29 Sep, 2011
Encouraging Young Followers
Usain Bolt takes a break from training to help young runners
WALNUT, Calif. – A blazing Southern California sun beat down on the Mt. San Antonio College track on a windless Tuesday, and even for someone accustomed to training in the Caribbean, this was really, really hot.
"Hotter than Jamaica," Usain Bolt said, wiping his brow.
It didn't help that Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who is the fastest man in the history of track and field, the world recordholder in 100 and 200 meters, wore black jeans, a black polo shirt and a black "UB" baseball cap.
But he was having fun anyway.
"I always have fun with the kids," said Bolt, who appeared at the college, home of the annual Mt. SAC Relays, to conduct a clinic staged by his shoe sponsor, Puma.
"I really enjoy coming out and trying to teach them a few things and trying to inspire them. For me, it was good to be inspired as an athlete growing up. I enjoy it."
Bolt, who is making a few more appearances in Los Angeles this week before returning home and enjoying a month or so of a break in training, was relaxed in his role as teacher.
Bolt, who earlier this year repeated as the 200-meter world champion but was disqualified from the 100 because of a false start, certainly caught the irony of him instructing a group of Mt. SAC sprinters in starting techniques.
"I'm sorry about my start at the world championships," he said sheepishly to the crowd of several hundred people, most of them high school track runners.
Then he jokingly taunted a Mt. SAC freshman sprinter who was asked to provide an example of a start. The start went smoothly enough, and the young runner sped down the track in good form.
Click Here for the full story.
Story and Photo courtesy of usatoday.com.
2 Timothy 1 (ESV)
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about encouraging younger followers?
Usain Bolt has a great amount of experience to draw from when it comes to teaching young runners. In today's story he somewhat joked about his mistake of a false start. Sometimes it is such mistakes that allow us to teach others.
Our relationship with Jesus within the Body of Christ is no different. God wants us to encourage younger believers on their journey. He wants us to draw from our mistakes to not only learn from them, but to share that experience as well.
How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
- Ask God to give you some younger followers of Jesus to encourage on a regular basis.
- Read the rest of 2 Timothy and notice the many ways that Paul encouraged young Timothy in his faith and ministry.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
Make a list of your friends who haven't been following Jesus for very long. Seek ways to come alongside them and be an encouragement to them on their journey with Jesus.
29 Sep, 2011
There is Something Different About Them...
They joined hearts and hands to talk with Jesus.
Yesterday morning thousands of teenagers gathered around the flagpole of their school. It wasn't just a gathering for fun, it served a far deeper purpose. It was an opportunity to join together with peers and spend time in prayer. Still further down, it is a chance for students to connect with the tradition of the church. It is a time to put aside differences and focus on that which matters most, Father God.
Many would gather a second time, yesterday evening, to celebrate the time spent in the morning. In my own community over 300 students converged at our local girls club to spend the evening in worship through song and further prayer. It was a day of celebration for the work God is doing in and through young people. It is a celebration of the unity we can have in the Body of Christ.
(Art work provided by: syatp.com)
Acts 2:42-47
New International Version (NIV)
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
New International Version (NIV)
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.What does God's Story scripture teach us about being together?
When we find the early church sharing everything together in Acts 2, we are awestruck by the selflessness of these people. We forget that they are in fact people like us. The only difference, a chapter before they had seen the work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They were excited by what was happening around them. There was very real sense that God was standing among His people again. This sense left a small, but growing, group of people desiring to know more of Jesus.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Special days like "See You at the Pole" day make it easy for us to connect scriptures like this to our lives, but what do we do the other 364 days of the year. This passage gives us some great ideas...
- "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching..." spending time each day in the bible is important, how can we tell people a story we don't know ourselves?
- Prayer is a foundation point throughout the book of Acts. We find lots of people in prayer alone and together. We need to be in communication with Jesus.
- They also didn't try and live life alone. Through these verses it is apparent that the early church was living life together. We try and do a lot on our own, but we miss the encouragement and strength that comes from community. We can chase after Jesus alone, but the road is better when we share it.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
One of my favorite statements about the early church was this, "people were drawn to them because of the difference in their song." There was something different about the way people lived life for each other and with each other. People outside the church took notice of that and wanted to be a part of it. Here are a couple of connections for your friends...
