29 Jul, 2011
Interceding
As reviews arrive, Saturday is applauded - July, 25, 2011
Few people come out of months of NFL labor discord looking better than the Colts' Jeff Saturday.
The center heading toward his 13th season drew praise from New England owner Robert Kraft as one of two players on the NFLPA’s executive committee, along with Baltimore’s Domonique Foxworth, who worked tirelessly for the long-term interest of the game.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft owner, left, is hugged Monday by Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts after the lockout ended.When Saturday's turn to talk came at the news conference announcing the players had agreed to the new CBA and the deal was officially done, he complimented Kraft’s dedication and thanked Myra Kraft, who recently passed away, for encouraging her husband to be such an important part of the process.
Saturday then embraced Kraft, who was clearly touched. It's a moment that is sure to come to be the picture representing the new peace between the owners and players.
Via text, I asked NFLPA president Kevin Mawae about how crucial Saturday was to the process.
“Both he and Domonique Foxworth were instrumental in that they were the two who were in every meeting since June 28 in Chicago,” Mawae said. “There were times when I couldn’t be there or any other member of the executive committee couldn’t and they were the two who were. I can’t say enough about how they played a major part in all of it.”
Saturday spoke of how happy he will be to trade a negotiating board room for a football meeting room.
Later in a phone interview on ESPN, he was asked about Peyton Manning’s rehabilitation from neck surgery.
“That’s by far my biggest concern now,” Saturday said. “As he goes, the Colts go. We need him to get back as healthy as he can as quick as he can.”
Even with the lockout, it's possible the Colts' top two draft picks win starting jobs on the offensive line during training camp. It's possible Saturday could be surrounded by four new starters as he looks to direct a group charged with offering Manning better protection and creating more space for the run game.
Story and Photo courtesy of news.google.com.
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the Holy Spirit interceding for us?
Intercede is a word we don't hear very often. The student dictionary at wordcentral.com defines intercede "to act as a go-between for hostile parties, or to plead in behalf of another." Jeff Saturday represented the NFL players in the negotiations during the lockout. Imagine how much more the Holy Spirit represents us to the Father when we pray.
Check out the Life Applications Study Notes on today's scripture ...
As a believer, you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems. Even when you don't know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers. With God helping you pray, you don't need to be afraid to come before him. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you 'in harmony with God's own will.' Then, when you bring your requests to God, trust that he will always do what is best.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- Thank God for His Holy Spirit's involvement in your prayers today.
- Is there a concern on your heart for which you honestly don't know how to pray? Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you.
Do you have a friend who is struggling in their prayer life? Remind them of the Holy Spirit's role in our prayers and offer to pray with them, asking the Holy Spirit to intercede.
28 Jul, 2011
Running on Empty
Several years ago my sister Vicki came to visit us in Tennessee. Her car was experiencing some problems with her gas gauge and she could not tell how much gas she had left in her tank. Through out her weeklong visit we chauffeured her around in our car so she would not have to use her gas and we could visit while traveling.
27 Jul, 2011
The Royal We
From Reader's Digest Best of America...
Best Royal Family
At Free State High School in Lawrence, Kansas, every male senior gets on the ballot for homecoming king. But when Audrey Hughes and Aly Frydman looked at the ballot, they were shocked to see one name was missing: Owen Phariss. There were told that an old policy excluded special-needs students. Even mainstreamed kids like Phariss, who has Down syndrome, couldn't participate.
Hughes and Frydman objected. "He's the coolest, happiest kid in school," says Hughes. "He stands in the Commons every morning and says hello to everyone." So they collected over 800 students' signatures on a petition, persuading the principal to reverse the outdated policy. Then they launched a get-out-the-vote campaign.
Last October, at halftime on homecoming game night, the announcer's voice boomed across the stadium: "Your 2010 Free State High School homecoming king is...Owen Phariss!" As the crown was placed on his head, Phariss basked in the applause of all his loyal subjects, none more devoted than Hughes and Frydman.
"The students felt so strongly about this," says Frydman. "We didn't want our school to be a place that discriminated."
As for Phariss, he's unlikely to yield the throne soon, according to his mom, Nancy. "He often points to photos of the coronation on the refrigerator and says, 'Mom, that's me, the King of Free State. My friends voted for me.'"
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the
town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax
collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a
look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran
ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was
going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name.
“Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home
today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great
excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be
the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give
half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their
taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man
has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man
came to seek and save those who are lost.”
It is clear from the Zacchaeus passage that Jesus is in the business of loving the unloveable and noticing the unnoticed.
What difference was made in Zacchaeus' life because Jesus noticed him and chose to spend time with him?
Where do you see Jesus in the story about Owen Phariss and his friends?
Think of a time someone went out of their way to notice you and care for you...
