30 May, 2011
Memorial Day
- Take some time today to pray for the families in our country who have lost a loved one fighting for our freedom.
- Grab a paper and a pen today and write a thank you letter to Jesus for laying down his life for you.
- Grab some close friends today and go to a local cemetary. Look specifically for and tombstones of those who served our country. Pause to pray for their families.
- Get together with some friends today to say a prayer of thanks to God for the sacrifice that Jesus made by laying down His life for you.
27 May, 2011
Winning Opportunity
"A lucky North Texas high school student won the keys to a 2011 Chevy Camaro for making good grades and showing up to class.
The prize left Kenzie Deaton speechless.
"It's just coming out as crying and happiness," Deaton said. "I thought I was stuck with my mom's car."
"Secondary students are notorious, sometimes, for becoming lax in their grades and attendance. This is a motivation tool for them to work on their grades," said Byron Nelson High School Principal Linda Parker.
Byron Nelson High School, along with Northwest High School and Steele Accelerated High School participated in the incentive program. Friday's rain pushed drawing indoors, and school leaders went with their plan B.
They drew the names of 25 lucky students from inside the district's TV studio. Students earned tickets throughout the year based on their academic performance. Better attendance and higher grades meant more chances to win.
"We do a tally, and they receive their tickets, put their names on them, put them in the hopper, and cross their fingers and hope they win," Parker said.
The catch is, only one of the 25 winners ends up with the donated car. This year's recipient must wait a while before driving off.
Deaton is a high school freshman and is only 14."
Image courtesy of Google images
Story courtesy of nbc.com
Ephesians 5:15-17
"Be very careful, then, how you live—
not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord's will is."
What Does God's Story Teach us about opportunity?
I cannot say that this is the best incentive for going to school or getting good grades, however I can appreciate the desire to teach students to be responsible eek yeah I said responsible for their actions by rewarding an opportunity to win something of great value!!
Hebrews 10:35 "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."
We don't always win something or are honored for our good deeds. Yet God calls us to make the most of every opportunity, and we are rewarded, its just not always with cars or bling. It is easier to cheat, or lie, steal, & to take the easy way out, than to live a life that is worthy.
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
Are you willing to be at school, get good grades, or work on time, not just because you have to? Or are you going because you know its wise, and can benifit your life and your future. Not to mention show that you are responsible and respectful of something bigger than you. There is a song out right now about "Today, I'm not going to to anything" I fear its catchy lines makes us feel like being lazy is what we should do. God desires joy & life for us, but not at the cost of evil. Let chat evil right now, I think of witch craft and voodoo, but the reality is that evil is also about how we treat one another, what we are involved in outside of church and our families. If you keep reading in Ephesians you see he talks more about this how not to live life:
Ephesians 5:18-19, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord"
As we walk closer to summer we lend ourselves to more freedom and a plethora of opportunities.
- Spend some time asking God to help you look at your motives as to how you live.
- Ask yourself are you taking the most of every opportunity with your free time this summer?
- Ask God to show you what it mean to make music from heart to the Lord.
- Ask God to help you make the most of EVERY opportunity.
How can we connect today's God's story to our friends lives?
One of the biggest things that has helped me in this journey of choosing to live wisely, is that randomly someone will notice or say thank you for not living contrary to what you believe. I am taken back always, noting that we can feel like nobody notices how you live. Though living a life that is worthy is about living it for the Lord not for the praise of others. Because we don't receive praise or recognition from many, we need to draw our strength to continue from the Lord.
Today don't do anything with your words. Instead take time this week to live wisely in your actions among your friends and family. Make a change or continue living wisely. Not because I said so, but because that is "what the Lord's will is" take joy it, regardless if anyone notices. Show your faith this week in how you live.
26 May, 2011
Mercy!
25 May, 2011
Taking Aim
2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about striving for God's best?
Sometimes it seems as though the things God calls us to do are nearly (if not totally) impossible, and it's easy to think that we're pretty much set up to fail: "Thou shalt not lie" - fail; "Love your neighbor as yourself" - fail. It is important to recognize and remind ourselves that God uses such commandments not to make us feel worthless and hopeless, but to help us realize our deep need for Christ, because He wants what's best for us and we can't do it on our own. No amount of practice or determination is going to get us to a point where we can actually accomplish such things on our own, because of sin and our human nature, only Christ can do the impossible. Paul's closing statement here, to the Corinthians, is an encouragement to aim high, to strive for restoration and peace, to do the best they can and lean on Christ for what they can not.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scritpure to my life?
