30 Dec, 2011

Top Searches of 2011

The Year In Review - Top 10 Searches
 
The top search term of 2011 wasn't a person or a news event. It was a technological marvel.
In the 11 years that Yahoo! has compiled its annual list of top searches, PlayStation 2 (2001 and 2002) is the only other device to have captured the top slot. This year, the iPhone led the queries, bypassing a reality TV divorcee and America's most wanted terrorist.
The iPhone has been around for four years, but this year marked the first time service was available through providers other than AT&T. The iPhone 4S was released in black and white versions and offered a talking personal assistant called Siri, boosting consumer anticipation.
But the iPhone transcends gadget status. It helped facilitate political movements around the world, and it embodied the vision of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who stepped down as the company's CEO in August and died on October 5.
 
Top 10 Searches
1. iPhone
2. Casey Anthony
3. Kim Kardashian
4. Katy Perry
5. Jennifer Lopez
6. Lindsay Lohan
7. “American Idol”
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Japan Earthquake
10. Osama bin Laden
   
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com. 
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
Do Not Be Anxious

 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about seeking?
What did you search for most in 2011? While today's story is referring to our top on-line searches, the list symbolizes many of the topics included in today's God's Story scripture - from economic status to social status, from money and fame to fear. What is most important to you?  Today's God's Story scripture is a great reminder for us that it is God's Kingdom that should be at the forefront of all that we search for in life. 
How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
  • Take some time to write in your journal about the ways that you made an effort to seek God's Kingdom first throughout 2011.
  • Take some time to thank God for the ways that He sought after you in 2011.

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Get together with some friends this weekend and ask them what they searched for the most in 2011. 
  • Ask your friends how you can help them seek God more in 2012.
  • Talk with a close friend about holding one another accountable in 2012. Decide on a regular day and time you will touch base to encourage one another as you seek God's Kingdom first.
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28 Dec, 2011

Top 10 Apps in 2011

 

It was the year of angry birds domination. The popular game is the most-downloaded mobile app of 2011, rounding out the list of top 10 apps of the year ahead of Facebook, Twitter and Fruit Ninja.

A new report from mobile analytics app company Distimo looked at data on downloads across all platforms such as iOS and Android, and also factored in the free and paid versions of the apps. Angry Birds made the list not only once, but three times, thanks to its Rio and Seasons editions.

1. Angry birds

2. Facebook

3. Skype

4. Angry Birds Rio

5. Google Maps

6. iBooks

7. Angry Birds Seasons

8. Fruit Ninja

9. Talking Tom

10. Twitter

Article from mashable.com & Photo from Google images. 

Psalm 100:1-5

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."

What does God's Story scripture teach us about making room for Jesus?

God wants to be a part of every part of our lives. He also desires praise from our lives. As we look at our year in review i brings to mind the thought..."what am I thankful for?" , "what has happened in my life this year that I need to give God the Glory?" Time and time again people praise God for what he has done for them. Is this an art that we are forgetting as we fill our lives with our own top ten things that distract us from God? I know I get distracted by TV, App, angry birds, facebook, and many more, but have I taken the time to truly praise God this year? Have I been to distracted to realize the work He has done in my life. Yes, Yes I have. Yet as I look back on 2011 I cannot help but be amazing at the things both big and small he has done in my life, I see his faithfulness, I see that "His love endures forever" in my life. For this and much more I have to SHOUT for joy, and be thankful for the year God has been so present in. 

How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?

Has something the lord has done in your life in 2011 made your top ten list? Take time to think of the highlights of your year, are they answers to prayers, was God present in those moments? Take time to praise God for the things He has blessed you with this year. Put aside those toys you have received for Christmas, and stop playing games long enough to give grateful praise to the God who created you and gave you such an amazing year. 

How can I connect Today's story, God's Story, and My Story with others?

Ask your friends if they have heard any Top ten/50/100 of 2011, and which ones have they enjoyed the most. Ask your friends about the top ten best moments of thier year.

Share some of your top moments, and do not be afraid to share moments where God blessed your life. Pray for your friends that they may see that God's work in your life. 

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27 Dec, 2011

Wise People Still Seek Him

How can you apply the story of the Christmas wise men to your life? 

Image courtesy of images.google.com. 

Matthew 2:1-23 (ESV)
1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

7Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."

19But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead." 21And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene."

After reading today's God's Story scripture, think about how would you apply these truths and answer these questions:

The wise men were focused on seeking the Savior.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WOULD IT MAKE IN YOUR OWN LIFE IF YOU DID WHATEVER IT TAKES TO EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS CHRIST?

The wise men were focused on worshipping Christ.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORSHIPPING CHRIST FOR WHO HE IS RATHER THAN WHAT HE CAN DO FOR US? WHICH DO YOU USUALLY DO?