What difference did it make in your life?
How does it inspire you to notice others who might need to be cared for?
Think of someone who is considered "unnoticed" or "unloveable" at your school. It could be someone who eats alone at lunch, someone who is considered a little too nerdy, a little too weird, or a little too annoying. It could even be a brand new Freshman who doesn't know a soul...
Write down their name...
What are some ways you can show them love and "notice" them this week?
What difference might it make in their life?
How will Jesus be shared with them through your care?
Sometimes it can be tempting to avoid the "unnoticed" or unpopular kids because of reputation. Jesus was clearly unphased by the people mocking him for hanging out with a "sinner" just like Owen Phariss's friends were less than concerned about other people's opinions when they stood up for a special needs student and altered school tradition...
What might tempt you to back out of showing love to this friend? How can you overcome that temptation?
Jesus not only changed Zacchaeus' life, but also the lives of those who watched and those who received part of Zacchaeus' wealth. Likewise, not only was Owen Pharris' life was changed, but also the lives of his entire school.
How can Jesus use you to change the life of someone this week? Who knows how far-reaching the impact might be!
26 Jul, 2011
Blessings
Let's admit it. Life is a struggle. It's full of ups and downs. One moment you might be full of joy and excitement about what God has given you and then, just seconds later, left completely broken and bewildered by the pain He's allowed into your life. And, if it's not you that's currently struggling with hard times and heart-wrenching situations, chances are that someone close to you is. For some reason, in my life right now, it seems as though everyone around me is going through extremely difficult times. I heard a song recently that truly blessed me by reminding me of God's sovereignty and incredible faithfulness: "Blessings," by Laura Story. It moves me to the point of tears.
To hear the song, click here.
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him,"
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your slavation.
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach me about dealing with pain and hard times?
In this passage, David is struggling, I mean, really struggling. It's obvious that he's having a difficult time hearing from and feeling God's presence in his life (vs. 1-2). He feels forgotten; "feels" being the key word. Even though David feels forgotten by God, he believes God's Word and the promise that God is always with him. As David shares openly and honestly with God, he holds nothing back. In his pain and feelings of abandonment, he is authentic and genuine. He holds nothing back, and yet he never doubts God's ability to rescue him, nor does he question God's goodness and faithfulness. He trusts in God and His sovereignty.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
- Think about Laura Story's song, "Blessings," and re-read Psalm 13.
- Take some time to journal about some of the struggles you've gone through recently and how God has blessed you through them. Really take some time to do this exercise. Depending on what you've been through, it may really take some thinking and processing to find the blessings amidst the pain. Ask yourself: "What have I learned, or what is God trying to teach me? How has God changed me, for the better? How has He shown Himself to others, through my pain and suffering?"
- If you are in the midst of a difficult time and are having a difficult time seeing God in the midst of it all, do as David did . . . pour your heart out to God, and be honest! God already knows what you're going through, so don't be afraid to say it! But don't stop there; let your confessions and honesty lead you to a place of prayer. Plead with God, as David did, to take you beyond your pain, to a place where you can see His hand at work. Keep praying this way, and keep trusting . . . until He shows Himself, because He will!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Pain is a universal thing. No matter where you go, who you are, or how strong you may appear to be, because of the sin in this world, pain will find you. Look around you, you are surrounded by hurting people, and God wants to use you and your pain to show Himself to them. Too often, as Christians, we think we have to appear to have it all together, like we never experience pain or trials of any kind, but this only hinders others from seeing the hope, compassion, and strength Christ offers during such times. Find ways to be honest with your friends about the struggles you're going through. Let them see all of the ways God has shown Himself faithful to you, even when He hasn't "solved" your problems.
- Know that the best thing you can do for a friend is listen to him/her. It's likely that nothing you can say or do will make the situation better, or even help your friend feel better. Instead of saying something that just might come across as insensitive or trite, give a hug, tell him your sorry for what he's going through, and offer a listening ear.
- Be willing to pray for your friends who are in the middle of deep struggles and pain. If they're comfortable with it, pray with them, and remember to come back and ask them how they're dealing with it, and how you can keep praying for them - in other words, don't just forget about it!
- Send your friend and encourging note, and don't be afraid to add an appropriate and encouraging scripture verse. Pray that God would use it to minister to your friend in whatever way he needs.
25 Jul, 2011
Something to Talk About?
Troubled diva Amy Winehouse dead at 27
LONDON — Few artists summed up their own career in a single song — a single line — as well as Amy Winehouse.
“They tried to make me go to rehab,” she sang on her world-conquering 2006 single, “Rehab.” “I said ‘No, no no.”’
Occasionally, she said yes, but to no avail: Repeated stints in hospitals and clinics couldn’t stop alcohol and drugs scuttling the career of a singer whose distinctive voice, rich mix of influences and heart-on-her-sleeve sensibility seemed to promise great things.