- People often use the churches inability to get along as an excuse, SYATP is an event you can point to and say, "when it comes down to it, we can share a common love."
- Just living life differently and deeply with your christian friends can draw people to you. You can also always invite others in. A simple "join us" might be all it takes to alter a person's life for eternity.
- If nothing else, take the time to pray for your lost friends.
28 Sep, 2011
Bearing Fruit
71 year old Japanese farmer grows 11 kinds of citrus on a single tree
A Japanese farmer has created a special tree that produces eleven different kinds of lemons in the same tree. He is not finished yet, wants to add more varieties of citrus in a year.
This amazing tree grew out of shortage of space. Manabu Fukushima, 73, of Onga, Fukuoka, Japan combines his natural horticultural skills with the help of his neighbors to produce this tree. It bears 11 distinct citrus species found in Japan; most of the varieties were contributed by his neighbors.
Mr. Fukushima is not satisfied with this achievement; he wants to add more varieties by next year provided he could get them without any difficulty. He is able to achieve this unique tree by a method called “graft” method commonly used by gardeners.
This method is achieved by adding branches from a different plant variety to an existing tree. The graft then becomes a part of the tree in time and it bears fruit within three years growth but it needs lot of attention and caring from the gardener, and Mr. Fukushima has done an incredible job. Since Japanese are famous for Bonsai gardening, this can be easily expected from them.
This tree of Mr. Fukushima is 30 years old and bears distinctive Japanese citrus fruits like Dekopon, Hassaku Orange, Iyoyan, Amanatsu and Banpeiyu (a variety of Pummelo). Mr. Fukushima says harvesting the fruits is very fun for him.
His tree has become a local tourist attraction.
Others also have done this graft method but not up to the scale of Fukushima, maybe after this other gardeners might be inspired to do the same.
yahoo news
Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
What does God's Story teach us about bearing fruit?
Staying connected to Jesus is all about walking in the Spirit. God speaks to you when you read your Bible and pray. When you ask God to apply His Word in your life, the Holy Spirit starts reminding you how God wants you to be different. You decide every day which voice you will obey. When you obey God's voice and ask for His help, you start walking in the Spirit and moving through life talking and acting like Jesus.
The results are life changing. God grows and develops nine powerful character qualities in us, or "the fruit of the Spirit."
- Love — we love people as God loves us.
- Joy — we are confident that God and His forgiving love will never leave us.
- Peace — our faith keeps us calm and strong in every situation.
- Patience, Kindness, Goodness — our relationships are dominated by these practical acts of love.
- Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control — these qualities give us power to do what is right and pleases God.
(God's Story ESV Bible, Youth for Christ/USA and Crossway Books, pg. 1239)
Connecting My Story to God's Story
How's your fruit? Sometimes it seems so hard to try to focus on all of the fruit of the Spirit at once, doesn't it? But when we ABIDE in Jesus, God begins to "graft" His fruit in us, and we begin to produce the Fruit of the Spirit. If a 73 year old farmer can get a tree to grow 11 different kinds of citrus fruit, just imagine what God can do in you!
Connecting My Friend's Story to God's Story
- Love — Look for someone who needs to experience God's love through you this weekend.
- Joy — Who in your life needs to experience Joy?
- Peace — Do you have a friend who is looking for Peace in their life? Share with them over the weekend how your relationship with Jesus brings peace to your life.
- Patience, Kindness, Goodness — Put these practical acts of love into action with a friend this weekend.
- Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control — Ask God to make this fruit visible to others through the way you live your life this weekend.
27 Sep, 2011
For Real?!
I read a story tonight that a friend of mine posted on Facebook. It was completely heart-wrenching and left me, literally, in tears as I sat in Starbucks. Seriously, I have no idea what the people around me must've thought as I sat there, alone, wiping my eyes as I stared at my computer screen. It was a story about a little boy who was buying a doll for his little sister (who had died) because he wanted his mom (who was dying) to give it to her when she saw her in Heaven. Have you heard it? I started wondering, the skeptic that I am, "Is this story even true?? Am I bawling in Starbucks over a fictional little boy, or did he and his family ever really exist?!"