The wise men were focused on following Christ.

HOW WOULD IT AFFECT THE DIRECTION OF YOUR LIFE IF YOU LOOKED TO JESUS CONSISTENTLY?

The wise men were focused on trusting God, even when circumstances were very difficult.

WHEN YOUR WORLD SEEMS OUT OF CONTROL, ARE YOU ABLE TO LIVE UNDER GOD'S CONTROL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • Thank God for the practical lessons in His Word from the story of the three kings. Confess any way in which you have not been living as a "wise" follower of Christ. Thank God for desiring intimacy with you. Ask His Spirit to teach you to truly worship Him for who He is. Ask Him to show you the direction you need in life, both for tomorrow and for the rest of your life. Offer yourself as a gift to Him this Christmas season and in the new year.
  • Pray every day for the faith you need to recognize God's wisdom at work in your life and for the courage to live it.
  • Whenever you realize that you have learned more of God's wisdom, write it down in your journal and thank Him for it.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
  • Rent and watch the movie, 'THE NATIVITY STORY' with someone you are trying to reach for Christ. Use the three wise men part to talk about what you have learned in today's DAILYBIDE.
  • When someone in your life comments on their need for wisdom, ask questions, listen, and offer to pray for them to experience wisdom from God.
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26 Dec, 2011

'Twas the Day After Christmas

The Shepherds Tell Their Story ... 

 

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After reading today's God's Story scripture, think about how you would apply these truths from the shepherds' response to the news of Jesus' birth:
  • The shepherds were in the middle of their ordinary worklife when the angel appeared.
  • The shepherds went with haste in search of baby Jesus.
  • The shepherds made known to others what was made known to them.
  • The shepherds returned to their ordinary life, but did it praising and glorifying God.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • Expect God to do something extraordinary in the middle of ordinary times.
  • Run toward Jesus! Actively search for his presence.
  • Make God's Story known to others in your life by telling them about how you met Jesus.
  • Remember to praise God and give Him the glory in your everyday routine life.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
  • Ask God to give you an opportunity today to share His Story - to make known what has been made known to you.
  • As life slows down a little after the Christmas rush, praise God for sending Jesus and give Him the Glory for your changed life by telling someone your story. Tell them how you met Jesus.
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23 Dec, 2011

Save a Room

No Room At The Inn 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
 
The Innkeeper wasn't mentioned in the Biblical account of Jesus birth, yet he has been included throughout the years. This fictional character of the Christmas story has become one of my favorite because of all he symbolizes for us in our busy 21st century lives. You see, Bethlehem had to be a chaotic place when Jesus arrived. Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone return to their hometown to be counted, and eventually taxed.  Bethlehem must have been in full swing and most likely a chaotic. Yet in the midst of that chaos that night, God was getting ready to change everything for everybody through the birth of one baby.
 
Photo courtesy of images.google.com. 

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

The Birth of Jesus Christ

 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About Making Room for Jesus?
 
I have often wondered what it would have been like to have been the Innkeeper. Whether or not there was an actual innkeeper, Bethelehm was full of people who were there for the census. Jesus was on his way into a world that just doesn't make room for him. While Christmas is still a couple of days away, many of us are already celebrating with family and friends. Our schedules fill up with parties and plans from everything to shopping, to movies, to parties and much more. Perhaps many of us will attend church this weekend, often squeezed in between more celebrations. But have we saved room for Jesus in the midst of our celebrations. Have we saved room to focus on the One for Whom we celebrate?
How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
  • Are you leaving room for Jesus as the Christmas weekend begins? 
  • Make a list of the areas of your life where Jesus is getting left out. 
  • Read Luke 2 a few times this weekend. 
 

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?

  • Allow God to use you to remind others to save room for Jesus as we celebrate Christmas.
  • Consider reading Luke 2 at a family gathering before you dive into the meal or the presents.
  • Ask your family if you can lead a time of prayer with your family, thanking God for His plan to save us through Jesus.
 

 

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22 Dec, 2011

Better Late than Never

 
WINTER BEACH, Fla. -- An Arkansas woman finally has proof that she bought her mother a Christmas gift last year.
 
The package Mary Beth Mauldin sent via the United States Postal Service last December finally arrived in Florida on Dec. 16 -- one year and six days after it was mailed from Greenbrier, Ark.
 
The Vero Beach Press Journal reports Mauldin visited the post office numerous times over the past year to try to track the package.
The box contained a gift card and a flannel nightgown for her mother, Mary Lou Shelton.
The women got an apology from post office officials, who say they aren't sure what caused the delay.
 
Shelton also got some additional holiday cheer when her daughter's Christmas card arrived Monday, three days after it was mailed from Arkansas.