In her short lifetime, Winehouse too often made headlines because of drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, destructive relationships and abortive performances. But it’s her small but powerful body of recorded music that will be her legacy.
The singer was found dead Saturday at age 27 by ambulance crews called to her home in north London’s Camden area, a youth-culture mecca known for its music scene, its pubs — and the availability of illegal drugs. The London Ambulance Service said Winehouse had died before crews arrived at the house in leafy Camden Square. The cause of death was not immediately known.
The singer’s body was taken from her home by private ambulance to a London mortuary, where post-mortem examinations were to be carried out either today or Monday. Police said in a statement no arrests have been made in connection with her death.
Photo & Article courtesy of - The Herald Times
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
What does today's God's Story teach us about death?
When I first heard about the passing of Amy Winehouse I felt a complex mix of surprise, sadness, and also the sneaking feeling that this tragic death was inevitable. Most musicians or fans of music can tell you that age 27 is a tough one for rock stars. Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Curt Cobain, Jim Morrison all died suddenly at the age of 27. While it's probably total coincidence, there must be some lesson herel. Maybe it's simply that the human mind, body, and soul will give out pretty quick when exposed to the unholy, self endulgent excess of the rock and roll lifestyle.
Compounding sad irony on tragedy, my local newspaper listed their article about Winehouse in the "Something to Talk About" section. This section is typically reserved for headlines like, "Man afraid of heights gets stuck on ride", "Dominicans break record for continuous reading", "Woman repeatedly littered in one yard". To see the Winehouse story listed in this section made me feel like my local newspaper was in some way trivializing the story, suggesting that a story of sudden and tragic death is water cooler conversation fodder.
Proverbs reminds us that tongue, (what we talk about, and how we talk about it), can bring the power of life and death into the world.
So as you hear chatter about the Amy Winehouse death and the "27 curse", speak life into those conversations. Remind friends, family, and relatives that Amy was created in the image of God, she was a daughter, a friend, and her death should be mourned, not turned into a novelty. There are great lessons we can lean from stories of tragedy and death, but never when we allow ourselves to be amused by them.
How can I connect God's Story to My Story?
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through you in times of death and tragedy.
- Be mindful of when you speak life or death into conversations. Ask those in the conversations how what you had to say made them feel, and if it brought them closer to God or not.
How can I connect God's Story to Their Story?
- Ask a friend what they think it means to "speak life".
- Talk with a friend about the Amy Winehouse story and speak life into the conversation.
22 Jul, 2011
"He Hideth My Soul"
Earlier this month my son and I, along with my father-in-law hiked the Alum Cave Bluff Trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. At the 1.5 mile mark of the trail we came to Arch Rock. Stairs have been built and cable hand rails have been placed to help hikers maneuver through the steep passageway. As we hiked away from the natural cleft in the rock, I was reminded of today's God's story Scripture and the lyrics to a great old hymm.
He Hideth My Soul (by Frances J. Crosby, c. 1890)
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.
Refrain:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away,
He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day.
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God!
For such a Redeemer as mine.
When clothed with His brightness transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love,
I’ll shout with the millions on high.
Hymn Lyrics found at: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/He_Hideth_My_Soul/
Exodus 33:21-23(ESV)
21And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen."
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about our Soul?
Moses' prayer was to see the manifest glory of God. He wanted assurance of God's presence with him. Aaron, and Joshua, and also he desired to know that presence experientially. Because we are finite and morally imperfect, we cannot exist and see God as he is. To see God's back means we can only see where God has passed by. We can only know him by what he does and how he acts. Wh cannot comprehend God as he really is apart from Jesus Christ. (Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible Notes)
Rest in Him today and take shelter in "the cleft of the rock."
How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
- Make a list of the what God has done in your life and the lives of some of your freinds.
- Meditate on the lyrics of the song and today's God's Story scripture throughout the day.
- Thank God for hiding your sould in the depth of His love.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story and God's Story to Others?
- Do you have a friend who needs to hear the words of today's hymn and Scripture verse? Call them and share an encouraging word with them.
21 Jul, 2011
Stretcher Bearers
20 Jul, 2011
The Lunch Special - Wonderfully Different
From Reader's Digest "Best of America"...
About the SAME Cafe in Denver, CO...their motto is "Wonderfully Different."
"Inside the pleasingly aromatic SAME Cafe in downtown Denver, the spirit of generosity is instantly apparent: A slotted donation box stands in place of a cash register. Customers here pay only what they can afford, no questions asked.
A risky business plan, perhaps, but SAME (it stands for So All May Eat) Cafe has an unassailable mission in the Mile High City: Open only at midday, the restaurant provides needy residents with nutritious, delicious lunches six days a week. Diners unable to pay for their meals can instead volunteer as servers, dishwashers, and prep cooks or offer other maintenance services.
