Podcasts about your majesty

Big Idea: God's plan happens through human hands! Esther 7:1-10I. You might need to get your hands dirty.Esther 7:1-4The king and Haman came to feast with Esther the queen. Once again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.” Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire. For my people and I have been sold to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn't be worth burdening the king.”II. God perfectly placed you to carry out his plan.Esther 7:5-7King Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther answered, “The adversary and enemy is this evil Haman.” Haman stood terrified before the king and queen. The king arose in anger and went from where they were drinking wine to the palace garden. Haman remained to beg Queen Esther for his life because he realized the king was planning something terrible for him.III. God displays his power through ordinary people.Esther 7:8-10Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually violate the queen while I am in the house?” As soon as the statement left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. Harbona, one of the king's eunuchs, said, “There is a gallows seventy-five feet tall at Haman's house that he made for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” The king said, “Hang him on it.” They hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's anger subsided.Next Steps: Believe: I surrender everything to Jesus today.Become: I will trust His plan, even when it's scary.Be Sent: I offer my hands to Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: When was the last time you felt God working through you?  Explain.Why does God choose to include people in his plan for the future?What causes some Christians to hesitate to minister to people in need near them?Read Revelation 13:8.  If God had a plan before He created the world, how do you fit into it?When do you feel you were making the biggest difference in someone's life? What is God's plan for your city?  Explain it using Scripture.Pray for God to use you to accomplish his plan for your city this week.

Did you know American music legend Nile Rodgers is helping the Trust plant and protect woodland in Northern Ireland? Alongside generous donations to Faughan Valley Woodlands from the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), Nile has got stuck in with planting on site. Nile and the foundation he co-founded with his partner, Nancy Hunt, are working with us to reconnect fragmented native woods in a region where less than 1% of ancient woodland remains. We caught up with the multiple Grammy Award winner on his latest visit to find out why. We also hear from David Saddington, trustee of both WAFF and the Trust, on why empowering young people to take direct action is key to this work, and we chat to some of those volunteering at this special event. Please note this episode contains references to drugs. Don't forget to rate us and subscribe! Learn more about the Woodland Trust at woodlandtrust.org.uk  Transcript You are listening to Woodland Walks, a podcast for the Woodland Trust, presented by Adam Shaw. We protect and plant trees for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and to help wildlife thrive. Nile: But it just made me feel so good. It was so real, it was almost like a drug. So my parents were doing heroin, I was doing music *laughs*. Nile: So I always thought that an artist was the guy trying to be the smartest person in the room, that everybody said, 'well, I wish I could play like him, I wish I could do that'. No, it was the person who touched people's hearts. Nile: We actually had them locked out the studio because we still hadn't finished the lyrics to We Are Family. Nile: Trees do, all plants, but trees, you know, especially, do so much for life. Let's not just talk about the overall environment, life, all life forms that exist. Adam: For 40 years, if you've been on a dance floor, you'll have been dancing to the music of one of our guests today. He co-founded Chic, produced and collaborated with David Bowie, Madonna, Richard Jackson, and well, to be honest, too many others to mention. But to give you an idea of the sort of musical success he's had, I can say that he has produced and performed on records which have sold more than 750 million albums and 100 million singles. Born to teenage parents in an environment where drug use was very much part of his every day, he has come from that background with an attitude to life which is as upbeat and as positive as his music. And together with his partner, Nancy Hunt, they have established the We Are Family Foundation, focused on empowering young people around the world. Together, they're in Northern Ireland, in Derry, to support and protect and indeed restore woodland in this country, and indeed Nile is on the Woodland Walks sofa and joined by one of the trustees of the We Are Family Foundation and indeed the Woodland Trust, David. So we'll come to David in a moment. Why don't we start now where it all started with the music? Reading about you and listening to stuff you've done, my impression is you're the most positive person I've read about and that surprises me because of the disjointed background you grew up in. So two questions. Do you think that's a fair description and if so, why? Nile: So the... the interesting thing about my childhood was that though my parents were heroin addicts, they were extremely loving and they believed in me so much so that, believe it or not, I was never, ever told what to do. They knew that I instinctively would figure it out. Or I was just one of those nerdy, nice kids that they knew would never get into trouble. I mean, I have never stolen anything. I've never, I bullied one kid once and the reason why is because everybody bullied me because I was a nerd. And when I bullied this kid, he started crying and I started crying. He's probably forgotten that incident. I will never forget it. It'll bother me my entire life. I could not believe that I did that. So my childhood was actually on one level very happy, but at the exact same time, and I don't know how these two situations could have coexisted, except only now forensically, but it was super happy, but then I actually called my childhood a fear-based childhood. I was afraid of things, so I did things to make me unafraid or happy. And music was that thing. But it just made me feel so good. It was so real. It was almost like a drug. So my parents were doing heroin. I was doing music *laughs*. Adam: I mean, it's weird you describe yourself as a nerd. You're the least nerdy-looking nerd I've ever come across, but fair enough. Nile: Oh God, test me. Adam: Oh really, okay, we'll do a nerd off *both laugh*. Fair, fair enough. But that positivity, I mean, you talk about being nice, but what I think is striking about your music, and perhaps problematic for some of it, is that it's relentlessly positive. And I think sometimes it's seen as sort of very surface level because of that and yet you talk about the deeper meaning behind the music, which I think some fans of yours perhaps don't see, or that's not what they're getting from it. Nile: But that's okay, though. Adam: That's fine. Nile: It's okay. Yeah, you're so correct. I mean, I'll try and quickly just tell you this story. So when I said I was a nerd, believe me, I studied music on a level that was so intense, that was ridiculous. So I thought it was my job to prove to my tutors and various teachers how smart I was, how well I learned the rules and the discipline of music. I wrote symphonic music when I was a child, I wasn't even 10 years old yet. And I remember I was going to one of my tutors. I was around 22 years old and I was a very serious jazz student. And I went into him one day with a very sourpuss attitude and look, and that was not me. He just was like, no, you're always so happy and you're always so upbeat. What's wrong with you today? And I said, well, look at this ******** pop music that I have to play tonight. Now, maybe I thought it was sort of ******** but maybe I was just trying to score brownie points with him because I always thought being a great musician was being the smartest guy or the greatest virtuoso in the room. So what happened was my teacher, I showed him the list of songs that I was playing that night. And I said, look at what I have to start my set with. This song by The Archies called Sugar, Sugar. He said, yeah, but now what's wrong? Why are you so sad? And I said, because I got to play Sugar, Sugar. You know, I want to play straight ahead jazz. He was like, that's okay that you want to play straight ahead jazz, that's what I love. But why is it bothering you to play Sugar, Sugar? And I said, because it goes, *sings* Honey, do, do, do, do, do, do, oh sugar, sugar, do, do, do, do, do, do, you are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you. And he said, Nile, that's a great composition. I went, you call Sugar, Sugar a great composition? He said, absolutely. He said, what do you think about it? He says, and I went, well, it sucks. It's some ******** bubblegum pop music. And he went, now, do you know that Sugar Sugar's been number one for about three weeks? And I said, yeah, but what does that got to do with anything? And he went, so those millions of people around the world, they're wrong, but you, Nile Rodgers, are right? And all of a sudden I felt, uh-oh, *laughs* something weird's getting ready to happen. So he held me behind my head and he pulled my face close to him and he said, Nile, let me explain something to you. Every record in the top 20 is a great composition. And so remember, we're going back now 50 years. I'm 73 years old, so we're going back a long time. And I say, every record in the top 20 is a great composition? He says, yes. I said, why would you say something so absurd? He says, Nile, because it speaks to the souls of a million strangers. And I literally started crying at that moment because in one spark, in a nanosecond, he explained to me what an artist was. So I always thought that an artist was the guy trying to be the smartest person in the room, that everybody said, well, I wish I could play like him. I wish I could do that. No, it was the person who touched people's hearts. It was the person who made people feel something, be it happiness, be it sadness or whatever. But a lot of my friends who are virtuosos, we just would go, wow, he can play his *** off. That was the thing. We didn't feel anything necessarily. Sometimes we did, but I was determined to try and make people feel something every time. And to me, I wanted people to feel happy because I wanted to feel happy. Why do I want to write sad music? Adam: So that phrase, speaking to the souls of a million strangers, it's clearly an iconic thing about your music. The other striking thing, I think, which you've talked about, is about life, not just your music, but I think obviously connected, is not about surviving the storm, but learning how to dance in the rain. Is that one of the tenets of your approach to music and life? Are they the same thing? Nile: That's exactly it. That's why people wonder why I do so much music, and it's because I believe that I could always, I honestly, and this is not an egotistical statement, I always believe that I can add something to the song. I believe that I can make it better, even if it's just a little better, but you can hear it. I mean, five minutes before I came down here, I asked an artist that I sent a piece of music to, I said, you never wrote me back. How do you feel about the guitar streams that I sent you? And Kygo just wrote me, he said, he just literally just wrote me, where the hell is it? I went, cool. He went, oh, yes sir, sounding really cool *laughs*. Minutes ago. Adam: Okay. So look, we need to talk more about that, but I want, you're here not for the music, but for the work of your, and Nancy, your partner's, foundation. And David Saddington, sitting next to you, is a trustee of that foundation. You also happen to be a trustee of the Woodland Trust as well. So the purpose of the We Are Family Foundation is what? David: I mean, the We Are Family Foundation, Nile and Nancy started 20, 25 years ago now, which is insane *both laugh*. And Nile, I mean, you'll tell it better than me in terms of sort of your origin story, which came from, you know, a horrendous event of 9/11. And Nile and Nancy wanted to do something positive for the world, to heal the world. And thankfully, you know, when they sort of asked that question around how do we sort of have more peace in the world, how do we have more harmony, young people came out as the answer and actually finding that hope, finding that positivity, finding those solutions. So the foundation really is built upon curating, nurturing and growing this talent and giving these young people visibility. Adam: And the work that the We Are Family Foundation is starting to do in Northern Ireland, we were today at a planting with Nile and Nancy and you. What is the project here? David: Yeah, my God, like, you know, I work on climate change every day. It's really sort of hard and difficult, but actually by doing something very local with the Woodland Trust, you make such a tremendous difference, not only just about place, but the communities which you bring along. So this partnership just made a lot of sense. And then when we started talking after that visit around sort of why it made sense to support from the foundation, Northern Ireland came out really as a winner. And the beautiful site we visited earlier in the Faughan Valley is so special because, in a sad way really, because so little of the ancient woodland is left in Northern Ireland, less than 1%. And the vision of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland to preserve those tiny fragments of ancient woodland, but protect them by restoring the land around it, letting them expand, is so special. And particularly given that site is, what, I mean, like 10 minutes away from Derry? That's so cool. It is right on the doorstep of so many people to restore such a precious habitat, but make sure that people can actually enjoy it and be part of that as well. Amazing. Adam: A little before Nile and I sat down to speak, we both visited Faughan Valley Woodlands with a group of young people who were there to help plant some trees. Now, this is an important area. Since 2000, the Woodland Trust has brought small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet, Killaloo and Auter, all fragmented along the Faughan Valley, which is a site of special scientific interests. And it's been a vision of the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland for well over a decade, really, to try and connect these fragments for both people and nature. And so when I met the younger people who are busy planting trees, I asked them why they felt what they were doing was important. Speaker 1: So usually it's around every Sunday morning. We go around and it's just odd jobs, like it's never the same thing every week. It's usually planting trees, but recently we've been building fences to keep sheep out and removing tree guards. Adam: And why are you interested in that instead of watching TV or playing Xbox or whatever? Speaker 1: Well, I've always kind of liked outdoorsy stuff in nature and usually I wouldn't really do much on a Sunday. So it's just better to get out rather than do nothing on a Sunday morning so. Adam: And you're about to plant a tree. Speaker 1: Yeah. Adam: Do we know what type of tree that is? Speaker 1: I think it's oak. Adam: Oh, there we are see, I don't know, but you know, go on plant away. Speaker 2: I'm Sophie McGee. Adam: And what are you doing, Sophie? Speaker 2: Well, we're planting trees today for the 30th anniversary. It's just more interesting because we're actually doing something that's worthwhile for the environment and for ourselves. Adam: And do you feel you're making a difference? Speaker 2: Yes, every tree will help. No matter if it's a wee tiny stick or a big massive one. Speaker 3: Well my name is Evie, I'm 13 years old and I've always been interested in nature and plants and animals and stuff and then my auntie decided, or she showed me the Woodland Trust young volunteers so I thought that sounds right up my street. So I joined, I've only been here for a few weeks and so far I've really enjoyed it. We've been trimming down, we've been trimming away trees that'll grow back to let light into the forest floor. We've been looking at different kinds of moths and caterpillars and we've been for walks and here we are planting trees and meeting celebrities! Speaker 4: My name's Milo and you know we're with the Woodland Trust, you know, planting trees and stuff because, well, you know, trees are important and they support a lot of species and insects and wildlife and it's great for the water quality and soil erosion in general. And in my opinion personally, I think biodiversity is really important, especially in, the UK and Northern Ireland in general. It's just seem to be really sort of nature depleted and, you know, I kind of want to change that. I think it doesn't seem fair, you know? Adam: Nile, I think the phrase we've already used many times is We Are Family, the name of one of your most successful songs, but obviously the name of your foundation. And we've talked about your family. That's an obvious theme, family. I'm struck by that because of a disjointed background, even though loving and literarily full. Your family were artists and you had a full and rich literary life. The connection to family, clearly a theme for you. Why? Nile: It wasn't my idea. It was other people's ideas. And they talked me into it. I, as an artist, I wrote We Are Family for Sister Sledge and for Sister Sledge alone. I didn't write it for the world. I wrote it for them. And they, it was their job to now take it out into the world, which they did very well. But what happened as a byproduct of the composition was just the love that I put into the song that my partner Bernard Edwards and I put into the song, we were trying to talk about this wonderful family, you won't believe this, that we never met. We never met Sister Sledge until they came in to sing the song. The entire album was already produced. We didn't know any other way to make records except for by ourselves. So we made the record and said, okay, now sing this. And they were like, what? We've never been treated like this. We're like, we don't know any other way to make records. Me and Luther Vandross and Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson, and we go in and we write and produce, and there you go, here's your record. But so the love that we projected onto Sister Sledge was something that we superimposed upon them. We don't know whether they liked each other or not. We just presupposed that they did. And that's what we wrote, this loving, anthemic, wonderful dance song. And Kathy Sledge, at 15 years old, came in and just gave the performance of her life. We actually had them locked out the studio because we still hadn't finished the lyrics to We Are Family *both laugh*. It was the final song that we wrote, right? So we wouldn't let them come in. We're inside trying to be professional. And they're like, why can't we come in and hear what you guys are making as demos? Making as demos? No, we made, it's the record. But anyway, what happened was, as a result of the popularity of the song, this baseball team in America, the Pittsburgh Pirates, adopted it as their theme song. And they're not women, they're men. And we saw these big burly men going, we are family, I got all my sisters with me. And I was like, whoa. And anyway, they won the World Series *laughs*. Adam: But I mean, that's a fascinating insight how you made that song. But what I'm struck by is that you have talked about this deeper hidden meaning, your phrase, right, behind your songs. So that's an obvious question to ask. You talk about family. It's a key song in your career. It hints of the deeper meaning here is about the importance of your family. And your family are unusual. Super talented people, not particularly stable, I hope that's not insulting or anything. But it's sort of, I'd expect you to maybe be more traumatised by that or to have, but no, it's all good. It's all good. Nile: It wasn't, you see, it wasn't traumatic because I developed my own survival mechanism and it was actually good. But I don't think you realise this. I said, everybody told me, oh, you got Grammys, you got this, you're the head of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, you're the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I said, you know what? The thing that I am the most proud of in my life is at seven years old, I set the national truancy record for the United States of America *both laugh*. I cut school 75 days in a row and went to the movies. I learned more at the cinema in 75 days than everybody in my class learned in an entire semester. You could see Fellini, you could see Truffaut, you could see anything. My mom, when she had her second child, suffered from postpartum depression and threatened to murder my brother every day. So after a few weeks, and I can't remember how long it took because I was a child, but after her going to psychiatrist every day, that's how bad it was, they decided that she had to be separated from her children. She was a danger to herself and others. So they sent me off to Los Angeles to live with my maternal grandmother. And my youngest brother, who was just born, was sent to live with his paternal grandparents. And so while I was in Los Angeles, I was treated ah man, boy, talk about bullying. Every place in LA was sort of run by gangs. And I didn't know anything about the gang culture. And I spoke like a New Yorker. And everybody in LA was, you know, street slang. And, you know, and now look at how big hip hop is. You know, that's the way that that everyone spoke. I didn't know half the stuff they were saying. So kids would try and beat me up. They only beat me up once, no, twice, sorry, twice. And then I just decided, I'm not going to where those kids are. I'm going to where adults are. Because I got along with adults and I went to the cinema every day for 75 days straight. Adam: There's lots to talk about, not much time. But I do want to ask one more question around this sort of area. In actually the podcast we've just done, I spoke to quite a significant business leader who has ADHD. And I said to him at the end of the chat we had, if you had a magic wand and could wave away your ADHD, would you do it? And he went, no, I absolutely wouldn't do it because it's part of who I was, I am, and it's informed and helped me. And I wonder if there's a similar question about your drug past, whether if you could wipe it away, would you? Nile: Never, never, ever, ever, ever. I, you know, I developed a very horrible drug habit. I actually, my heart stopped six times in one night. I don't remember the medical phrase, but it's called something like multiple drug interaction. Like, so if you take cocaine and then you take alcohol and then you take either LSD or something else, your brain doesn't know which one is dominant, right? So it starts going, it tells your heart, do I expand or contract? I don't know. And every time they tried to revive me, I would only stay alert or alive, my heart would only pump a couple of times and then stop again. Adam: So what did that bring you as an artist in retrospect? Nile: Nothing. Because to me, all I remember was driving home, Not getting into an accident, not getting a ticket, driving home, parking in my same parking space, going up to my apartment. However, I mistakenly pushed the number 14 instead of 28. That saved my life. I didn't know that I did, I didn't know I made a mistake. I was so high, I thought 14 was 28. The way that they emptied the garbage in my building, they started at the top and they went down floor by floor. When the elevator hit 14, the doors opened, I fell out onto the floor dead. They just happened to be on the 14th floor and they saw me lying there dead. They go over, I have no pulse. They probably tried to do, I don't know any of this for a fact because I was, out, yeah. So I just assumed they must have tried to help me. They liked me, so they must have tried to do something. Fortunately, the hospital was two blocks away from my house. And they get me to the hospital. The doctors revived me six times. After the sixth time, they figured this is hopeless because they did everything they could possibly do. And he said that, we worked so hard to save your life, but in fact, I was filling out the death certificate and the orderly in the room said, hey doc, we got a live one here. And my heart just started going automatically again by itself. Adam: Amazing. I want to bring you back to your foundation. So we're here because of the good work you're doing for the environment. But the environmental issue may be relatively new, but you've been a political activist since your early days. This is not a recent conversion. You're super plugged in to these sort of big debates, aren't you? Part of the Black Panthers in your early age? Nile: Yeah, I was a subsection of the Black Panther Party when I was 16 years old. Adam: So lots of political issues. Why now the environment? Nile: It's just one of many issues that We Are Family Foundation supports. You asked me about being a nerd. So I grew up as a scientist. I have a scientific background. So I understand how these things in our environment are fundamentally to life itself. That, if you think about it, in today's world, there are a million different species on this planet, but that's only 1% of all the life that's ever lived on this planet. So it just goes up and down and up and down. And prior to humans, we were never the cause. Now we're the cause of things dying and species going away. Before, it was just the fact that Earth was this very volatile planet and over millions, billions, in fact, years, things were changing. But now we're doing the bad stuff. We're killing ourselves, which is incredible. And it's mainly because most people don't know that all these life forms are dependent upon one another. Last night I heard someone talking about plankton. And I was saying, yeah, well, look at how important plankton is. You know, like hydrogen, we need, we don't have hydrogen, we have no life. You know, it's like, so, I mean, trees do, all plants, but trees, you know, especially, do so much for life. Let's not just talk about the overall environment, life, all life forms that exist. Adam: We're running out of time. Just one last question each. David, first, you set the context of what that foundation is doing here and what the Trust is doing here. What are your hopes for if Nile, us, we all gather, come back in ten years' time? Your hope for the project by then would be what? David: I mean, my hope for the project in that time is to see the forest grow, because what I find so encouraging is when you let nature recover with a little bit of help from us, it doesn't take that long to actually start putting it right, you know, to restore those habitats, to protect that ancient woodland, to let it regrow, rejuvenate, with the help of people supporting communities at the same time. It can recover in such a remarkable amount of time, which I just find really quite hopeful and empowering in the world we're in at the moment. Will it restore very precious nature here in Northern Ireland? Will it inspire people to make a difference with all the volunteers we're bringing in? Absolutely. And who knows what the catalytic sort of nature of that will be, which I think is sort of magical to see. So it's a pleasure to bring this partnership together between the We Are Family Foundation and the Woodland Trust and see that grow and grow over the years. Adam: And I think often with trees, people think it's 100 years, their great-grandchildren will come. That's not the case, is it? 10, 20 years is a reasonable time frame to see significant change in this landscape we just visited this morning. David: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, some of the trees we were walking around this morning, the beautiful silver birches, which looked like a woodland, were 20 years old. And actually, it is incredible, actually, it doesn't take a huge amount of time for nature to recover. Adam: Nile, last question. It's been an amazing life. It is an amazing life, perhaps a great life. Your third act? Hard to imagine what new things you could do, but do you, what are the, how do you see your future and what you want to spend that third act doing? Nile: Wow, I'm doing so much now. I'm almost going back to where I started, which was with theatre performances that are more story-ented instead of just going out and playing a whole bunch of hit songs. I think I got super inspired completely accidentally. I wrote a song for Diana Ross years ago. And the first time I worked for the Prince's Trust, he said, now, my dear fellow, I wish I knew more of your music, everybody seems to love it so much. And then he became the King and he printed out his top 10 favorite songs. Number 3 was one of my songs. And he didn't realise it because, you know, the King, what have you got time to sit around and read, you know *laughs* And I said to him, I said, you know, Your Majesty, I promise you, you know some of my songs. But then his list comes out and my #3 song, I mean my song, Upside Down by Diana Ross is #3. He was like, that's one of my favorite songs, and there's a whole video that we put out of him sort of like doing his best dance to Upside Down. It's quite funny. I just thought that the one thing I've not really explored or worked hard on, I'm at the part of my life where I really do want to do all the music that I can do. And I want it to have the same effect as the pop music that I do. So I want my jazz music to make people feel good. So I did Candy Dulfer's last record and she's just unreal. So that's really, I think, where I want to be. And honestly, and I'm being very, very honest, I never keep track of any of this stuff. I did a conference a few weeks ago, and it was all these billionaires and all these tech guys and blah, blah, blah. And I said, you know, I did the biggest selling Madonna album in the world, we sold 10 million copies. All of my memories are from when I first heard this stuff. And somebody hollered out from the back of the room, 23 million copies, you know Nile, it keeps selling and keeps adding up. And I went, oh. In the first few weeks, we sold 10 million copies. And that's all I remember. And I move on to the next record and the next record and the next record. I had huge success with the last two Beyoncé records. But I've done that, and obviously you can see with Kygo, I continue to do that. That's never going to go away. But when I think in terms of full projects, it's going to be more theatrical and maybe more film. David: There's about two things as well. There's one thing that you said to me before, which I think is just so great about the foundation, about how you want the foundation to be bigger than the song, which I think is a pretty epic aspiration there to have, the We Are Family Foundation and We Are Family the song, but I just think that's amazing to think around, the impact which has been achieved over twenty-five years and thinking about the years to come, and then secondly, because with your audience, Adam, we have so many obviously sort of people who love getting out on walks and nature. And my goodness, you won't be up as early as this guy doing his morning walks. And you definitely need to follow him on Instagram at a moment because he's on a roll doing sort of walks all over the world. Nile: It's true. I love, you know, I wake up every morning very, very early. Right now, life and enjoying nature and being out in it is really exciting. Like when I was younger, being indoors, like I used to, there was a joke I used to say, I used to go to like clubs every night and go, ah the great indoors *all laugh*. Adam: Well, look, a sample of how busy you are is I know you have other meetings to go to and other jobs to do, so I won't keep you anymore. Here's to the good times. Thank you very much indeed, both of you. Nile: Thank you. I hope I wasn't too long-winded. David: Thank you. Adam: You were brilliant. It's a real treat to talk to you. David: A pleasure. Thank you for listening to the Woodland Trust Woodland Walks. Join us next month when Adam will be taking another walk in the company of Woodland Trust staff, partners and volunteers. And don't forget to subscribe to the series on iTunes or wherever you are listening. And do give us a review and a rating. If you want to find out more about our woods and those that are close to you, check out the Woodland Trust website. Just head to the Visiting Woods pages. Thank you.