I didn't waste a minute. I immediately went to Snopes.com to find out for myself. Ever heard of Snopes? I use it often. Every time I get one of those stories/forwards in my inbox about this, that, or the other I turn to Snopes to find out if it's true. It's a website dedicated to "urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation" (www.snopes.com). It'll let you know the just where the story started, how it's changed over the years, and if it is fact or fiction. It's great. So the next time you hear one of those stories that makes you go, "could that really be true?" check your facts with snopes.com.
The story of the little boy and his sister? Well, Snopes had a hard time saying whether it was true or false: "Nothing in the story lends itself to fact checking; there's no city or date or surname, and thus no starting point suggests itself."
Great.
John 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Philippians 1:9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about truth?
While we will probably never know if the story I read tonight was true or just made up, one thing we do know (and can be assured of) is that God's word is true. Not only are all of the stories in God's Word true, Jesus says that if we know His Word, if we study it, learn it, and teach it to others . . . if we abide (remain) in It, in Him, we will know truth, and we will always be able to discern what is right. What an incredible promise! With all of the lies and accusations satan and the world feed us on a daily basis, if we check our "facts" against scripture and what we know of/about God, we will never be led astray; we will always know what is true and what is right! He is Truth!
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
How do you process information? Are you one to hear something and immediately accept it as truth? Are you easily swayed by what someone says because you think that person is trustworthy or has your best interest at heart? Do you know God's Word well enough that your "radar" goes off when something doesn't sound "quite right?" If you aren't spending time, regularly, getting to know Christ - abiding in Him - how will you ever know what is true and what is fiction?
- Look at your schedule this week (if you don't have a weekly calendar/schedule written out, write one!) - PLAN (that means, write it on the calendar!) a time to spend with God every day this week. Literally, pencil it in just as you would an appointment with a friend, counselor, or teacher. Make it a point to "make" that appointment every day this week! Start doing this every week as a way of helping you abide in Christ.
- Get creative with your time with Christ! Write out your prayers in a prayer journal; Sing praises to Him; Draw a picture that illustrates what you just read in His Word; Memorize scripture; Write a poem or song about God, or the passage you read that day, etc. All of these things will help you get to know God better, and will help you remember His truth!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Talk to your friends about snopes.com and stories they've heard/read that they weren't sure were true. Use it to start a discussion about how your friends discern what is true and what is not, in the world. What is their measuring tool? Share how you are able to measure everything against God's Word. Share an example in your life of how abiding in Christ has helped you keep from going down the wrong path, or believing the wrong thing. Be sure to give all the glory to Christ - He is the only One who is worthy of it!
26 Sep, 2011
The Stars in the Heavens
Remains of satellite may never be found, NASA says
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) - A six-ton NASA science satellite crashed to Earth on Saturday, leaving a mystery about where a ton of space debris may have landed.
The U.S. space agency said it believes the debris ended up in the Pacific Ocean, but the precise time of the bus-sized satellite's re-entry and the location of its debris field have not been determined.
Click Here to ready the full story.
Story and Photo found at news.yahoo.com.
Psalm 8 (ESV)
How Majestic Is Your Name
1O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
5Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about creation?
Today's story was one of the biggest stories in the US going into the weekend. Even I found myself with some others driving to a clearing to see if we could see the expected "light show" of the satellite entering the earth's atmosphere. Every time I would see something move in the night sky my eyes would immediately begin following that "light" until it was out of sight. Every time something caught my eye, I followed it as long as I could. Then it dawned on me exactly what was going on in me. I was missing the incredible expanse of stars in the sky that were created by God and looking for something "man-made." Every time I allowed my self to be distracted by something man made I was missing what God had made.
Today's Psalm ends with the phrase, "O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Wherever you are today, let that phrase resound in your heart.
How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
- If it is a clear night tonight, head outside to enjoy the magnificent creation of God in the night sky.
- Spend some time this week memorizing Psalm 8.
- What are the man-made circumstances that are taking your eyes off of the Father? Make a list and ask the Father to help you not be distracted by those things of man.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
- If you hear others talking about going outside to look for the satellite over the weekend, ask them if they noticed the stars. Use that conversation to begin a conversation about God's Story.