'It's based on trust, and it's working,' says co-owner Brad Birky, who started the cafe with his wife, Libby, in 2006. As veteran volunteers at soup kitchens, the Birkys lamented the often unhealthy meals they served there.
...'We wanted to offer quality food in a restaurant setting where everyone felt comfortable, regardless of their circumstances,' says Birky...
...The luncheonette now averages 65 to 70 customers (and eight volunteers) a day. And the spirit of generosity behind the enterprise appears to be infectious. In early 2007, one volunteer who had shoveled snow for his meals during the long winter bid farewell to his benefactors. 'He said he was going to New Orleans to help with the hurricane cleanup,'...
'Everyone deserves to eat with dignity,' says Brad Birky."
Where do you see Jesus in this story?
Taking risks...going against the grain...creatively serving others...giving others our best...loving others well...caring for the unnoticed and the outcast...
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love...My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command...You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you...This is my command: Love each other." - John 15:9, 12-14, 16-17
This is the essence of abiding...
As you have been loved by the Father, so you love others so they might know Him...and the cycle continues. Your friend then goes on to love others...just like the volunteer who was served by SAME cafe went on to serve others in New Orleans.
This is the contagious nature of His Story and His love.
The couple in this article used the passions and gifts God gave them to find a creative ways to love others...
What gifts and passions has God given you to love others in a unique way?
What else is God be telling you through this article about your own story and how He desires to use you to share His love with others?
One of the best aspects of this article is this: Often times, when we serve others, we are tempted to give them the leftovers, rather than giving them the very best. The Birkys were determined to give the very best to those they serve. But they do more than give, they help them learn to serve others in turn!
How often to you make sacrifices to give the best to others?
How might your kindness in the lives of your friends create the desire in them to extend that same love to others?
How does all of this help your friends draw closer to Jesus?
The couple in this article also took a great risk in opening a donations-only cafe. What risks can you take with the gifts and passions you have to serve the community around you and your lost friends?
Think of specific friends you have who don't know Jesus.
How can you love and serve them in a creative way and give them your best this week?
Also illustrated by this article is the power of eating together and the importance of loving those who usually go unnoticed. There are no doubt tons of students on your campus who are overlooked, unnoticed...who eat alone. What are their names? Would you be willing to eat with them this week?
Ask Jesus to use you in these ways and then share what happens!
Jesus' love is creative, it takes risks, and it's infectious! Pass it on!
GO and be WONDERFULLY DIFFERENT!
19 Jul, 2011
Letters of Love
On February 20, 1958, a young woman sent her boyfriend a letter while he was away at college. In it, she shared how much she loved and cared for him, probably hoping it would encourage the young man to carry on, and know that he is loved. Sadly, he never received the letter. By some mishap, the letter took 53 years (talk about "snail mail!") to be delivered to its destination at California University of Pennsylvania.
According to a report by Reuters.com, The letter had been addressed to Mr. Clark C. Moore, then a junior at the university, which was known at the time as California State Teachers College . . . It included a return address, but little other information about the sender, who signed the letter, "Love Forever, Vonnie."
"It's very much the same type of letter that students today might write to a boyfriend who's away at college," [university spokeswoman Christine] Kindl said.
"She ends by saying, 'I still miss you as much as ever and love you a thousand times more. Please write me real soon.'"
The letter is addressed to a Clark Moore, who is now approximately 70 years old and, officials believe, living in the Indianapolis area. While the letter has not yet reached its intended recipient, the university hopes to unite the two very soon.
(Story and quote courtesy of Reuters.com, image courtesy of Google Images)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 1:24-25
For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God's Letter of Love?
We have no idea how the story ends (or ended) for Clark Moore, or his beloved Vonnie. 53 years is a long time, a lifetime really, and so much can happen to change one's feelings toward another. Who knows if Vonnie and Clark ever spoke again or what came of their relationship after that letter was sent but, we do know that there is an even greater love story, with its own set of love letters. Our God, the Creator of Love, has written a book of love letters to us, known as The Bible. It screams of His never-ending, indescribable love for us: a love that will not even begin to fade in a lifetime, and that no amount of time (even 53 years!) or distance can separate us from. Furthermore, scripture makes it very clear that, not only will God's love for His children never die, God's Word (His love letter to us) will also last forever! I don't know about you, but that's some incredible reassurance and something that, in a world of non-commited individuals and fleeting relationships, gives me hope and stability.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Spend some time this morning just thinking about today's scripture passages and let their truths penetrate your heart. Do you get it? Are you able to grasp the enormity of what they're saying? Pray and thank God for his indescribable love for you, even while you were still sinning, He loved you that much (Romans 5:8)! Think about your relationships with others and how quickly and easily they change. Praise God that His Word and His Love remain the same, and will continue to remain the same until . . . well, forever!