Where is your aim? Do you have the faith to take the risks that God wants you to in your life, or are you playing it safe? Our God is a risk taker and He often calls us to follow Him to places that are uncomfortable and difficult, and sometimes to things that seem nearly impossible. In whatever the situation, do you trust Him enough to push yourself, take aim and shoot? Remember what Jesus said in Mark 10:27 - "With man this is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Strive to be the best you can be, and let God meet you where you fall short.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story with others?
- Do whatever you can, within your power, to strive for God's best. Make goals for yourself that will help you work toward the things Paul lists in his final comments: restoration with others, comfort for one another, live in peace. Think about your personal situation - maybe you can help bring peace and restoration into your home, with your parents or siblings, or perhaps, for you, God is encouraging you to restore broken friendships. Whatever God is calling you to, know your target and aim for it. While it may appear to be and extremely difficult task, or maybe even impossible, remember that all things are possible with God. Aim high!
24 May, 2011
Word Power
The mother of a New Hampshire student says a school district was wrong to suspend her daughter over an Osama bin Laden Facebook posting.
Kimberly Dell'isola said her daughter was suspended from her Concord middle school for five days after a Facebook posting in which the girl said she wished Osama bin Laden would kill her math teacher, WMUR-TV, Manchester, N.H., reported Wednesday.
Dell'isola, while acknowledging her daughter's post was offensive, said her daughter's free speech should be protected.
"In hindsight, she's mortified that she said that, but she's a 13-year-old kid," Dell'isola said.
She agrees with the administrators at Rundlett Middle School that the post was wrong, she said, but thinks the punishment is too harsh.
Story courtesy of UPI.com; Photo courtesy of blogspot.com
James 3:3-12
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about our words?
The words we use, whether from our mouths or in written form, communicate what is in our heart. Once they are out there, they cannot be taken back, and they have the potential to devastate and destroy.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
What we say should never be taken lightly. Sometimes even joking or sarcastic remarks can wound a person deeply.
- Keep a close filter on what thoughts you share.
- Are you using your tongue to praise God and encourage your friends? Or are you tearing others down, even if you think your words will never reach them?
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any ways in which you may have injured someone else with your words, and pray for boldness to ask for forgiveness from them.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
- Share with someone the story of the student suspended for her Facebook comment.
- Challenge someone to keep a tight rein on their words.
- Ask a close friend to keep you accountable for the words you communicate so that you can be blameless in what you say and write.
23 May, 2011
Still Here!
Apocalypse some other time
An associate of Harold Camping says the California preacher who wrongly predicted the apocalypse would take place Saturday is "mystified" and "a little bewildered" that he was mistaken, ABC News is reporting.
Tom Evans, a board member of Camping's Family Radio International, tells the news organization that Camping's wife told him her husband was at home and had no intention to issue any statement on the miscalculated Rapture on Sunday or Monday.
Evans also told ABC that he believes the public has an apology coming and that he would like the board to meet Tuesday to figure out its next move.
Story and Photo courtesy of usatoday.com.
Matthew 24:36-39 (ESV)
No One Knows That Day and Hour
36"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 3 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
What does God's Story teach us about Jesus' return?
It was one of the most talked about stories of the weekend. Some prepared for it. Some feared it. Others joked about it. Saturday, according to Harold Camping was supposed to be Judgment Day. Obviously it wasn't. And obviously God reminds us once again that only He knows when He plans to send sending His Son back to this earth. Not knowing when Jesus will return means we need to keep sharing His Story with others until the whole world hears.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- If you are a follower of Jesus, take some time today to thank God for the eternal home that is waiting for you, as well as the abundant life that is promised to you on this earth.
- If you haven't committed your life to following Jesus talk with God about that today, then talk with a parent, friend or church leader about what it means to follow Jesus. You can also feel free to send us a message here at the DailyBide.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Do you have some friends who are still talking about the events of this weekend? Ask them what they were really thinking and feelling on Saturday afternoon.
- Ask those same friends if you can share with them what God Himself has to say about 'the end' in His own Story.
