31 Mar, 2011
Mmmm, Mmmm Delish!
Unless you’re from Delaware or around the Pennsylvania Dutch area, you’ll have no idea what Scrapple is. Not the game Scrabble® - Scrapple with two p’s. As a proud Delawarean, I grew up with Scrapple, a delicacy of sorts that takes quite an acquired taste to enjoy. I lived in North Carolina and they have something called Livermush that’s relatively close to Scrapple. Neither one of those names really make you hungry if you don’t know what it is, does it? Laugh at the names if you want, but Scrapple is a serious business. There’s even an Apple Scrapple Festival in one of the counties of Delaware. It’s HUGE! Over 25,000 people attend and it’s growing.
Scrapple is made from pork and contains ‘everything but the oink’. You can eat scrapScrapple
Sandwichple with mustard (my favorite), ketchup, applesauce, or maple syrup. It can be a meal in itself or eaten as a sandwich or as part of great breakfast with eggs, fried potatoes, and toast. I always have to stock up on scrapple when I go home to Delaware. Which reminds me, we’re running low and almost out of scrapple in our freezer.Pictures courtesy of wikipedia.com
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
When we read God’s Word, we are refreshed. It is nourishment to our soul. His Words are sweet. His promises are sure. The Scriptures are satisfying!
Because not every one where I live knows what Scrapple is, I have an opportunity to explain it to them. Sometimes they’re less excited about my description that I am in talking about it. But it’s easier for them to make an informed decision about like Scrapple when I have it prepared and they can taste it and decide for themselves.
Likewise, I must be familiar with God’s Word. I need to be in the Word seeking direction and guidance. It’s not enough just to have a Bible (or lots of them); I must open it and let it examine my heart and line my life up to what His Word says. It may seem foreign at first. Maybe it doesn’t even sound good, but as we take a bite from the Bible and begin to digest what is being said, we begin to understand what the Psalmists said – His Words are sweet. The Lord is good!
Ask your friends to comment on strange foods that they’ve tried. Tell them about the Scripture from today. Maybe you didn’t even know that these verses were in the Bible, but casually tell them that you’re going to try and begin tasting God’s Word more frequently.
Invite them to join you and read Scripture together. Offer to find them a Bible if they don’t have one (ask your local youth leader or Youth for Christ staff to help you). Begin your study with the book of John. And be ready to go back for seconds!
Bon Appétit!
30 Mar, 2011
I'm With Him . . .
Coincidentally, Monday afternoon (the day of the party), my friend, Jon, had noticed that Chad Ochocinco (Wide Reciever for the Cincinnati Bengals) tweeted about being in Indianapolis; he was looking for a place to go that evening to just relax and listen to some jazz music. Of course, Jon (and who knows how many others) tweeted back and told him about the Jazz Kitchen. Imagine everyone's surprise when Ochocinco later sent a message out that he would in fact be spending his evening at the Jazz Kitchen, and that the first 100 people to get in would be treated to free food/drinks, at his expense!
Of course, by the time our friends arrived for the party, the place was absolutely packed out and they weren't letting anyone else in the door. Jon found an employee and explained that they had reservations, that they were with the Vasey Party. Before they knew it, they were escorted past the crowds, into the restaurant, and seated at one of only two empty tables - one had been reserved for the "Vasey Party of 10," the other (right beside it), for "Chad Johnson Ochocinco!" While so many waited outside, hoping to catch just a glimpse of the NFL star, my friends sat right beside him, celebrating the birthday of a great friend, enjoying great music, and reveling in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
We definitely missed out.
Jon, at The Jazz Kitchen, with Chad Ochocinco
(Picture courtesy of Jon Collins)
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
When Jesus spoke these words to the crowds, people were shocked . . . not only because of what he was saying, but because of the authority by which he spoke them. He was clearly saying that, in the end, anyone who didn't truly know Him, would never be able to enter into Heaven. Christ's message was (and is) that it's not about what you do, or what you say, nor is it about the way you act (whether you act like a Christian or pretend to do godly things), rather, it is 100% about Who you know.
My friends got into the Jazz Kitchen that night because of who they knew and who they were with. Had they not been friends of the Vaseys, and had they never chosen to accept the invitation for dinner, they would have been left out in the cold, amidst a crowd of hopefuls.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
How well do you know Jesus? If you were standing in the crowd of people, back in the day, listening to Jesus talk, would you be left wondering which group of people he would put you with? Sometimes it's easier to do the work of Christ (you know, the "Christian-thing") than it is to really have a relationship with Him. In the end, on Judgment Day, will you be able to say, "I know Jesus - I'm with Him?" If so, what will His response be?
- Take some time to sit with Jesus. Ask Him to speak to you. Allow Him to assess your heart and honestly show you which group you would be in . . . then be willing to listen.
- Commit to doing whatever is necessary to get your heart right with God, daily, and to be constantly strengthening your relationship with Him.
- Memorize John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- Talk to your friends who claim to be followers of Christ and share today's scripture passage with them. Share your thoughts and where you think you might land in the two groups he mentions, and why. Use it as an opportunity to begin some dialogue about what it means to truly know Christ.
- Share with your friends who are not Believers about today's story. Tell them about Ochocinco and how he extended an open invitation to anyone who wanted to join him, but that only the first 100 people who responded were let in that night. People were crazy not to respond! Explain how God has also extended an open invitation to join Him in Heaven and there's no limit on the number of people who can come, but there is still one requirement: it's all about Who you know. John 14:6 - "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father, except through me."
29 Mar, 2011
Claiming the Prize
The lottery drawing was held Friday night. Last-minute ticket sales increased the jackpot from $312 million to $319 million, the New York Lottery said.