Read more: http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/bizarre/12006218098894/christmas-package-arrives-1-year-and-6-days-later/#ixzz1hEM3C4el

Hebrews 11:39-40

New International Version (NIV)

 

 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

What does God's Story scripture teach us about waiting?

Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite chapters in the entire bible. I stand in awe of the people that it talks about, those that came before me in the faith. This chapter walks through the history of Israel as a nation. It gives us a glimpse of the people who laid the foundations of faith for us. It is a chapter full of real people who are seeking after God.

The last two verses leave us a little perplexed. These people were commended for their faith yet they didn't get to see what they had been waiting for? At the core of there belief was not reaching the "goal," rather it was trusting God to bring about His own glory. They believed that God was worth their all.  

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

 

  • Read all of Chapter 11. If there is a story you don't know look it up. 
  • Memorize Hebrews 11:39-40
  • Write down something big you would like to see God accomplish in your family, school, or city.  

 

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

 

  • Ask a friend to read chapter 11 with you. Ask them if they have heard any of the stories you read together. 
  • Ask if they have ever had to wait for something they really wanted? How did it feel? 
  • Ask if they would be willing to give that up if they could trade it for something even better?
  • This is a great time to ask your friend what they know about Jesus. Then invite them to look through the bible with you to find out, together, what you can about Jesus. 

 

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21 Dec, 2011

Truth


I spoke today with a student who is walking through an on going trial in her own personal life, and has been keeping things from her parents. Though many have asked her to speak truth to her parents, she is trapped by the fear of what they might think. Today things became more real when her mom asked her a question that hit to close to home in the lies that she had been creating, some to cover her shame, some due to fear of what her parents would think of her. 

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

What does God's Story Scripture teach us about the truth setting us free?

God calls us to freedom, freedom in Christ that brings more joy than you can ever imagine. The problem is often we are afraid to step out and trust Him. Why are we so often afraid of this? Its our human doubt that creeps in. Time and time again God honors the people that tell the truth in scripture, and I would guess that you have seen people being honored by telling the truth today. Now, truth doesn't come with out consequences, but what it brings to our hearts and life is freedom. God does not want us living with guilt he wants to set us free from the things in our lives that harm us, and keep us from moving forward. 

How can I connect today's story to my life?

Have you been in a place when you felt fearful of telling the truth? This Christmas vacation time is a time where you are with many family members, there is time to chat about pointless things and chat about the deep things. Though its hard take some time first with God, ask him what areas in your life do you need to see truth in? What areas do you need to be set free in? Once you and God have chatted I challenge you to be truthful with your family this season. Remembering that truthful does not me brutal and rude, but that its about you being honest about yourself and family. Take time to tell your family that you love them, and care for them. Maybe that is a piece of truth that just by saying words of love out loud you might find freedom with your family and your relationship this season. 

 

 

How can i connect today's story, God's Story, and my story to others?

Since it is often hard for people to be around family for extended time during the holidays take time today to talk to your friends that you know may be having a hard time. Help them to see that being truthful about their own feelings will ultimately can bring freedom in their lives. Talk about how this season you are choosing truth, as them to choose truth this season too. Pray for your time and your friends time to be calm and full of freedom. 

 

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20 Dec, 2011

Don't Go It Alone

Alone in Antarctica: British woman on solo journey
 
 
As she skis across Antarctica, Felicity Aston is taking on dangers including crevasses, storms, injuries and frostbite. Her biggest challenge, though, has been adapting to solitude in the seemingly endless expanses of white.
For more than three weeks, she has been skiing toward the South Pole pulling two sledges packed with supplies. Aston is attempting to become the first woman to cross Antarctica alone, and has covered about one-third of the journey of more than 1,700 kilometers (1,000 miles).
The British adventurer expects to reach the South Pole this week, then pick up more supplies and head out again for the other side of the frozen continent. She says the emotional toll has been much greater than she expected.
"When that plane disappeared and left me on the wrong side of Antarctica all by myself with two little sledges, it really hit me that I'm completely responsible for myself," she told The Associated Press in an interview by satellite phone. "It's just you. You have to sort out your problems, and that makes you feel very vulnerable."
When alone in Antarctica, little problems can easily become big problems.
One ski binding is slightly out of alignment and has been making her ankle ache.
The three cigarette lighters she brought to start her camp stove suddenly stopped producing a flame in the cold, leaving her with only matches for a time, though she finally managed to get the lighters working again, intermittently.
She's been fighting a cough. And her breath freezes and forms icicles on her mask as she skis in temperatures of minus 25 Fahrenheit (minus 30 Celsius) and below.
After each day on the ice, she pitches her tent, cooks a freeze-dried meal on her stove and posts messages on Twitter.
"Ice coating my fur hood and icicles hanging off my mask and goggles made me look like a real polar explorer today," she posted on Saturday.
Sometimes, she raves about the beauty of the landscape. Other times, she says she feels tired, bitterly cold or even a bit overwhelmed.
"Yesterday was the first day I didn't burst into tears at any point. Must mean I'm getting used to this finally?" she said in a post on Twitter last week.
The 34-year-old used to work as a meteorologist in Antarctica and is a veteran adventurer who has led team expeditions in the Antarctic, the Arctic and Greenland. She said she decided to attempt her first solo expedition to test her personal limits and also because she was curious about being on her own.
 