- Ask God to give you an opportunity to share His Story this week with your friends who aren't yet following Jesus.
22 Sep, 2011
Sometimes It's Best to Part Ways
Rock legends REM announce split
Members of legendary US rock band REM have announced they are splitting up after 31 years.
"We have decided to call it a day as a band," the band said. "To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening."
The group found fame with a string of albums, notably 90s hits Out of Time and Automatic for the People.
The band's website was briefly unavailable on Wednesday afternoon after the announcement was made.
(For more on this story visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15012427)
Acts 15:36-40
New International Version (NIV)
Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.What does God's Story scripture teach us about parting ways with old friends?
When we pick up the story at verse 40 Paul and Barnabas are on their way back from being on the road for a few years. They had been spreading the story of Jesus and establishing churches wherever they went. They return "home," rest and as they prepare to set back out they start talking about the assistant they would take to help them. As the scripture says this created some tension, forcing them to part ways. Their parting wasn't a bad thing it allowed the doubling of the mission. The church was able to expand at a faster rate because they knew it was better for them to seperate.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
This is one of the necessary but hard lessons we have to learn in life...
- Sometimes it is best for everybody if we part ways with some of our friends. We want to fight and believe that things can be different, but we have to accept that it might be best for both if they went their own way.
- Sometimes people aren't going to agree and that's okay it can lead to more being done for the Kingdom if both people are seeking after Jesus.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- REM is one of history's most beloved bands. Their end wasn't bad it freed them to chase after other pursuits - in their case seeking justice and peace.
- If we love our friends sometimes we have to look at each other and accept that our disagreement can't be resolved, but can be a launching board for a better world.
- As we look at today's scripture sometimes, hard though it is, we have to look at our friends and realize for their sake you just have to end the friendship because it isn't good for either of us.
21 Sep, 2011
For the least of these
Marlins pitcher receives surprising package from Kuwait
When it comes to the plastic tubs that hold mail in the clubhouse, major league ballplayers usually know what to expect: Autograph requests for cards and pictures, pieces of fan-made art varying in quality and the occasional talisman meant to end a slump or heal an injury.
But what Florida Marlins pitcher Chris Hatcher opened before a recent game caught him off guard. Inside a package that arrived from Camp Buehring in Kuwait was an American flag and a picture of a smiling boy holding a baseball. A letter from Sgt. Joseph Hjelmstad of Minnesota accompanied both items, explaining that the package was a thank-you gift for Hatcher's actions back in July.
That was when Hjelmstad took his son Joey to a Marlins-Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Hatcher and Hjelmstad struck up a conversation about Hjelmstad's continuing military duty and ended it by tossing Joey a baseball — the same one that was in the picture Hatcher received. Two months later and back on patrol in the Middle East, Hjelmstad wanted to make sure that Hatcher's actions did not go unappreciated.
From the Miami Herald:
The flag came with a certificate of authenticity that said it had been taken on patrol covering 780 miles in Iraq from Aug. 27-30 with stopovers at three different U.S. military bases.
"I remember him giving me the rundown [at the game]," Hatcher said. "He told me he was about to get sent back over. I said 'Are you serious? I've heard that before.' He said, 'When you asked it showed you actually cared about the troops.' So, I flipped his son a ball. Then this (package) showed up today.
"Pretty nice gesture on his part."
(Story & Picture courtesy of yahoo news)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
What does today's God's Story Scripture say about the least of these?
The "least of these" is a phrase much like "your Neighbor"(matthew 22:39), I know I hear the sunday school kid in you saying yes I have heard this before yet the reality is have you. Have you taken it to the next level. This was a discussion that we must not take lightly, it is something that God calls us to daily. They didn't see the Lord when they served, feed, clothed, and met the needs of people around them, only because of the compassion and faith in their hearts was pure.
God does not call you to help people because He is watching you, He calls to love because of your love for Him.
How can I connect today's Story & God's Story Scripture to my life?
Its so easy to be caught up in ourselves, and our hurried busy life, to take the time to stop and lend a hand to those around you. God calls us to be attentive to this world, to be in it, and not of it.