May 2, 2026 Daily Devotional: “Even If”Daniel 3:18 ​ “But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” ​We often treat faith like a cosmic vending machine: we put in a prayer, and we expect a miracle to drop out. But the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednegopresents us with a different, more rugged kind of devotion. These three young men weren't just confident in God's power to save them from the fiery furnace; they were committed to God's sovereignty, regardless of the outcome. They knew God could rescue them, but their loyalty wasn't contingent on the rescue. In the biblical narrative of Daniel, chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has erected a massive golden statue and commanded all subjects to bow down and worship it upon hearing the music of his heralds. The penalty for defiance is death by a blazing furnace. ​Three young Hebrew men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refuse to comply. When brought before the king to explain themselves, they deliver one of the most famous declarations of faith in the Bible. ​The "Even If" resolution in the phrase "But even if he does not" is one of the most radical statements in the Bible. It shifts the focus from outcome-based faith to relationship-based faith. In the ​outcome-based faith; it says- "I will trust God as long as the cancer is healed, the job offer comes through, or the relationship is mended." While on the other hand the relationship-based faith; it says - "I know God is good, and even if the worst-case scenario happens, He is still on the throne, and I am still His." ​In our lives, the "fiery furnace" might be a professional setback, a personal loss, or a season of deep uncertainty. The temptation is to compromise our integrity or our peace just to escape the heat. But true spiritual strength is found in the resolve that our worship is not for sale. At its core, Daniel 3:18 is a declaration of unconditional allegiance. It represents the moment Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego moved beyond believing in God's ability and moved into trusting God's authority. Daniel 3:18 means that God is worthy of worship even when He is silent, and even when He allows the "fire" to happen. It is a shift from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to declaring "Regardless of what happens, I know who I belong to." Ultimately, Daniel 3:18 is a statement of absolute allegiance. It signifies that the value of their faith was higher than the value of their lives, making their refusal to worship the idol a matter of principle rather than a gamble on divine intervention. ​How can you shift your focus today from the "fire" you're facing to the God who stands in it with you?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll单词提示1.tarts 馅饼2.thrones 王座3.trumpet 小号原文Chapter 7: Who Stole the TartsThe King and Queen of Hearts were sitting on their thrones when Alice and the Griffin arrived.There were a great crowd of birds and animals and all the pack of cards.Soldiers stood all around the Knave of Hearts and near the King with the White Rabbit with a trumpet in one hand.In the middle of the room, there was a table with a large plate of tarts on it.“They look good,” thought Alice, who was feeling a little hungry.Then the White Rabbit called out loudly, “Silence, the trial of the Knave of Hearts will now begin.”He took out along piece of paper and read, “The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts all on a summer day. The Knave of Hearts, he stole those tarts and took them all away.”“Very good,”said the King, “Call the first witness.”Alice looked at the jury, who were now writing everything down.It was a very strange jury.Some of the jurymen were animals and the others were birds.Then the White Rabbit blew his trumpet three times and called out first witness.The first witness was the Hatter, he came in with a teacup in one hand and a piece of bread and butter in the other hand.“I am very sorry, your Majesty,” he said, “I was in the middle of tea when the trial began.”“Take off your hat,” the King said.“It isn't mine,” said the Hatter.“Stolen, write that down,” the King said to the jury.“I keep hats to sell,” explained the Hatter, “I don't have a hat myself. I'm a hatter.”“Give your evidence,” said the King, “or will cut your head off.”The Hatter's face turned white.“I'm a poor man, your Majesty,” He began in a shaking voice.Just then, Alice had a strange feeling.After a minute or two, she understood what it was.“Don't push like that,” said the dormouse who was sitting next to her, “I'm nearly falling off my seat.”“I'm very sorry,” Alice said politely, “I'm getting bigger and taller, you see.”“But you can't do that here,” said the dormouse crossly, and he got up a move to another seat.The Hatter was still giving evidence, but nobody could understand a word of it.The King looked at the Queen, and the Queen looked at the executioner.The unhappy Hatter saw this and dropped his bread and butter.“I'm a poor man, your Majesty,” he said again.“You're a very poor speaker,” said the King.He turned to the White Rabbit, “Call the next witness,” he said.The next witness was the Duchess's cook, who spoke very angrily and said that she would not give any evidence.The King looked worried and told the White Rabbit to call another witness.Alice watched while the White Rabbit looked at the names on his piece of paper.Then to her great surprise, he called out loudly, “Alice.”“Here,” cried Alice, jumping to her feet.“What do you know about these tarts?” said the King.“Nothing,”said Alice.The Queen was looking hard at Alice now.She said, “All people a mile high must leave the room.”“I'm not a mile high,” said Alice, “And I won't leave the room, I want to hear the evidence.”“There is no more evidence,” said the King very quickly, “And now the jury will…”“Your Majesty,”said the White Rabbit, jumping up in a great hurry, “We've just found this letter, there's no name on it, but I think the Knave wrote it.”“No, I didn't,”said the Knave loudly.“Read it to us,” said the King.“Where shall I begin? your Majesty,” ask the rabbit.“Begin at the beginning,” said the King, “And go on until you get to the end, then stop.”Everybody listened very carefully, while the White Rabbit read these words.“They tell me,you have been to her and talked of me to him. She thought I was a gardener, but said I could not swim. He tells them that I have not gone. We know that this is true. If she decides to hurry on, what will they do to you? I gave her one,they gave him two. You gave us three or more. They all returned from him to you, but they were mine before.“That's a very important piece of evidence,” said the King.He looked very pleased, “Now, the jury must…”“If anybody in the jury can explain that letter,” said Alice.She was not afraid of anything now, because she was much bigger than everybody in the room.“I'll give him sixpence.”“It's all nonsense, it doesn't mean anything.”The jury busily wrote this down, she thinks it's all nonsense.“All nonsense,eh,” said the King.He read some of the words again.“But said I could not swim. You can't swim, can you?”, he said to the Knave.The Knave's face was sad.“Do I look like a swimmer?” he said, and he didn't, because he was made of paper.The King smiled.“I understand everything now,” he said, “There are the tarts, and here is the Knave of Hearts,and now the jury must decide who the thief is.”“No, no,” said the Queen, “Off with his head, the jury can say what he thinks later.”“What nonsense,” said Alice loudly, “The jury must decide first.You can't…”“Be quiet,”said the Queen, her face turning red.“I won't,”said Alice.“Off with her head,” screamed the Queen.Nobody moved.“It doesn't matter what you say,” said Alice, “You're only a pack of cards.”Then the pack of cards flew up into the sky and began to fall on Alice's face.She gave a little scream and woke up.She was lying next to her sister and under the trees, and some leaves were falling on her face.“Wake up,Alice, dear,” said her sister, “You've been asleep a long time.”“Oh, I've had a very curious dream,” said Alice, and she told her sister all about the strange adventures in her wonderful dream.翻译第七章：是谁偷走了馅饼？红心国王和红心王后正坐在他们的王座上，这时爱丽丝和狮鹫兽走了进来。房间里聚集了一大群鸟兽和所有的扑克牌。士兵们站在红心侍从周围，还有国王和拿着喇叭的白兔。房间中央有一张桌子，上面放着一大盘馅饼。“这些看起来不错，”爱丽丝心想，她感到有点饿了。然后白兔大声喊道：“安静，对红心侍从的审判现在开始。”他拿出一张长长的纸条念道：“红心王后，在一个夏日里她做了些馅饼。红心侍从，他偷了那些馅饼并全部拿走了。”“很好，”国王说，“叫第一位证人上台。”爱丽丝看着陪审团，他们正在把所有的事情都记录下来。这是一个非常奇怪的陪审团。有些陪审员是动物，其余的是鸟类。然后白兔吹了三次他的喇叭，然后叫第一位证人上台。第一位证人是帽匠，他手里拿着一个茶杯，另一只手里拿着一片面包和黄油。“非常抱歉，陛下，”他说道，“审判开始的时候我正喝着茶呢。”“摘下你的帽子吧，”国王说道。“那不是我的帽子，”帽匠回答道。“记下来，是偷来的，”国王对陪审团说道。“我收集帽子是为了出售的，”帽匠解释道，“我自己没有帽子。我就是个帽匠。”“请陈述你的证词，”国王说道，“否则我会砍掉你的脑袋。”帽匠的脸色变得煞白。“陛下，我是个穷苦人，”他用颤抖的声音说道。就在这时，爱丽丝有一种奇怪的感觉。过了一两分钟，她明白了那是什么感觉。“别那样推了，”坐在她旁边的一只睡鼠说道，“我快从座位上掉下来了。”“非常抱歉，”爱丽丝礼貌地说道，“您瞧，我正在长大和变高呢。”“但你不能在这里这么做，”那只睡鼠生气地说道，并起身走向另一个座位。帽匠仍在陈述证词，但没人能听懂他说的话。国王看向王后，王后看向刽子手。那个不开心的帽匠看到这一幕，把他的面包和黄油掉在地上。“陛下，我是个穷苦人，”他又说道。“你是个非常糟糕的演说者，”国王说道。他转向白兔说道：“叫下一个证人来。”下一个证人是公爵夫人的厨师，他非常生气地说道，说自己不会提供任何证词。国王显得很担忧，于是让白兔叫另一位证人。爱丽丝看着这一切，只见白兔看着他那张纸上的名字。然后令她大为惊讶的是，他大声喊道：“爱丽丝。”“在这儿呢，”爱丽丝跳起身说道。“这些馅饼有什么可说的？”国王问道。“没什么，”爱丽丝回答道。女王此时正紧紧地盯着爱丽丝。她说：“所有身高达到一英里的人都必须离开房间。”“我不是一英里高，”爱丽丝说道，“而且我不会离开房间，我想听听证词。”“没有更多的证词了，”国王很快说道，“现在陪审团……”“陛下，”白兔急忙跳起来说道，“我们刚刚找到了这封信，上面没有名字，但我认为是侍从写的。”“不，我没有写，”侍从大声说道。“读给我们听听吧，”国王说道。“我从哪里开始读呢，陛下？”兔子问道。“从开头读起，”国王说道，“一直读到结尾，然后停下来。”所有人都聚精会神地听着，而白兔则念着这些话。“他们告诉我，你曾去见过她，并向他提及了我。她以为我是园丁，但说我不会游泳。他告诉他们我没有离开。我们知道这是真的。如果她决定加快行程，他们会对你做什么呢？我给了她一枚金币，他们给了那个小偷两枚。而你们给了我们三枚或更多。它们都从那个小偷那里传到了你们这里，但它们原本都是我的。“这是一条非常重要的证据，”国王说道。他看起来非常高兴，“现在，陪审团必须……”“如果陪审团中有谁能解释那封信的话，”爱丽丝说道。她现在什么都不怕了，因为她比房间里的所有人都要高大得多。“我给他六便士。”“全是胡说八道，毫无意义。”陪审团忙着把这些记录下来，她觉得全是胡说八道。“全是胡说吗？”国王说道。他又读了其中一些话。“但他说我不会游泳。你会游泳吗？”他对侍从说道。侍从的脸很悲伤。“我看起来像游泳者吗？”他说道，而他不是，因为他是由纸做的。国王笑了。“现在我全都明白了，”他说道，“这里有馅饼，还有红心侍从，现在陪审团得决定谁是小偷。”“不，不，”王后说道，“砍掉他的脑袋吧，陪审团之后再发表意见如何？”“胡说八道，”爱丽丝大声说道，“陪审团必须先做出决定。你不能……”“安静点，”王后说道，她的脸涨得通红。“我不听，”爱丽丝说道。“砍掉她的头！”女王怒吼道。所有人都一动不动。“不管你说什么都没用，”爱丽丝说道，“你不过是一副纸牌罢了。”随后那副纸牌飞向天空，接着开始落在爱丽丝的脸上。她轻声尖叫了一声，然后就醒了。她正躺在姐姐身边，身处树林之下，还有一些树叶落在她的脸上。“醒醒，爱丽丝，亲爱的，”姐姐说道，“你已经睡了很久了。”“哦，我做了一个非常奇怪的梦，”爱丽丝说道，并向姐姐讲述了她那奇妙梦中那些奇异的冒险经历。