19 May, 2011
The Original Top Ten
18 May, 2011
A Stranger's Love
Years ago, somewhere in Oklahoma City, my friend Matt was walking and noticed a homeless man just up the road. Although the man was on the opposite side of the street, he was right in the path of where Matt needed to go. Matt began strategizing how and when he could cross the street so as to avoid any kind of encounter with the man, yet somehow his plan failed and the two came face-to-face, awkwardly, in the middle of the street.
Standing just a couple feet apart, Matt could smell the stentch of someone who hadn't seen a shower in quite some time, and he couldn't help but notice the old food particles entangled in the man's overgrown beard. Carrying nothing but a small cup of McDonald's coffee, the man looked up at Matt, smiled, extended his hand, and offered Matt a sip.
Matt was completely caught off guard by the strange offer and his mind raced as he tried to figure out how to respond, without offending the man. Afterall, here is a man, a homeless stranger, offering to share the only thing he has to his name. On the other hand, there is no telling what kind of sickness or disease he could be carrying, either. Everything inside screamed "run away!" but something else was telling him to drink it. Slowly and hesitantly, Matt reached for the steaming cup of Joe and he took a sip. He then handed the cup back and, curious, asked the gentleman why he'd asked Matt to drink it in the first place. His response nearly knocked Matt on his knees.
"The coffee is particularly good today and I believe that when God gives us something good, we shoud share it." Matt was completely blown away and immediately humbled. Here he was, judging and trying to find ways to avoid this man and all he wanted was to bless him. Swallowing his pride, Matt, near tears, expressed his gratitude. He thanked the man for all he'd given him in that moment and then asked if there was anything he could give the man in return. He smiled and asked for a hug. This time, without hesitation, Matt stepped forward and fully embraced the precious man who'd quickly become his brother.
(Picture is not the actual homeless man in the story. Image courtesy of Google Images)
1 John 3:16-20, 23-24
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with worlds or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about loving others?
Jesus Christ is our best and greatest example of Love. If the way he lived his life didn't teach us anything about loving others, the way he died certainly did! Christ's love never discriminated against anyone, over and over again, scriptures tell us all the ways Christ showed his love best to those whom others thought nothing of. God is commanding us to actively love all people, especially those who are lacking and seem to need it the most. Loving others is not an option, it's a command. It's intentional and it's active.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
How many times have you found yourself judging prematurely, avoiding awkward situations, and approaching life with arrogance and pride? Is this a regular occurance for you? Do you find yourself avoiding certain people in class, near your locker, or on the bus because you don't want to deal with them? Ask God to search your heart and reveal to you ways that you have been prideful and/or have been lacking in love for others. Pray that God would give you a deeper love for Him and for others. Look for ways to challenge your faith and grow your love for both.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture and my story to others?
- Take a minute to look up and read Luke 6:32-36
- Pray for God to reveal to you those people in your life to whom you need to do a better job showing love.
- Be intentional - make it your goal to find a way to show someone love each day (someone who is naturally tough for you to love). It may be something as simple as a smile, a hug, or an anonymous note, or it may be something more challenging and involved. Whatever you do, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and make the choice to be obedient when it does.
17 May, 2011
The Body
It is said that one cold and gloomy day, Dwight L. Moody visited a man who had expressed some interest at one of Moody’s meetings. Moody was ushered into a comfortable room with a fire blazing on the hearth. After some gracious preliminary conversation, the man began to argue that it was possible for a person to be a Christian without participating in the life of the church. As he made his elaborate and detailed arguments, Moody leaned forward in his chair, took the poker and pulled a flaming coal from the fire out onto the stone hearth. Moody watched as the coal slowly dimmed and went out. He then turned and looked at the man, without saying anything. After a long pause, the man said, “Mr. Moody, you have made your point!”
Excerpted from "Invitation to a Journey" by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
Image courtesy of Google images
1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 27
“Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about the body of believers?
What happens to a part of the human physical body if it is not connected to the whole? It cannot survive. God has created the church in the same way. As those who believe in Christ and put our faith in Him, we are essential to one another. God has given each person different personality and strength and ability, and we are told to use those things to benefit one another. No one can survive alone. We need each other to encourage, correct, build up, keep accountable, rejoice, and mourn.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
Are you connected to The Body of believers? Do you have a group of Christ-followers who help you grow in your faith? If not, perhaps you need to discover what gifts God has given you so that you can be the one to reach out to others and challenge them in their growth. If your coal is not in the fire, how do you keep burning?
