Tag Archives: Daniel

Engaging Our Culture: September 25-Oh My God What is Happening?

Posted on September 25, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 television mini-series “The Stand”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” 16 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[c] 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 3:13-18.

Today’s scene brings back memories of freedom of speech denied during the Coronavirus. Doctors, scientists and social media influencers who didn’t conform to Covid shots were demonized, demonetized and were immediately banned from social media sites. This is the background of Stephen King’s made for television mini-series the Stand.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were being forced to bow down and worship another god. This demand went directly against the second commandment. In the Stand, Rae Flowers took a similar stance, willing to risk death for her belief in freedom of speech. Whether it’s the loudest voice or the greatest political threat, Charlie Kirk’s assassination is causing Americans to wonder, “Oh my God, what is happening?”

Closing Song:

On the verge of facing death, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted in the God of Israel. This spiritual stand was blessed by God, saving their lives and changing the mind of Nebuchadnezzar. This is what can happen when you take a spiritual stand by trusting in an invisible God.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: May 15-Calling an Audible in Life

Posted on May 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 movie “Sahara”

Bible Verse of the Day:

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him 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 den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. 19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 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,” Daniel 6:16-22.

Biblical Connection:

Master explorer Dirk Pitt played by Matthew McConaughey is searching for a lost Civil War battleship in the deserts of West Africa. While searching for clues, Dirk encounters a World Health Organization researcher Dr. Eva Rojas. When a ruthless dictator seeks to cover up the contamination of water that Eva finds, Dirk and one of his former Navy Seal veterans have to pull an audible in today’s scene to avoid being killed.

Daniel was living in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiakim when the Lord allowed Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to besiege this land. Then, Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites into captivity in Babylon. Daniel was one of the young men chosen, staying true to the Lord, despite the laws of this foreign land. Instead of calling an audible, Daniel trusted God to save him from a den of lions.

Closing Song:

An audible in the context of football is when a quarterback suddenly changes the original play at the line of scrimmage based upon how the defense is lined up. From a spiritual sense, if you’re stuck in a rut, repeating the same pattern and expecting a different result is insane. Therefore, sometimes you have a call an audible in life, trusting in God to help you find a way out of a specific trial or temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

by Jay Mankus

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Prepare Yourself for Perilous Times

Posted on September 6, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Eschatology comes from the Greek word ἔσχατος. When translated into English, éschatos refers to the part of theology concerned with the final events of history. One of the Gospel authors devotes an entire chapter to the signs of the times. In the passage below, Matthew highlights specific events to look for as Jesus reflect upon what the end of times will resemble. This chapter serves as a map to prepare readers of the Bible for perilous times.

While He was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and said, Tell us, when will this take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end (the completion, the consummation) of the age? 4 Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. 5 For many will come in (on the strength of) My name [appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet, Matthew 24:3-6.

The initial sign of the times is wars and rumors of wars. This is followed by famines and earthquakes. The imagery Jesus chooses to describe these perilous times like the pain a woman endures during the child bearing process. The book of Daniel in the Old Testament and Revelation in the New Testament refer to specific events that set in motion the arrival of the anti-Christ. If you’re not taken up into heaven by the Rapture, Jesus’ second coming, these perilous times will be beyond what most individuals can handle.

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear], 2 Timothy 3:1.

In view of what lies ahead, I am reminded of something that Jesus says during the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. In the middle of this famous speech, Jesus provides advice to prepare yourself for perilous times. Matthew 6:34 highlights that each day has enough trouble of it’s own. Therefore, don’t be overwhelmed by the circumstances that is beyond your control. Rather, take one day at a time, with the perspective that each new day is a gift from God.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cyrus Cylinder

Posted on December 24, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In 539 Before Christ, Cyrus, King of Anshan led Persia on their conquest of Babylon.  At this time in history, Daniel of the Bible served as an administrator to King Darius.  Thus, as Cyrus oversaw the captivity of Babylon, his paths crossed with Daniel.  Depending upon which historians you reference, it appears that Daniel had a major influence on the creation of the Cyrus Cylinder.

“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”- Esther 4:14

Just as Israel was taken captive years earlier by Babylon, Persia’s victory served as an opportunity to free the Jewish people from their oppression.  These events set the stage for the Cyrus Cylinder, a declaration of independence for Daniel and his country.  This cylinder is the earliest known form of civil rights.  This ancient clay cylinder granted Hebrews equal rights as well as providing the chance to rebuild the nation of Israel.

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command, 1 Chronicles 12:32.

In recent years, the Cyrus Cylinder has been on display at museums and the United Nations.  Yet, this artifact has a greater significance on the founding of America than most people think.  Thomas Jefferson studied the content of the Cyrus Cylinder and applied some of its principles into the Declaration of Independence.   Behind the scenes, it took a man who devoted his life to God, Daniel like Esther was born for such a time to influence Cyrus in the creation of this historic cylinder.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Miner 34

Posted on April 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I child, I remember hearing the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  Despite threats from King Nebuchadnezzar, these 3 men were willing to face death rather than break the first commandment, Daniel 3:17.  While in a fiery furnace, a 4th figure appeared, resembling the son of God, Daniel 3:24-25.  However, until today, I was not aware of the modern miracle of Miner 34.

On Thursday, August 5th, 2010, a mining accident in Copiapo, Chile, trapped 33 miners nearly a half mile beneath the surface of their San Jose mine.  Despite the initial cave in, all 33 men survived 69 days in darkness, banding together as a close knit community.   During this ordeal, each man was given a task that they were responsible for until their rescue.  Jose Henriquez was delegated the man of prayer, the only Christian miner.  Gathering around a pole, Jose introduced his co-workers to Miner 34, praying to the Living God.

Although not accepted by everyone, Jose’s words pierced the hearts of several men on the verge of death.  When a drill reached their location 17 days later, food, water and Bibles were dropped into their small living quarters.  Once Jose began to quote God’s words to his fellow miners, a revival broke out 2,400 feet under the earth’s surface.  Thirty two men entered this mine without plans for eternity on August 5th.  On October 10th, when these men were extracted from this mine, 22 men were reborn, dedicating their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10.  Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, these 33 miners were visited by Miner 34 until their rescue was complete.

Please share any other miracles you’ve experienced, heard or seen with your own eyes.

by Jay Mankus

 

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