for giving me the meaning of these words, you are now proclaimed to be the third highest ruler in my kingdom."

Later, the same night, Belshazzar, king of Babylon was killed, just as the message said.


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

1. Why was Daniel summoned to the king's banquet?
2. What did Daniel say the king had done wrong?
3. What did the message mean?
4. What did the king give Daniel?

5. What happened late that night?

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.

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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?