Cool Names

I tore each page of useless notes from my spiral notebook and found this dated (4/13/11)

I sat in my usual seat listening to the readings from the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar grilled Shadrack, Meschach, and Abendnego about their faith. And I thought “how cool would it be to have a name like that?”. Well maybe at my age…but probably not growing up…all the other kids would make fun of me. Then I thought…how cool would it be to have the faith that Shadrack, Meschach, and Abendnego had. In spite of all the fiery threats they refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue.

That’s a sobering thought…if I can’t take a little childish name calling…how will I ever pass the test when the furnace is turned up to seven.

Dear Lord Jesus
Thank you for all of your caring over the years.
Thanks for getting me through my childish fears.
Please give me the courage to walk in the fire.
Just don’t turn up the furnace seven times higher.
Amen.