Click Here for Full Story. 
 
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com. 

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (ESV) 
The Advantages of Companionship

 7 I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about journeying alone?
 
Today's God's Story scripture reminds us that being alone on this journey through life is not good. From the beginning of creation, we see God saying it is not good for man to be alone. That doesn't just apply to being married. It also applies to how we journey through this life. In today's story, we read about the sturggles of one woman attempting to journey through Antarctica alone. As you journey through this life, make a commitment to yourself and to your Heavenly Father that you won't go it alone!

How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
  • Take some time this week to memorize this passage from God's Story.
  • Make a list of everyone in your story who is on this journey with you. Take some time to thank God for them by name.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Are you attempting to go it alone? Make a commitment to find someone in your life to journey with you, to hold you accountable in your relationship with Jesus and to help pick you up when you stumble and fall.
  • Do you know someone in your life who tends to want to go it alone on their journey? Come along side them this week and offer to journey with them. Let them know you want to be there to pick them up when they fall.

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19 Dec, 2011

Nobody's Perfect!

Chiefs deal Packers stunning first loss
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mike McCarthy never put a whole lot of stock in a perfect season, except as a means of gaining home-field advantage and setting the Green Bay Packers up for another Super Bowl run.

Well, they still have a chance to earn home-field advantage.

The perfect season? That's history.

Click Here for full story on cbssports.com.

Story and Photo Courtesy of cbssports.com.

Romans 3:9-26 (NLT)
 
 9What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10as it is written:

    "None is righteous, no, not one;
 11no one understands;
   no one seeks for God.
12All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
   no one does good,
   not even one."
13 "Their throat is an open grave;
   they use their tongues to deceive."
"The venom of asps is under their lips."
 14 "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness."
15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood;
 16in their paths are ruin and misery,
17and the way of peace they have not known."
 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
 19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For by works of the law no human being[c] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

 21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about perfection?
How many times have we heard the phrase "nobody's perfect"? Often it sounds like a trite phrase to make us feel better about ourselves when we fail. It is, however, at the very heart of the truth of God's Story. Today's God's Story scripture reminds us that nobody, no one, was perfect ... until Jesus.  
As we enter this week leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus it is a great time to remember that is exactly why he came. Not so much as to be able to say that at least one person had a perfect season of life on this planet. Rather, Jesus came so that we might be considered perfect in God's eyes because of Jesus. I was not perfect. You were not perfect. We will never be perfect ... until Jesus.

How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
  • Spend some time this week thanking the Father for his plan to delcare us all perfect because of Jesus.
  • Do you have some extra free time this week as Christmas Break begins? Spend some extra time reading God's Story. 

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • As you hear friends talking about this crazy weekend in the NFL, ask them how they feel about perfection.
  • Share today's God's Story scripture with them and share with them how Jesus declares us perfect.
  • Pray for some friends this week who need to meet Jesus and ask them to join you at a Christmas service at your church next weekend. You might be surprised who will be willing to go to church with you since it's Christmas.
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16 Dec, 2011

Move That Bus!

"Extreme Makeover" cancelled by ABC after nine seasons
 
LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Sorry, fans of inspirational home-renovation stories: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming to an end.
ABC has decided to end the series' run after its ninth season wraps up in January. The show debuted in 2003 as a spin-off of "Extreme Makeover."
Its final episode -- the series' 200th -- will air on January 13, and will feature the team building seven homes in seven days for tornado victims in Joplin, Mo.
Luckily for the show's followers, the network will air special episodes of the series following the cancellation, though the network has announced no specific dates.
The handwriting had been on the tastefully-remodeled wall for some time. The show lost more than a third of its audience this season, thanks in part to a move to Friday. Between the start of the season and mid-November, it averaged a 1.5 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic. The 34.9 percent audience loss -- since the same period in 2010 -- made it No. 4 on TheWrap's list of the biggest ratings losers of the fall.
Meanwhile, host Ty Pennington has joined the cast of ABC's daytime talk offering "The Revolution," which premieres January 16.

Story courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
Image courtesy of images.google.com.
Acts 2:41-47 (The Message)
 
 41-42That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

 43-45Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

 46-47They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About a Rebuilding Lives?