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
It’s a reality that the church is made up of sinful people (that’s all of us!), and as a result some people have given up on church altogether. Do you know someone who has, or someone who wants to give up on church? Find a way to tell them the story of D.L. Moody and the coal on the hearth. Challenge them to find a healthy body of believers where they can both use the gifts God has given them as well as be encouraged by others toward a stronger life in Christ.
16 May, 2011
Real Redemption
- Ask God to give you friends who will encourage you and with whom you can offer encouragement today.
- Do you struggle with the desire to compete to gain an advantage over others in your everyday life? Talk with God about that struggle today.
- Take some time today to thank God for the Redemption that is offered in Jesus.
- Look around your campus or community today for someone who may need a friend. Find a way to connect with that person and begin a friendship that may lead to you having a chance to share God's wonderful story of true redemption.
- Do you know someone who is an avid Survivor fan? Start a conversation with them today about the Redemption Island season finale. Talk with them about the true meaning of redemption as defined in God's Story.
13 May, 2011
Survival
A 500 Year old Grapevine survives vandals. the vine a vandal's attack and is sending out new shoots after being hacked into pieces two months ago.The vine, a great grape-grandparent of the popular gruner veltliner, was found chopped down — and then chopped up — in February. Local vintners said it was unlikely to recover. But the website of state broadcaster ORF quoted them Thursday as saying the stem had recently begun to sprout new shoots.
Article courtesy of wavy.com and Photo courtesy of Google images.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
John 15:1-4
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about survival?
His story continues on like a crimson red thread through scripture and our lives.
His Power is unfathomable.
He is broken down but our God is not destroyed.
No matter what people have tried, Christ love, and life have prevailed through out time. What a powerful God we serve. Picture the lives that God redeems, lives that people gave up on and years later, God brings life back into them. How beautiful is that.
How can we connect today's God's Story Scripture to our lives?
"God will never leave you or forsake you" Hebrews 13:5 no matter how much someone tries to destroy you or the name of God His power is strong enough to fight against it and He will be by your side. God will survive whatever comes in your life. Will you choose joy, will you choose life? Like this grape vine, it was hacked down to nothing, people thought it would not survive, but they had to wait. People waited years before they saw life again. But God was faithful to grow the vine again, and even once there was signs of life there still needed to wait 3 years for fruit to grow.
Has God pruned back the branches? Take time to understand that God is not a vandal and does not wish to destroy you. He has plans to prosper you (Jeremiah 29:11), that he wants to see life in you. Pruning as it speaks of in John 15 can be hard to deal with, but God does it so that we may be more fruitful. He wants to abide with you, he wants to see you grow & be fruitful, and you may only to that if you cling to God and deepen your relationship with Him.
Has a vandal attacked your vine? Has someone or something destroyed you? Take time to ask God to show you His power. Even though you may feel like you are, you are not crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, and not destroyed. allow God to make that true for you.
If you have never gone through something where you feel like you have been destroyed, ask God to protect you this week. Ask God to prepare you for a time in your life where you may face such a struggle.
How can we connect God's Story Scripture & My Story, to others?
Do you know of people that a vandal has destroyed "their vine"? Speak truth in there life, come along side them with hope for them to once again grow. Time is what we don't do well with, we don't want to wait for the sprouts of life in ourselves and especially others. Be that hope for people, wait with them, believe that God will restore them, believe that in time they will produce fruit in their life again. Show them that the Lord restores His people.
12 May, 2011
About Face
A Texas man who endured severe electrical burns has received the first full face transplant in the United States, and is ready to go home to his family after months of recovery. Dallas Wiens, 26, was injured in November 2008 while volunteering at his church. While painting the church, his head came too close to the high-voltage power line above, and electrical burns caused him to lose nearly his entire face. He was in a medically induced coma for 90 days following the accident, where doctors performed several surgeries on Wiens.
Wiens survived the burns and was able to leave the intensive care unit, but needed to regularly seek treatment from Dr. Jeffrey Janis of Parkland Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Janis then contacted Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, who is the Burn Unit director at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts. Pomahac has previous experience with patients like Wiens, having performed a partial face transplant in the past. But never before had he performed a full face transplant.