Who have you had a chance to show love to? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion. Ask God to give you a heart to see Him in people that you meet. As you see God in others and draw from His compassion, serving others will come more naturally.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story Scripture, and my Story to others?
Sometimes its just in the simple conversations we have with people that causes us to be a part of the "least of these". It was the simple conversation and gesture of the Marlins pitcher that meant so much to a soilder. What will you do for someone, simply because you understand what it means to be loved. Keep your eyes open for the people in your life that God can use you to show extra compassion and love to.
20 Sep, 2011
Cruisin' Right Along
This week marks the beginning of the fourth annual National Cruise week; a week when cruise lines around the world offer some of the best deals on cruises and holiday get-aways. 15 million guests sailed on cruise ships in 2010, alone. With new ships being built and a growing cruise industry, it's expected that another 16 million will take to the seas aboard cruise lines in 2011, a 6.6% increase over 2010. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, "Today's ships offer a new generation of onboard features and a world of innovation, including surf pools, planetariums, on-deck LED movie screens, golf simulators, water parks, demonstration kitchens, self-leveling billiard tables, multi-room villas with private pools and in-suite Jacuzzis, ice-skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, bungee-trampolines and much more" (Cruise Industry Overview 2011).
Though, personally, I've never been on a cruise, it seems to be the perfect get-away - an opportunity to forget about the real-world for a time, to be entertained, waited on, and just enjoy the ride!
(Picture courtesy of Google Images)
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1 Peter 1:13-19
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy becuase I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Hebrews 6:11-12
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
What does today's God's Story scripture say about just cruising through life?
While there's nothing wrong with boarding a cruise ship and getting a break from the "real life," scripture is clear that we never get a break from our responsibilities and obligations as a follower of Christ. Though it would be nice to "take a few days off" and forget about all we, as Believers, are called to do and who we're called to be, Christ never wasted even a moment. In his 33 years on earth, he never got away, except to be with the Father.
Today's scripture reminds us that we are never to let ourselves, or our minds become idle; we can never just shut down. We are to be preparing ourselves for action, for the spiritual battle that is on-going. We must avoid the temptation to let ourselves become like a cruise ship (expecting others to serve us, entertain us, thus becoming spoiled and lazy), and instead be like a battle ship (always preparing ourselves for action, for the battle that is inevitable, and the work that is necessary to obtain the victory). We are to be intentional, actively (and daily) pursuing the things of Christ and preparing for a fight against the devil - Eph. 6:10-18.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Where would you categorize yourself? Is your life on cruise - do you find yourself getting to the end of the week, month, or year wondering what you've even accomplished? When someone asks you "What is God doing in your life?" are you left thinking months back, wondering the same thing? Or, are you intentional with your life? Constantly looking for ways to join God in what he's doing, finding new ways to enrich your prayer life and sharpen your faith? Are you constantly swayed and tempted by things of this world, or are you motivated by the love of Christ to put your time and efforts into eternal things, instead? Spend some time with God, meditating on today's scriptures, and ask Him to show you how you could to be living more intentionally. Make some action steps for yourself for this week. Breakdown Ephesians 6:10-18, write it down on a notecard, and put it on your mirror or somewhere easily visible. Daily, work to put on the full armor of God, preparing yourself for the daily grind and spiritual battles that you will inevitably face.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Find ways this week to serve and encourage your friends. Instead of having the mindset of a passenger on a cruise line, treat others as though you were on the staff of a cruise ship. Serve your friends, listen to them, treat them with kindness, and do whatever you can to make them feel loved by you, and by God. When your friends notice that you are choosing to live your life differently than the world, with intention and preparation, share with them today's scripture and use it as an opportunity to talk about the ways God helps prepare you for life's battles. Your work ethic and attitude are a significant witness to others.
16 Sep, 2011
No Greater Love!
Defying orders, hero Marine saved other troops
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defying orders and tempting fate, Marine corporal Dakota Meyer charged five times in a Humvee into heavy gunfire in the darkness of an Afghanistan valley to rescue comrades under attack from Taliban insurgents.