While the impact on families over the last eight years through EMHE has been amazing, the impact because of an encounter with Jesus and His Church throughout history is even more extreme.  In today's God's Story scripture we read how the early Church handled meeting the needs of one another in their community. Everyone pitched in! Perhaps there is someone in your community who could use a little surprise makeover of sorts? 

How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
  • Thank God for the makeover that has taken place in your life through your relationship with Him.
  • Spend some time this weekend listening to God for how He might have you help others in your community.
 
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Do you know a family in your community who would have been a good candidate for EMHE? Take some time today to pray for that family. While you may not be able to pull off a full Extreme Makeover, you can make a difference in some small way.
  • Talk with your parents and church leaders about ways you might be able to help families throughout the whole year of 2012, not just a Christmas time.
  • Perhaps you know someone whose story of meeting Jesus is a little more extreme than others. Talk with them or send them a message this weekend to encourage them in their journey with Jesus.

Permanent Link

15 Dec, 2011

That's an Ear Full

 

 

Shoplifter chops off Wash. security guard's ear

 

Police in Washington state say a shoplifter with a hatchet sliced off most of a store security guard's ear.

Longview police Sgt. Doug Kazensky tells The Daily News that the shoplifter pulled a small hatchet out of his waistband Monday afternoon and swung, chopping off nearly the entire ear.

The guard was taken to a Portland hospital for emergency plastic surgery in an attempt to reattach the ear.

 



Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/12/3316780/shoplifter-chops-off-wash-security.html#ixzz1gZFRwwDR

Picture by:http://www.healthhype.com/outer-ear-parts-external-ear-anatomy-diagram-and-pictures.html

Luke 22:49-51

New International Version (NIV)

 

 49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

 51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

What does God's Story scripture teach us about God's desire to make us whole?

This scene from the Gospel of Luke takes place just hours before Jesus would be crucified. Jesus and his disciples had left their dinner table and gone for a walk to a nearby garden. When Jesus had spent a while in prayer Judas and his little army showed up to arrest Jesus. 

The reaction of Jesus' followers was to fight. That wasn't the desire in the Lord's heart. He was ready and willing to make the coming sacrifice so people could again be whole. In this moment we see him start the process of making people whole again. "Stop this!" he says, then he heals the physical body of the broken man as he prepares to heal our broken relationship with God.  

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

 

  • Make a list of the places in your life that are "broken." Then spend sometime talking to Jesus about your brokeness.
  • Ask Jesus to start the healing process in your broken areas.
  • Seek out someone who might be able to help you work through your hurt.  

 

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

It's not everyday we see a story that looks almost identical to a moment in scripture so today's story interesting just for that. 

 

  • Show today's story and the scripture to friend and ask them what they think about the likeness. 
  • Ask your friend what they think of Jesus response. 
  • Share about your brokeness and how Jesus is making you whole again.  

 

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14 Dec, 2011

Ode to Bad Days!

Having a bad day?

Have you ever felt like you had a bad day that feels like this poor guy in the photo above?? Have you ever had a bad day?  Felt like nothing could go any worse.  Today I had one of those bad days, the kind of bad days that at the end of the day you just kind feel silly that you where upset for nothing. The kind of bad days where you are upset, inconvenienced, and wished you reacted differently. To not bore you with the details and proceed to aggravate me more I will just share the first and the last bad thing that happened in my day. Pouring a fresh cup of coffee and walking into the kitchen to make breakfast for us. I hear my husband yell, "NO buddy NO!" I glance up to see my nephew smiling dunking my iphone in my fresh cup of coffee like an Oreo. Enter a series of more and more unfortunate events here…and skip right ahead to the end of the day. As I drive up to my house I see flashing lights, I hear yelling neighbors, my niece & nephew begin to cry, and my dog is barking, only to find that the commotion is because our goats (yes, the goats we are watching for our friends) escaped and that the animal control truck driving away has them in the back. What?? Ohh what a day

 

Picture courtesy of google images.

Job 1:21b-22  

"God gives, God takes. 
   God's name be ever blessed.

Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God."

What does God's Story Scripture teach us about Bad Days?

In the Bible there are many stories of people having a bad day, but today the story of all stories of People who have had a bad day! Of all the stories Job tops the charts! Take a moment to read the story of Job the man who everything was taken away from him with in minutes, and despite it all Job decided to Praise God, he never did anything he regreted, & more than anything he never blamed God. What a witness Job was to us! 

How can I connect today's God's Story to my life?

Think about the last bad day that you had. How did you handle it?

  • Did you Praise God? 
  • Did you do anything you regret?
  • Did you Blame God?

Ask God to forgive you if you and help you think through the best way to handle a bad day. I know I need to check myself before my next day. In fact I sat here tonight under the dim light of the Christmas tree thinking over my day and I had to stop and pray, "Lord, thank you for keeping us safe in the chaos of the day, and I’m sorry for being angry, help me to live more of my days worshiping you despite what happens to me."