It is the sixth-largest jackpot in its history. It's
also the single largest sole jackpot-winning ticket ever for Mega Millions sold
in New York,
she said.
Despite reports that seven state government workers held the winning $319 million ticket in the Mega Millions lottery, as of Sunday, no one had come forward to claim the prize, a New York Lottery spokeswoman said.
Story courtesy of cnn.com; Photo courtesy of Google images
Luke 18:18-30
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Matthew 6: 19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about claiming the prize?
Without focusing too much on the money in this passage and in the lottery story, think about the amazing unclaimed opportunities in both instances. Someone in New York holds a winning lottery ticket, and all they have to do is hand it over for their life to be completely changed. Likewise, the rich young ruler who spoke with Jesus had the opportunity to obtain eternal life standing before him. Jesus stood with him face to face, and yet the man went away sad because he could not take that simple step. It was simply too high a price for him to pay to give up his earthly riches.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
Where are your treasures? Are you too busy with the things of life on earth that you’ve forgotten the eternal privilege that you have claimed? Or have you yet to claim that free gift that Jesus is offering?
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
Tell someone about the New York lottery story. Ask them what would keep them from claiming a winning lottery ticket. Find out if they know what Jesus offers them that is far better than the temporary treasures that the lottery can provide.
28 Mar, 2011
That's Why They Call It MADNESS ...
Even in the unpredictable, anything-goes world of March Madness, this is a Final Four nobody saw coming.
Kentucky, Connecticut, Butler and Virginia Commonwealth — the improbable, the implausible, the unthinkable and the downright unimaginable.
In one game in Houston next Saturday, No. 4 seed Kentucky will play No. 3 Connecticut — not a completely absurd thought as a Final Four matchup, though hardly a trendy pick given their up-and-down regular seasons.
In the other game, it will be No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth against No. 8 Butler — the team that was panned when its name was called on Selection Sunday against the defending national runner-up from a 4,500-student campus whose amazing success story had supposedly run its course.
"It never gets old," Bulldogs senior Matt Howard said.
Nor does the NCAA tournament, the three-week office pool that places the so-called experts on even footing with those who fill out brackets because they like a team's colors or its mascot.
Anything goes. Anyone can win.
And never has that been more true than this year.
Four teams with a combined 37 losses and a combined winning percentage of .755, second lowest since 1985.
Four teams whose combined seeding equals 26, breaking the record of 22 in 2000.
Not a single No. 1 seed for only the third time since seeding began in 1979 and, according to STATS LLC., the first time that no 1 or 2 seed will be there.
ESPN, which sponsors one of the country's biggest bracket tournaments, said that out of 5.9 million entries, only two had this foursome making its way to Houston. President Barack Obama? He went 0 for 4. He had plenty of company.
Kentucky is the new favorite in Vegas, at 8-5. VCU is listed at 7-1 — the longshot in the field, but still quite a bit better than 2500-1, which is where the Rams were listed at the start of the season.
"I think what it does as much as anything, it just puts a spin on the NCAA tournament," said Kansas coach Bill Self after his top-seeded team lost 71-61 to VCU. "It's wild. ... Because seeds are so overrated. It's about matchups. And their players could play for us any day."
VCU (28-11) got up early on Kansas on Sunday and never looked back, another upset winner in a tournament that's all about underdogs.
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
Overcoming the World
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Have you ever felt like an underdog? The fact that God is all about the underdog is found throughout scripture. From David defeating Goliath to John reminding us that we, because of Jesus, have overcome the world. What does that mean? It means that we win! It means that when we are followers of Jesus, we can live this life with the confidence of one who has already one the game of life! And the reward is better that a championship trophy ... the reward is an eternal home with the Father.
- Thank God for the victory you have as an underdog in this world.
- Spend some time reading through God's Story, looking for stories of the underdog getting a victory.
- Ask God how you might become a bigger supporter of the underdogs in your everyday world.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story and God's Story with My Friend's Story?
- Invite some friends over to watch the Final Four this weekend.
- Get to know more of their story during the games.
- With all of the teams being "underdogs," what a great time start a coversation about the times in your life when you've felt like an underdog. It might even get them talking about their stories even more.
- When your friends leave, spend some time praying for them and about the new area of their story you discover during the games.
25 Mar, 2011
Locked Out
Barack Obama locked out of the White House
The world's most powerful man was given an embarrassing reminder that not every door will open for him, even at his own office.
President Barack Obama was filmed being confronted by a locked door when he tried to enter the Oval Office from a terrace at the White House as he returned early from a trip to Latin America.
With a nonchalant stroll and a whistle, the US president walked past another set of locked French doors before he was finally able to gain access to his seat of power.
White House staff members were reportedly not informed before his arrival on Wednesday evening that the president was returning to work.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me
When I first saw this I began to laugh, and then smile as to how calm and collected our president was. I wondered would I be as calm and collected if I was locked out? Are you calm and collected when you are locked out? Or for that matter when you face a trial?
Even though the door was locked he kept whistling, kept walking. He even walked passed a few doors not even trying to open them. He kept walking until he found a door which was open to him. Never stopping to get upset, look around for help he just walked in the door.
In our life "God knows the plans he has for us" (Jeremiah 29:11) but in our desire for control of "OUR" life and outcome we cling to the doors of opportunity in our life. We forget to have a peace knowing that God has a crazy wonderful BEAUTIFUL plan for our lives. We ask (or demand), Lord, I know that this IS what you have for me, I know it.
For some, we cling to the first door, praying and hoping that it will suddenly break free and open, with the harder we pray. Others check a second door, and if failed we fall on our knees crying "WHY LORD WHY ME?". Still others whistle and carry on pulling and trying a new door, with confidence that one will indeed open when the timing is right.