Do you work in a hostile or competitive environment where your coworkers are contentious and will do anything to get ahead? That's a difficult place to be day in and day out, but with God's help, and lessons we learn from his Word, you can be a light in that place. For example, look at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We read in the Bible about how they were targeted for their faith. Nebuchadnezzar, the king decrees that as soon as anyone hears the music they are to bow down and worship his golden image, which is the very definition of an idol. Anyone who doesn't obey will be thrown into a blazing furnace. Of course, these young Israelite men are God worshippers, and so they do not follow this order. And the other Chaldeans, or maybe we could call them coworkers, observe their behavior and call them out—basically tell on them to the king. Nebuchadnezzar confronts them himself and kind of gives them one more chance to worship him. Listen to their reply: King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up (Daniel 3:16b-18). Did you hear that? They are so confident God would rescue them. They know he can do it. They have heard the stories of how God rescued the Israelites from Pharoah, how God parted the Red Sea and led them in the wilderness, how God went before Joshua and the walls of Jericho came down from the trumpeting of the horns. They know God can save them. Then this phrase—But even if he does not— they will still not worship any other God. They have faith in an everlasting God, even if he doesn't save them from the immediate fiery furnace. And the end of the story is they do get thrown into the blaze—so hot the men who threw them in died. But they are not there alone. When king Nebuchadnezzar looks in, he sees four men walking around. God was there with them in it. And when they came out, not a hair was singed. God not only miraculously saves them as no one else could do, but because of their beliefs and behavior it is an example to everyone how great and mighty God is. I hope this encourages you to be your authentic, genuine self at work. May you find your identity in Christ and know you can trust him for anything! Even if you can't see how it could possibly resolve itself, you and I serve and worship a God who can do mighty and miraculous things, even in a contentious and hostile workplace. Trust him to guide and help you. You just might be an example to others and glorifying to God.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll单词提示1.clubs （扑克牌）梅花2.diamonds （扑克牌）方块3.hearts （扑克牌）红心4.knave 古英语指侍从5.hedgehogs 刺猬6.mallets 木槌7.flamingos 火烈鸟8.just 公正9.Griffin 狮鹫兽原文Chapter 6: The Queen's Game of CroquetNear the door,there was a rose tree and three gardeners who were looking at the roses in a very worried way. “What's the matter,” Alice said to them.“You see?Miss,” said the first gardener, “These roses are white,but the Queen only likes red roses, and she…”“The Queen,”said the second gardener.Suddenly and at once, the three gardeners lay down flat on their faces.Alice turned round and saw a great crowd of people.It was a pack of cards walking through the garden, they were clubs.They were soldiers and diamonds.And 10 little children, they were Hearts.Next came some Kings and Queens.Then Alice saw the White Rabbit, and behind him, the Knave of Hearts, and last of all, Queen, the King and Queen of Hearts.When the crowd came near to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her.And the Queen said, “Who are you?”“My name is Alice. Your Majesty,” said Alice very politely.But she thought to herself, “They're only a pack of cards. I don't need to be afraid of them.”“And who are these?” said the Queen, looking at the three gardeners.Then she saw the white roses, and her face turned red and angry.“Off with their heads,” she shouted, and soldiers hurried up to take the gardeners away.The Queen turned to Alice.“Can you play croquet?” She shouted.“Yes,” shouted Alice.“Come on,”then shouted the Queen.The crowd began to move on, and Alice went with them.“It's a very fine day,” said a worried voice in her ear.Alice saw that the White Rabbit was by her side.“Very fine,”said Alice.“Where's the Duchess?”Said the rabbit in a hurried voice.“She's in prison, waiting for execution.”“What for?”said Alice.But just then the Queen shouted, “Get two places, and the game began.”It was the strangest game of croquet in Alice's life.The balls were hedgehogs and the mallets were flamingos, and the hoops were made by soldiers who turned over and stood on their hands and feet.Alice held her flamingo's body under her arm, but the flamingo turned its long neck first this way and then that way.At last, Alice was ready to hit the ball with the flamingo's head, but by then the hedgehog was tired of waiting and was walking away across the croquet ground.And when both the flamingo and the hedgehog were ready, there was no hoop.The soldiers,too, were always getting up and walking away.“It really was a very difficult game,” Alice thought.The players all played at the same time, and they were always arguing and fighting for hedgehogs.Nobody could agree about anything.Very soon, the Queen was wildly angry and went around shouting “off with his head” or “off with her head” about once a minute.Alice began to feel worried.“The Queen is sure to argue with me soon,” she thought, “And what will happen to me then?They're cutting people's heads off all the time here. I'm surprised there is anyone left alive.”Just then she saw something very strange, she watched carefully.And after a minute or two, she saw that the thing was a grin.“It's the Cheshire Cat,” she said to herself, “Now I'll have somebody to talk to.”“How are you getting on,” said the cat.When its mouth appeared, Alice waited.“I can't talk to something without ears,” she thought.Slowly, the cat's eyes, then its ears, and then the rest of its head appeared.But it stopped at the neck, and its body did not appear.Alice began to tell the cat all about the game.“It's very difficult to play,” she said. “Everybody argues all the time, and the hooks and the hedgehogs walk away.”“How do you like the Queen,” said the cat quietly.“I don't,”said Alice. “She's very——just.” Then she saw the Queen behind her, so she went on clever, she's the best player here.The Queen smiled and walked past.“Who are you talking to,” said the King.He came up behind Alice and looked at the cat's head in surprise.“It's a friend of mine, a Cheshire cat,” said Alice.“I'm not sure that I like it,” said the King, “But it can touch my hand if it likes.”“I prefer not to,” said the cat.“Well,” said the King angrily.He called out to the Queen, “My dear, there's a cat here, and I don't like it.”The Queen did not look round off with its head, she shouted, “Call for the executioner.”Alice was a little worried for her friend, but when the executioner arrived, everybody began to argue.“I can't cut off a head,” said the executioner, “If there isn't a body cut it off from.”“You can cut the head off,” said the King, “From anything that's got a head.”“If somebody doesn't do something quickly,” said the Queen, “I'll catch everybody's head off.”Nobody liked that plan very much, so they all turned to Alice.“And what do you say?” they cried.“The cat belongs to the Duchess,” said Alice carefully, “Perhaps you could ask her about it.”“She's in prison,” the Queen said to the executioner, “Bring her here at once.”But then the cat's head slowly began to vanish, and when the executioner came back with the Duchess,there was nothing there.The King ran wildly up and down looking for the cat, and the Duchess put her arm round Alice.“I'm so pleased to see you again, my dear,” she said.“Let's get on with the game,” the Queen said angrily, and Alice followed her back to the croquet ground.The game went on, but all the time, the Queen was arguing and shouting “off with his head” or “off with her head”.Soon there were no hoops left, because the soldiers who were the hoops were too busy taking everybody to prison.And at the end,there were only three players left, the King, the Queen and Alice.The Queen stopped shouting and said to Alice, “Have you seen the Mock Turtle yet?”“No,” said Alice, “I'm not sure what a Mock Turtle is.”“Then come with me,” said the Queen, “They found the mock turtle down by the sea. Next to him was a Griffin, asleep in the sun.”Then the Queen hurried away, saying “I have to get on with some executions.”The Griffin woke up and said sleepily to Alice, “It's just talk, you know?They never execute anybody.”Alice was pleased to hear this.She felt a little afraid of the Griffin and the Mock Turtle because they were so large, but they were very friendly and sang songs and told her many stories about their lives.The Mock Turtle was in the middle of a very sad song, when they all heard a shout a long way away, “It's beginning.”“Come on, we must hurry,” said the Griffin.It took Alice by the hand and began to run.翻译第六章：女王的槌球游戏在门边有一棵玫瑰树，还有三个园丁正忧心忡忡地看着那些玫瑰。“怎么了？”爱丽丝对他们说道。“你看，小姐，”第一个园丁说道，“这些玫瑰是白色的，但是女王只喜欢红色的玫瑰，而且她……”“女王，”第二个园丁说道。突然，三个人一下子趴到了地上。爱丽丝转过身，看到了一大群人。那是几副扑克牌在花园里走着，他们是梅花花色。他们是士兵和方块花色。还有十个小孩子，他们是红桃花色。接着是几位国王和几位王后。然后爱丽丝看到了那只白兔，后面跟着的是红桃侍从，最后是王后、国王和红桃王后。当人群靠近爱丽丝时，他们都停了下来，看着她。然后女王说道：“你是谁？”“我的名字是爱丽丝，陛下，”爱丽丝非常有礼貌地说道。但她心里想着：“他们只是几副牌而已。我不需要害怕他们。”“这些是谁？”女王看着那三个园丁问道。然后她看到了那些白玫瑰，她的脸变得通红且愤怒起来。“砍掉他们的脑袋吧！”她大喊道，随后士兵们迅速上前将园丁们带走。女王转向爱丽丝。“你会打槌球吗？”她喊道。“会的。”爱丽丝喊道。“来吧。”女王喊道。人群开始散去，爱丽丝也跟着他们走了。“今天天气真好。”她耳边传来一个担忧的声音。爱丽丝看到白兔就在她身旁。“真好。”爱丽丝说道。“公爵夫人在哪里？”兔子急切地问道。“她在监狱里，等待处决。”“为什么？”爱丽丝问道。但就在这时，女王喊道：“准备两个场地，游戏开始了。”这是爱丽丝一生中见过的最奇怪的槌球比赛。球是刺猬，球棒是火烈鸟，球圈则是由士兵们翻转过来并手脚着地做成的。爱丽丝把火烈鸟的身体夹在胳膊下，但火烈鸟先是把长长的脖子朝这边转，然后又朝那边转。最后，爱丽丝准备用火烈鸟的头去击球，但这时刺猬已经厌倦了等待，正穿过槌球场走开去了。而当火烈鸟和刺猬都准备好后，却没有球圈了，士兵们也总是起身离开。“这确实是一场非常艰难的比赛。”爱丽丝心想。所有选手同时进行比赛，他们总是争吵和争夺刺猬。没有人能达成一致意见。很快，女王变得非常愤怒，每隔一分钟就会大声喊叫“砍掉他的头”或者“砍掉她的头”。爱丽丝开始感到担忧。“女王很快肯定会和我争论起来，”她想，“那我将会怎么样呢？这里一直都在砍人的脑袋。我很惊讶居然还有人活着。”就在那时，她看到了一些非常奇怪的东西，她仔细观察着。过了一两分钟，她看到那东西竟然是一个笑容。“这是柴郡猫，”她自言自语道，“现在我终于有可以交谈的人了。”“你好吗？”猫说道。当它的嘴巴出现时，爱丽丝等待着。“没有耳朵的东西，我无法与之交谈，”她想。慢慢地，猫的眼睛、然后是它的耳朵，接着是它的整个头部都出现了。但它的脖子处停了下来，它的身体没有出现。爱丽丝开始向猫讲述比赛的情况。“比赛非常艰难，”她说。“每个人都在不停地争论，而那些球圈和刺猬们则离开了。”“你觉得女王怎么样？”那只猫轻声问道。“我不...，”爱丽丝回答道，“她……非常公正。”她看到女王在她身后，于是她继续说道，聪明的家伙，她是这里最出色的辩手。女王微笑着走过去了。“你在和谁说话？”国王问道。他走到爱丽丝身后，惊讶地看着猫的脑袋。“这是我的一个朋友，一只柴郡猫，”爱丽丝说。“我不确定我喜欢它，”国王说，“但要是它愿意，它可以触碰我的手。”“我不愿意，”猫说道。“好吧，”国王生气地说道。他对着女王喊道，“亲爱的，这里有一只猫，我不喜欢它。”女王没有转过头去看它的脑袋，她大喊道，“叫刽子手来。”爱丽丝为她的朋友感到有些担心，但当刽子手到来时，所有人都开始争论起来。“我不能砍掉一个脑袋，”刽子手说，“如果没有身体，就无法将其砍下。”“你可以把脑袋砍下来，”国王说，“任何有脑袋的东西都可以。”“要是有人不尽快采取行动的话，”女王说，“我会把大家的脑袋都摘下来。”没有人喜欢这个计划，于是他们都转向了爱丽丝。“那你怎么说？”他们大声问道。“这只猫是公爵夫人养的，”爱丽丝小心翼翼地说道，“或许你们可以问问她这件事。”“她在监狱里，”女王对刽子手说，“马上把她带来。”但随后，那只猫的脑袋开始慢慢消失，当刽子手带着公爵夫人回来时，那里什么都没有了。国王疯狂地跑来跑去寻找那只猫，而公爵夫人则搂住了爱丽丝。“很高兴再次见到你，亲爱的，”她说。“咱们继续游戏吧，”王后生气地说，然后爱丽丝跟着她回到了槌球场地。游戏继续进行着，但整个过程中，王后一直在争吵并喊着“砍掉他的头”或者“砍掉她的头”。很快，所有的球圈都不见了，因为那些充当球圈的士兵们忙着把所有人送进监狱。最后，只剩下国王、王后和爱丽丝三个人了。王后停止了喊叫，对爱丽丝说：“你见过假海龟吗？”“没有，”爱丽丝说，“我不太清楚假海龟是什么。”“那跟我来吧，”王后说，“他们在海边找到了假海龟。它旁边是一只狮鹫，正躺在阳光下睡着呢。”然后王后匆匆离去，说：“我得继续执行一些死刑了。”狮鹫醒来后，睡眼惺忪地对爱丽丝说：“这只是说说而已，你知道吗？他们从不处决任何人。”爱丽丝听到这话很高兴。她对狮鹫和假海龟有些害怕，因为它们体型庞大，但它们非常友好，还为她唱起了歌，并给她讲述了关于它们生活的许多故事。假海龟正在唱着一首非常悲伤的歌，这时他们突然听到远处传来一声喊叫：“开始了。”“快点，我们得赶紧了。”格里芬说道。爱丽丝被狮鹫拉住手，便开始奔跑起来。

Scripture for today Daniel 6:3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other presidents and governors, for he had great ability, and the king began to think of placing him over the entire empire as his administrative officer.4 This made the other presidents and governors very jealous, and they began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs so that they could complain to the king about him. But they couldn't find anything to criticize! He was faithful and honest and made no mistakes. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance is his religion!”6 They decided to go to the king and say, “King Darius, live forever! 7 We presidents, governors, counselors, and deputies have unanimously decided that you should make a law, irrevocable under any circumstance, that for the next thirty days anyone who asks a favor of God or man—except from you, Your Majesty—shall be thrown to the lions. 8 Your Majesty, we request your signature on this law; sign it so that it cannot be canceled or changed; it will be a ‘law of the Medes and Persians' that cannot be revoked.”9 So King Darius signed the law.10 But though Daniel knew about it, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs bedroom, with its windows open toward Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day, just as he always had, giving thanks to his God.Subject: Don't Let Nothing or Nobody stop your Prayer Life. Thank you for joining. Be a Blessing to the Kingdom of God by spreading the word of God share this video. And if God leads you to sow it would be a blessing in the furthering of the word CashApp $ChristEmbassyA https://Ko-Fi.com/LivingLifeThroughth...please feel

The Bible is full of stories of God doing amazing things for those He calls. One of the most famous seems to be good to be true, but it is!Daniel, God's man in exile in Babylon, insisted on worshipping the Lord, and not a human king. This was against the law. When those who were jealous of him urged the king to punish Daniel, the prophet was thrown into a lion's den overnight.And that was that. Or was it?The next morning, the king was so anxious about Daniel that he ran to the den and called out to him to see if he was still alive.Daniel 6:21–22 says, “Daniel answered, ‘May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.'”When life threatens to rip you up, remember that the Lord has you. God is on your side, knows where you are, and will hide you in the palm of His strong hand.Believe that He will.Let's pray.Lord, this story inspires us to rely on you when times are really bad for us. Thank you for being our rescue. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Many believers start on fire for God—full of awe and excitement—but that often fades with time. In this message, see how we can have an awe that lasts. Notes: Luke 8:16–56 The problem is when we stop fighting to keep the fire lit. Read Luke 8:16–18 (NKJV) The Secret to Sustained Awe The way you keep your awe alive is by actively receiving and actively sharing the light you've been given. Luke 8:18“Therefore take heed how you hear.” Read Luke 8:19–21 Luke 8:21“My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Read Luke 8:22–25 Storms That Reset Storms expose what we really trust. Storms can also reset our perspectives. Luke 8:25 (NLT)Then He asked them, “Where is your faith?”The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When He gives a command, even the wind and waves obey Him!” The storm didn’t reveal how powerful the wind was; it revealed how powerful Jesus was. Every storm we face is an invitation to trust the One who commands the wind and obey Him. Daniel 3:17 (NLT)“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” Daniel 3:18 (NLT)“But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Jesus endured the greatest storm, which was taking our sin on the cross. Read Luke 8:26–39 (NKJV) The Awe of Deliverance John 10:10 (NKJV)"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The demons were begging Jesus, because even the powers of hell must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. Luke 8:37 (NKJV)Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. Luke 8:39"Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. The man who was sitting in spiritual and physical darkness just became a lampstand. Jesus stepped into our darkness so we could:be forgiven,be restored,become children of God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many believers start on fire for God—full of awe and excitement—but that often fades with time. In this message, see how we can have an awe that lasts. Notes: Luke 8:16–56 The problem is when we stop fighting to keep the fire lit. Read Luke 8:16–18 (NKJV) The Secret to Sustained Awe The way you keep your awe alive is by actively receiving and actively sharing the light you've been given. Luke 8:18“Therefore take heed how you hear.” Read Luke 8:19–21 Luke 8:21“My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Read Luke 8:22–25 Storms That Reset Storms expose what we really trust. Storms can also reset our perspectives. Luke 8:25 (NLT)Then He asked them, “Where is your faith?”The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When He gives a command, even the wind and waves obey Him!” The storm didn’t reveal how powerful the wind was; it revealed how powerful Jesus was. Every storm we face is an invitation to trust the One who commands the wind and obey Him. Daniel 3:17 (NLT)“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” Daniel 3:18 (NLT)“But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Jesus endured the greatest storm, which was taking our sin on the cross. Read Luke 8:26–39 (NKJV) The Awe of Deliverance John 10:10 (NKJV)"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The demons were begging Jesus, because even the powers of hell must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. Luke 8:37 (NKJV)Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned. Luke 8:39"Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you." And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. The man who was sitting in spiritual and physical darkness just became a lampstand. Jesus stepped into our darkness so we could:be forgiven,be restored,become children of God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us  from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. ~Daniel 3 vs 17-18.