- Read and pray through Ephesians 3:14-19 (for yourself and your fellow Christian brothers and sisters).
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story with others?
- Share today's story with your friend and talk about how Clark Moore might feel when he finally receives the letter from his old girlfriend. How might you feel? Do you think your feelings would be the same after 58 years? Ask your friend if he/she's ever received a love letter from a girl/boyfriend and how did it make him/her feel? Share with your friend about God's love letters to us, through His Word. Talk about how God's love never ends.
17 Jul, 2011
Live Your Goals
FRANKFURT — Japan won its first Women’s World Cup on Sunday in a triumph built on hope, renewal, patience, composure and no small amount of good fortune, lifting a stricken country and somehow winning a match that the United States frequently dominated but could never control.
In the end, Japan prevailed in a penalty-kick shootout, 3-1, after regulation and 30 minutes of overtime ended at 2-2. Its sophisticated passing attack was blunted by a determined American defense, but Japan remained calm and resilient, twice overcoming American leads and remaining unyielding in its hustle and determination.
Its persistence was finally rewarded with fortuitous bounces of the ball that led to both Japanese goals and a volley of missed American chances that went just wide or clanged off the crossbar and the goalpost. And when the game was distilled to the ruthless determination of penalty kicks, Japan remained steadfast while the Americans demonstrated a rare loss of equanimity.
If Japan was said to be lucky, it made its own luck. Until Sunday, it was 0-22-3 against the United States, but in a single evening, this formerly one-sided rivalry tipped in the other direction in the sport’s most important game.
story & photo courtesy of - The New York Times
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
The patches on the U.S. Women's World Cup team jerseys said it all, "Live Your Goals". For the U.S. team, a championship was clearly the goal for the tournament. Walking away from a remarkable tournament run without that championship must be heartbreaking.
The question for us is, what are our goals as Christians? Furthermore, how do we go about achieving our goals, and how do we respond when we meet them or fall short of them?
The prophet Micah lays out a few goals for us in clear detail.
1. Do Justice.
2. Love Mercy.
3. Walk Humly.
So this week, Live Your Goals, and rely on the body of Christ to help you out. Just like a soccer match, building the Kingdom is a team effort. Don't lose heart when you fall short, God's mighty Spirit is with you, and God's people are there to be your support.
How does today's God's Story connect to My Story?
- Set a "mercy" goal, a "justice" goal, and a "humility" goal for the week.
- What goals do you have for today? Name them. Live them.
- Ask a friend how often they set goals for their day.
- Ask a friend what they think about having "mercy", "justice", and "humility" as goals.
14 Jul, 2011
BIG Baby
13 Jul, 2011
Welcome to Real Life, Harry.
This Friday marks the release of the final chapter in the Harry Potter saga. Ticket pre-sales have hit all-time highs for the midnight showing, as fans, young and old, eagerly await the tragic end of the series.
Harry Potter has been a bit controversial in the Christian community, but whatever your stance on the series, it can't be denied that Harry Potter is nothing short of a phenomenon...
But why?
These books and movies catch their audience up into a great adventure...something bigger than themselves!
There is good and evil...something worth fighting for. Young characters with great gifts and potential, taking on the greatest evil in their known world.
It's a huge task...pretty much impossible. Harry and his friends have no idea what the end result will be, but they know it's worth fighting for...worth their lives.
It might be hard to believe...but the adventure Harry was called to is not all that different from the adventure Jesus calls us to!
Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV) - "Then Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and
take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for me will find it."
John 14:12 (NIV) - "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me
will do the works I have been doing,
and they will do even greater things than these,
because I am going to the Father."
Acts 2:43-43 (NIV) - "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders
and signs performed by the apostles."
See...contrary to popular belief, following Jesus is so much more than perfect church attendance, being a "nice" person and following all the rules!! He intends so much more for us!
Look again at these passages...what does Jesus say His disciples will do???
Whether we feel up to it or not, when we become followers of Jesus, we are called into a story MUCH bigger than ourselves...the story of God redeeming His creation!
Following Jesus is NOT boring. Loving our friends, serving others, going where Jesus calls us to go, being bold when we want to be shy, listening to the Holy Spirit, being daring because we trust God to back us up...THIS is what it means to follow Jesus!!
Never forget that you are a major character in the greatest story ever told...even better than Harry Potter (if you can believe it!)...and there's much more at stake!
Pay attention the passages listed above...
What does God desire to do through us?
What does He say we are capable of?
What is His Story and how do Our Stories play major roles in it??
How willing are you to go where and to whom God calls you?
Are you willing to do whatever He asks of you?
