Daniel’s name was changed to Belteshazzar. Hananiah’s name was changed to Shadrach. Mishael’s name was changed to Meshach. Azariah’s name was changed to Abenego. During Judah’s time in Babylonian captivity, Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon ordered these name changes in an effort to strip these noble men of their identity as members of the tribe of Judah (Daniel 1:7). Their new names suggested a change in status. Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimate goal was to shift the religious loyalty of Continue Reading
The Perks of a Past
I once heard it said that God uses us not despite our past but because of our past. We see this truth all throughout Scripture. Consider Peter. He was very impulsive and always had something to say. Peter is the one who got out of the boat, took his eyes off of Jesus, and began to sink while walking on the water (Matthew 14: 28-30). God used that aspect of Peter’s character to fuel him as he delivered one of the most important and foundational messages in Jerusalem on the Day of Continue Reading
A Lot to Deal With
In Genesis chapters 11-14 & 19 we learn about a man named Lot. At a young age, Lot lost his father. He was raised by his Uncle Abram (Abraham) until they decided to part ways. Abram gave Lot first pick of the new land he would occupy. In verse 10 of Genesis chapter 13, we read that Lot saw the land of Sodom and that it was well-watered. Unfortunately, this land may have been well-watered, but it was also wicked (Genesis 13:13). It was not long before Lot had a lot to deal with. His Continue Reading