 

Spend sometime in prayer thinking about the way we react to the stress of bad days. 

 How can I connect today's Story, God's Story, and my story with others?

  • Ask your friends how they deal with a bad day
  • Tell your friends how you deal with a bad day
  • If you have the chance share with them the story of Job's bad day
  • Share about how he didn't blame anyone, and especially not God 
What Freedom we have to trust compleatly in God for our lives. What freedom we have, when we can Focus and Trust that God will both Give and Take away, and will provide for us no matter what kind of day we have!
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12 Dec, 2011

RG3's Story

 
NEW YORK (AP)—Robert Griffin III is Baylor’s Superman and when he won the Heisman Trophy he was wearing the socks to prove it.

Who knows? Maybe they even helped him outluck Andrew Luck.

The junior quarterback known as RG3 beat out the preseason favorite from Stanford on Saturday night, becoming the first Baylor player to take home college football’s most famous trophy.

Right before his name was called, Griffin took a deep breath. When it was announced he broke into a bright smile, his face framed by his long braided hair. Then it was hugs all around, for his coaches, his parents, his sister and his fiance.

He took a few long strides up to the stage and let out a laugh when he got there, making a joke about the Superman socks—complete with capes on the back — he was wearing before going into his acceptance speech.

“This is unbelievably believable,” he said. “It’s unbelievable because in the moment we’re all amazed when great things happen. But it’s believable because great things don’t happen without hard work.”
 
“Everybody associated with Baylor has a reason to celebrate tonight,” he said.

“It seemed like the script was written perfectly for us to go out and win this award,” Griffin said.

It was a recruiting coup for Baylor to land Griffin out of high school, though it was something of a package deal.

Griffin had committed to Houston and coach Art Briles, but when Baylor hired Briles away, Griffin switched up and followed the coach to a program that hadn’t even played in a bowl game since 1994.

“Our offense is quarterback friendly without a doubt,” Briles said. “We knew Robert was a complete fit for what we were looking for out of the quarterback position.”

He started 11 games as an 18-year-old freshman in 2008 and tore a knee ligament three games into the 2009 season. He returned last year as good as new and with a newfound commitment and love of football. He threw for 3,501 yards and led Baylor to a 7-6 record and its first bowl appearance since 1994.

This season, his passing has improved and he’s still a dangerous runner (644 yards and nine TDs). He has left little doubt that he’s a pro prospect, though he’s got one more game—the Alamo Bowl against Washington on Dec. 29 in San Antonio—to show his stuff.

An aspiring lawyer who is working on a master’s degree in communications, he holds 46 school records and adoring Bears fans are praying he comes back for more.

story exceprts and photo news.yahoo.com
Click Here for the full story. 
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way,
   but the LORD establishes his steps.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about our plans?
In another version of Today's Story, RG3 was quoted as crediting God for writing the script. Looking back, perhaps God did direct RG3's steps, bt he made his plans. His choices could have included Stanford or Harvard. But he chose Houston. Yet when a coaching change came, he chose to follow the coach to Baylor. Now, he's holding a Heismann Trophy.  

God's Story is full of stories in which He directed the steps of those who followed Him. From a pillar of fire, to a cloud, to a great fish, to the Holy Spirit Himself ... God directs steps. Where is directing you?

How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
Have you been struggling with a decision you need to make in your life? Maybe it's a decision on where to go to college. Maybe it's a decision on something in the near future. In your heart, make your plans, and pray that God will direct your steps.

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Do you have a friend who has been struggling with makin a decision? Walk them through today's story.
  • Do you have a friend who feels like they regret a decision. Remind them that they can still allow God to direct their steps from where they are now.

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9 Dec, 2011

A Really Super Earth

Nasa confirms ‘super-Earth’ that could hold life
WASHINGTON:In another step toward finding Earth-like planets that may hold life, Nasa said on Monday the Kepler space telescope has confirmed its first-ever planet in a habitable zone outside our solar system.

French astronomers earlier this year confirmed the first rocky exoplanet to meet key requirements for sustaining life. But Kepler-22b, initially glimpsed in 2009, is the first the US space agency has been able to confirm.

Confirmation means that astronomers have seen it crossing in front of its star three times.

Click here for the full story. 

Story and Photo from news.google.com.

Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV)

The New Heaven and the New Earth

 1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place[a] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,[b] and God himself will be with them as their God.[c] 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
 5And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About a New Earth?
 
Chances are we will begin to hear about dreams and plans about future trips from our earth to this "super earth" for humankind. Space travel is often heard in the news these days. Whether it's back to the moon, or to mars, or to this super earth, we have a fascination with space. While this super earth is unreachable for us, the New Earth that we read about in today's God's Story scripture is most definitely reachable. All it takes is a commitment to follow Jesus. 
 
