There are moments in history when faith is tested not by argument, but by fire. When King Nebuchadnezzar raised his towering golden image and demanded universal worship, three young men—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—stood in holy defiance. Exiles in Babylon, stripped of their homeland, their temple, and even their Hebrew names, they were renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But while Babylon could rename them, it could not remake them. They still belonged to the God of Israel. The Making of Abednego Abednego—originally Azariah, meaning “Yahweh has helped”—was of noble lineage from Judah, chosen for his intellect and character to serve in…

The Science We’re Told to Trust Science should question power—not serve it. Yet today, so much of what we call “research” unfolds under the heavy hand of government funding. When the purse strings belong to politicians, scientific objectivity becomes a casualty—and the narrative becomes whatever the funders need it to be. When Money Decides the Method Government sponsorship has turned science into an instrument of policy rather than proof. Funding determines which topics are explored, how data is collected, and which results see daylight. Researchers quickly learn the unspoken rule: align with policy goals, or lose the next grant. Under…

Centuries before rock songs or science fiction, the prophet Ezekiel saw something electrifying in the heavens — a wheel within a wheel, blazing with fire, spinning across the sky. Lightning flashed, wings roared, and the air trembled with divine energy. It wasn’t just a vision; it was a revelation of unimaginable power. Ezekiel’s “wheel in the sky” symbolized the living presence of God — vast, intelligent, and in motion. The wheels moved in every direction without turning, covered with countless eyes that saw all things. In that fiery storm, Ezekiel glimpsed the machinery of the cosmos itself — order within…

“Autumn Song” by Van Morrison is a richly poetic meditation on the beauty, nostalgia, and gentle introspection that autumn brings. From the opening lines, Morrison paints a vivid picture of falling leaves, brown and dancing to the ground, a scene that immediately evokes change and transition. He invites the listener to “shut the door, dim the lights and relax,” suggesting that autumn is not just a season — it’s a mood, a slowing down of life’s pace to savor simple pleasures. There’s a strong romantic and nostalgic undercurrent. References to chestnuts roasting, walking with a loved one in the crisp…

O Fortuna: Carl Orff’s Dramatic Masterpiece “O Fortuna” is the iconic opening and closing movement of Carl Orff’s cantata Carmina Burana, composed in 1935-36. Drawing from medieval Latin poetry, this powerful piece dramatizes the capricious nature of fate and fortune through its thunderous orchestration and choir. The composition begins with its now-famous pounding rhythm and explosive fortissimo, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming dramatic intensity. Orff employs simple, repetitive melodic patterns and primal rhythmic drives that build to crushing climaxes, making it accessible yet profoundly impactful. The Latin text laments fortune’s cruel wheel, which arbitrarily elevates and destroys human lives. Orff’s…

Cat Stevens’ 1970 song “On the Road to Find Out” embodies Joseph Campbell’s monomyth—the hero’s journey that appears across cultures throughout history. Stevens distilled this archetypal structure into a folk-rock composition capturing the universal experience of seeking meaning and transformation. The Call to Adventure: The hero’s journey begins when the protagonist recognizes their current existence is insufficient and something greater beckons. Stevens articulates this departure through opening verses expressing disillusionment with received wisdom and conventional paths. The title itself announces acceptance of the call—he is already “on the road,” having left behind the familiar in pursuit of authentic truth. Like…

“To the One” by Harvest is a worship song that expresses devotion and praise to God. The lyrics focus on themes of surrender, love, and gratitude, reflecting a deep connection with the divine. The song often emphasizes the idea of God being the ultimate source of hope and strength, inviting listeners to acknowledge His presence and guidance in their lives. It encourages a personal relationship with God, highlighting the importance of worship and faithfulness. The emotive style and uplifting message aim to inspire and uplift those who listen.

The parable of the sheep and the goats is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment where he separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The “sheep” represent the righteous, who are blessed for their acts of kindness and compassion toward others, such as feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick. In contrast, the “goats” symbolize those who neglected to do these things and are thus condemned. The overarching message emphasizes the importance of how we treat others, particularly the least among us, as it…

Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” isn’t just a classic rock masterpiece — it’s a soulful cry for human dignity in an age of control. And if you’re someone who values liberty, peace, and the freedom of the individual, this song hits on a deeper level. “It’s the terror of knowing what this world is aboutWatching some good friends screaming, ‘Let me out!’” It captures the emotional weight of a world buckling under political pressure, endless conflict, economic manipulation, and systems that strip away personal agency. It’s not just about anxiety — it’s about what happens when centralized power grinds…

In “Turtles All The Way Down,” Sturgill Simpson takes you on a psychedelic honky-tonk trip through the cosmos — guided by reptiles, love, and maybe a little too much DMT. This isn’t your grandpa’s country song… unless your grandpa also believes in astral projection and quantum consciousness. 🎸🌌 Watch as Sturgill croons about the mysteries of the universe with the smoothness of a cowboy philosopher who’s seen some stuff and came back with enlightenment… and possibly a few questions for God. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Waylon Jennings took mushrooms with Carl Sagan, this might be it.…