Are you willing to be part of the adventure rather than sitting on the sidelines??
Believe it or not, one of the biggest parts of this adventure is serving and loving others and jumping into Their Story!
We can serve in ways that are obviously big (i.e. feeding the homeless, fighting against slavery, etc)...but we can also serve in ways that seem small but are JUST as big (i.e. taking a lost friend to coffee to get to know them and Their Story, cleaning up the shopping carts in the Target parking lot to bless a Target employee, eating lunch with a student at school who always eats alone...)
When God nudges us toward these things and we accept the challenge, not only can we trust Him to walk us through, but the adventure will begin to unfold!
Life will never be the same...and neither will the lives of the people you love and serve!
Think about specific people or groups of people in your life God is nudging you toward...
How can you take a risk this week to show them love? What will it be and how will you do it? (We call this a Holy Experiment.)
GET INSPIRED! Watch this video about a Holy Experiment one student tried as he followed Jesus into the adventure...
The Home Depot Story from Youth for Christ/USA on Vimeo.
Time to get off the sidelines and be part of the adventure...
Are you game?
12 Jul, 2011
Poetic Justice
It was a dramatic conclusion to what seemed to be a never-ending game. Even those who don't consider themselves to be soccer fans, couldn't help but get caught up in the drama and excitement of the final moments of the Women's World Cup Semi-Quarter Finals, on Sunday afternoon. With bad calls, an unexpected red card, and having to play a (wo)man down, it looked like all was lost for the US team, but they never gave up and it paid off. With less than a minute left in extra time (already in overtime), Abby Wambach (above) headed the ball into the goal to tie the game, leaving the US team's fate to a penalty kick shoot-out! It all ended with a 5-3 US lead in penalty kicks, sending the Americans to the semi-finals - a game they'll play against everyone on the field (and in the stands) were left in awe! Americans around the world couldn't stop cheering as they watched their players, with US flags draped over their shoulders, embrace their country and its victory. "This is the perfect example of what the United States is all about, said Wambach. "We never give up."
"Even when we went a player down and then a goal down in extra time, we kept fighting," adds Hope Solo, the US goalkeeper.
The United States advances to the semi-finals on Wednesday, where they will face France.
(See video of Wambach's winning goal here.)
Picture courtesy of Google Images, Quotes/story courtesy of Yahoo News
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about perseverance?
For most of us, it's probably pretty easy to think of a time when we felt like our world was caving in, when the pressures and attacks from others seemed neverending and it was nearly impossible to gain footing, let alone stand. Jesus can relate. The constant attacks, persecution, and betrayals by so many, including close friends and famiy, was more than we can ever imagine or bear. Paul reminds us here, in his letter to the Corinthian church, that even though we feel like the odds are stacked against us, and the pressure seems too much to endure, because of the death and resurrection of Christ, we know that we will never be defeated! Praise God!! When it seems as though the ground is crumbling beneath our feet, we can stand on Him and His Word, believing God's promise that victory, ultimately, is His (1 Cor. 15:57)! And, as we endure and cling to Christ, those around us are able to see and experience Jesus working in and through us.
How does today's story and God's Story scripture relate to my story?
Are you in a place, right now, where you feel like life is doing nothing but throwing arrows your way, as if you had a giant target on your back? Take cover in Christ. Claim the promise of 2 Cor. 4:8-9 and remind yourself that God has the victory. Be encouraged and know that it's in our weaknesses that God tends to shine the most, not only to us, but through us. Look for ways that God is choosing to reveal Himself and His glory through your circumstances and choose to embrace Him. Write today's scripture passage on a notecard and carry it around with you wherever you go. Pull it out and read it (as many times as you need to) so that you will remember that God has the victory and, although it is tough, because of His promise, you can endure!
How can today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story relate to others?
Talk to your friends about the way you (and they) tend to respond to pressure and hardships. Ask them if they saw the US Women's World Cup game, against Brazil, in the quarter finals and talk about all that was stacked up against the team, but how they persevered and came out victorious. Talk about today's scripture verse and how its promise helps and encourages you to face the tough times in your life.
11 Jul, 2011
3K for DJ
What does today's God's Story teach us about "the inevitable"?
It's inevitable. Jesus said it, every day confirms it, in this life we're going to have some trouble. However, in spite of our sinful churches, our sinful world, our sinful selves, Jesus is mighty to save. The spirit of the Lord is still working to bring release to the captives, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed. It's inevitable.
The only question is How?
For Derek Jeter, reaching a career milestone in baseball came with just one swing of the bat. For us to reach the milestones that Jesus calls us to requires a lot more work. Loving our enemies? Blessing those that curse? Forgiving those that do us harm?
How?!?!
Try prayer. Try community.
Pray for the courage to take the gospel seriously. To live the sermon on the mount.