Our God desires to give us the desires of our hearts, and so often he sits at the doors of our hearts and next to us to listen, and take care of the concerns in His time. Where we get into trouble is not remembering that its HIS plan and in HIS time. We forget that He knows what is best for us, "His Good, and pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2b READ THIS VERSE start at 1- 2)
Sometimes in our lives, like Obama, "Not every door will open for him, even at his own office", we have to face that doors will be closed in our lives. What in your life have you been holding on to, do you feel like God is asking you to "let your grip of control go??"
God will be there to meet you as you let go. What I love about Revelation 3:20, "I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" How rich are times spent around the table sharing life, laughing, or even exchanging tears around meal times with friends and or family. God desires to be in a deep relationship with you, he desires to sit across the table with you. Are you willing to allow God to sit at the table with you, no matter the situation you are in and be real with Jesus.
- What is happening in your life that you need to sit at the table with Jesus?
- Take time to Sit with God this week and deal with the tough things in your life. Give Him back the control of your life.
- Thank God for knowing the plans of your life, ask him to grant you a peace & and the ability to "whistle" about your future even though you may not know the door you will walk through.
What a great story to talk about with your friends, and a natural progression to talk about experiences of being locked out. Many of you are trying to get into colleges, find jobs, or maybe just making a sports team at your school. You and your friends are experiencing first hand doors opening and closing in your lives. Share how you have dealt with "doors" in your life. Share if you had positive experiences and share the times you pout and are discouraged, share this frustration, on how you are working on having a better outlook, and learning to trust God more with your path in life.
If you are at a point in your friendship where you are ready, this is a great time to speak about answering God's desire to be a part of your friends life. Take time to talk about how God does not pressure, but stands and waits knocking on your door, not shouting but waiting for you to hear Him. Waiting for you to invite him in for a relationship.
24 Mar, 2011
This One Takes the Cake!
This One Takes the Cake!
When Chidi Ogbuta renewed her wedding vows, it wasn't so much getting spliced as getting sliced. The 35-year-old went that extra layer when it came to the cake – by ordering a life-size replica of herself. Mrs Ogbuta and husband Innocent , also 35, celebrated their ten years of married life with the 5 ft (creation), which was so big it took four men to carry it into the venue.
“Growing up, I always wanted a doll made in my likeness,' said Mrs Ogbuta, a mother of four. I told Innocent I wanted a life-size cake made in my resemblance as I would look on my wedding day. I searched for months to find someone who'd make my dream come true. Originally the plan was for two cakes – one of me and one of Innocent.
Unfortunately, it took five weeks to make and we ran out of time.”
The resulting butter-cream creation, which formed the centerpiece of the ceremony in Dallas, Texas, weighed 400 lb and contained 200 eggs. The body, head and arms were made from clay.
Story courtesy of metro.co.uk.com. Picture courtesy of Barcraft Media
Three days later Mary, the mother of Jesus, was at a wedding feast in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited and were there. When the wine was all gone, Mary said to Jesus, "They don't have any more wine."
Jesus replied, "Mother, my time hasn't yet come: You must not tell me what to do." Mary then said to the servants, "Do whatever Jesus tells you to do."
At the feast there were six stone water jars that were used by the people for washing themselves in the way that their religion said they must. Each jar held about twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants to fill them to the top with water. Then after the jars had been filled, he said, "Now take some water and give it to the man in charge of the feast."
The servants did as Jesus told them, and the man in charge drank some of the water that had now turned into wine. He did not know where the wine had come from, but the servants did. He called the bridegroom over and said, "The best wine is always served first. Then after the guests have had plenty, the other wine is served. But you have kept the best until last!"
This was Jesus' first miracle, and he did it in the village of Cana in Galilee. There Jesus showed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
What does today’s Scripture Story teach us about ordinary things becoming extraordinary?
Weddings have been around for a long time. Receptions are a celebration of the love between a man and a women who have promised, before God and witnesses, that they will stay together until death takes them from each other.
The reception that Jesus attended probably didn’t have a cake made to look like the bride. At this wedding reception they ran out of wine. Jesus took ordinary water and made it into wine and thus performed His first miracle.
When Jesus asked the servants to fill the water to the top, they obeyed. I’ve always wondered when the water actually turned into wine.
- Was it when it was poured into the large jars? Was it when the liquid was poured out into the glass for drinking?
- And what would have happened if the servants hadn’t filled the jars to the top? What if they only filled them a little bit?
- Were the servants amazed at the transformation of the water?
- How is God pouring into you, His treasure of clay? Do you still feel ordinary or can you see how He’s changed you since you’ve made Him Lord of your life? Are you letting Him fill you up with His Holy Spirit or are you content to run on empty?
I’m asking a lot of questions today, but I want you to really think. Reread the scripture again. If you had been one of the servants, how would you have reacted when you saw the wine pouring out? Would you have realized that Jesus had not only used ordinary water, but ordinary (and lowly) servants for His first miracle?
What has God been asking of you lately? Have you been saying ‘no’? What are you missing out on because of your disobedience? God never sees us as ordinary. He sees the EXTRAordinary in you.
As you share with your friends about Jesus, remember that He is pouring into you His power. Don’t run on empty – fill up on what He wants to give you today. It’s much better than cake.
23 Mar, 2011
Donkey Duty
ONLY A DONKEY
The donkey awakened, his mind still savoring the afterglow of the most exciting day of his life. Never before had he felt such a rush of pleasure and pride. He walked into town and found a group of people by the well. "I’ll show myself to them," he thought.
But they didn’t notice him. They went on drawing their water and paid him no mind.