In mid-March, Wiens underwent a 15-hour full face transplant, marking the first ever full face transplant in the U.S. He received a donor nasal structure, nose, lips, forehead and facial skin as well as muscles and nerves for movement and feeling. His face did not look the same as it once did, and it did not resemble the donor either due to the shape of Wiens' skull and the addition of skin, fat and muscle, but Wiens was happy to have facial features and certain senses again. "When I woke up, and I was able to feel I had features again -- eyes and a nose and a mouth -- I even said out loud that this could not be medically possible," said Wiens. "But here I am today."
Right now, Wiens can feel pressure on his face. As time goes by, he will gradually be able to start moving his lips and face and feel light on his facial skin. Janis notes that this may take about six to nine months. Wiens is also able to speak a little bit, but this will improve over time as well.
But to Wiens, the most important outcome of this procedure was to regain feeling in his face so that he could feel his 4-year-old daughter, Scarlette, kiss him again. Scarlette was Wiens' main motivation while undergoing such a pioneering surgical procedure, and after she saw him with the new face, she confirmed for Wiens that the lengthy process was worth it.
Story excerpt courtesy of dailytech.com / Photo courtesy of Associated Press.
2 Corinthians 15:16-21 (NIV)
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Once we become children of God (as in an ongoing relationship with Christ Jesus) we are new creations. We are no longer who we used to be. Our lives are changed from the inside out.
Can you see how this man has changed physically since he got a face transplant? How has your life (and even face) changed since your heart transplant when you asked Christ to forgive you of your sins?
Write down what you think is different about yourself since you have become a Christ follower. What does your before and after picture look like?
Have you ever met a person who’s really excited about Jesus and talks about Him all the time and then you hear stories about how they used to be, before they got saved? It’s almost impossible that this person, who is joyful and trusting and praising Jesus, ever used bad words, had a negative and horrible attitude, and was so different than you know them now.
God has the ability to make us new creations. Thankfully, we are no longer what or who we used to be when we were living in sin. We are gloriously made new!
Share the story of Dallas Wiens with a friend. Ask them to share with you any changes that they’ve noticed in you since you’ve become a new creation. Hopefully, they’ll see that God can make a difference in lives and will want to make an about face, too.
11 May, 2011
Promises and Perspectives
Philippians 3:18-21
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about keeping an eternal perspective?
The families on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" aren't the only ones with a promise! God's word is full of them and He never makes promises He doesn't keep. For this reason, we can be just as sure as those waiting anxiously for that big bus to move that no matter what we've had to go through and no matter just how uncertain life seems to be, if you are a Believer, there is something much greater waiting for you on the other side! Paul is encouraging us to look at life and our sufferings through an eternal lens. This family in Tuscaloosa, AL seems to get it:
(Picture courtesy of Caitlin Hunnicutt)
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Be honest with yourself (and most importantly, God) - spend some time assessing your own attitude toward life, the struggles that come your way, and the perspective you've had on it all. What does your faith look like? Do your actions and your attitude reflect faith in the promises of God? Ask God to strengthen your faith and help your unbelief (Mark 9:24).
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Talk to others about Extreme Home Makeover and ask your friends how they might deal w/ the demolition of their own home. Ask them if their attitude or perspective might change if they lost their home with no hope of another being rebuilt. Use the show to help start a conversation about life and the perspective you're able to have when things don't go your way, knowing that you have a promise of so much more, beyond this life.
10 May, 2011
Sloshing
I recently heard a man tell an endearing story about his three-year-old granddaughter. She was learning to be helpful in the kitchen, and even though she was only twice the size of the gallon jug of orange juice, she was determined to pour her own glass of juice to go with her breakfast. As he gathered other things for the breakfast table, he turned around to see that she was carefully pouring the juice into the glass and that it was just about to overflow. She either didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping, or she was unaware of the consequence of continuing to pour, so he shouted “Stop!” and she did. He told of his amazement at how very full of juice the glass was, and that not a single drop had hit the countertop. But his granddaughter wasn’t done being helpful. She wanted to carry the glass to the table, too. Not willing to say no to her sweetness, he allowed her to pick up the glass and make her way to the breakfast table. Naturally, the glass did not stay so full. She sloshed a little here and a little there, covering herself and her path from kitchen to table with little sloshes of orange juice.