And do it with others, not in front of, or for, but with. Be immersed in the church as you immerse yourself in the world.
How can I connect My Story to God's Story?
- Read the sermon on the mount. It's God's inevitable plan for us, real simple and to the point.
- Pray for the strength to live it.
How can I connect God's Story & My Story to Their Story?
- Ask a friend what they think takes more work. 3,000 hits or loving your enemy.
- Connect with some friends trying to live out the gospel. Start praying for each other, that you would see God's spirit moving as you seek his ways.
7 Jul, 2011
Are We Guilty?
6 Jul, 2011
Agents of Freedom
Freedom...
We just finished celebrating our freedom as a country on the Fourth of July...
But do we ever stop and think about all of the ways Jesus has set us free?
John 8:36 - "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
The question is...what do we do with our freedom? How do we respond?
There are so many in our world who do not know freedom...
The absence of freedom is slavery. Slavery is very real today in so many ways...
Take a look at some quotes from this news article titled "A Christian Call to End Human Trafficking..."
"There are more slaves in the United States today than at any time in history...
Jesus was clear about Christian's responsibility to do something regarding issues such as human trafficking when he told the parable of the Good Samaritan. When asked what it takes to inherit eternal life, Jesus immediately replied we must love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves. To clarify, he pointed to someone who sacrificially cared for a socially outcast stranger who had been stripped, beaten and left for dead. Jesus said "Go and do likewise."...
There is some good news here. One in three human trafficking victims is rescued because someone saw something that didn't look just right and reported it...
Whether by prayer, being aware, or giving time or money, faith means taking action. James put it well, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17)."
There are so many truths in this article...
Whether we are talking about human trafficking or our sin nature...slavery is a reality around us.
As those who have been delivered in Jesus, He has given us the charge to, once again, be His hands and feet to set the captives free...to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves!
Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus calls us to be agents of reconciliation...wherever we are...
Whether it's getting involved in a cause like human trafficking or child soldiers...
Or whether in the halls at school...on our sports team...in our families...
So many around us are slaves to themselves, slaves to others, slaves to their sin...
Not only can we relate, but Jesus has asked us to do something about it!
- What lengths did Jesus go to in order to set the captives free?
- Why do you think freedom is so close to the heart of God?
- As a former slave, how has Jesus set you free?
- In what areas of your life have you experienced freedom?
- How are you inspired to act in the lives of others as a result of that freedom?
Think about specific friends at school...family members...co-workers, etc, who do not know Jesus. Consider each of them...
- In what areas of their lives do they need freedom?
- How can you tangibly show them love and help them understand their need for freedom in Jesus?
- If you don't know them well enough to know these answers, how can you pursue them and get to know them and their story better?
Jesus is all about redeeming His creation...returning freedom to a broken world that chose slavery. You have been blessed enough to experience that freedom...
What will you do with it??
5 Jul, 2011
In God We (used to) Trust
(Image by Greg Bell of Altitude Design, used with permission)
In honor of the celebration of our great country's birth and that of our independence from tyranny, I was encouraged to take a closer look at our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." Ahh . . . let the music play, as I begin to swell with pride for my country . . . but wait. As I looked closer, I realized there was a verse (specifically verse 4) that I'd never heard before, never even known it existed:
"The Star Spangled Banner"
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
VERSE 4
O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
(Emphasis mine.)
A little history:
It was in September of 1814 that Frances Scott Key, was inspired to write this incredible poem (titled, "Defense of Fort McHenry," which was later put to music) in light of what he saw in Maryland after the Brittish attempt to bombard Fort McHenry. "At dawn on the 14th, Key noted that the huge American flag, which now hangs in the Smithsonian's American History Museum, was still waving and had not been removed in defeat" (http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/spangle.htm). The victory was God's, and Key acknowledged it.
How incredible that for the next century or so, the public demanded the song be sung time and again in honor of those fighting in the Great War, and praising God for his blessing on our country. It was over 100 years later that Congress proclaimed it to be our National Anthem.
Romans 6:22-23
But now that you have been set free from sin andhave become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the giftof God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about freedom?
While our country celebrates our nation's freedom from tyranny, as Believers in Christ, we, celebrate our freedom from the tyranny of Satan. While soldiers choose to give thier lives for the cause of our country, Soldiers of the Lord choose to give their lives for the cause of Christ. While America rejoices and recognizes its independence, Christians rejoice and recognize their dependence on Christ. Today's scripture shows us, once again, just how backward our thinking is from that of Christ. May we boast, not in our independence, but rather in our dependence on Him. For the Believer, freedom is found in our bondage to Him: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Cor. 3:17).