"Throw your garments down," he said crossly. "Don’t you know who I am?" They just looked at him in amazement. Someone slapped him across the tail and ordered him to move.
"Miserable heathens!" he muttered to himself. "I’ll just go to the market where the good people are. They will remember me." But the same thing happened. No one paid any attention to the donkey as he strutted down the main street in front of the market place.
"The palm branches! Where are the palm branches!" he shouted. "Yesterday, you threw palm branches!" Hurt and confused, the donkey returned home to his mother.
"Foolish child," she said gently. "Don’t you realize that without Him, you are just an ordinary donkey?"
Just like the donkey who carried Jesus in Jerusalem, we are most fulfilled when we are in the service of Jesus Christ. Without him, all our best efforts are like "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) and amount to nothing. When we lift up Christ, however, we are no longer ordinary people, but key players in God’s plan to redeem the word.
SOURCE: Edited from Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice. Copyright 1994 by Youth Specialties, Inc. & photo courtesy images.google.com
Zechariah 9:9
The Coming King of Zion
9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 21:1-11
The Triumphal Entry
21:1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
In order to understand the impact this story can have on our lives, ask yourself a few questions:
The prophet Zechariah foretold this infamous, lowly ride by Jesus on a donkey. WHY IS THE FACT THAT JESUS' ACTIONS FULFILLED THE PROPHET'S WORDS SIGNIFICANT?
Consider the details of the story. As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, He actually sent two of them ahead telling them that they would find a specific donkey for Him to ride. WHAT DOES THIS TELL YOU ABOUT JESUS' POWER TO CONTROL CIRCUMSTANCES AND DETAILS? HOW CAN YOU APPLY THIS TO CHRIST'S IMPACT ON YOUR DAILY LIFE?
Think about the fact that Jesus knew that the disciples would be questioned about their "donkey recruiting" and they would be given the OK by just saying, 'The Lord needs them'. HOW CAN YOU APPLY THE FACT THAT JESUS USES ORDINARY PEOPLE (AND EVEN AN ANIMAL) TO ACCOMPLISH HIS EXTRAORDINARY PURPOSES?
Remember that without Jesus, we're just ordinary. But when we serve the humble King of Kings, He uses us to help build His Kingdom in extraordinary ways.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Remember that Christ has already fulfilled most Biblical prophecy about Himself and He will eventually fulfill all of it for eternity. This means that God will always keep His promises to you!
-
Thank Jesus for His power and control over the details of life. Ask Him to show you this Easter season how you can have a "mule ministry" for Him. Praise Him for His humble ways and invite Him to be King of your life.
-
Pray every day that Jesus will lead you to do "ordinary" acts of service for His extraordinary purposes.
-
Keep a written list of how God gives you opportunities to be a "donkey". As you serve in different ways, write down what God is teaching you.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Between now and Easter, look for an opportunity every day to lift up Jesus by lifting someone else up. By doing a little "donkey duty" service for someone else, God will probably give you the opportunity to learn more about their story and share a little more about your story and God's Story.
- Invite someone you know who needs Jesus to go to church with you this week.
- Encourage another follower of Christ by sending him today's DAILYBIDE.
22 Mar, 2011
Wildfires
As I drove across town at sunset tonight, I could barely see the mountains on the horizon. At first I thought there must be a storm moving in, but then seeing the stark white contrast against the hazy gray hills I realized it was not weather but wildfire that was causing my dim outlook. It has been a dry end to Winter, and with the swift breezes of Spring blowing in, wildfire season is in full swing in the Rockies. News channels post progress on where the fires are, how well (or even if) they are contained, how many buildings and homes are in danger, and often how many people have been evacuated in the face of danger. Speculation as to whether the fire was started by natural causes like lightning or by human fault or foul play splash the front pages. And everyone in the region, whether they believe in God or not, prays for rain.
1 Peter 1:6-7
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about being refined by fire?
There are times when God allows us to be put through the fire, through hardships and difficult times, just as a goldsmith puts his most precious metal into the fire in order to burn away the impurities. Those impurities come to the surface and they do not look pretty at the time. But the end result is something that is even more beautiful than before. After the drama of a wildfire, it is rare that we catch a glimpse of what continues to go on over the affected land. The burned areas, which were often overcrowded with underbrush and dead branches, spring back and are covered with new life. Given enough time, they return to an even more beautiful state than they were before the fire.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
Wildfires can be devastating. But once the fire is out, the burned land experiences nourishment from the ashes and results in new and abundant growth and restoration. Is this how you view your own trials? Do you see hard times as an opportunity for God to burn away things in your life that He doesn’t want to be there? Will you become like an enriched soil, ready for new growth?
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
Are you in the midst of a wildfire in your life? Do you know someone who is? How are you showing that these trials are an opportunity to “prove the genuineness of your faith”? Perhaps you need to acknowledge to someone or give someone hope that this wildfire does not have to be without purpose, but that it may be God’s way of refining you into something more pure and beautiful.
18 Mar, 2011
Nuclear Sacrifice
The 180 workers bravely battling to avert the Japanese nuclear crisis are being hailed as the heroes in the stricken nation.
The men, known as the Fukushima 50, because that it the maximum number working during any one shift, risk death from massive radiation poisoning as they struggle to contain the crisis.
In heart-breaking emails and texts, they have said goodbye to their families as the radiation levels at the Fukushima plant rise to dangerous levels.
They are working around the clock to stop the wrecked reactors from overheating - taking it in turns to cool them with water.
Nuclear experts have said the men are essentially sacrificing their lives by staying at the plant.
Those that do survive the vast radiation levels will suffer devastating health problems for the rest of their lives.