“And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.”
Ephesians 3:16-19
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
Because of our faith and God’s grace, we as Christians have the privilege of being filled with the Holy Spirit. But the purpose of God filling us with himself is not just to sit on the countertop and see how full we can be, but instead it is to be dripped and spilled and sloshed on everything in our path. God gives us love, joy, wisdom, peace, encouragement, knowledge, and every other good thing so that we can be useful to Him in helping each other.
If you are a follower of Christ, you have God’s Holy Spirit living in you. How full are you? Are you using the resources God has given you (church, bible study, His Word, other Christians) to fill up your cup? Ask God to fill you so that He can use your life to spill over and help others.
Are you sitting on the countertop or are you moving and spreading God’s gifts to you among others? Do others leave your presence feeling like they have been refreshed by what God has given you? Don’t keep what God has given you to yourself! If you are “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God,” you should be ‘sloshing’ Him on everyone you come into contact with.
9 May, 2011
What's It Worth To You?
6 May, 2011
Cupcake & Stress
South Carolina university offers array of stress-busters, including puppies to cuddle
Late one recent evening, more than 200 students at the College of Charleston emerged from the college library and nearby streets and descended like locusts on a patio table holding boxes of cupcakes. It is final exam week at the downtown Charleston, South Carolina liberal arts school founded in 1770.
Cupcakes and other snacks, massages, yoga classes, Zumba dance sessions, guided meditation and peer counseling are offered to stressed-out students each year.
story & image courtesy or msnbc
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version, ©2011)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about Stress?
Stress. We all cope with it in different ways. This college gave students the abiliy to chose different outlets from food, to massages, to puppies. I love puppies. But more than puppies I love when something in our life stops us and cause us to realize wow I have been running like crazy. Its the puppies in our lives that make you take a double take in life. God understands that life gets crazy. God also desires to take away that burden of craziness. The Matthew passage from the Message vs 30 says, "keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely & lightly." Living this way is about our attitude toward life, and as we walk with God, he will teach us to live just that way. How refreshing is that to know that we just need to hang out with Him, and He will guide every move.
Don't allow yourself to be caught up in fixing your own stress. As it says in Peter, "Humble yourself", & know that we cannot do it alone. You have not failed, you are just leaning on God strength. If He created this earth, if He knows the number of hairs on my head before and after I brush them, then He can carry all or our worries, anxieties, cares, & fears, because He is just that amazing.
- What do you do when you are stressed?
- Do you need to apologize to any one that may have been in your path of stress?
- Ask yourself are you tired? Are school, family, or friends wearing you out?
- Get away with God, tell Him you are tired, ask him to take away any anxiety.
- Ask him to show you good & uplifting ways to de-stress.
- Take time to rest and recover your life.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Talk to your friends about this college, and how they bring puppies and cupcakes to de-stress during finals. Ask your friends what they would want to de-stress from life? Share about what it is like to just have someone (God) take away that stress & dream with them about what it would take to live free & lightly.
5 May, 2011
Who Do You Trust?
4 May, 2011
Peaceful Assistance
One week ago today, tragedy struck the South, specifically, the state of Alabama. One week ago today, homes were destroyed and lives were changed forever. Like most of you, I live several states away, but this horrific storm hit too close to home for me. It was only three years ago that I lived and worked in the city of Tuscaloosa, and my heart is still there among close friends and "old" Campus Life students. I have spent a ridiculous amount of hours, this past week, looking at pictures and searching Facebook for clues that those I love are safe and have been accounted for. The level of destruction is absolutely overwhelming and has brought me to tears often. Yet, while my Facebook feeds have exploded with horrific pictures of mass destruction and pleas for help, I am encouraged to see how God is working in the wake of the storm. Christians throughout Tuscaloosa are clinging to the promise of John 16:33 and using this tragic time to share that peace and hope with those who have lost everything.
See and hear about one such church in Alberta City, one of the hardest hit areas in Tuscaloosa, here (click link).
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer McAteer Photography)
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about peace?