Here's a little more info from Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible: 
The earth as we know it will not last forever, but after God's great judgment, he will create a new earth. God had also promised Isaiah that he would create a new and eternal earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). The sea in John's time was viewed as dangerous and changeable. It was alos the source of the beast. We don't know how the new earth will look or where it will be, but God and his followers-those whose names are written in the Book of Life-will be united to live there forever. Will you be there? 

How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
  • If the night sky is clear where you live, consider going outside to do some star gazing this weekend. Spend some time talking with God as you enjoy His creation.
  • Read the rest of the Book of Revelation this weekend and celebrate the fact that God is making everything new.
  • Thank God for the many ways that He has made (and is making) you into a new creation.

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Ask a friend or two if they heard Today's Story about the "Super Earth"? Talk with them about today's God's Story scripture and about the New Earth that God promises. 
  • Talk with these friends about the dreams for man to be able to travel through space someday to this super earth. Share with them what it would take to be on the New Earth God is preparing for those who follow Jesus.
  • Talk with a friend this weekend about how God has made you into a new creation. 
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8 Dec, 2011

Roofs will Leak


  
When it Rains Inside and Out. 
 
I don't mind rain. I like the sound of the rain - it helps me sleep. I like the way the world smells after a good summer rain. I even enjoy watching the rain. I grew up on a farm where we could sit on our deck and watch the rain come across the fields. There are, however, moments when I don't care for the rain.  
 
Ten years ago I became a Campus Life Director, with that job I inherited our current facility. We were glad to have our own building, but with a building comes the upkeep. We needed new floors, the walls needed painted, and there were lots of things that needed thrown away. Recently, we have had an old problem resurface with greater force. The roof over half our building leaks. Whenever it starts raining outside, a few minutes later it will be raining inside our facility. It's frustrating when you are preparing for dozens of students to walk through your door and the floors are wet.
 
Yes, I like the rain as long as it stay's outside.    
 
(Picture provided by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlehandsclapping/5792783271/)

Mark 2:2-12

New International Version (NIV)

2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

What does God's Story scripture teach us about being persistent?

Four men had a sick friend, that apparently meant something to them. They had heard about the miricles Jesus was performing and hoped maybe Jesus could restore their friends brokenness. It must have been disheartening to them when they turned the city corner and saw the crowd. The love they had for their friend was greater then the wall of people in front of them. I imagine them standing around looking for a way around. One of them chimes in and says, "I've got a crazy idea, follow me."  

Moments later they are all on there knees digging a hole in the roof of a stranger. They were going to do whatever it took to make sure their friend met Jesus. 

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Make a list of the people who have been there over the years to help you through tough times. 
  • Say a prayer of thanks for those people.
  • Make another list of your friends that need to know Jesus
  • Say a prayer that Jesus will give you opportunities to share God's Story with your friends. 

 

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

 

  • When your friends are having a hard time, let them know you are there and you care. 
  • Do something to let a friend know that you care about them. Go out of your way to do something nice. 
  • Don't let the crowds keep you from introducing your friends to Jesus. 
  • This seems crazy but, sometimes you have to let it rain inside to get your friends to Jesus. 

 

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7 Dec, 2011

Windy Affect

Hundreds of thousands of households in California were without power...

Almost 1,900 customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in the Bay Area and 22,630 customers in Santa Cruz County are still without power after high winds knocked down power lines throughout Northern California. PG&E say it could take  until Saturday for it to restore electricity to all its customers.

The outages started Wednesday night when winds whipped through most of California. At the peak, more than 24,800 customers lost power in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties after a tree took out a transmission line.

Roughly 8,800 Bay Area residents didn't have power Thursday morning."We are working diligently to get the majority of our customers restored by today, but we expect that some customers in more remote locations ... will be restored on Saturday," said PG&E

...Strong winds toppled trees, downed power lines, and delayed flights. A gust of 97 mph was recorded at Whitaker Peak in Los Angeles County Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to peak Thursday night. “We anticipate that it’s going to get worse before it gets better,”. Officials said 250,000 were without power in Southern California, along with an additional 26,000 in the northern Santa Cruz Mountains. Twenty-seven flights have been delayed from Los Angeles International Airport due to debris on the runway and severe crosswinds. 

Article from MSNBC and Google. 

John 3:5-8 (New International Version)

 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

What does God's story teach us about the wind?
Have you ever experienced high winds? Wind is a powerful thing!  And it is unpredictable.  

Think back to when you started getting to know Jesus.  Did you expect him to work in your life like he did?  Most likely the Holy Spirit surprised you as he began to work in areas of your life.  