Their relatives have spoken of their mixture of pain and pride as the men try to save lives across Japan.
A wife of one of the men said he had sent her an email saying: "Please continue to live well, I cannot be home for a while."
Article & photo provided by thesun.co.uk
12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other."
Serving people came not from an obligation, but Jesus came with a deep deep love for mankind. God Passionately loved us so much that he gave his own son. Do we love God Fiercely? Do we love Him with such a passion that we would lay down our life for Him? When you take a risk like these men have taken, for their country, their friends, and there families? Where does that courage and passion come from? Is it regret, or the desire for the common good, knowing that by doing this you are important, you have answered the call of what many would run from. In crisis, there is fear, even a knight in shinning armor, is afraid whether it is spoken or not... Even Jesus before facing the ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross for us asked God to take his cup from him. Im sure these men are afraid for the sacrafice they have chosen to make just like Jesus was afraid when he made the decision to sacrifice himself for all mankind.
What do you sacrifice? Who would you be able to lay your life down for? Who are loved ones in your life, what sacrifices have you made for them? How have you shown your love for people in your life that you care about. Your sacrifice doesn't have to be to death it could just be giving up your extra cookie to your little brother or giving a seat to someone else on the bus. God tells us to follow His example for how to love. With this love you can learn how to sacrifice in our daily lives. Spend time today thanking God for the sacrifices he had made and ask for him to show you what areas you can sacrifice for others.
Use the article to talk to your friends about the amazing sacrifice these people are making. Ask them what they would give up for their friends? Would they have the courage to sacrifice for family, friends, or even strangers? Talk about what compels someone to sacrifice for others, and why people would give up something they have so that others would be better off. Use this story as a touching point to what sacrifice God made for us.
17 Mar, 2011
Dragging to Church
You might call this alleged street racer a rebel without a car.
P
olice in Ashland, Ohio, say they have charged an Amish man with driving left of center after he clipped a motorist during a horse-and-buggy race. Law enforcement officials say Jacob Raber was the man behind the reins when a horse carriage struck a car on Route 758 on Sunday, Fox 8 News reports.
Raber was reportedly racing another horse and buggy to a nearby church when he attempted to make a pass. But when the horse-powered vehicle crossed the center line, it clipped an oncoming car, according to investigators.
Raber reportedly suffered scratches and cuts in the accident. His three passengers and the motorist escaped unharmed.
Story courtesy of AOLnews.com. Picture courtesy of google.com
Hebrews 10:22-25 (New Living Translation)
….let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
What does today’s Scripture Story teach us about dragging to church?
Because of God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice for us, we can be in the very presence of God. In the Old Testament (before Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross), only the High Priests could enter the Holy of Holies and that was just once a year. Each Sunday, you have an opportunity to join other brothers and sisters in Christ to worship the Lord. When you meet regularly, you can show acts of kindness and love to those in your church family.
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
You may have heard others say this before. I was drugged growing up. Every Sunday and Wednesday night my parents drugged me to church. I have lots of fond memories. I don’t know many like Cedar Grove Church. It was built before the Civil War. It was a one-room building and until a few years ago didn’t even have indoor plumbing – we had to use an outhouse.
But I was proud to be from Cedar Grove. We were a family. Although small in number, we were big on missions. We had huge hearts and helped each other. I learned songs that I still sing today. And each time I go back ‘home,’ I’m welcomed with open arms and loved by those who mentored, taught, and helped shape me into who I am today.
I can tell you that shaping was not only spiritual, but physical as I was spoiled by home-made macaroni and cheese, no bake cookies, jellies, pumpkin rolls, pretzel salads, and more! Even though I don’t get back often to visit Cedar Grove, the foundation of what I learned and how I was loved makes a difference to this day.
I’m glad I was drugged. For me, church is a very important part of my life. But worshipping and encouraging fellow believers is even more important. I can’t just show up. I can’t just sit in my pew. I have to be active in obeying the teachings of the scripture.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
I’m glad the Amish guy in the news article was heading to church. I don’t advocate speeding, either with horse power or motorized horse power, but I 100% support and believe in the gathering of Christians meeting together regularly.
1. Encourage your friends to attend church with you this week if they don’t have a church they attend.
2. At church, look around and see those who might need a helping hand or a word of encouragement. The scripture today says to think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. How can you help someone?
3. Talk about what God is doing in your church with your non believing friends. Mention things that are going on. List people by name so they get to ‘know them’ before they even attend.
4. Make going to church a top priority. Just obey all traffic laws on your way.
16 Mar, 2011
Intentional Acts of Kindness
Do you like stories that get passed around on the Internet? There’s one story I read and loved several years ago. Unfortunately it’s been on the Internet for quite a few years now and has been greatly embellished. The current story is about a young man named Kyle who was considering suicide after being bullied. This is how the real story goes:One day there was a boy walking with his books in hand. He tripped and his books came tumbling down along with him. Another boy saw this and went to help him. After helping him up they both spent the rest of the afternoon together. During the next months and years they see each other sporadically in school and are friendly to each other. One day the first young man, in a private conversation, tells his friend who helped him that he had planned on killing himself the day they met but ended up spending the day with him instead.
Helping someone pick up their books might seem like nothing, but we never know what an act of kindness means to others. In fact, we never know when God puts people, friends, or family in our path who need something we have or can get for them. We may never know whose life we changed through one act!
Luke 5:18-20
18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:25-26
25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the kindness of strangers . . . and friends?