King Charles the Third's sudden passing from complications related to his cancer treatment. William receives the life-changing phone call while at their Windsor home. The immediate succession and the weight of an unexpected crown.The phone rings at seven fourteen in the morning, and everything changes forever. "Your Majesty"—two words that William has never heard addressed to him, spoken by his Private Secretary in a voice heavy with constitutional gravity.The Crown awaits. And William must learn to be King while the whole world watches his first steps into a role that will define the rest of his life. Palace Intrigue is your daily royal family podcast, diving deep into the modern-day drama, power struggles, and scandals shaping the future of the monarchy."Crown and Controversy: Norway" is covering the trial of Marius Borg Høiby as the Norwegian Royal Family is faced with multiple scandals of their own.Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp by Judith Dean原文Chapter 6: There and Back AgainIn the evening, Aladdin and his friends finished hunting and began to go home.Suddenly a friend said, “Aladdin, look, the Sultan's men are coming with swords in theirhands. What do they want?”“I don't know.”, Aladdin answered.When the Sultan's men arrived, they said, “Aladdin, we must take you to the Sultan, he'svery angry.”“Why?”,asked Aladdin.But the men could not tell him.In his palace, the Sultan took Aladdin to a window.“Where is your palace?”, he cried angrily, “And where is my daughter? Answer me?”Aladdin looked out of the window, there was only the ground and the sky, no palace, no gardens, nothing.He closed his eyes, opened them and looked again, and he had no answer for the Sultan.“It's black magic, I always said that.”, the vizier said quietly in the sultan's ear.“Your Majesty”, Aladdin put his head at the sultan's feet, “Kill me now, I do not want to live without Bador Al Bodour.”There were tears in his eyes.“Find her in forty days or you die.”, the sultan said.“I hear and obey Your Majesty.”, Aladdin answered.But without his magic lamp, what could Aladdin do?He went out from the city, and looked and looked for his wife and his palace, but of course he did not find them.After 37 days, he sat by a river and cried.“Oh,Bador Al Bodour, my love, where are you, where can I look now?”He put his hands into the water of the river, and then he saw the magician's ring on his little finger.He began to rub it.Out the blue smoke came the genie of the ring.“What is your wish? Master.”, he asked.“Find my wife and bring her back to me.”, answered Aladdin, “please.”“Master,I cannot do that. The genie of the lamp took the princess away, and only the genie of the lamp can bring her back. But I can take you to her.”“Take me then, quickly.”“To hear is to obey.”It is many, many miles from Arabia to Morocco.But Aladdin was there in a second, and there was his palace in front of him.He went into the gardens and looked up at the windows.“Bador Al Bodour!”, he cried, “Are you there?”In the palace, Bador Al Bodour heard him.“Is that Aladdin?”, She thought, “But he is far away in Arabia.”She went to the window, opened it and looked out Aladdin.She cried, “Oh my love!”For the first time in many days, Aladdin smiled.“Come up quickly!”, the princess called, “The magician is not here now.”Her slave girl ran down and opened a little door into the gardens.Aladdin ran up to the princess's rooms and in a second she was in his arms.“Oh,my love!”, the princess said, “a bad man carried me here, a magician, his name is…”“His name is Abenaza and I am going to kill him.”, said Aladdin, “Tell me, does he have my old lamp?”“Yes.”,Bador Al Bodour said, “he always carries it with him. I know about its magic now, because he told me. Oh! why did I give it away?”“Listen,my love.”, said Aladdin, “I'm going to give you some sleeping powder when he comes here again, you must give him a drink and put the powder in it. When he is asleep, I can kill him, don't be afraid. I'm going to take you home very soon.”Now for some good magic, he began to rub his ring.Whoosh…“What is your wish? Master”, said the genie of the ring.“Bring me some sleeping powder.”, said Aladdin.“To hear is to obey.”Ina second, the genie was back with some sleeping powder.Then Aladdin and the princess waited for Abenaza.In the evening, they heard him on the stairs.“Don't be afraid.”, Aladdin said quietly to his wife, “I am in the next room and can be with you in a second.”He went quickly into the next room and stood behind the door.Abenaza opened the door of Bador Al Bodour's room and came in.He smiled. “You are more beautiful every day, Bador Al Bodour.”, he said, “Your husband that good for nothing, Aladdin is dead. Now, you must marry me. You can have gold, jewels, palaces, anything, but you must be my wife.”For the first time, the princess smiled at Abenaza.“Why not?”, she said, “You are a rich man and I am happy here. Yes, let's drink to that.”And she gave him a tall gold cup with the drink and the powder in it.“Let us drink from one cup, Abenaza.”, she said and smiled at him, “You first, then me. In my country, new husbands and wives always do this.”“To Bador Al Bodour, the most beautiful woman in Morocco.”, Abenaza said happily, “And my wife.”He looked into Bador Al Bodour's eyes and began to drink.Very afraid, the princess watched him, but it was a good sleeping powder and after five seconds Abenaza's eyes closed and he was asleep.The princess ran to the door of the next room.“Quick Aladdin.”, she called.Aladdin ran in with his sword and saw the sleeping magician.“Well done, my love.”, he said, “Now go into the next room and do not watch.”Bador Al Bodour ran to the next room and closed the door.Aladdin put his hand in Abenaza's pocket and took out the lamp.He put it carefully into the pocket of his coat and then stood up.The sword did its work quickly and Abenaza never opened his eyes again.The princess came back into the room and ran to Aladdin.He took her in his arms.“The magician is dead.”, he said, “And now we can go home.”He began to rub the lamp.Whoosh…Fire and red smoke came from the lamp.The princess watched, afraid.“I am here, Master.”, said the genie of the lamp, “What is your wish?”“Carry this palace, Bador Al Bodour and me back to our city in Arabia, but leave that dog Abenaza here.”“To hear is to obey.”, said the genie.When the Sultan looked out of his window and saw Aladdin's palace again, he was a happy man.And when he took his daughter in his arms, he was the happiest man in Arabia.From that day, Aladdin and Bador Al Bodour lived happily in their palace.They lived for many years and had many children, but Aladdin always carried the magic lamp with him day and night.翻译第6章：又回来了傍晚，阿拉丁和他的朋友们狩猎完毕，开始回家。 突然，一位朋友说：“阿拉丁，看，苏丹的人手里拿着剑来了。他们想要什么？”“我不知道。”阿拉丁回答。 当苏丹的人到达时，他们说：“阿拉丁，我们必须带你去见苏丹，他很生气。”“为什么？”阿拉丁问。 但男人们不能告诉他。 在他的宫殿里，苏丹把阿拉丁带到窗前。 “你的宫殿在哪里？”他愤怒地喊道，“我女儿在哪里？回答我？”阿拉丁望向窗外，只有地面和天空，没有宫殿，没有花园，什么都没有。 他闭上眼睛，睁开眼睛，又看了一眼，对苏丹没有回答。 “这是黑魔法，我总是这么说。”维齐尔在苏丹耳边轻声说。 “陛下”，阿拉丁把头靠在苏丹的脚下，“现在杀了我吧，我不想没有巴多尔·阿尔-博杜尔而活着。”他眼里含着泪水。 “四十天内找到她，否则你就死定了。”苏丹说。 “我听到并服从陛下。”阿拉丁回答。 但是没有他的神灯，阿拉丁能做什么呢？ 他出城，四处寻找他的妻子和宫殿，但当然没有找到。 37天后，他坐在河边哭泣。 “哦，巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔，亲爱的，你在哪里，我现在可以去哪里看？”他把手伸进河里，然后看见魔法师的戒指戴在他的小手指上。 他开始揉搓它。戒指的精灵从蓝色的烟雾中冒了出来。“你的愿望是什么？主人。”他问。 “找到我的妻子，把她带回来。”阿拉丁回答，“请一定。”“主人，我不能这么做。灯的精灵把公主带走了，只有灯的精灵才能把她带回来。但我可以带你去见她。”“那就带我去，快点。”“听到就是服从。”从阿拉伯到摩洛哥有很多英里。 但阿拉丁一秒钟就到了，他的宫殿就在他面前。 他走进花园，抬头看着窗户。 “巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔！”他喊道，“你在吗？”在宫殿里，巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔听到了他的声音。 “那是阿拉丁吗？”她想，“但他在阿拉伯很远的地方。”她走到窗前，打开窗户，望向阿拉丁。 她哭着说：“哦，我的爱！”阿拉丁几天来第一次笑了。 “快上来！”公主喊道，“魔法师现在不在这里。”她的婢女跑下来，打开了一扇通往花园的小门。 阿拉丁跑到公主的房间，不一会儿她就在他的怀里。 “哦，我的爱！”公主说，“一个坏人把我抱到这里，一个魔术师，他的名字叫……”“他的名字叫阿贝纳扎，我要杀了他。”阿拉丁说，“告诉我，他有我的旧灯吗？”“是的。”巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔说，“他总是随身携带它。我现在知道它的魔力了，因为他告诉了我。哦！我为什么要把它送人？”“听着，亲爱的。”阿拉丁说，“他再来的时候，我要给你一些安眠药，你必须给他喝一杯，把安眠药放进去。等他睡着了，我可以杀了他，别害怕。我很快就带你回家。”现在，为了一些好的魔法，他开始揉搓戒指。嗖……“你的愿望是什么？主人。”戒指的精灵说。“给我拿些安眠药来。”阿拉丁说。 “听到就是服从。”过了一会儿，精灵拿着安眠药回来了。 然后阿拉丁和公主等着阿贝纳扎。 晚上，他们听见他在楼梯上。 “别害怕。”阿拉丁平静地对妻子说，“我在隔壁房间，马上就可以和你在一起。”他迅速走进隔壁房间，站在门后。阿贝纳扎打开巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔房间的门走了进来。他笑了。“你一天比一天漂亮，巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔。”他说，“你的丈夫一无是处，阿拉丁已经死了。现在，你必须嫁给我。你可以拥有黄金、珠宝、宫殿，任何东西，但你必须是我的妻子。”公主第一次对阿贝纳扎微笑。 “为什么不呢？”她说，“你是个有钱人，我在这里很开心。是的，让我们为此干杯。”她给了他一个高高的金杯，里面装着饮料和粉末。“让我们喝一杯吧，阿贝纳扎。”她对他微笑着说，“你先喝，然后是我。在我的国家，新婚夫妇总是这样做。”“致摩洛哥最美丽的女人巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔。”阿贝纳扎高兴地说，“还有我的妻子。”他看着巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔的眼睛，开始喝酒。公主非常害怕，看着他，但这是一种很好的安眠药，五秒钟后，阿贝纳扎闭上眼睛，睡着了。 公主跑到隔壁房间的门口。 “快阿拉丁。”她喊道。 阿拉丁拿着剑跑了进来，看见了睡着的魔法师。 “干得好，亲爱的。”他说，“现在到隔壁房间去，别看。”巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔跑到隔壁房间，关上了门。 阿拉丁把手伸进阿贝纳扎的口袋，拿出了灯。 他小心地把它放进上衣口袋里，然后站了起来。 剑很快就完成了它的工作，阿贝纳扎再也没有睁开眼睛。 公主回到房间，跑向阿拉丁。 他把她抱在怀里。 “魔术师死了。”他说，“现在我们可以回家了。”他开始擦灯。嗖……火和红烟从灯里冒出来。 公主害怕地看着。 “我在这里，主人。”灯的精灵说，“你的愿望是什么？”“巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔和我把这座宫殿带回我们在阿拉伯的城市，但把那只狗阿贝纳扎留在这里。”“听到就是服从。”精灵说。 当苏丹望向窗外，再次看到阿拉丁的宫殿时，他是一个快乐的人。、当他把女儿抱在怀里时，他是阿拉伯最幸福的人。从那天起，阿拉丁和巴多尔·阿尔·博杜尔在他们的宫殿里幸福地生活着。 他们生活了很多年，有很多孩子，但阿拉丁总是日夜带着神灯。

In this week's episode, we dust off our iPods and XM boomboxes to travel back to the decade where many claimed that rock n' roll was dead and that there was no more good music. That's right; we are listening to obscure tracks from George W.'s Y2K! Join us on this journey back through the decade of iTunes, MySpace, autotune, and some really great rock n' punk n' metal!New to InObscuria? It's all about digging up obscure Rock n' Punk n' Metal from one of 3 categories: the Lost, the Forgotten, or the Should Have Beens. In this episode, we talk about the lost and forgotten gems of the 00s. A decade where the ideas of record companies, albums, physical product, and the old way of promoting artists were all challenged. This decade literally changed the path for how music was to be consumed going forward.Songs this week include:Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – “Six Barrel Shotgun” from Take Them On Your Own(2003)Flickerstick – “Girls & Pills” from Tarantula (2004) Totimoshi – “Milagrosa” from Milagrosa (2008)Hey Mercedes – “Everybody's Working For The Weak” from The Weekend EP (2002)Hurt – “Pandora” from Goodbye To The Machine (2009)The Soundtrack Of Our Lives – “Sister Surround” from Behind The Music (2001)The Anniversary – “Crooked Crown” from Your Majesty (2002)The Cooper Temple Clause – “Promises Promises” from Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose (2003)Big Jack Pneumatic – “Mainstream” from Half-Ass Cool (EP) (2003) Please subscribe everywhere that you listen to podcasts!Buy cool stuff with our logo on it: InObscuria StoreVisit us: https://inobscuria.com/https://www.facebook.com/InObscuriahttps://x.com/inobscuriahttps://www.instagram.com/inobscuria/

Send us a textGet StrongThe wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.  Proverbs 18:1It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel 6:1-31. EXPECT OPPOSITIONAt this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”    Daniel 6:4-52.    KNEEL AND PRAY.Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10Prayer is our First Response not our Last Resort3. TRUST GOD WITH THE RESULTS.My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:22-23Discussion QuestionsWhen you hear the word BOLD, what comes to mind first: personality, action, faith, or conflict?Can you think of a time when doing the right thing brought resistance instead of applause?What practical rhythms of prayer could help you stay spiritually strong throughout the day?Where do you struggle most with the “what ifs” of faith?Where is God asking you to be bold instead of blending in right now? Want to go deeper this week? We've created a simple Bible reading plan that follows today's message and helps you carry what God spoke on Sunday into your everyday life. www.relatecommunity.com/soap Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today's message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