On Thursday, Meyer was presented with the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, by President Barack Obama.
Meyer's courage during the six-hour ambush and firefight saved the lives of 36 people, both Americans and Afghans. He killed at least eight Taliban insurgents. Firing from a gun turret on top of the Humvee driven by a fellow Marine, he provided cover for his team, allowing many to escape likely death.
He was defying orders from his commanders, who told him to stay back. The kill zone, they said, was too dangerous. But the young corporal, just 21 years old at the time, knew his friends were trapped that early morning in September 2009.
"In Sgt. Dakota Meyer, we see the best of a generation that has served with distinction through a decade of war," Obama said during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Meyer, later promoted to sergeant and now out of the Marines, is the third living recipient and the first Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The modest, soft-spoken 23-year-old now lives in his home state of Kentucky, working construction in the tiny town of Greensburg.
Full Story and More Photos can be found at yahoo.com.
John 15:9-17 (ESV)
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
What does today's Gods Story scripture teach us about sacrifice?
Today's God's Story scripture reminds us that we are to love each other as Jesus loved us. How did Jesus love us? He loved us enough to give his own life for us. Dakota Meyer was willing to risk his own life for his comrades. His life was spared, but he put it on the line. He was willing to die. Not just once, but every time he went into heavy gunfire.
While most of us reading this DailyBide today won't face literal gunfire, we may face harmful words and actions. We may not ever have to literally to die for someone, but we will have many opportunities to express the sacrificial love of Jesus. Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible reminds us that we can do this by listening, helping, encouraging, and giving.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- Read John15 today to remind yourself of Jesus love for you and his desire for how we live and love. (Click Here to read it online.)
- Thank God for His sacrifice for you.
- Take a walk with Jesus sometime this weekend, just like the disciples did in John 15. Ask him to point out people in your life who need to experience His Love in more direct ways. Listen carefully! You might be surprised by what he has to say.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
Ask God today to make you aware of those friends around you who ...
- Need someone to listen to them.
- Need some form of help.
- Need someone to give them a word of encouragement.
- Need someone to give them time or assistance of some kind.
When you encounter these situations, act in sacrificial love then pray with and/or for your friends.
13 Sep, 2011
Never Forget
On Sunday, September 11th, we remembered the tenth anniversary of the most horrific event in modern America's history. Television and radio networks shared story after story: testimonies from survivers and memories from the families of those who were lost that day. American flags flew proudly, and Facebook statuses of "Where were you 10 years ago?" filled newsfeeds. Many memorials have been erected across the country honoring the victims and heroes of 9/11, including those that were unveiled and highlighted during Sunday's services in downtown Manhattan, Arlington, VA, and Shanksville, PA. As difficult as it is to remember, Americans are determined to never forget what happened on that tragic day, in 2001, and how it changed not only our country but the world.
America remembers.
The memorial at Ground Zero - Manhattan, NY
The memorial at the Pentagon - Arlington, VA
The memorial of Flight 93 - Shanksville, PA
(Pictures courtesy of Google Images)
Joshua 4:1-8a
When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord siad to Joshua, Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
So the Israeleites did as Joshua commanded them.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about remembering?
There are many instances in scripture where God tells His people to create memorials in order to remember all that He had done for His people. The Israelites had not been known as a people who remembered well all that God had done for them, and God did not want His people to forget where they'd been, what they'd faced, and how God had rescued them. The memorial they constructed was to do more than just remind them of God's faithfulness and provision, it was also to remind future generations. They were to never forget, and never stop talking about, all that God had done and the promises He so faithfully fulfilled.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Do you have a way of memorializing all that God does for you on a regular basis? Our God is in the business of changing lives, are you missing it? Here are some ways you can help yourself remember all that God has and is doing in your life:
- Keep a prayer journal - Use a journal (or e-file)to write out your prayers and praises, as if you're writing a letter/email to your best friend. At least once a month, go back and read through your previous entries. You'll be amazed at all the areas where you'll see God working and answering your prayers, and it will remind you of just how faithful He truly is.
- Talk about what God is doing in your life. Share stories of how He has been faithful. It's hard to allow yourself to think that God's forgotten about you when you're constantly looking for ways to see and share how He's been faithful.
