2 things...

So, I was checking out CFOT sites (just in the perusing stages, don't jump to any conclusions....Rachael!) And I found out that in New Zealand, the college for officer training is called the Booth College of Mission. And officers are legally recognized as ministers under God, NOT employees of The Salvation Army, and there's this whole thing on the site that says if you're not called by God, than don't bother applying. That's hardcore! I like it!

The other thing, was reading the book of Daniel, and it hit me that this Daniel from the Shadrach Meshach and Abednego caper (trained alongside the guys being tossed into an incinerator for not bowing down to an idol) was the same guy who got tossed into a lions' den without being eaten, was the same guy who had to try to explain God writing some random words on a wall to tell the king's son his days were numbered....this is the guy who talks about seeing God in crazy visions that seem closer to someone's experience of an acid trip.

If it weren't for the obvious touch of God in his real life experience, you might write-off his visions as being a little nuts. But check out the validity of his life prior to these other-worldly daydreams.... He interpreted dreams/visions of kings (Daniel 2:24.., 4:19.., 5:10.. ), He was given responsibility/authority in Babylon under three separate kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius). He was known as someone who was not only disciplined in his physical self (refusing the fatty meats Nebuchudnezzar put in front of him), but in his prayer life and general character as well (Daniel 6:3). Even his accusers found that 'they could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent'(Daniel 6:4). His devotion and humility before the LORD brought glory to His name, and brought pagan kings to their knees in worship:
* "The king said to Daniel, 'Surely your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries for you were able to reveal this mystery"Daniel 2:47
* "Nebuchadnezzar then approached the blazing furnace and shouted, 'Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!....Praise be to the God of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the kings' command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ...no other god can save in this way" Daniel 3:26,28,29b)
* "He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him" Daniel 4:8
* "I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you" Daniel 4:9
* "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble" Daniel 4:37
* "The queen said...'There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods...This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems.'" Daniel 5:12,13
* Belshazzar ...."I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom" Dan 5:14
* "So the king gave the order and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lion's den. The king said to Daniel, 'May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you" (Dan 6:16)
* "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"6:20
* "Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: 'May you prosper greatly!
I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions'" 6:25-27

So, maybe, there's a little somethin' somethin' to those outrageous images in the coming chapters that we should pay attention to! hmm....