Last time we spoke about the climax of the battle of Changkufeng. A 7–10 August clash near Changkufeng and Hill 52 saw a brutal, multi-front Soviet push against Japanese positions in the Changkufeng–Hill 52 complex and adjacent areas. The Korea Army and Imperial forces rapidly reinforced with artillery, long-range 15 cm and other pieces, to relieve pressure. By 7–8 August, Soviet assault waves, supported by tanks and aircraft, intensified but Japanese defenses, including engineers, machine-gun fire, and concentrated artillery, prevented a decisive breakthrough at key positions like Noguchi Hill and the Changkufeng spine.  By 9–10 August, continued Japanese counterfire, improved artillery neutralization, and renewed defenses kept Hill 52 and Changkufeng in Japanese control, though at heavy cost. The frontline exhaustion and looming strategic concerns prompted calls for intensified replacements and potential diplomatic considerations. It seemed like the battle was coming to an end.   #184 The Lake Khasan Truce Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. The casualties were atrocious for both sides, yet they continued to mobilize more forces to the conflict area. While the Russians appeared uninterested in all-out war, they were not rushing to settle the crisis through diplomacy and, at the front, were launching "reckless" counterattacks at inconvenient locations, presumably to occupy positions useful for bargaining. The local Soviet military, having ceded the hills at the outset, must also have been anxious about its prestige. The Kwantung Army's potential threat to the flank undoubtedly made the Russians nervous. Although the leading echelon of the 104th Division did not reach Hunchun until the evening of 13 August, Japanese intelligence heard that the Red Army Headquarters staff at Khabarovsk had detected movements of Kwantung Army elements around 10 August and had been compelled to take countermeasures: they reinforced positions along the eastern and northern Manchurian frontiers, concentrated the air force, ordered move-up preparations by ground forces in the Blagoveshchensk district, and commandeered most of the motor vehicles in the Amur Province. By shifting its main strength to the eastern front, the Kwantung Army exerted, as intended, a silent pressure. The covert objective was to restrain and divert the Russians and to assist Japanese diplomacy, not to provoke war. Nevertheless, an American correspondent who visited the Changkufeng area in mid-August privately reported that the Kwantung Army was massing large numbers of troops near the border and expected further trouble.  Toward its weak neighbor in Korea the Kwantung Army rendered every support. Apart from its major demonstration in eastern Manchuria, the Kwantung Army promptly sent whatever reinforcements of artillery, engineers, and other units that Seoul had desired. Being also intimately involved in anti-Soviet military preparations, the Kwantung Army understandably wanted the latest and most authentic information on Russian Army theory and practice. The Changkufeng Incident furnished such a firsthand opportunity, and the professional observers sent from Hsinking were well received at the front. Military classmate ties contributed to the working relationships between the armies. As one division officer put it, the teams from the Kwantung Army came as "friends," not only to study the battlefield by their respective branches of service but also to assist the front-line forces; "the Kwantung Army was increasingly helpful to us in settling the incident." Foreign Minister Ugaki felt that the pressure of troop movements in Manchuria played a major part in the Russians' eventual decision to conclude a cease-fire. From Inada's viewpoint, it had been a "fine and useful demonstration against the Soviet Union." Pinned at Changkufeng, the Russians did not or could not choose to react elsewhere, too. Army General Staff officers believed that clear and consistent operational guidance furnished by Tokyo produced good results, although the fighting had been very hard for the front-line Japanese troops because of the insistence on exclusive defense, the curbs on interference by the Kwantung Army, and the prohibition on the use of aircraft. It had been close, however. Only by conscious efforts at restraint had the small war at Changkufeng been kept from spilling over into neighboring areas. Escalation of combat in early August had caused the Japanese government to try to break the diplomatic impasse while localizing the conflict. On 2 August Premier Konoe assured the Emperor that he intended to leave matters for diplomacy and to suspend military operations as soon as possible, an approach with which the government concurred. The Changkufeng dispute had been accorded priority, preceding overall settlements and the creation of joint commissions to redefine the borders. On the 3rd, after coordinating with the military, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Shigemitsu that the front-line situation had become "extremely critical" and that a quick suspension of fighting action should be proposed. Soviet and Japanese troops should be pulled back to the setup as of 30 July.  In the midst of the Changkufeng Incident, the USSR intensified harassing tactics against the last Japanese consulates located within the Soviet Union. Forty-eight hour ultimatums to quit the country were delivered to the consuls at Khabarovsk and Blagoveshchensk on 3 and 4 August, respectively. Although the Japanese government warned that it might retaliate, the Russians were unyielding. The foreign ambassadors, Mamoru Shigemitsu and Maxim Litvinov met on August 4th, whereupon Shigemitsu argued, the best procedure would be to suspend military operations on both sides and to restore the status quo. Litvinov in a long manner explained the stance of the USSR as Shigemitsu put it "the Soviet side had a disposition to cease fighting, provided that conditions were satisfactory."  The Russians were stalling at the very time the Red Army was bending every effort to retake Changkufeng. Coordination between the Army, Navy, and Foreign Ministers produced cease-fire conditions which were rushed to the Japanese ambassador on 6 August. Two alternate lines were proposed, to which both armies would pull back. After the creation of a buffer zone, discussions could begin concerning delineation of boundaries in the region of the incident. The Hunchun pact could be the basis for deliberations, demarcation to be effected by joint investigations on the spot in consultation with documents in the possession of Manchukuo and the USSR; the Japanese would serve only as observers. Shigemitsu conferred once more with Litvinov for three and a half hours on 7 August, but no progress was made. Litvinov insisted that a clash could be averted only if Japanese forces pulled However Litvinov's positive reaction to the idea of a demarcation commission was seen as a good sign.  On August the 10th, both sides seemed to have reached a similar conclusion that a cease-fire needed to rapidly be implemented. At 11pm that night Litvinov called the embassy, asking for Shigemitus to see him as fast as possible. Shigemitsu arrived around midnight whereupon Litvinov showed him a draft of a final accord: 1. Japanese and Soviet forces shall cease all military activities on 11 August at noon local time. Instructions to that effect are to be issued immediately by the governments of the USSR and Japan.  2. Japanese as well as Soviet troops shall remain on those lines which they occupied at midnight local time on 10 August.  3. For redemarcation of the portion of frontier in dispute, there shall be created a mixed commission of two representatives from the USSR and two representatives from the Japanese-Manchurian side, with an umpire selected by agreement of both parties from among citizens of a third state.  4. The commission for redemarcation shall work on the basis of agreements and maps bearing the signatures of plenipotentiary representatives of Russia and China. Shigemitsu agreed to the inclusion of a Japanese commissioner on the Manchukuoan delegation, but he could not assent to the addition of a neutral umpire. Moscow received the news of the truce with gratification mingled with surprise. Few realized that the USSR had taken the step of appeasing or at least saving face for the Japanese even after Shigemitsu had pleaded for and won a cease-fire. The world was told by the Russians only that specific overtures for cessation of hostilities had originated with the Soviet authorities. In general, it was not difficult to guess why the Russian government, distracted by the European political scene and apprehensive about a two-front war, agreed to a cease-fire at Changkufeng.  The slowness of communication across the many miles between Moscow and Tokyo did nothing to alleviate nervousness in the Japanese capital during the night of 10–11 August. Ugaki wrote in his diary that, "after ten days of tension, the struggle between the Japanese and Soviet armies on the USSR–Manchukuo border had reached the decisive brink". Complicating the situation was the fact that, late on 10 August, the president of Domei News Agency conveyed to Konoe a message from one of his Moscow correspondents. Purporting to sum up Shigemitsu's latest outlook, the report stated that success in the negotiations seemed unlikely. The contents of the message were transmitted to Ugaki and Itagaki. Consequently, Konoe and his associates spent a fearful and depressed night. Shigemitsu's own report, sent by telegram, arrived frustratingly slowly.  After definite information had been received from Shigemitsu, Harada happily called Kazami Akira, the prime minister's chief secretary, and Konoe himself. "Until the accord was implemented," Kazami had said, "we would have to be on the alert all day today." Konoe and Kazami seemed "a little relaxed anyhow." Inada had finally retired past midnight on 10–11 August, "agreement or no agreement. I must have been dozing from fatigue when the jangle of the phone got me up. It was a message saying that a truce had been concluded the preceding midnight. Just as I had been expecting, I said to myself, but I felt empty inside, as if it were an anticlimax." The call had to have been an unofficial communication, perhaps the latest Domei news, since the records showed that definitive word from the embassy in Moscow did not reach Tokyo until after 10:00. Attache Doi's report to the Army General Staff came at about 11:00. This was extremely late in terms of getting Japanese troops to cease operations at 13:00 Tokyo time (or noon on the spot); a tardy imperial order might undo the Moscow accord. Complicating this matter of split-second timing was the fact that the first official telegram from Shigemitsu referred to unilateral Japanese withdrawal by one kilometer. At the Japanese high command level, there was agitated discussion when initial word of these arrangements arrived. Inada speculated that on 10 August the Russians had staged persistent close-quarter assaults against Changkufeng and seized the southern edge eventually, although repulsed at all other points. Moscow may have agreed to a truce at that midnight because they expected that the crest of Changkufeng would be in their hands by then and that a fait accompli would have been achieved. Some officers argued that the Russian forces were suffering "quite badly and this caused the authorities' agreeability to a cease-fire." Most exasperating, however, was the provision stipulating a one-sided military withdrawal. Admittedly, such action had been under discussion by the Army General Staff itself, particularly after Terada's sobering appeal of 10 August. It was another matter to have a Japanese withdrawal dictated by the USSR while Russian troops did not have to budge. Initial puzzlement and chagrin began to yield to rationalization. The Japanese side seemed to have made a concession in the negotiations, but there must have been significance to the phrase which said, "the line occupied by Japanese forces has been taken into due consideration." Japanese troops had presumably advanced to the edge of the frontier, while Russian soldiers had not come even close. Thus, it must have been necessary to have the Japanese units withdraw first, to fix the boundaries, since it had been the Japanese who had done the greater advancing. One Japanese office remarked "A pull-back was a pull-back, no matter how you looked at things—and we were the ones who had to do it. But the atmosphere in the command had been far from optimistic on 10 August; so we decided that it was unnecessary to complain about this issue and we approved the agreement in general. Both the senior and junior staff levels seemed to be quite relieved." The 11th of August had been an awkward day to conduct liaison between the Foreign Ministry, the Army, and the Throne, since the Emperor was leaving Hayama to visit naval installations in the Yokosuka area and the navy air unit in Chiba from morning. By the time a conclusive report on the cease-fire could be conveyed to the monarch, he was aboard the destroyer Natsugumo at Kisarazu. Naval wireless facilities in Tokyo had to be used to transmit coded messages to Admiral Yonai, the Navy Minister, for delivery to the Emperor. This was done shortly before 14:45 According to Yonai, the Emperor "was very pleased and relieved when I reported to him… about the conclusion of the truce accord." The appropriate Imperial order was approved promptly. But not until 15:00, two hours after cease-fire time at Changkufeng, did word of Imperial sanction reach the high command.  Japanese soldiers in the lines recalled nothing special on 11 August. "We didn't hear about the truce till the last minute," said one, "and we had become so inured to enemy artillery we hardly noticed any 'last salute.' From Tokyo, on 11 August, it was reported that the Japanese side had suspended operations promptly at noon, as agreed, but that sporadic bursts of fire had continued to come from the Soviet side. Colonel Grebennik, when asked after the war whether the combat did end at noon, replied petulantly: "Yes, but not quite so. The fighting actually ceased at 12:05." According to him, the tardiness was the Japanese side's fault.  The Japanese press told readers that "the cease-fire bugle has sounded—the frontier is cheerful now, 14 days after the shooting began." All was quiet in the area of Changkufeng, where the sounds of firing ceased at noon "as if erased." The most intense period of stillness lasted only a few minutes and was followed by the excited chattering of soldiers, audible on both sides. Korea Army Headquarters spoke of the "lifting of dark clouds [and] return of the rays of peace." In Hongui, a Japanese combat officer told a Japanese correspondent: "Suddenly we noticed the insects making noise; the soldiers were delighted. Once the fighting stopped, Japanese national flags were hoisted here and there along our front. … After the Russians observed what we had done, they broke out red flags also, at various points in their trenches." Some Japanese soldiers were given cookies by Soviet medical corpsmen. At Hill 52, an infantryman remembered, the Japanese and the Russians were facing each other, 50 meters apart, that afternoon. "We just lay there and stared at each other for two hours, waiting grimly. But it was well past cease-fire now, and those same Russians finally started to wave at us. Later that day, when Soviet troops came to salvage their KO'd tanks, we 'chatted' in sign language." After the cease-fire, Ichimoto, whose battalion had seen the most difficult fighting, stuck his head above the trench and waved hello to some Soviet officers. "They waved back. It gave me an odd sensation, for during the furious struggle I had considered them to be barbarians. Now I was surprised to see that they were civilized after all!" A rifleman at Changkufeng remembered swapping watches with an unarmed Russian across the peak. The Japanese front-line troops stayed in their positions confronting the Russians and conducted preparations for further combat while cleaning up the battlefield. Soviet troops also remained deployed as of the time of the cease-fire and vigorously carried out their own construction. The day after the cease-fire went into effect, Suetaka escorted an American reporter to the front. At Changkufeng:  "carpenters were making wooden receptacles for the ashes of the Japanese dead. Funeral pyres still were smoldering. . . . From our vantage point the lieutenant general pointed out long lines of Soviet trucks coming up in clouds of dust [which] apparently were made deliberately in an effort to conceal the trucks' movements, [probably designed] to haul supplies from the front. Soviet boats were pushing across [Khasan] . . . and Soviet soldiers were towing smashed tanks back from no-man'sland. On the Japanese side there was a pronounced holiday spirit. Soldiers, emerging from dugouts, were drying white undershirts on near-by brush and bathing in the Tumen River. The soldiers were laughing heartily. A few were trying to ride a Korean donkey near Changkufeng's scarred slope. The general pointed out three Soviet tanks behind the Japanese advance lines east of Changkufeng. He said the Russians had hauled back seventy others [on the night of 11 August]. . . . The writer was shown a barbed wire fence immediately behind a wrecked village on the west slope of Changkufeng which the general said the Soviet troops built at the beginning of the fighting. Possiet Bay also was pointed out, clearly visible across the swamp." Soviet losses for what became known as the battle of Lake Khasan for the Russians and the Changkufeng incident for the Japanese, totaled 792 killed or missing and 3,279 wounded or sick, according to Soviet records. The Japanese claimed to have destroyed or immobilized 96 enemy tanks and 30 guns. Soviet armored losses were significant, with dozens of tanks knocked out or destroyed and hundreds of "tank troops" becoming casualties. Japanese casualties, as revealed by secret Army General Staff statistics, were 1,439 casualties, 526 killed or missing, 913 wounded; the Soviets claimed Japanese losses of 3,100, with 600 killed and 2,500 wounded. The Soviets concluded that these losses were due in part to poor communications infrastructure and roads, as well as the loss of unit coherence caused by weak organization, headquarters, commanders, and a lack of combat-support units. The faults in the Soviet army and leadership at Khasan were blamed on the incompetence of Blyukher. In addition to leading the troops into action at Khasan, Blyukher was also supposed to oversee the trans-Baikal Military District's and the Far Eastern fronts' move to combat readiness, using an administrative apparatus that delivered army group, army, and corps-level instructions to the 40th Rifle Division by accident. On 22 October, he was arrested by the NKVD and is thought to have been tortured to death. At 15:35 on 11 August, in the Hill 52 sector, high-ranking military delegates bearing a white flag emerged from the Soviet lines and proceeded to Akahage Hill, about 100 meters from the Japanese positions. Cho, as right sector chief, was notified. He sent three lieutenants to converse with the Russians; they learned that the Soviets wanted the Japanese to designate a time and place for a conference. This word was conveyed to Suetaka, who had already dispatched Lieutenant Kozuki to the heights east of Shachaofeng to contact the Russians. Around 4:20, the commander canceled Kozuki's mission and instructed Cho to reply that the delegation ought to convene near the peak of Changkufeng at 18:00 Cho set out promptly with several subordinates; they reached the Changkufeng crest a little before 6. The Russians then said they wanted to meet the Japanese near the Crestline southeast of Changkufeng, the excuse being that the peak was too far for them to go and that they could not arrive by the designated time. Cho took his team to the location requested by the Russians. There, the Japanese found 13 Soviet soldiers and a heavy machine gun on guard, but the Russian delegates had not arrived, although it was 6:18. The irked Japanese clocked a further delay of two minutes before the Russian truce chief, Gen. Grigory M. Shtern, rode up on horseback with a party of eight. Both delegations saluted, the chiefs and team members identified themselves, and all shook hands. The Soviet team was made up of Corps General 3rd rank Shtern, 38, chief of staff, Far East area army; Brigade Commissar Semenovsky political major general, 37 or 38; Colonel Fedotev, 42; and Major Wabilev, about 30. Interpreting for the Russians was Alexei Kim. In Colonel Cho's opinion, "It was always necessary to take the initiative in dealing with the Soviets. So, even in such matters as shaking hands or conversing, he always did things first." During the exchange of greetings, Cho teased Shtern about his bandaged forehead. "A Japanese artillery shell got you, didn't it?" he asked. But Cho began formal discussions on a more dignified note: "Cho: It is very much to be regretted that the Japanese and Soviet armies had to get involved in combat around Changkufeng. Nevertheless, I laud the consummation of the Mos­cow accord on the part of both governments. And, I must say, your forces were quite brave and patriotic. Shtern: I agree with you. The Japanese Army, too, was courageous and strong." Negotiations would go on at the local level and diplomatic level for many days. In Tokyo, on the morning of 13 August, Ugaki had gone to the Meiji shrine to "report" on the cease-fire and to express his gratitude. At 10:00, when received in Imperial audience, he discussed the Changkufeng Incident. "I humbly regret to have troubled Your Majesty so unduly in connection with an unimportant affair on the Soviet-Manchurian frontier" at a time when the monarch was confronted by grave national problems. A long and winding road lay ahead before the incident as a whole was settled, but a good start had been made and "we are going to be even more careful in handling matters, although the Soviet regime  consists of devious, vicious scoundrels." Recognition of the Japanese Army's performance was accorded by the highest authorities in the homeland. As soon as the fighting ceased, Kan'in transmitted a message of appreciation. The day after the cease-fire, the command in North Korea issued a generous communique: "We pay homage to the Japanese for defending themselves against 100 planes, 200 tanks, and 60 pieces of heavy artillery. Our admiration for the bravery of both armies is of the highest." At 14:00 on the 15th, Kan'in was received in audience and reported on the settlement of the crisis. Said the Emperor: "We are gratified by the fact that, during this incident at Changkufeng, Our officers and men achieved their mission fully and manifested prudence and forbearance while confronting difficult circumstances with small forces. Our profound condolences to the casualties. Convey this message to the officers and men." A wire was dispatched promptly to Nakamura. With Imperial use of the wording "Changkufeng Incident," the nomenclature for the affair was fixed in Japan. When the cabinet met on 16 August, the decision was reached officially. After the Changkufeng affair, Japanese officers claimed that the Soviets had dispatched tactical experts "to ascertain why their elite Far Eastern forces had not been able to achieve satisfactory results. They realize the urgency of this investigation in preparation for any great war." Specifically, the AGS heard that on the day of the cease-fire, Blyukher had sent an investigative team of commissars under Romanovsky to the scene. Japanese experts on the USSR speculated that the experience at Changkufeng ought indeed to have impressed the Red Army: "Our forces did seize the hill and hold it. After comparing the strengths involved ... the Russians may well have had to modify their estimates." According to one Japanese commentator, improvements in political leadership were judged imperative by the USSR, gainsaying claims that the Soviet Army had been strengthened through the purge of alleged Japanese tools. Soviet authorities would conclude "As a test of doctrine, the fighting had confirmed the correctness of the basic principles embodied in the 1936 Field Service Regulations." The Soviet infantry had paid dearly for this, as well as for the deficiencies in tactical training. Defense Commissar Voroshilov admitted, "We were not sufficiently quick in our tactics, and particularly in joint operations in dealing the enemy a concentrated blow." In the view of historian Mackintosh: "The Soviet success at Lake Khasan was bought at the cost of heavy casualties and exposed serious defects in the mobilization machinery and the training of troops. There can be little doubt that these factors checked to some extent the Soviet Government's overoptimistic estimate of its own military strength and cast doubt on the effectiveness of its policy of expansion in all fields of military organization". Writing a year and a half after Changkufeng, an Mainichi reporter observed that the greatest harvest from the incident was tangible Japanese experience in determining the fighting strength of the Russians. Purchased with blood, this knowledge could provide valuable evidence for future combat operations. It was a question whether Changkufeng really possessed such strategic significance as was claimed for it, but the Soviet policy of bluff could be interpreted as substantiating the weakness of the defenses of Vladivostok. "The Russians used all kinds of new weapons at Changkufeng and tipped their whole hand. But although mechanization of the Red Army had attained high levels with respect to quantity, their weaknesses in technique and quality were laid bare." Imaoka observed that since the Changkufeng Incident marked the first time that the Japanese and Soviet armies engaged each other in combat involving large strategic elements, divisional and above, Russian fighting strength was studied with keen interest. The Japanese did not rate the capacity of the officers or Soviet quality, in general, as especially high. Still, the Russians did possess quantitative abundance, and Japanese losses had been heavy because the enemy had fired masses of ammunition against fixed targets. Suetaka seemed to have comprehended the scope of tangible Soviet strength in equipment and materiel, as shown by his comment: "I felt deeply that if the gap in manpower went beyond limits, it would be inevitable for our casualties to increase tremendously; this might even cause us danger in specific local areas." Few Japanese officers saw anything new in Soviet tactical methods, although considerations of mass were ever-present. Not only intelligence experts but the whole army worked on ways of coping with Soviet forces that would have the numerical advantage by 3:1. Most awesome was the "fantastic abundance" of hostile materiel, although the Russians could not deploy to surround the Japanese because of the geography. An AGS expert on the USSR summed it up: "We learned that Soviet strength was up to expectations, whereas Japanese arms and equipment had to be improved and reinforced." Worded in a multiplicity of ways, the Japanese conclusion was that patient imperial forces had won a great victory by defending the contested border with flesh vs. steel and by limiting the Changkufeng Incident, till the end, against enemy hordes supported exclusively by planes and tanks. Japanese infantrymen admit that the combat soldiers did not savor their disadvantages. "All our materiel was inferior in quality and particularly in quantity. We had the impression that whereas we relied on muscle power, the enemy used engines. This rendered our fighting particularly hard, but we had full confidence in our spiritual strength [i.e., superiority]."  Nevertheless, the Japanese mode of tactical operation, asserted Iwasaki, the Korea Army senior staff officer, was "the worst possible: fighting with hands tied." This meant that the Russians could fight "to their hearts' content," committing tanks and planes, and striking from all directions. A front-line infantry commander commented: "One's troops ought to be provided meaningful reasons for fighting and for dying happily. It is cruel to ask officers and men to meet masses of steel and to shed their blood without visible cause, and apparently because of inadequate combat preparations." The cease-fire agreement was concluded "at just the right time," General Morimoto admitted. A secret report prepared by AGS analysts sheds light on the larger question of what the army thought it had learned about itself and the Soviet enemy: "In studying Changkufeng, one ought to bear a number of cautions in mind: (1) The incident broke out when we were concentrating on the holy war against China; severe limitations on combat operations were imposed by the necessity to adhere to a policy of nonenlargement. (2) Apparently, the enemy also adopted a policy of localization while continuously attempting to recapture the high ground in the Changkufeng area. (3) Our forces employed units which were on Phase-1 alert from beginning to end; in terms of quality, the personnel were excellent—mainly active-duty types, from key men down. But our numbers were far inferior, and our organization and equipment were not of the best. In addition, we committed no planes or tanks, whereas the enemy used plenty. (4) The 19th Division was thorough, rigorous, and realistic in its combat training prior to the engagement. (5) Battlefield terrain seriously limited the enemy's attacks, especially tank action. But while the Tumen restricted assaults against our flanks and rear, it hampered our own services of supply, notably the provision of position construction materials." The Japanese learned few or erroneous lessons from the Changkufeng affair; the Kwantung Army, for example, was convinced that everything had been handled badly in 1938 by the Korea Army and the high command. When a dispute arose in 1939 at Nomonhan on another border lying between Outer Mongolia and Manchukuo, the staff in Hsinking fostered escalating measures. The USSR, however, learned in 1937 and 1938 that the Japanese Army seemed to respect only force.  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Changkufeng incident or battle of Lake Khasan clash saw a fierce Soviet push against Japanese positions around Changkufeng and Hill 52. The cease-fire ended the incident, but not the conflict. Despite the brutal lessons learned by both sides, a much larger conflict would explode the next year that would alter both nations throughout WW2.   