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Consider your level of dependence on Christ. Do you actively and intentionally depend on Him on a daily basis? It's easy, as Americans, to take our freedom for granted; likewise, as Christians, too often we take for granted all that Christ has done (and continues to do) for us! Today, take some time to be alone with Christ and meditate on all the ways He has set you free (from sin, guilt, shame, an eternity in Hell, etc.). Make a list and put it where you can see it, regularly, so that you will not forget that you depend on Him for all things, even the breath you take! Always pray for America - that God would continue to bless our country and that our freedom to worship Him, freely, would never cease.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Talk to your friends about what they did to celebrate the 4th of July. Ask them how seriously they take the holiday and if they ever take time to really reflect what it means to them, personally. Truly listen to his/her response. Take the opportunity to share what freedom means to you (as an American and a Christian), and be sure to share all of the ways you have been set free by Christ. Pray that your friends would experience the freedom and peace that Christ offers.
4 Jul, 2011
Happy Mc4th of July
Serving up reform with ‘Hot Coffee’
A woman is buying coffee at the McDonald’s drive-through. While steering with one hand and sipping with the other, she drops her drink on her lap. The coffee burns; she sues McDonald’s and walks away a millionaire. And so begins the age of the frivolous lawsuit.
Susan Saladoff has no patience for that phrase. “What’s your definition of ‘frivolous’? Most people think the McDonald’s coffee case is frivolous, until they learn the truth,” she says.
The true story, like most true stories, is a little more complicated than the better-known version. Stella Liebeck, then 79, spilled the coffee while sitting shotgun in a parked car. The drink had been brewed to 180 degrees. Liebeck suffered burns so severe her doctors worried she might not survive.
“Look, everybody knows coffee is hot,” Saladoff said, leaning across the table at Starbucks. “But nobody expects that if you’re buying coffee through the drive-through and you spill it on yourself, you’re going to need skin grafts.”
Saladoff is the director of “Hot Coffee,” a documentary that uses the notorious McDonald’s case to launch an exploration of justice, or lack thereof, in the United States.
Saladoff is still floored by “Hot Coffee’s” reception. “The film has taken off in ways that I had dreamed about and believed could happen, but the fact that it’s actually happening is — the word ‘awesome’ is now colloquial, but I am in awe, so therefore it is awesome.”
article courtesy of - The Washington Post
photo courtesy of - Google Images
1st Peter 2:9 (NIV)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
What does today's God Story teach us about justice and the 4th of July?
A holy nation. What does that phrase even mean? Does is mean that Christians are supposed to make the nation-states they live in more holy? Or does it mean that Christians are called to participate in the building up of a "peculiar", "holy", "special", "preisthood" that is literally God's own posession. How are Christians to live "in the world, but not of it". (John 17:14)
So what does all this have to do with McDonalds, hot coffee, or the 4th of July?
This is about how Christians relate to the "powers that be" (a phrase the apostle Paul uses to describe the powerful spiritual and social forces at work in the world).
McDonalds is powerful. The U.S.A. is powerful. The Kingdom of God is powerful.
When an old woman is scorched by hot McDonalds coffee it's such a big deal that documentary films about "justice" are made about it.
When the U.S.A. celebrates it's "birthday" it's such a big deal that people take off work, have a cookout, and light up the sky with fireworks.
When the Kingdom of God is made known in the earth the blind see, the lame walk, the widow is comforted, the oppressed are set free.
These powers don't always mingle well. Jesus was persecuted and killed by the wealthy and political elites of his day, which should be more than enough to remind Christians to treat the powers like hot coffee, and "handle with care".
As Christians, may we strive to invest everything we have and are into the formation of a holy nation that loves, forgives, does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with God. Yes we are "in the world", but we are not "of it". Therefore, our allegiance is first to the "holy nation" before the political one we find ourselves in. God's justice is beyond anything that McDonalds or America could ever collaborate to create.
How can I connect My Story with today's God Story?
- Take some time in prayer today to ask God for discernment about how to "handle the Powers with care".
How can I connect today's God Story to Their Story?
- Talk with a friend about how Christians ought to celebrate the 4th of July. As people who are, "in the world, but not of it".
1 Jul, 2011
Into the Depths of the Ocean!
Thanks to some very generous friends, our family recently had the opportunity to spend a week on the beach. It was a great start to our summer break from the routine of the school year.
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There is just something spiritually, as well as physically, refreshing about the ocean.
God delights to show mercy! He does not forgive grudgingly but is glad when we repent, and he offers forgiveness to all who come back to him. Today you can confess your sins and receive his loving forgiveness. Don't be too proud to accept God's free offer.
- Is there an area of your life that God would still see as sinful? Confess that to him today.
- Have you been too proud to accept God's free offer of forgiveness? Accept it today.
- Thank him for his forgiveness that is offered to each and every one of us ... but especially for you.
- Thank him for throwing your sins to the "depths of the ocean."