Here are two guys who have a paralyzed friend. They care about their friend so much that they are willing to do whatever it takes for their friend to get healthy. It’s possible their friend could have been so frustrated with life that he may not have even wanted to try anything else. His friends were determined to get him into that house because they knew Jesus could help. Jesus looks at them and tells them that because of THEIR faith, their paralyzed friend’s sins were forgiven, and his body was healed.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Getting Your Story connected to God’s Story starts the process of taking your eyes off your own needs and putting a new focus on what others need. Living with Jesus in you raises the compassion you feel for others. When you see someone in trouble and you feel God’s compassion n you, act on it. Do something to help. It’s so easy to see your friends and family who don’t know God’s Story and just ignore them and do your own thing. But God shows us that sometimes it really depends on us to bring our friends to Jesus and to love them just as God would. Just taking time to do a small act of kindness could mean a whole new life for those people around you. It changed the life of the paralyzed man and it saved the life of the boy who was considering suicide.
How can I connect God’s Story and my story to others?
• Put up your compassion antenna. Stop, look and listen for people close to you who are hurting.
• Ask God to help you show his love to your friends and the people in your life you don’t know.
• Pray for these hurting people asking God to speak to them.
• Take action and do something — a word of encouragement, an act of friendship or a sacrificial gift of love.
• When the right opportunity comes tell them about the hope and help you have found in Jesus. They will be ready to listen.
15 Mar, 2011
Be ready
Yet another tsunami-stirring earthquake has rattled our planet and caused images of devastation that are hard to fathom -- and hard to avoid. The news is covered with updates of Japan and other Pacific shorelines. People are shaking their heads and speculating at the number of displaced, missing, and dead. Some even say it is a sign that the end of the world is near. Even with the most advanced warning system on the planet, no one in Japan could have been fully prepared for what occurred a few days ago.
Image courtesy of wikipedia.org
Matthew 24: 36-44
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about being ready?
Jesus himself told us that no one will know the day or the hour of his return, yet when it happens we will all be aware of how suddenly it comes. When that happens, it will be too late to begin studying his Word or pledging to tell others about him.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
How ready are you? We don’t know the day or the hour, but we should live as if we know it will be tomorrow. When you meet Jesus, will you be confident that you were ready, or will you be making excuses about why you weren’t?
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
People are talking about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Some will speculate that the increasing number of natural disasters we have seen in recent years is a sign that the world will soon be ending. Ask God to give you boldness to share your hope in times like this, and how we can be confident to meet Jesus because he has given us His Word to be prepared for his return.
14 Mar, 2011
The Selections Have Been Made
Selection Sunday
The 2001 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament field was announced on Sunday.
As is always the case on Selection Sunday, there were plenty of head-scratchers—a list of teams that came out of nowhere to make it and other virtual shoo-ins that didn’t. Click Here for full story.
Story and Photo from yahoo.com.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)
9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
"People often base their self-concept on their accomplishments. But our relationship with Christ is far more important than our jobs, successes, wealth, or knowledge. We have been chosen by God as his very own, and we have been called to represent him to others. Remember that your value comes from being one of God's children, not from what you can achieve. You have worth because of what God does, not because of what you do."
(Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible Study Notes, 1 Peter 2:9,10)
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- Are you basing your self-concept on your accomplishments, or on your relationship with Jesus? Ask God to help you fix your eyes on Jesus.
- Take some time today to thank God for seeing His people as so valuable ... including you!
- Ask God to remind you, in those moments when you might feel "left out," that He has chosen you.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Ask God to direct your steps today to someone who might be feeling left out in some way.
- When you find a friend who needs some encouragement, talk with them about God's plan to redeem His creation.
- Pray with and for your friend as you "represent" God's Story to them this week.
11 Mar, 2011
Advice
It is all to familiar to hear that friends parents homes, or even your own home is being "Foreclosed on" many people have to move out of the homes they grew up in. Some for negligence and others for "Bad Advice".
Some losing their homes after getting bad advice
Cody and Davi Livingston thought it was odd when a representative of the bank that held the mortgage on their South Jordan home told them to deliberately stop making house payments.
The bank, the Livingstons say, advised them to become delinquent on their mortgage so they could qualify for a government-backed loan modification program that would lower their monthly payments.
"We did everything they asked us to do," Cody Livingston said, "and now we don't have a house."
The Livingstons were hit with a foreclosure notice this fall, and now live in a rental unit, within walking distance from the home they built.
Proverbs 11:14
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
In Proverbs we are advised we will fail without guidance. When there is an abundance of counselors there is safety. God built us for community and one another. Thus his desire to have good counselors in our lives today.
When a situation arises and you need to make a decision you need to ask multiple wise counselors. If you have a group of wise counselors that believe in and love Jesus you will probably consistently get the same answer because it is God that is give you advise through your group of people.
10 Mar, 2011
Timing is Everything
Clocks were a mystery in my house. Growing up, my dad set all of our clocks ahead - all the time (yes, that pun was intended!).
The kitchen clocks, including the microwave and oven, were set 15 minutes fast. The living room was at least ten minutes fast. If my dad woke us up, he would tell us that it was a half an hour earlier than it was. That’s not nice or funny!
Company would stop by to visit and would leave much earlier than they were planning because the clocks were fast. They didn’t know the difference.
My dad wanted to make sure we weren’t late to anything, so he set the clocks ahead hoping to ‘trick’ us into getting ready earlier. It didn’t work very well. My mom, sister and I knew that we had 15 more minutes than the clock said. I went through my child hood constantly subtracting minutes from the hands on the clock (which is why I think I hate math!).
This Saturday most of the country will be setting their clocks ahead an hour. I can guarantee that my dad will not only set the clock more than an hour ahead, he will set the clocks ahead Saturday morning so he’ll be ready. ‘Cause timing is everything, you know.