Welcome, welcome! It's our wrap show in which we talk about and score the shows we finished during the fall cour. In a rare occurance, Lindsay came in first with a solid ten shows, with Dustin lagging behind with seven. What a terrible season of anime. If you wait for the end you'll hear some of the shows we're already looking forward to for the winter!Shows covered on this episode: Li'l Miss Vampire Can't Suck Right, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, Forget That Night, Your Majesty, Hands off: Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun, Hero Without a Class: Who Even Needs Skills?!, May I Ask for One Final Thing?, My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's, One-Punch Man, Plus-sized Misadventures in Love!, Spy Family, Ranma 1/2, Style of Hiroshi Nohara's Lunch, Tales of Wedding Rings, This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, With You, Our Love Will Make It Through, Yano-kun's Ordinary Days

He was born in Rome, and as a young man was chosen by the Emperor Constantine to assist in the foundation of his new capital at Byzantium. An outbreak of leprosy in the new City became so severe that the Emperor ordered that all lepers, whatever their rank, be driven from the city or drowned in the sea. Zoticus, moved by compassion for these people, went to the Emperor and asked him for a large amount of gold to buy gems and pearls to enhance the glory of the city, 'For, as Your Majesty knows, I am well-qualified in this field.' The Saint then used the gold to ransom all those being led into exile or to drowning, and to establish for them a camp on the hill of Olivet on the opposite shore of the Bosphorus. There he brought the sick and provided for their care.   In 337 Constantius, an Arian heretic, took the throne upon the death of his father. Some of Zoticus' enemies at court, seeing an opportunity, denounced Zoticus to the new Emperor, saying that he not only held subversive views, but had misappropriated public money. When he learned of these charges, Zoticus presented himself to the Emperor, finely dressed, and offered to take Constantius to see the gems and pearls that he had bought on his behalf. When they reached the hill of Olivet, Constantius was astonished to see a company of lepers coming to greet him with lighted candles, honoring and praising him and their patron Zoticus. Then the holy Zoticus said to the Emperor, 'These are the precious stones and brilliant pearls that give luster to the crown of the heavenly Kingdom that you will inherit by their prayers. I bought them for the salvation of your soul.'   Instead of being grateful, the heartless Emperor ordered that Zoticus be tied behind wild mules and dragged until dead. The mules ran down the hill, breaking the Saint's body upon the rocks and brush. Then, of their own accord, they returned to the top of the hill, still dragging the body, and, like Balaam's ass (Numbers ch. 22), spoke and proclaimed that the Martyr must be buried on that hill. The astonished and repentant Emperor ordered the Martyr buried with honor, and commanded that a hospital for lepers be built there, staffed by the best physicians and caretakers.   Saint Zoticus is also called Orphanotrophos, 'Cherisher of Orphans,' because in later years a large orphanage was added to the leprosarium. The orphanage included a general hospital and a home for the aged. The Saint was honored throughout Byzantine history as the patron of the orphanage.

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-09aa062d0236e227f6a253feab70ad8c{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-09aa062d0236e227f6a253feab70ad8c .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-09aa062d0236e227f6a253feab70ad8c .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 11Daniel 6 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 11 Daniel 6 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1211db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel Is Rescued From the Lions' Den 1 It seemed like a good plan to Darius to appoint one hundred twenty satraps over the kingdom. They were to rule throughout the kingdom. 2 Above them there would be three supervisors (Daniel was one of them) to whom these satraps would report, so that the king would not suffer any loss. 3 It came about that this Daniel distinguished himself above the supervisors and satraps, because there was an outstanding spirit in him. So the king intended to promote him so that he would be in charge of the entire kingdom. 4 Then the supervisors and satraps kept trying to find a basis for an accusation against Daniel in regard to his administration of the kingdom. However, they were unable to come up with an accusation or any evidence of corruption, because he was trustworthy and no neglect of duty or evidence of corruption could be found against him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any accusation to bring against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” 6 So these supervisors and satraps came as a group to the king and said this to him, “Darius, Your Majesty, may you live forever! 7 All the supervisors of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the advisors and the governors advise the king to establish and enforce a decree that prohibits anyone to pray a prayer to any god or person for thirty days except to you, Your Majesty. Anyone who does so will be thrown into the den [1] of lions. 8 Now Your Majesty, please establish the decree and sign a document that cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians that cannot be revoked.” 9 That is why King Darius signed the written decree. 10 Now, when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went to his house. It had windows on its upper story that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times each day he would get on his knees and pray and offer praise before his God. He continued to do that, just as he had been doing before this. 11 Then these men came as a group and found Daniel praying and seeking favor from his God. 12 They then went and asked the king about the decree. “Your Majesty, did you not sign a decree that anyone who prays to any god or person for thirty days except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the den of lions?” The king answered, “Indeed I did. The order is established as a law of the Medes and the Persians that cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, does not pay attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree that you signed. Instead, three times each day he is praying his prayers.” 14 When the king heard this report, he was very upset about it, but he was determined to save Daniel. So until sunset he worked hard to rescue him. 15 Then these men came as a group to the king and kept saying to the king, “You know, Your Majesty, that it is the law of the Medes and the Persians that every decree or statute that the king establishes cannot be changed.” 16 Then the king gave the order, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the pit. The king sealed it with his signet ring and the signet rings of his nobles so that nothing could be changed with regard to Daniel's situation. 18 Then the king went to his palace. He spent the night without food, and no entertainment was brought before him. But he could not sleep. 19 At dawn the king arose as soon as it was light and hurried to the lions' den. 20 As he came near the pit, he cried out in a fearful voice. The king said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, was your God, whom you serve continually, able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke with the king. “Your Majesty, may you live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions. They have not hurt me because he found me innocent in his presence. Also before you, Your Majesty, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very glad and said that Daniel should be brought up from the pit. So Daniel was brought up from the pit, and he was unharmed because he trusted in his God. 24 The king gave the order, and those men who maliciously accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the lions' den—they, their children, and their wives. They had not reached the bottom of the pit when the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in the entire earth:     May your peace and prosperity increase. 26 I give this command throughout my royal dominion:     People should continually tremble and be afraid before the God of Daniel,     because he is the living God, who endures forever.     His kingdom will not be destroyed,     and his dominion is eternal. 27 He rescues and he saves.     He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.     So he saved Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius, that is, [2] during the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Footnotes Daniel 6:7 Or pit. The term den is retained here because of familiarity. Daniel 6:28 Literally and. It is likely that Darius is another name of Cyrus, but some historians think he was a subordinate of Cyrus. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-23697b8e4cbc85460e1d3cb18bbb295f{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-23697b8e4cbc85460e1d3cb18bbb295f .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-23697b8e4cbc85460e1d3cb18bbb295f .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 10Daniel 5 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 10 Daniel 5 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1210db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible The Handwriting on the Wall at Belshazzar's Banquet 1 King Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and in front of the thousand he drank wine. 2 When he had tasted the wine, Belshazzar said to bring the gold and silver vessels that his father [1] Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines could drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that they had taken from the temple, that is, the House of God in Jerusalem. So the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone. 5 At that moment the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, opposite the lampstand, and the king saw the back of the hand that was writing. 6 Then the king's cheerful appearance changed, his face grew pale, [2] and his thoughts troubled him. His legs went limp, and his knees knocked together. 7 The king called out loudly to bring the spell casters, the astrologers, and the diviners. The king said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever is able to read this writing and explain its meaning will be clothed in purple, with a gold chain around his neck, and he will rule as third highest in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they were not able to read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 Then King Belshazzar was really terrified. He grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed. 10 The queen [3] came to the drinking party [4] because of the words of the king and his nobles. The queen said, “Your Majesty, may you live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, and do not look so frightened. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father, enlightenment, insight, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. So King Nebuchadnezzar your father, your father the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, spell casters, astrologers, and diviners, 12 because an outstanding spirit and knowledge and insight in interpreting dreams and explaining riddles and solving knotty problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be summoned, and he will explain the meaning of the writing.” Daniel Interprets the Writing 13 Then Daniel was brought before the king. The king said to Daniel, “Are you Daniel, one of the Judean exiles whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and enlightenment and insight and outstanding wisdom are found in you. 15 Now, those wise men who are the spell casters were brought before me to read this writing and to make its meaning known to me, but they were not able to explain the meaning of the message. 16 Yet I have heard about you that you are able to explain meanings clearly and to solve knotty problems. Therefore, if you are able to read the writing and make its meaning known to me, you will be clothed in purple, with a gold chain around your neck, and you will rule as the third in the kingdom.” 17 Then Daniel answered the king: Keep your gifts for yourself, or give your rewards to someone else! Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and I will make its meaning known to him. 18 As for you, Your Majesty—the Most High God gave the kingdom, greatness, splendor, and glory to Nebuchadnezzar, your father. 19 So because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and were afraid in his presence. He killed whomever he wanted, and he let live whomever he wanted. Also, he promoted anyone he wanted, and he demoted anyone he wanted. 20 But when he thought too much of himself, and his spirit became hardened in pride so that he acted arrogantly, he was deposed from the throne of his kingdom, and his splendor was taken away from him. 21 He was driven away from humans, and his mind was changed to that of an animal. So his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed grass as bulls are fed, and his body was wet with dew from the sky, until he knew that the Most High God rules the kingdoms of men, and he raises up over them anyone he desires. 22 But you, his son, Belshazzar, did not humble your heart although you knew all this. 23 Instead, you lifted yourself against the Lord of Heaven. The vessels from his house were brought before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. Then you praised the gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, who do not see and do not hear and do not know. But you did not honor the God who holds your breath in his hand and who controls all your ways. 24 So the back of the hand was sent by him, and this writing was inscribed. 25 Now this is the writing that was inscribed: mene mene tekel and parsin 26 This is the meaning of the message: Mene [5] means that God has counted up your kingdom and paid it out or spent it. 27 Tekel [6] means that you have been weighed in the scales, and you are too light. 28 Parsin [7] means that your kingdom has been broken in two and given to the Medes and the Persians. 29 Then Belshazzar spoke, and they dressed Daniel in purple, with a gold chain around his neck, and they made him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Darius Receives the Kingdom 30 That very night, King Belshazzar the Chaldean was killed. 31 Then Darius the Mede received the kingdom, when he was about sixty-two years old. [8] Footnotes Daniel 5:2 That is, his royal predecessor, not his physical father Daniel 5:6 Literally his brightness changed Daniel 5:10 Perhaps the king's mother or grandmother, a daughter or granddaughter of Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 5:10 Literally house of drinking Daniel 5:26 Mene means “measured” or “counted” and suggests mina, a unit for weighing money. Daniel 5:27 Tekel means “weighed” and suggests shekel, a unit for weighing money. Daniel 5:28 Parsin means “divided” and suggests half shekel. It also sounds like the word “Persians.” Daniel 5:31 English verse 5:31 is 6:1 in Hebrew. Throughout the rest of chapter 6, the English verse numbers are one number lower than the Hebrew numbers. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-940ffa3f2900935258a9b64e97d5c5d3{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-940ffa3f2900935258a9b64e97d5c5d3 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-940ffa3f2900935258a9b64e97d5c5d3 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 09Daniel 4 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 09 Daniel 4 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1209db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Nebuchadnezzar's Letter 1 From King Nebuchadnezzar: [1] To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell on the entire earth: May your peace and prosperity increase. 2 It seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God did for me. 3 How great are his signs!     How mighty are his wonders!     His kingdom is an eternal kingdom,     and his dominion extends from generation to generation. Nebuchadnezzar Seeks the Meaning of His Dream 4 When I, Nebuchadnezzar, was carefree in my house and prospering in my palace, 5 I saw a dream that frightened me. The images I saw while I was on my bed and the visions in my head alarmed me. 6 So I issued a decree to bring before me all of the wise men of Babylon so that they could give the interpretation of the dream and make it known to me. 7 Then the magicians, the spell casters, the astrologers, and the diviners came, and I told them the dream. However, they could not make its meaning known to me. 8 Afterward, Daniel came before me (whose name is Belteshazzar, like the name of my god, and a spirit of the holy gods dwells in him), and I told him the dream. 9 Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that a spirit of the holy gods dwells in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you, take a look at the dream I saw and interpret it for me. 10 I was seeing visions in my head while I was on my bed: There was a tree standing in the middle of the earth, [2] and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong. Its height reached to heaven, and it was visible to the ends of the whole earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, and its fruit was plentiful. On it there was enough food for all. Under the tree the wild animals had shade, and the birds of the air lived in its branches. All living creatures fed themselves from it. 13 I was on my bed, watching the visions in my head, and I saw a watcher, [3] who was a holy one, come down from heaven. 14 He called out loudly, and this is what he said: Chop down the tree and cut off its branches. Strip its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. 15 However, leave the stump with its root in the ground, with an iron and bronze band around it. Leave it with the grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew from the sky. Let its place be with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let its mind be changed from that of a human, let the mind of an animal be given to it, and let seven times pass over it. 17 The proclamation is a decree of the watchers, and the matter is a command of the holy ones, so that all the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men. He gives them to whomever he wishes, and he appoints the lowliest men over them. 18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. Now, you, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, because none of the wise men of my kingdom are able to make the meaning known to me. But you are able, because a spirit of the holy gods is in you. Daniel Explains Nebuchadnezzar's Dream 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was horrified for a moment, and his thoughts troubled him. The king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream and its meaning trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My Lord, if only the dream were about your enemies and its meaning about your foes!” 20 The tree which you saw grew and became strong. Its height reached to heaven, and it was visible to the whole earth. 21 Its leaves were beautiful, and its fruit was abundant. On it there was food for all. The wild animals lived under it, and the birds of the air lived in its branches. 22 You are the tree, Your Majesty. For you have grown, and you have become great. Your greatness has increased and reached to heaven. Your dominion reaches to the ends of the earth. 23 And you, Your Majesty, saw a watcher, who was a holy one, coming down from heaven, and he said, “Chop down the tree and destroy it. However, leave the stump with its roots in the ground, with an iron and bronze band around it. Let it be with the grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew from the sky. Its place will be with the wild animals, until seven times pass over it.” 24 This is the interpretation, Your Majesty: It is a decree of the Most High that has come upon my lord, the king. 25 You will be driven away from humans, and your dwelling will be with the wild animals. You will have to eat plants as bulls do, and you will be wet with the dew from the sky. Seven times will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and he gives them to whomever he wishes. 26 Because they said to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will remain yours when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, let my advice be pleasing to you. Break away from your sins with righteousness and from your guilty deeds by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps your prosperity will be extended. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Is Fulfilled 28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on top of the palace of his kingdom in Babylon. 30 The king said, “Isn't this the great Babylon that I built for a royal residence by my mighty power and my majestic glory?” 31 While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice came down from heaven. It said, “It is announced to you, King Nebuchadnezzar: The kingdom has been taken away from you. 32 You will be driven away from humans, and your dwelling will be with the wild animals. Grass will be fed to you as grass is fed to bulls, and seven times will pass over you until you know that the Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and he gives them to whomever he wishes.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar, and he was driven away from humans. So he ate grass as bulls do, and his body was wet with the dew from the sky until his hair grew long like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws. 34 At the end of the set time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. So I blessed the Most High, and I praised and glorified the one who lives forever, because his dominion is an eternal dominion, and his kingdom lasts forever and ever. 35 All of the inhabitants of the earth are considered to be nothing, and he does as he wishes with the army of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. So there is no one who can hold back the hand of the Most High and say to him, “What have you done?” 36 At that time my reason [4] returned to me, and my splendor and glory returned to me for the honor of my kingdom. So my advisors and nobles looked for me. I was reinstated over my kingdom, and I became even more majestic than I was before. 37 Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of Heaven, because all his works are true, and his ways are just. All those who walk in arrogance he is able to humble. Footnotes Daniel 4:1 English 4:1-3 corresponds to 3:31-33 in Hebrew. English 4:4-18 corresponds to 4:1-15 in Hebrew. Daniel 4:10 Or land Daniel 4:13 That is, an angel Daniel 4:36 Or sanity #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-5e97b6b77962b968f3b8eccba4434249 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 08Daniel 3 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 08 Daniel 3 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1208db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Nebuchadnezzar's Command to Worship His Idol 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue. It was ninety feet tall and nine feet wide. [1] He set it up in the plain of Dura [2] in the province of Babylon. 2 King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all of the rulers of the provinces [3] to come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all of the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of King Nebuchadnezzar's statue. They stood in front of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 The herald called out loudly, “To you peoples, nations, and languages, this command is given: 5 When you hear the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, [4] and all kinds of musical instruments, [5] you will fall down and worship the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar set up. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, and all kinds of musical instruments, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshipped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The Young Men Remain Faithful 8 At that time, some Chaldeans approached the king and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your Majesty, [6] may you live forever! 10 You, Your Majesty, gave an order that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, and all kinds of musical instruments must fall down and worship the golden statue, 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. 12 There are Jews whom you appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. These men do not pay attention to you, Your Majesty. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the gold statue that you set up.” 13 Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar said to bring Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and that you do not worship the golden statue that I set up? 15 Now, if you are ready, at the time when you hear the sound of the horn, the flute, the lyre, the harp, the triangular harp, the drum, and all kinds of musical instruments, you must fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. What god will be able to save you from my hands?” 16 Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “We have no need to answer you about this matter. 17 Since our God, whom we serve, does exist, he is able to save us from the blazing fiery furnace. So, he may save us from your hand, Your Majesty. [7] 18 But if he does not, you should know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden statue that you set up.” The Young Men Are Miraculously Saved by God 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed against Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego. He said to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated. 20 He ordered some men, who were soldiers from his army, to bind Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego in order to throw them into the blazing fiery furnace. 21 So these men were bound in their coats, their pants, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were thrown into the middle of the blazing fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace was extremely hot, those men who carried Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego were killed by the intense heat of the fire. 23 But these three men, Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who had been tied up, fell into the blazing fiery furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and immediately stood up. He said to his advisors, “Didn't we throw three men, who had been tied up, into the middle of the fire?” They answered the king, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men, who are untied and walking around in the middle of the fire, unharmed. What is more, the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing fiery furnace. He said, “Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!” Then Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego came out from the middle of the furnace. 27 The satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal advisors gathered together and looked at these men. The fire had no power over their bodies. Not a hair on their head was singed, their robes were not damaged, and the smell of fire had not stuck to them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego, who sent his angel and saved his servants, who trusted in God and ignored the king's command. They gave up their bodies and did not pay homage or worship any god except their God. 29 So I have issued an order that every people, nation, and language that speaks any blasphemy against the God of Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego shall be cut to pieces, and his house shall be turned into a pile of rubble, because there is no other god who is able to save like this.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. Footnotes Daniel 3:1 Literally sixty cubits and six cubits Daniel 3:1 Or in the niche in the city wall Daniel 3:2 The precise distinctions between these Aramaic and Persian titles for government officials are uncertain. Daniel 3:5 Or a type of pipe or bagpipes Daniel 3:5 The identification of some of these instruments is uncertain. Daniel 3:9 Literally O King Daniel 3:17 The translation of this verse is difficult. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-94559c944ac33b8804b95736f5c87c15 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 07Daniel 2:31-49 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 07 Daniel 2:31-49 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1207db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel 2 31 You, Your Majesty, were looking, and there was a very great statue. That statue, which was large and extremely bright, was standing in front of you. Its appearance was frightening. 32 The statue looked like this: Its head was fine gold, its chest and its arms were silver, its abdomen and its thighs were bronze, 33 its shins were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly fired clay. 34 You continued to watch until a stone was cut, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet that were iron and clay, and it smashed them. 35 Then all at once the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed and became like the chaff on the threshing floors of summer. The wind carried them away, and no trace of them could be found. However, the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the entire earth. 36 This is the dream. So now we will interpret its meaning for Your Majesty. 37 You, Your Majesty, are the king of kings to whom the God of Heaven has given a kingdom, power, strength, and glory. 38 Wherever there are people, wild animals, and birds of the air, God has given them into your hand, and he has made you ruler over all of them. You are the head of gold. 39 After you another kingdom will arise that will be inferior to yours. Then another kingdom, a third kingdom of bronze will arise. This kingdom will rule the entire earth. 40 A fourth kingdom will be as strong as iron, since iron crushes and shatters everything. So, like iron that smashes, it will crush and smash all of these other kingdoms. 41 Because you saw feet and toes partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, this will be a divided kingdom. It will have some of the hardness of iron, because you saw iron mixed with common clay. [1] 42 What is more, the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay. This means that part of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 You saw iron mixed with common clay. This means that the different parts of the kingdom will be a mixture of different races of people, [2] and they will not remain united to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 In the days of those kings, the God of Heaven will establish a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another race of people. It will crush and put an end to all of these kingdoms, but it will stand forever, 45 just as you saw that a stone was cut from the mountain, but not by human hands, and it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. A great God has made known to Your Majesty what will happen after this. The dream is sure, and its interpretation is certain. 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell facedown and paid homage to [3] Daniel. He commanded that a sacrificial gift and incense be offered to him. 47 The king said, “Truly your God is the God of Gods, the Lord of Kings, and the Revealer of Mysteries, because you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 When Daniel requested it, the king appointed Shadrak, Meshak, and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon. Daniel remained in the royal court. Footnotes Daniel 2:41 Common clay is literally clay of clay, with two different Aramaic words for clay. Daniel 2:43 Literally will be mixed among the seed of man Daniel 2:46 Or worshipped #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-af6dc88039d017a449c87aac7aa379bf .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 06Daniel 2:1-30 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 06 Daniel 2:1-30 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1206db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar Challenges the Wise Men to Explain His Dream 1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. His spirit was troubled, but he fell back to sleep again. 2 The king gave orders to summon the magicians, the spell casters, the sorcerers, and the astrologers [1] to relate the king's dream to him. So they came and stood before the king. 3 The king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit was troubled because I did not understand the dream.” 4 The astrologers said to the king in Aramaic, [2] “Your Majesty, [3] may you live forever! Tell the dream to your servants, and we will explain its meaning.” 5 The king answered the astrologers, “My decision is final. If you do not tell me the dream and what it means, your body shall be cut to pieces, and your houses will be made into a pile of rubble. 6 However, if you explain the dream and its meaning, you will receive gifts, a reward, and great honor from me. So, explain to me the dream and its meaning!” 7 They responded a second time and said, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will explain its meaning.” 8 The king answered, “Now I know for sure that you are buying time because you see that my decision is final. 9 If you do not make the dream known to me, there is only one decree for you. You have conspired to give me a lying and cheating response until the situation changes. So, tell me the dream, and I will know that you are also able to explain its meaning to me.” 10 The astrologers responded to the king, “There is no person on earth who is able to reveal what the king wants. No great and powerful king has ever asked for a thing like this from any magician, spell caster, or astrologer. 11 The thing that the king is asking is difficult. There is no one who can reveal it to the king except the gods, who do not dwell with mortal flesh.” 12 Because of this the king became very angry. He was enraged and gave orders to put the wise men of Babylon to death. 13 The decree was issued that all the wise men were to be executed. So executioners looked for Daniel and his companions to execute them. God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar's Dream to Daniel 14 Then Daniel responded with good judgment and tact to Ariok, the chief of the king's executioners, who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon. 15 He said to Ariok, the king's officer, “Why is the decree from the king so harsh?” So Ariok explained the situation to Daniel. 16 Daniel then entered the court and asked the king to give him time so that he could reveal the interpretation to the king. 17 Next, Daniel went to his house and explained the situation to Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, his companions. 18 They were to seek mercy from the God of Heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions would not be put to death with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision at night, and Daniel blessed the God of Heaven. [4] 20 Daniel said, May the name of God be blessed forever and ever, because wisdom and power are his. 21 He changes times and eras. He removes kings, and he brings kings to power. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have good judgment. 22 He reveals deep things and hidden things. He knows what is in the dark, and the light dwells with him. 23 To you, God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because you have given me wisdom and power. Now you have made known to me what we requested from you, because you have made known to us the thing the king asked about. Daniel Explains Nebuchadnezzar's Dream 24 As a result of this, Daniel went to Ariok, whom the king had assigned to put the wise men of Babylon to death. Daniel went and said this to him: “Do not put the wise men of Babylon to death. Bring me before the king, and I will explain the meaning to the king.” 25 Then Ariok immediately brought Daniel before the king. This is what Ariok said to the king: “I have found a man from among the Judean exiles who will make the interpretation known to the king.” 26 The king said to Daniel (whose name was Belteshazzar), “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I saw and its meaning?” 27 Daniel answered the king, “The mystery that the king is asking about, no wise men, spell casters, magicians, or diviners are able to explain it to the king. 28 However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. This is your dream; the visions in your head while you were on your bed were this: 29 For you, Your Majesty, while you were on your bed, thoughts arose about things that will come after this, and the Revealer of Mysteries made known to you what will happen. 30 But the reason that this mystery was revealed to me was not because I have more wisdom in me than any other living being. Rather, it was revealed to me so that the meaning could be made known to Your Majesty and so that you may know the thoughts of your heart. Footnotes Daniel 2:2 In the book of Daniel there are two homonyms, both pronounced kasdim. One word refers to a type of astronomer/astrologer. The other word refers to the Chaldeans, the ethnic group that ruled Babylon. In most cases the context indicates the correct meaning. Daniel 2:4 The text of Daniel is written in Aramaic from this point through the end of chapter 7. Daniel 2:4 Literally O King Daniel 2:19 The God of Heaven is the common title for the Lord in Daniel. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