- When God does something big in your life and God truly touches your heart, find a way to memorialize it with a small token/item that will remind you of His faithfulness when you see it. When others take note of it be sure to tell them exactly what God did.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Talk to others about the memorials that have been set up to remember what took place on Sept. 11, 2001. Ask your friend, "If there is something that happened in your life that you would memorialize if you could, what would it be? What would you use as a symbol of that memorial?" Listen to your friend and learn something knew about his story. Share about a time God really worked in your life and how you would or have memorialized it.
- Ask your Christian friends, when you see them, "What is God teaching you?" (I had a friend in college who would ask me this question every time I saw him. At first, I didn't know how to answer the question, but it really got me thinking and, because I didn't want to NOT have an answer for him, it really challenged me to pay closer attention to what God was doing and trying to show me.)
9 Sep, 2011
"Held Up"
Randall Cobb's 2nd TD Ties NFL Record For Kickoff Yards in NFL Debut
Remember when everyone was whining about the NFL kick return rule change? Well, those people aren't exactly wrong, but Packers' rookie Randall Cobb just proved that return specialists are still relevant, running back a kickoff for a 108-yard touchdown, tying Ellis Hobbs' NFL record.
Cobb's return is infinitely more impressive than Hobbs' (coincidence that they have such similar names? No, I say) for two reasons: obviously, the rule change that has kickoffs coming form the 35 yard line instead of the 30, and the fact the he was pretty much freaking tackled. At one point, in fact, Cobb was pretty much tackled. He was spun down to the ground, but John Kuhn caught him, held him up, and pushed him along. Once that happened, Cobb was off to the races, showcasing the speed that made him such a dangerous receiver last year at Kentucky.
Click Here to watch the video of the touchdown.
Story and Photo courtesy of www.google.com.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
9Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
What does today's Gods Story scripture teach us about lifting up another?
Did you catch that statement near the end of Today's Story?
Here it is again, At one point, in fact, Cobb was pretty much tackled. He was spun down to the ground, but John Kuhn caught him, held him up, and pushed him along. Once that happened, Cobb was off to the races ...
Had it not been for John Kuhn, that record touchdown may never have happened. Randall Cobb needed John Kuhn to be there - in the right place, at the right time - to do what he did. We need others in our life to help us up when we stumble. When we are running full-speed ahead, we need others right there with us to keep us on track. When the enemy is surrounding us to tackle us from all sides, we need others around us. Today's scripture reminds us of these truths very clearly.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- Thank God for Him being there when you stumble in your relationship with Jesus.
- Do you have someone in your life to catch you when you fall? If not, ask God who in your life might be that person.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Did you answer yes to the question about having someone in your life to catch you? If so, get together with them this weekend and thank them.
- Is there someone in your life who is running full-speed ahead and you fear they could be getting out of control? Find a way to come alongside them in order to help them if they fall.
8 Sep, 2011
It's for the Birds
Plant has evolved a specialist bird perch
By Jennifer CarpenterScience reporter, BBC News, Tuebingen, Germany
New research sheds light on the world's most specialized bird perch.
The researchers suspect that the vertical, branchless stem of a South African plant - locally called the Rat's Tail - has evolved to encourage pollinating birds to visit its flowers.
The birds hang upside down from this perch and fertilize the plant when they thrust their beaks into the red flowers to drink nectar.
For more on this story visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14788701
Matthew 13:31:32
"31He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
What does God's Story scripture teach us about
When I first read today's news story I instantly thought of this passage in Matthew. We don't often think of a flower as being strong enough to hold much weight and so the picture that is painted for us by Jesus is superb. This little picture of the mustard seed becoming like a tree is in the middle of series of parables Jesus uses to teach people about the Kingdom of Heaven. He wants people to realize that God's Kingdom will start with a small movement that will grow into something much larger, something that will change the fabric of the world.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Make a list of some small gifts that you have recieved that turned out to make a big difference in your life. (Example: When I was a kid I was given a small camera. I enjoyed taking pictures so much, by the time I reached high school I was recieving awards for some of my photographs.)
- Look up some stories elsewhere in scripture where something small had a major impact. (Example: The stone David used to slay Goliath.)
- Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide you to see and cherish the small things in your life.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Today's news story gives some open doors to talk with your peers about our dynamic and creative God. Here are a couple of suggestions...
- The development of the branch on this flower shows a God that is infinitely inventive in His creaton.
- This news story has similarities with today's scripture. A plant becomes a resting place for the birds.
- You could ask your friend to tell you about a time when something small became a "big" positive in their life?
- What opportunities do you see in today's story?
6 Sep, 2011
Caught Off-Guard
Last night was an incredible evening. Seriously, the weather couldn't have been more perfect at our house so, just as the sun was setting, my family and I decided to hop in the car and get out of the house. We drove around aimlessly with the windows and sunroof open, simply enjoying the breeze and taking in the extraordinary sunset. Just as I was about to head home to get the kiddos ready for bed, my cell phone rang. It was one of my Campus Life students. I answered it and immediately sensed the fear in the students' voice. Without so-much as a "Hello," I heard, "J? It's about 'Amy.'* She just texted me saying she's going to kill herself. I didn't know who else to call . . ." and her voice trailed off.
With just one phone call, my picture-perfect evening had been shattered, and I was caught completely off-guard. After a few more phone calls just trying to track Amy down, she agreed to letting me come get her so we could talk. I dropped my husband and kids off at home and headed out for . . . I had no idea what. Although it was a short drive to her house, I took the long way, using every minute in prayer. I begged God to give me the words, the wisdom, the compassion and grace, the strength, the Truth the whatever-I-was-going-to-need-at-that-moment to be some sort of help. Yet, it had been a busy week and, to be honest, I hadn't speant much time with God in the midst of it all. It wasn't long before I heard that little voice of my accuser creeping in: "J, do you really think you should be the one to talk to her? What if you just make things worse? Have you even spent time with Jesus this week? And you think He's going to help you now?!"
Though I couldn't argue with any of satan's accusations, I knew that God was bigger than all of it and I knew how much He loved Amy. All I could do was pull the car over, plead for God to use me despite myself, and trust that He would . . . and He did. To God be the glory.
*Not her real name
Picture courtesy of Google Images
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being prepared?
As with everything, God cearly works in His own timing. Only He can see the full picture and only He knows when things are going to take place. Today's scripture reminds us to always be ready for whatever He brings our way. No matter what the circumstance or when it happens, we must know God and His Word well enough to tackle it with grace and Truth. The only way we can truly be prepared and not be caught completely off-guard, is by abiding (daily) in Christ. The more we know scripture and the more time we spend at Jesus' feet, the better prepared we will be when He chooses to use us in someone else's life.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
How well do you know God's Word? If you don't already, make a plan to work at committing scripture to memory so that you will be able to recall and share it in a moment's notice. Pray and ask God to show you the ways you need to prepare yourself to be used by Him (ex. more time spent in the Bible, consistent and deepening prayer times, scripture memorization, etc.). As God puts things on your heart and mind, put those things into practice and don't procrastinate! You never know what or who you will face tomorrow!
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Ask God to put people in your path with whom He would use you to share His Word.
- Consistently pray for the strength, wisdom, and discernment you will need to "correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" (emphasis mine). Remember, it's more than just talking or listening, it's about speaking Truth, with grace.
- Trust God's timing and remember that, no matter what, He is always in control. Refuse to believe or listen to the accusations of the devil and allow God to use you as He desires, for it's in our weaknesses that His power shines (2 Cor. 12:9) - let God have all the glory.
2 Sep, 2011
Saving Lives
- Take a walk God this weekend. On that walk, talk with God about how thankful you are for His gift for you in Jesus. Thank Him for that gift and for saving you from death that is the result of sin.
- If you've never done this, take some time this weekend to write out your story. You might be surprised at how many ways God has been working in your story all along.
- Do you have a friend with whom you have been sharing your story, but maybe not enough of God's Story? Spend some time with that friend this weekend sharing some of God's Story.
- Do you know someone who is far from God in your school or neighborhood who isn't connected to a follower of Jesus? Spend some time praying for that person this weekend. Ask God if there might be something in store for you to connect with them.