Picture courtesy of freefoto.com
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (NIV)
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant women, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
We will never know when Jesus is coming back. People may predict dates, write books listing formulas of possible times, or declare specific times for His return, but the Bible clearly says that He will come “like a thief in the night.” Today’s Scripture says that we aren’t to be asleep, but alert.
This Saturday night before we go to bed, we need to remember to turn our clocks ahead one hour. Don’t be caught unaware. Be vigilant and alert to the time.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
• Remind your family and friends to move their clocks an hour ahead this weekend.
• Ask a Christian friend if they have ever forgotten to change their clock (either forward or backward). If so, what were the consequences?
• Rejoice with fellow Christ followers that we don’t need to be worried about Jesus coming back. We DON’T know when He’s coming again – we just know He IS coming again.
• Remain vigilant. Share God’s story and your story with those on your wish list (people you want to introduce to Jesus). Be alert to the promptings of the Holy Spirit for opportunities to listen to their stories.
• Encourage one another and build each other up (verse 11).
No matter when you change your clocks this weekend, remember that timing is everything.
9 Mar, 2011
Finding A Bond Through Bondage
Sometimes it's hard for those of us who grew up in America, post-Civil War, to fully understand the idea of slavery and bondage. As a Christian, having been a slave to sin, yet having experienced the freedom of Christ, I would like to think that I understand the concept a little better but, if I'm being most honest, there are times that I think I still don't get it . . . then I read this story.
Click on the link, take a moment and read it. It's a story of modern-day slaves . . . families in India who have been deceived and allured by the idea of freedom, prosperity, and a great future. What seemed to be exactly what they were looking for, turned out to be quite the opposite: instead of freedom, they found bondage, instead of prosperity, debt.
Galations 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach me about freedom in Christ?
In so many ways, the story of these modern-day slaves in India is our story. If we look back to Genesis, at Adam and Eve, when the serpent approached them they were tempted by what appeared to be a promise of prosperity. They, too, were deceived and sin entered the picture. As a result, generation after generation has had to suffer the consequences of their decision. Just as the Indians became slaves to their debt, we became slaves to our sin. However, unlike those in India, no amount of money or work can free us - nothing, short of the death and resurrection of Christ would justify us before a perfect and Holy God (Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus' death on the cross is the only way we have found freedom from ourselves and from the enemy. Because of Christ, the yoke of slavery has been lifted and, those who believe in Him will never have to bear that burden again.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
- If you have already accepted Christ as your Savior, and you have made the decision to follow Him, take a moment to praise God for the freedom you have in Him! Think about how your life is different because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Thank God that you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) who no longer has to fight against the bondage of sin.
- Although we no longer have to suffer the burden or eternal consequences of our sins, we all still struggle with temptation and satan knows exactly where we are weak. Pray, daily, for God to give you strength through the Holy Spirit, to stand firm in your convictions and to battle tempation. Keep a clear conscience by regularly coming before the Lord with your struggles and sins.
- If this story about slavery in India stirs something in you (anger, sadness, compassion, a sense of urgency), pray that God would give you the same burden for those around you who do not know Christ and are suffering as slaves to their sin. Because, while slavery here on earth is horrible and angering, an eternity of it is just unfathomable. Turn your feelings into passionate prayers - for your friends, and those around the world - and see God work mightly!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Share the story of the modern-day slaves with your friends. Don't just talk about the slaves and their situation, bring up the landowner and talk about what he did to enslave these people. Use the story as a parallel to what satan did when he deceived and allured Adam and Eve, tempting them and enslaving them in their sin. Talk about the similarities between us (without Christ) and the slaves in India: 1) We both owe a debt we can't pay, 2) Generations are suffering because of the sins/decisions our fathers (Adam & Eve, and The Fall), 3) There are a lot of people who are suffering as slaves (to their sin) and have no idea that Christ paid their debt; they are free (likewise, those in India are clueless that Indian law abolished slavery 30 yrs. ago, and they are still suffering as slaves).
8 Mar, 2011
PC vs. Mac
Are you being Gentle?
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about gentleness?
This PC vs. Mac discussion made me wonder how we as Christians sound when asked genuine questions by unbelievers, or those seeking to know more about God. The Bible tells us to present our case gently in the hopes that others will see and know the truth. We are not to make assumptions, but give honest answers. This passage tells us the reason for our gentleness is not to prove our point or make the unbeliever looks stupid, but the goal is so that they will come to their senses, repent, and no longer be a captive of the devil. Gentleness does not equal weakness, but rather it indicates strength and control for the sake of this noble goal!
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
How is your attitude toward those who question your faith? Are you defensive? Are you sarcastic? Do you need to stop, take a deep breath, and respond with gentleness and in truth?
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
Check your gentleness-meter. When someone makes a sarcastic remark about Christians, or uses Jesus’ name in vain, have a gentle response prepared that you can remember to use in such a situation. Their words, which may be anything from innocent to intentionally hurtful, can be used as an opening to the gospel and may be the beginning of the road to repentance, knowledge, truth, and freedom.
7 Mar, 2011
Rare Birds
- Thank God for meeting your real needs.
- Thank God for his beautiful creation, like the rare birds.
- Take some time to read Luke 12:22-34 today. Reflect on what God is saying through these verses in His Story.
- When you see a bird today, no matter what kind it is, pause to thank God again, in the quiet of your heart, for all He has provided for you.
- If you happen to see a bird while you are with a friend today, ask them if you can share today's God's Story scripture with them.
- Ask them if they ever worry about what they will eat or what they will wear. Be prepared for responses that might surprise you.
- Make a commitment to pray with and for your friend about whatever it is that worries them.
3 Mar, 2011
What Do You Need?