I'll Serve God No Matter The Consequences: Is That Your Heart's Cry? Or Just When It's Easy? Daniel 3:16-18 16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us c from Your Majesty's hand. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Prepare to have your eyes opened to the profound truths hidden within the very first pages of the Bible.In the BeginningThe singular God most of us were taught simply does not exist — at least, not as we've been led to believe.What exists is Elohim — a plural divine family, a council of powers — and humanity was always meant to be part of that family.Before monotheism, ancient worship looked very different. It included a divine mother.Before Israel took shape, people honored El, the father of the gods, and Asherah, the mother — the “creatress of the gods,” a symbol of life, fertility, and sacred trees.When early Israel emerged, it inherited this divine structure. Archaeologists have found inscriptions reading “Yahweh and his Asherah,” suggesting the earliest Israelites still honored a heavenly pair.Even the language remembers it. The Hebrew word Elohim — the most common name for God — is plural. Genesis 1:26 says, “Let us make man in our image.” The grammar itself hints at a divine union.The Erasure of the MotherEverything changed during King Josiah's reforms in the 7th century BCE. He ordered Asherah's symbols destroyed and redefined Israel's story around one male deity. This is when monotheism truly began.But the mother was never completely erased. The plural names, the feminine imagery, and traces in Psalms and prophetic writings still whisper what was once known — that creation came through two, not one.The very first line of Genesis reads, “In the beginning, the gods (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.” It's not one voice speaking to itself — it's a divine conversation.The Hebrew Bible reflects a world where many divine beings were acknowledged, yet one was lifted above the rest. Jealousy among gods, rivalries, and divine councils only make sense in that context.What “God” Really Means“God” is not a personal name — it's a title. It means “ruler” or “judge.”Calling out to “God” is like walking into a room full of kings and shouting, “Your Majesty!”Any one of them could answer — and that's why so many prayers feel scattered or uncertain.The original picture is Father plus Mother.Even the Holy Spirit is grammatically and conceptually feminine in Hebrew, and the Firstborn Son stands as the eldest of this divine family.When he said, “You are gods,” he wasn't speaking poetically. He was reminding us who we actually are — divine children who have forgotten their lineage.Remember Who You AreIf you want real clarity and power in prayer, stop speaking to a vague concept of “God.”Get specific.Need comfort, nurturing, or rebirth? Speak to the Mother.Need guidance or brotherhood? Speak to the Yeshua, your Brother.Need direction, identity, or purpose? Speak to the Father.The moment you remember who you're addressing — and that you already belong at that table — everything shifts.That's the unlock.Love, KassandraReference: https://publicsquaremag.org/faith/gospel-fare/elohim-meaning-divine-family/https://www.youtube.com/@caveofmystery/videos This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I speak with Husband, Father, Grandfather, former Pastor, teacher, elder, small group leader, current Chaplain for Young Adults, and Author Sam Wegner on The Weight of The Wait. Listen as Sam shares his touching story of heartbreak and hope. He encourages listeners to see that affliction is how to know that we continue to trust God because he is the one in control. It is impossible to please God without waiting, however; we can trust that God is good and when we struggle to believe this, ask him to reshape our definition of good.  Prayer: Lord, change me so that I can find peace in the storm, continue to seek your face, and fulfill your purpose for me. Find Sam :    the website  If you are feeling lead to help Sam and Crystal on this journal you can do so HERE.   Scripture: Romans 8:24-26 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.   Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Psalm 27:13-14 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.   Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.   1 Corinthians 16:11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.   Psalm 119:68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.   Psalm 119:71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.   Daniel 3:17-18 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliverus from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."   Mark 9:23-25 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."  Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."   Additional Scripture: Hebrews 11, Psalm 34:17-20, Psalm 34:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13 REGISTER @ CFLEX Academy Arts Enrichment   Listen to our sister podcast:  Abundantly Rooted   Other Resourses: Grab your Artza Subscription Box and bring home a bit of Israel.  use promo code: ARTZAKRISTINARISINGER for 25% off   Check out our Linktree   Get the Books:  Life After Losing A Loved One: How to Turn Grief Into Hope Strength and Purpose Adventures of LiLy and Izzy Bee: The Imagination Journey 

k-drama review begins

In this episode, Nas, Keila, and Ori review the delectable drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty”! Join them as they dive into the show that has cooked its way into their hearts!Timestamps: K-Catch Up (0:37), The Rundown (8:23), First Impressions (11:18), Character Discussion (17:54), Notable Scenes (27:58), Hot Takes (1:30:07), Ratings and Rankings (1:33:24), Lessons Learned (1:35:55)

At 8 a.m. Kutuzov rode towards Pratzen Village. He took command of a regiment he came across and led it into the Village.  The other columns were advancing towards a massive valley, where the battle was picking up.  Andrei, who was among Kutuzov's suite, was in a state of constrained excitement.  He was convinced this day would be his Toulon, the battle that made Napoleon. Andrei's motivation to be hero of this world was at an apex.  He would give his life, his family, even his soul, to be admired.   Andrei was keen to troop positions and analyzing how the battle would develop. He could hear musket fire from the valley but could only visualize a sliver of the action. He sensed where the major fighting would concentrate and imagined leading a regiment while hoisting a Battle Flag, perhaps dropped by someone in the units he was observing. He envisioned charging forward with the Standard, breaking the will of the enemy.  Nevertheless, he accepted his battle plans were never considered and it was full steam ahead with the attack attributed to General Franz Von Weyrother.    Andrei took in a clear sky that was still somewhat dark. In the East, the sun was rising.  Well in front of him were some wooded hills. He figured the French were within those woods. He could see the gleaming of bayonets as soldiers advanced into that obscured area.  He also observed masses of cavalry disappear in the fog.  All around him moved infantry.  Kutuvoz reached the edge of the Village and observed various troops pass. He was irritated by their disorganization. He scolded a commander, noting it would be better to go around the Village in a less visible movement, to not show off their numbers. He noticed Andrei when an Austrian officer was asked about the advance.  Kutuzov ignored the inquiry and his caustic feelings softened upon seeing his adjunct.  He told Andrei to find the third division, tell it to halt and confirm whether sharpshooters and skirmishers were posted.   He believed the enemy was close and the troops needed to bunker down.  Andrei galloped off and overtook various battalions and spoke with a colonel of the third division, who was surprised at Kutuzov's order.  The colonel felt placing rifleman was a waste. He was under the impression there were a multitude of allies between them and the French, who were believed to be six miles away.  Andrei reported this to Kutuzov, who is presented as a stodgy old man going against the grain of command.  Kutuzov soon noticed the pageantry of the approach of the two Emperors, who approved of the aggression.  Tolstoy explores a fictional but quite symbolic meeting between the three.  Kutuzov rode up to the Emperors and became uncharacteristically deferential. The Czar quickly grasped the presentation was not authentic and was offended. Alexander appeared thinner after the brief illness cause by experiencing the reality of War.  Yet he is described as an energetic good-hearted youth possessing the essence of majesty. Emperor Francis is described as stoic as well as having a rosy complexion and long face.  Alexander was surrounded by some famous historic names, including: Adam Czartoryski, Nikolay Novosíltsev and Pavel Strogonov. Tolstoy contrasts their perceived brilliance and energy with Kutuzov's age and demeanor. Alexander's clique is compared to a whiff of fresh air.    The Emperor address a critical question to Kutuzov: “Why aren't you beginning, Michael Ilariónovich?”  Kutuzov responds, “I am waiting, Your Majesty, as not all the columns have formed up.” The Czar did not like the reply and noted: “You know, Michael Ilariónovich, we are not on the Empress' Field where a parade does not begin till all the troops are assembled.” Kutuzov then retorts with a degree of defiance,  “That is why I do not begin, sire, because we are not on parade and not on the Empress' Field.” The Emperors' aides exchanged looks expressing reproach.  A silence permeated for about a minute, where the Czar looked intently into Kutuzov's eyes.  Kutozov eventually deferred, saying he would proceed if commanded.  Soon enough, all the troops again began to move, with a number having the honor of passing the two Emperors.  One column was led by Mikhail Miloradovich and included an Azerbyzioni regiment, who the Emperor called out to and encouraged.

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, we're doing a special episode on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Lee Chae Min as King Yi Heon and Im Yoon A as Yeon Ji Yeong. We are joined by the amazing Ernabel Demillo to discuss:The featured song during the recap: I Find You by Do Young.How Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a light-hearted, romantic, and food-filled drama inspired by the dark reign of King Yeonsangun.The show's unique blend of historical fiction, time travel, romance, and culinary arts — with food as a central character and storytelling device.The story of King Yeonsangun, the real tyrant who inspired the fictional King Yi Heon, and how the drama reimagines his story.A comparison to Mr. Queen and why this show, though similar on the surface, is more about food, love, and redemption than gender-bending comedy.Im Yoon A and Lee Chae Min's incredible chemistry, with Lee Chae Min's breakout performance being especially notable given his short preparation time.The standout supporting characters, including Gil Geum, Gong Gil, Kang Mok Ju, and the Chinese chefs — each representing different cultural and culinary dynamics.The symbolic power of food in the drama, showing how it connects people, heals trauma, and even saves nations.The use of the Mangunrok as the show's MacGuffin — both a literal time travel portal and a symbolic love letter from the king.The drama's conclusion, including how the king travels to the modern day, and the emotional payoff of their reunion through food.A discussion of Michelin-starred restaurants in Asia, the rise of Korean cuisine globally, and personal dining experiences from Ernabel.Gong Gil's deeper role and edited-out storyline — including a potential love triangle that was ultimately minimized.The theme of finding your destined love across time, emphasized through the OST lyrics and repeated motifs of reunion and promise.What we're watching now — from Because This Is My First Life to Would You Marry Me and The Uncanny Counter — and a preview of Season 13 of K Drama Chat, where we will recap and analyze Startup.ReferencesFrom The Tatler: The true story about the fictional king in ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty'From TIME: The Real History Behind the Time Travel K-Drama Bon Appetit, Your MajestyFrom Reddit: Summary of the ending of the book “Surviving as Yeonsangun's Cher”Asian American Life website and recent episodes

Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do Christians have to go through hardship? Well, trials are like God’s gym. In them, we're broken down so we can be built up. Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in his message focused on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Notes: Focus verse - Daniel 3 / James 1 Jesus walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through the fiery furnace. Do not despair! You are not alone in your hardship! 1 Peter 4:12Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:14Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. There are different kinds of trials and testings in the life of the Christian.The devil tempts us to destroy our faith, but God tests us to develop our faith. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.This is clearly shown in the story before us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up for what was right, even at the risk of losing their own lives. The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. The most important time of our life is the time of our youth.It is when we set our course and habits are developed. The evening of our life is determined by the morning of it,the end from the beginning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego made a stand in a small area.This is why they had the character and strength to make their stand in a larger one. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were captured along with Daniel and placed as counselors to the king. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream.When he awoke, he called in all the astrologers and magicians. The prophet, Daniel, humbly gave glory to God, and told the king he had dreamed of a giant statue. Daniel 2:47 (NLT)The King said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret." As chapter 3 opens, around 16–20 years have passed.King Nebuchadnezzar has a 90-foot-tall statue erected, covered in gold of himself! The King ordered that everyone gather for a big celebration.They had an orchestra in place and when they played you better bow, or else! The Lord was very clear about that in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4–5"Do not make idols of any kind; you must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any.” Thousands of Israelites apparently bowed, but not these three.Someone estimated 300,000 people were present. Read Daniel 3:14–18 King Nebuchadnezzar was choosing off God, when he asks,“What god will be able to rescue you?” Nebuchadnezzar had quickly forgotten the God who gave him a dream. Because of his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would soon be brought to his knees. Everybody is a worshipper. The question is not if we worship or not.It’s who we worship. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego worshipped God, they could not worship the statue. You will end up serving who you worship. Daniel 3:18”Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." A moment at the altar of sexual experimentation can lead to a lifetime of regret. Moments spent worshipping God can lead to a lifetime of service. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were adamant, they were not going to bow. This will happen in the life of every Christian.Sooner or later, you too will be asked to bow before some idol. These boys were facing peer pressure on an epic scale. Despite the fact that everyone in Babylon bowed,Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood up straight. They figured, "Better to burn on earth and bow in Heaven, than to bow on earth, and burn in Hell!” One day, the Disciples came to Jesus, excited that they could cast out demons. Luke 10:20 (NLT)“But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not sure they would survive this, but they were sure of God’s promises.Daniel 3:17–18 Either God would preserve them, or He would be waiting on the other side. Upon hearing of this insubordination on the part of these three teens, the King flies into a rage. Read Daniel 3:19–25 Nebuchadnezzar said the fourth man looked “like the Son of God!” In this Christophany, Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego through this fiery furnace. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Jesus is there with you, each step of the way. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you, even until the end of the world." James 1:2–4When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't treat them as intruders but friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on, until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character, men of integrity with no weak spots. Staying cool, when things get hot. How do you do that? It’s similar to going to the gym and working out. A lot of folks find themselves getting tired and lethargic and say, “I’m just getting old!”Yes, and it maybe you are just out of shape too. Maybe you need to get busy and do something with your faith. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” Trials take our faith from the realm of theory to reality. James 1:3 (NKJV)Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Perseverance! (Greek: Hypomonē) We know about the suffering of Joseph. Psalm 105:18 (NLT)They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. “As he was laid in iron, iron entered his soul.” The very thing you want out of your life may be the thing you need in your life. If you want to grow spiritually, iron must enter your soul. James 1:4 (NKJV)Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. We may pray, “Lord, use me for Your glory! Bless me, Lord!”Then a trial comes. James 1:2 (NKJV)My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,No two experiences are alike. How did they do this?By the decisions and commitments they made years earlier. An idol is anyone or anything that takes God’s place in our life. 1 John 5:21 (NKJV)Little children, keep yourselves from idols. One day another world leader will come along and demand worship.The bible calls him Antichrist. He too will erect an image and demand worship, placing the image in the temple. Jesus promises to deliver us from this time of tribulation. Revelation 3:10 (NKJV)"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:11 (NKJV)"Behold, I am coming quickly! Jesus says, ”Behold, I am coming quickly!”Revelation 3:11 Nebuchadnezzar saw God work. Maybe God is trying to get your attention today! Jesus died on the cross for your sin so you could know God. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veckans podd blir nyhetstung men bjuder även på brittisk film, svenska vampyrer, Jason Momoa och koreanskt mat- och tidsresedrama. Efter lite lyssnarmejl tar vi tag i veckans stora spelnyhet: att EA förvärvas av tre investmentbolag och avnoteras från börsen. Vi snackar även om ett kommande Wolverine-spel från Insomniac Games, att Brasilien förbjuder lootlådor, att Robin Hood blir tv-serie på Amazon, AI-"skådisen" Tilly Norwood, en ny Simpsonsfilm och om trailern för nästa Avatar-film, med mera. Koreakoll blir det, Tove har nämligen sett matlagnings- och tidsresedramat Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Sedan lite film: Tove har också sett den sista (?) Downton Abbey-filmen, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale och Netflix stjärnspäckade mordmysteriefilm The Thursday Murder Club. Jonas ger sina intryck de första avsnitten av tv-serien Färjan, baserad på Mats Strandbergs roman, på SVT. I slutet blir det spoilerfest av Jason Momoas Chief of War som både Jonas och Niklas har sett. Tack & Förlåt! Puss Hej!

but like...him? This week Nando, DJ, and Diggins suit up and touch down with the most Jordan Peele movie of the year, if you ignore Weapons (like his agents did), HIM. They nitpick the hits, the shots, and of course the mascots.   Recomendations: DJ - Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (series) Diggins - The Lowdown (series) Nando - Gen V (series), The Power Fantasy (comic), Alien: Earth (series)   Plugs Mostly Nitpicking on Bluesky The Nando v Movies Discord Roses and Rejections Diggins' Substack - A Little Perspective All of Nando's Links   Mostly Nitpicking theme by Nick Porcaro Logo by Michelle Chapman

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” - Daniel 3:16-18The book of Daniel is perhaps the most well-known of the major prophets, but also perhaps the least understood. It is a book of variation: there are perfectly understandable and well-known stories, but there are also visions and dreams and angels and hands writing on walls. There is some truly crazy stuff in the book of Daniel, but at its heart Daniel is a book about the kingdom of God, the faithfulness of God, and the providence of God. To help us navigate the book of Daniel is Dr. John Goldingay, senior professor of Old Testament and David Allan Hubbard Professor Emeritus at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of many books about the Old Testament including a commentary on the book of Daniel.Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 400 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Commentary-Daniel-goldingay-408pp/dp/0849902290Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: Ezekiel - https://youtu.be/hlg6gBYxqsgNavigating the Bible: Lamentations - https://youtu.be/6rrizlXeYXENavigating the Bible: Jeremiah - https://youtu.be/lXPjWl8PdRkNavigating the Bible: Isaiah - https://youtu.be/NZJLaPkgEgsNavigating the Bible: Song of Songs - https://youtu.be/Sg0CYlNBVMgNavigating the Bible: Ecclesiastes - https://youtu.be/-Wr7LCh8F9ENavigating the Bible: Proverbs - https://youtu.be/DytRT5AsZg8Navigating the Bible: Psalms - https://youtu.be/oZeesooAYUINavigating the Bible: Job - https://youtu.be/14jaf2T1eCQNavigating the Bible: Esther - https://youtu.be/7RZ7ATWQZucNavigating the Bible: Nehemiah - https://youtu.be/Gok4WDgwn5INavigating the Bible: Ezra - https://youtu.be/aBC0nEjYeyoNavigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

[Daniel 1:3-4] Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah's royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. [4] "Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men," he said. "Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon."The enemy doesn't just want to ________________ you, he want to ________________ you.[Daniel 3:16-18] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. [17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. [18] But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."Real faith says God __________, believes God ____________, but trusts even if He ________________.[1 Peter 4:12-13] Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. [13] Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.God doesn't promise to keep you ___________ the fire, He promises to be ____________ you in it.[Daniel 3:24-25] But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. [25] "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!"You are never ________________ alone.[Isaiah 43:2 ESV] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.God promises to ________________ be with us.[Daniel 3:27] Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!The only thing the fire destroyed was what _____________ them.[James 1:2-3] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.Your ______________ is not the end of the ________________.

Key #1 - Prayer Gives Courage in CrisisDaniel 2:17-18 NLTThen Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.Daniel 2:19 NLTThat night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. Key #2 - Prayer Brings Wisdom and DirectionDaniel 2:27-30 NLT“No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries… As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation.”James 1:5 NLT“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” Key #3 - Prayer Shapes Our CharacterDaniel 6:10 NLT“When Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Key #4 - Prayer Pushes Through Unseen BattlesDaniel 10:12-13 NIV“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” Ephesians 6:12 NLT“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Key #1 - Prayer Gives Courage in CrisisDaniel 2:17-18 NLTThen Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.Daniel 2:19 NLTThat night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. Key #2 - Prayer Brings Wisdom and DirectionDaniel 2:27-30 NLT“No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries… As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation.”James 1:5 NLT“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” Key #3 - Prayer Shapes Our CharacterDaniel 6:10 NLT“When Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Key #4 - Prayer Pushes Through Unseen BattlesDaniel 10:12-13 NIV“Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” Ephesians 6:12 NLT“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

see yoself U R yo peACE give U wut U need Your Majesty

Black Girl Seoul catches up with a list of dramas and Kpop that they are listening to in part 1 of the episode. Mentions include music from XLov, Cortis, and Exo, and the dramas Summit of Our Youth, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, and Beyond the Bar. Look out for part 2 when they discuss race and Kpop.

Hellooooo!!!!Today's episode is an elegy for fava beans!Soup, pottage, gruel, mash...Under many guises, pulses, and especially the ones from the genus Lathyrus, such as Pisum sativum have been eaten in the ancient Greek World since time immemorial...From Neolithic remains to modern Greek table, fava beans and peas, all these delicious pods of the genus Lathyrus have been cultivated and eaten in the Hellenic lands for thousands upon thousands of years!What did the ancient Greeks thought of the peas / yellow split peas? Where was the bastions of their cultivation? And how to cook it?Let's find out on today's episode about this amazing legume, that kept the Greeks alive for centuries!And why the Santorini Fava tastes just so so delicious?Also, this week's recommendations are the following:Odeuropa with William Tullett, by Around The Table podcast:https://recipes.hypotheses.org/23317https://odeuropa.eu/The blog cooking in the archives, rarecooking.comBon Appetit, Your Majesty: a talented chef travels to Joseon era korea and meets a tyrant king. Her modern dishes captivate his palate but challenges await her.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37600136/You can listen to the podcast on YouTube too:https://youtu.be/xlMe4Zm_1nUMusic by Pavlos KapralosEnjoy!Thom & The Delicious LegacySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-delicious-legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medverkande i detta avsnitt är: Fredrik, Poki och Danny!I detta avsnitt bjuder på samtal om spel, anime och lite annat smått och gott - allt i ett trevligt sällskap! Denna gång med många frågor som vi gottar ner oss i och har långa samtal så som gubbar gör ibland.Spel som tas upp:Core Keeper,SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance,Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island DLC,South of Midnight,Heretic + Hexen,Zelda II: The Adventure of Link,Film/TV som tas upp:Alien Earth,Jurassic World Rebirth,Superman,Bon Appétit, Your Majesty ,Beyond the Bar,Left-Hand Layup!,Övrigt som tas upp:I detta avsnitt tar vi upp en mängder av frågor vi fått på Discorden. Allt från hur vi gör med våra barns spelande och till vad som är "The Golden Age" of gaming för oss.Kom med i vår Discord här! - Nördliv på iTunes – Nördliv på Spotify

Life is full of “what ifs”, and often they are negative, right? They are usually full of fear and worrisome imaginations. And when you focus on all those “what ifs,” when you allow your mind to go to those negative possibilities, you become discouraged and frankly, miserable. So, let me ask you: How much time do you spend in the “what ifs” of life? In fear and worry, thinking about what could or might happen? Here's another “what if”: What if you changed “what if” to “even if”? Even if I lose my job, even if I get a bad health report, even if I'm robbed, even if someone I love dies. If you're born from above through faith in Jesus Christ, what if you faced your “what ifs” with truth from God's Word—truth that would set you free from the fear and worry and despair that your “what ifs” have caused? We have promises from God's Word we should throw in the face of our “what ifs.” Promises like: Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Hebrews 13:5: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, when you're facing a “what if,” stop and talk to yourself. Seriously, you need to talk to yourself—out loud if possible—and remind yourself of God's promises. Remind yourself of these truths. Bring those “what if” thoughts into captivity and make them obey the Lord. You remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three Jewish young men who were forcibly taken from Jerusalem to Babylon to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar's court (Daniel 3). Shortly after they were forced into the service of this pagan king, they were faced with a direct affront to their faith in Jehovah God, as the king set up a golden image and ordered everyone to worship this pagan image or else be thrown into a fiery furnace. Talk about a “what if”! What if they continued to serve the true God, Jehovah, and refused to bow down and worship that golden idol? They would perish as young men in the prime of their lives. This was a serious what if; there was no question that refusing to obey the king's order would result in death. So, what was their decision? Here it is from Daniel 3:16-18: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” They went from “what if” to “even if” and declared their trust in their God to deliver them. Even if they were burned to death in the furnace, they would not bow to any other god. Maybe you're facing a fiery furnace of your own—something that could destroy you or so it seems. Maybe it's a financial furnace, or a health furnace, or a relationship furnace. You're in the “what if” stage as you face the furnace. Can you replace your “what if” with an “even if,” declaring that even if your fears are realized, even if the worst happens, you will trust in God to deliver you, to go through it with you, and to rescue you? Can you say with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, “Even if he does not, I will trust him”? That is walking by faith and not by sight, and even if your faith seems small or weak, God will be pleased with your “even if,” and you can be sure he will get you through. I pray you will place your trust in the same God who delivered these young men and who will deliver you. Then there's the story of when God confronted Moses and told him he had a job for him to do—to face Pharaoh and deliver his people from bondage. Moses had a bunch of “what ifs.”

THANK YOU LEE CHAEMIN FOR BEING HERE TODAY….The pod sisters are here to chat up “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” - or, as we will always choose to call it - KNIFE KNIFE. (we cannot call this show bon appétit ur majesty it's so cringey we cannot)….tvN and Netflix are AT IT AGAIN this fall and we're all EATING IT UP PUN INTENDED. The girls chat through the plot in the first two eps, all the cooking scenes, Yoona's adorableness, and the fact that Lee Chaemin was added in as the ML like a week before the first reading. …..So far, this drama is easy on the plot and easy on the eyes (MWAHAHAHHA). Maddie and Elle are obsessed. Christina is def never gonna watch ep 3. How are y'all liking it so far?…..“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is a 12-episode tvN KDrama airing on Netflix this fall.…If you're new to YA GIRL, we're so glad you're here!! I truly hope you enjoy listening to this podcast! …..Also, check out our sister-pod - THE KDROP: A KPop Podcast - if that's your thing. https://www.instagram.com/the.kdrop_kpop_pod/ ….. Before you do anything else, FOLLOW YA GIRL ON INSTAGRAM! For real, please come and say hey to us over the socials! @yagirl_kdrama pod (⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/yagirl_kdramapod?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠⁠)….And Christina just started an exclusive BTS instagram, so give that a follow!   https://www.instagram.com/bts_express_the.kdrop?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== … Finally, jump on  YA GIRL's Discord!! It's where all the friends of YA GIRL gather and talk about hot Korean men. You really don't wanna miss it. ⁠⁠ https://discord.gg/rFmEgTJpJ8

Highlights of what's new in streaming for the week of August 23, 2025. Hulu Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America's Most Famous Pair of Shoes (Aug. 26) Netflix Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, season 1 (Aug. 23) With Love, Meghan, season 2 (Aug. 26) 1 in 7641 (Aug. 27) Christopher: A Beautiful Real Life (Aug. 27) Fantasy Football Ruined Our Lives (Aug. 27) Katrina: Come Hell and High Water (Aug. 27) Planet Single: Greek Adventure (Aug. 27) Barbie Mysteries: Beach Detectives, season 2 (Aug. 28) Millionaire (Aug 28) Rumah Untuk Alie (Aug. 28) Thursday Murder Club (Aug. 28) Love Untangled (Aug. 29) Two Graves (Aug. 29) Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (Aug. 29) Disney+ LEGO Disney Princess: Villains Unite (Aug. 25) Princess Stream (Aug. 25) Shipwreck Hunters Australia, season 2 (Aug. 27) Thunderbolts* (Aug. 27) Prime Video Upload, season 4 (Aug. 25) The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, season 1 (Aug. 27) Tubi President Down (Aug. 29) Hallmark+ Double Scoop (Aug. 24)

Back To Basics // Week 13 // SanctificationPastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson1 Thessalonians 4:1-3a NIV1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified…but youSanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then ShapedIsaiah 64:8 NIV8 Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your handJeremiah 18:1–4 NIV1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.Sanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.Daniel 3:16-18 NIV16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”Daniel 3:23-25 NIV23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”Daniel 3:26-28 NIVSanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal3. Being Rooted So Not To Be RestlessJohn 15:1-4 NIV1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.John 15:5-9 NIV5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.Sanctification is not achieving, it is abiding.It's about trusting deeper, not trying harder.Philippians 2:12-13 NIV12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.Galatians 3:1-3 NIV1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?1 Thessalonians 5:15-24 NIVPhilippians 1:6 NIV6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…Sanctification Involves…1. Being Saved And Then Shaped2. Being Refined So You Can Reveal3. Being Rooted So Not To Be Restless

Pause to Clarify (v. 1) The Revealed Mystery (vv. 2-7) Revealed in Christ Concealed in the Old Testament Congealed into the Church The Real Ministry (vv. 8-12) Pauls humble practice Pauls heavenly purpose Purpose to Comfort (v. 13) ------------------------------------------- More To Consider The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the lens in her hand. "I really looked hard for that, Mom," said the youth. "How'd you manage to find it?" We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150."sermonillustrations.com It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. Lou Holtz It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me. Sermonillustrations.com If the Ephesians truly understood the administration of Gods grace that was given to Paul (v. 2), they should not be discouraged because of his sufferings for them. His sufferings were for their gain and glory. If Paul had not dispensed to the Gentiles the stewardship of Gods grace, then Jews would not have been hostile to him and he would not have been imprisoned. His preaching brought salvation to the Gentiles, but it incurred the wrath of many Jews on him. However, many others became members of the church, Christs body, and this was their glory. Hoehner, H. W. (1985). In J. F. Walvoord R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 630631). Victor Books.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRomans 1 The apostle Paul writes to the church in Rome in the name of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ, commending their faith and expressing his desire to visit them. Thus far prevented from doing so, Paul wishes to see them and strengthen their trust in the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. This gospel reveals God's righteousness and calls believers to live by faith. However, Paul laments that many have rejected God's truth. Despite God's power and divine nature being evident in creation, many have turned to idols, forsaking the Creator. God has allowed them to follow their sinful desires, resulting in immoral practices and corrupt behavior. Knowing God's will, some continue to engage in these acts and encourage others to do the same. Christ Jesus, God's Son, appoints Paul as a preacher to the Gentiles. Paul's message aims to inspire “the obedience of faith” among believers in Jesus' name. We are called to believe and to follow God's will; the two cannot be separated. The gospel possesses the power to save while revealing the righteousness of God, guiding us to live by faith and strive for righteousness. This explains why so many refuse to acknowledge the authority of God: it requires allegiance to His word. He has given us countless reasons to believe, but for many in the world, the desire for sexual immorality and self-indulgence is simply too enticing. We must beware of how far darkened hearts can stray from God.  Benevolent Father, thank You for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal life. We pray for the gospel to thrive in us as we live by faith and pursue righteousness daily. The devil tempts us to suppress the truth, seeking to divert our gaze from the overwhelming evidence of Your Majesty in creation. Many have exchanged Your glory for their own, chasing unnatural and ungodly desires. Help us remain devoted to You and faithful to the truth. Please grant us wisdom to influence those who have turned from You.  Thought Questions: -       Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, describe the “obedience of faith” that must naturally grow out of this belief. -       The text says those who suppress the truth have no excuse. Why not? How has God clearly revealed His authority to us all? -       Why is it impossible to live an immoral life and be saved by God? Is homosexuality a form of immorality that must be cast away?

It's raining. The men in the group are drenched and have been so almost all day. Nobles in their finest attire stand ankle-deep in mud, their expressions a mixture of triumph and apprehension. Before them, a thin, gray-faced king looks at the document. His jaw clenches."You would strip me of my God-given rights?" the king yells, his voice thick with contempt."We would remind Your Majesty of your duties to your subjects," replied one of the barons, his voice firm despite the gravity of the moment. "The crown does not place you above the law but binds you to uphold it."King John's eyes narrow. These men who would dare put limitations on him had brought not just their demands, but their armies. They had seized London; his London. They were standing in his meadow. This was his land and he was their king. Now, they dared to impose demands on him. He knew he had to sign it. He also knew that it wasn't going to end here. The King's hands trembled as he pressed his royal seal into the soft wax at the bottom of the parchment. The Great Charter was been sealed, though neither the king nor the barons could have possibly imagined what such a seal actually meant.___Join us as we show you the history of the Magna Carta, how it changed English governance, and its influence on all democracies and constitutional federal republics that came after.