Christ shared these words with his disciples because he knew that they were about to go through some tough times, some storms in their lives, where they would struggle and even fail. He wanted them to know and trust in the fact that, no matter how much (or little) strength they had, and no matter what they faced, He had already overcome it all. What greater peace is there than knowing that, in the end, God wins?! It's like watching a football game you recorded and, while your roommate is sitting on pins and needles thinking your team is going to lose, you're calm, collected, and able to smile because you know that they pulled it out and got the victory!
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
Do you know the peace that comes from having a relationship with Christ? If you are a Believer, you have this peace and you have every right to claim this promise from Christ! The question is, do you live it? When you struggle and go through trials, when your life seems to be ripped right out from beneath you, do exemplify peace? Or do you find yourself panicked, doubtful that anything good can come of your situation? If you are going through a difficult time, even now, pray and ask God to grant you His peace; preach to yourself the promise of Truth, that He has overcome all things and reigns victorious!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Talk to those around you about what's going on in Alabama right now. Look at pictures together and read stories of those who survived the storm. Talk about the different ways survivors are approaching their recovery process - some have peace and are trusting the Lord, others are fearful and have very little peace. Use the stories to spark conversations with your friends about how they would deal if a storm, like this one, hit their home. Tell them about the peace that God promises to those who love and choose to follow Him.
- In the weeks/months ahead, do not let yourself forget about this horrible tragedy. Pray for those who have been affected by the tornadoes in the South. Pray for the Believers who are among them, that their light would shine brightly so that others may see their good deeds and praise our Father in heaven (Mt. 5:16)! Pray for the unbelievers, that they would see the hand of Christ upon them and that their hearts would be changed.
- Today, from 5:13-5:14 PM (Central Standard Time), the University of Alabama is holding a moment of silence to honor the victims of the April 27th tornado. Figure out your time difference and set an alarm to remind you to pray for all of those affected by the storm.
3 May, 2011
Closure
Americans celebrated early Monday in a show of patriotism against the man who committed his life to attacking U.S. citizens, while those directly affected by Osama bin Laden's terrorist plots quietly reflected on the closure finally gained from his death.
There were also more raucous celebrations going on at ground zero, including groups of young local men waving flags and chanting "USA! USA!"
"It took 10 years, but the fact that it happened today, we're all rejoicing," one of them told CNN, adding that "everybody in America" was celebrating the death of bin Laden.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association hailed the "annihilation" of bin Laden as "triumphant news."
"I would say, 'May God have mercy on his hideous soul,' but I don't think he had one," the organization's president, Jon Adler, said.
Excerpted from CNN.com; photo courtesy of Reuters
Ezekiel 18:23
“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about our reaction to death?
When I saw the report on Sunday night of the death of Bin Laden, I had a wide range of emotions, from relief to grief. Surely, this man reaped the destruction that he sowed, and many have found closure and justice in his death. But wouldn’t you agree that a far better ending would have been for him to have turned from his evil ways and repented? God has made His forgiveness and grace available to all who do so. Yet to know he has perished does not please God and should not be a pleasing thought to anyone who is a follower of Christ. The elimination of his evil influence is definitely something to find relief in, but he most certainly did have a soul, and one that God longed to save.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?
We need to remain humble in the wake of this historic news. We are all sinners, and though the death of this one man brings closure to many who were directly impacted by his actions since September 11, 2001 and is considered a victory for the U.S. military, the eternal loss of any soul is not a victory for God.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?
We are witnessing an important moment in the history of our world. For years to come, you and those around you will remember your reaction to this news. What if, as those who identify with Jesus, instead of giving high-fives over the death of Bin Laden, we shared our sorrow in the reality of anyone spending an eternity in hell and used the opportunity to share the urgent message of salvation with our friends? The impact of our actions could be eternal.
2 May, 2011
Rescuing Orphans
In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these people, the church put God's Word into practice. When we give with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others.
- Thank God today for His presence in your life as your Heavenly Father.
- Ask God to give you His heart for orphans and widows.
- Ask God today to show you how you might serve orphans and widows in your own community.
- Do you know someone who has lost one or both parents? Spend some time with them this week getting to know their story. Consider taking them bowling and talk about Today's Story.
- Talk with your parents or a leader in your church about what you might do to reach out to those in your community who have been orphaned.
- Pray for those in our country who have recently been orphaned by the devasting tornadoes throughout the southeast.
- Talk with a leader in your church about ideas to serve the orphans in other parts of the world as well.