You look sick! That was the first thing my doctor said when he saw me yesterday afternoon. I felt sick. My throat was swollen, it hurt to swallow and my ears were sore.
I opened up my mouth and said “ahhhh,” he asked me some questions, ran some tests and said I had strep throat. He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic that will make me feel better.
You need to go to the doctor! That’s what my best friend said to me last week when I was showing symptoms of not feeling well. I couldn’t talk, was achy, had a fever, and just wanted to sleep.
Why did I wait so long to go see the doctor? Why didn’t I take my friends advice a week ago? For over seven days, I tried over the counter medicines, cough drops, hot tea, and more. Nothing helped. Until I went to the person who could help me.
Picture courtesy of fotosearch.com
God’s Story
Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. I love the fact that even when told (rebuked) to be quiet, Bartimaeus shouted all the more. Jesus asked him very simply what do you want me to do for you? and Bartimaeus was ready with an answer. He was specific. He wanted to see.
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
When we have a need in our life, we should seek our Christ first of all. We shouldn’t let others distract us or keep us from Jesus. We should not be afraid to tell Him of our needs.
We also should be an encourager of people meeting Jesus and becoming His friend.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
• Have you been distracted by your surroundings that you are missing your time with Jesus? Don’t let people around you keep you from your relationship with Christ.
• Has your life been an encouragement or a hindrance to your friends or co-workers in their relationship with the Father?
• Don’t let peer pressure or the world distract you from the most Important Person in your life. You need to be able to hear and recognize His voice and you can only do that when you’re in a close relationship with Him.
• When you’re transparent about your relationship with Jesus, people around you will notice. And when you share your need for Him, they will see the Lord shining through you.
If I had listened to my friend last week, I would be well on my way to recovery. Now I’m just at the starting point. I’m tired of being sick and I’m ready to get better.
Now the question is: what do you want Jesus to do for you?
2 Mar, 2011
Life and Lemons
Although we've been told by parents, teachers, and mentors that "when life throws you a lemon you should make lemonade," who knew such a notion could actually be life changing? According to a recent review of over 150 studies, scientists believe they now have proof that happy, optimistic people live healthier and longer lives than those who choose to do otherwise. In fact, according to these particular studies, those who choose to look at the glass as "half empty," actually die younger.
. . . evidence linking an upbeat outlook
and enjoyment of life to better health and longer life was stronger even
than that linking obesity to reduced longevity, according to the review
published on Tuesday in the journal "Applied Psychology: Health and
Well-Being."
"I was almost shocked,
and certainly surprised, to see the consistency of the data," said Ed
Diener, the University of Illinois psychology professor emeritus, who
lead the review. (Reuters.com)
Picture courtesy of Google Images
Psalm 95:1-3
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
3
For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach us about choosing joy?
As Christians, we (should) know and fully understand the difference between happiness and joy. We know that happiness is merely circumstantial - it comes and goes based on what we are doing (or others are doing to us), our state of mind, our personal situations, etc. Our level of happiness changes when life's circumstances change, but joy . . . God's joy runs much deeper. Unlike happiness, joy can be present even when everything else seems to be falling apart. It is a decision to trust God and His Sovereignty always, even when nothing seems to make sense; it's then that the joy of the Lord becomes is our strength (Neh. 8:9).
While there are times in our lives when we may find ourselves looking for a reason to be happy, a reason to laugh or even smile, God's Word tells us that we always have a reason to rejoice and be joyful: "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods!"
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Take a minute to assess your life and, more importantly, your life-attitude. Do your emotions and level of happiness tend to travel up and down like a never-ending roller coaster? Do you find it difficult to have a joyful heart in the midst of life's circumstances? If so, talk to God about it. Ask God to help you take a step back from "life" and, instead focus your heart on WHO HE IS. Look up some verses in scripture that talk about all of indescribable attributes of God (who He is, what He's done, what He's capable of). Most of all, remember that, although happiness is something that happens to you, joy is something you choose. Make a decision, today, to CHOOSE JOY . . . no matter what.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture and my story to others?
1) Listen. Really listen to your friend and his story. Find out what circumstances he's in and pay attention to the way he seems to be approaching life. Is he an optimist or pessimist? Is he able to face things with joy, or are his attitude and actions completely controlled by his current situation?
2) Pray. Pray. Pray. That God would give you wisdom and discernment in what to say to your friend and when. Pray for opportunities to talk to your friend about life, happiness, and the joy of the Lord. Pray that God would use you to help others see that it's only because of Christ that you can have joy in rough circumstances.
3) Share the recent study on happiness and use it to start a conversation about joy; help him understand the differences between happiness and joy. Share with your friend that true joy can only come from a relationship with Christ - He is what allows you to choose joy on a daily basis.
1 Mar, 2011
Giving Credit
Isaiah 42:8
“I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about giving credit?
Scripture teaches us that God is the giver of life and all created things. He is the only one who truly deserves credit for all things good. When we believe we are in control of our own lives, we easy fall into the mistake of giving ourselves ‘glory’ for things we have accomplished or circumstances that have come to pass. Or perhaps we thank someone else or something else that made it happen. Or we rely on man-made sources of knowledge or technology. But God is clear in His Word that He alone is God, and he will not share the glory that is due only to him.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
How often do you take credit for something good that has happened in your life? Look closely, and you will realize that God is the source of all things good. Thank Him for what He has given you: time, opportunities, abilities, friendships, funds, or anything else that makes it possible to experience His goodness in your life.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
Who gave the actors their abilities? Who gave the writers the right words? Who gave the producers the finances to make it all happen? When you talk to your friends about the Oscars, perhaps bringing up these questions will give you an opportunity to give credit where it’s due by giving glory to God.