Jesus explained that we cannot control the work of the Holy Spirit.  He works in ways we cannot predict or understand.  Just as you did not control your physical birth, so you cannot control your spiritual birth.  It is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. (Life Application Study Bible)

How Do I connect God's Story with my Story?
 
I have heard powerful wind in this last week and I sat without power, I could not get rid of the image of the Holy Spirt roaring through and having an influence on everything around it. I began to ask myself what role does the Holy Spirit REALLY play in my life, beyond the sunday school answer. 
 
Does the holy Spirit have and Affect/influence in your Life? Ask God to make that real this week. 
  • Thank God for sending His Holy Spirit to work in your life.
  • Ask God for a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit this week.
  • Read these other passages from God's Story for more about the Holy Sprit: Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6.
How do I connect God's Story, & My story to others?
  • Do you have a friend with whom you've been sharing God's Story?  Ask them for ways that they have been surprised by God's Story. 
  • Ask them what areas of their life have been most surprising.
  • Talk with them about the parallels between the wind in Today's Story and the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
Permanent Link

6 Dec, 2011

A Penny Saved ...

If Laws Change, 'Penny Hoarders' Could Cash in on Thousands of Dollars
 
Joe Henry is on a first name basis with bank tellers across his hometown of Medford, Ore., scouring 15 banks a week with one thing on his mind: pennies.
Henry is often seen toting around bags of pennies, some he buys, others he changes back in for cash, which seems a little strange at first. He's not a collector, he is what's known as a "penny hoarder" and he is not alone.
Inside a shed next to his house, Henry has orange tubs filled with 200,000 pennies, and he spends hours sorting through roll after roll of the coins. But it's not just any and all pennies, Henry is only interested in those that are dated from 1982 and earlier because those are the coins made with 95 percent copper. A copper penny is worth more than other pennies -- now mostly made of zinc -- currently priced at $0.024.
 
Click here for the full story. 
 
Story and Photo from news.yahoo.com. 
Matthew 6:19-24 (ESV)
 
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

 24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about saving for the future?
When we think about Christmas in our culture, the idea of saving is probably not front and center in our minds. We are most likely thinking of shopping, gift giving, and gift getting.  Some apparently are thinking about pennies. While preparing for the future isn't a bad idea, God's Story reminds us of the importance or how we invest our resources and our lives.  

How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
  • As you are getting ready to celebrate Christmas, consider turning your focus to ideas that would store up treasures in heaven instead of in this life. 
  • Talk with God and ask Him to direct your steps toward those who are in need in your community.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
  • Talk with your parents about adopting a family in need in your community and provide Christmas for that family.
  • Call the local Salvation Army ask if you can volunteer your time as a bell ringer in their Kettle Drive.
  • Challenge some friends to a bigger and better challenge. Here's how it works ... give each friend one penny. Challenge them to ask someone they know if they will trade them the penny for a larger amount of money (cash only). Take that money and go to someone else to trade again. Set a time to see who can collect the most money and give it to a local food pantry to purchase meals for people in need.
Permanent Link

5 Dec, 2011

Staying Connected

Upgrade Your Life: How to Extend Your Wifi Range
 
If you use a wifi network at home, there are undoubtedly limits to where you can access the signal. You might get a strong connection at the kitchen table, but take your laptop to the living room and you lose the signal. If you're looking to boost your signal a few feet or get a strong connection all the way upstairs in the back bedroom, we've got a handful of simple tricks and more advanced techniques to get you on connected to your home wifi from anywhere in your house.
 
Click Here for full article.
 
Story courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
Image courtesy of images.google.com.
 


John 15 (ESV)

I Am the True Vine

 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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 God's Story scripture teach us about staying connected?
 
Abiding. It's at the center of this 3Story way of life. It's the heartbeat of a relationship with Jesus. Abiding, staying connected to Jesus - The True Vine - is what following him is all about. It shouldn't matter where we go. If we are truly Abiding in Jesus, the "signal strength" of that relationship stays strong. So how is your signal strength? Is your connection to Jesus just as strong at school on Monday as it is at church on Sunday? Is it as strong on Friday night with your friends as it is when your are with a small group or Bible Study from church? How about when you are with your family versus out on a date? Today's verses remind us - Jesus is the life flowing through us, just as the water flows through the vine into the branches. Stay Connected! 

How can I connect today's God's Story to My Life?
How's your signal strength? Just like there are keys to making the wifi in your home better, there are a few keys to Abiding in Jesus (taken from YFC's God's Story Bible):
  • Accept God's loving gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
  • Believe that your story depends completely on Jesus Christ.
  • Invite Jesus to control every part of your life.
  • Do what Jesus tells you because you love him.
  • Embrace Jesus as he loves you and keeps you in his love.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
A critical piece of the Abiding relationship is that there are others in our life with whom we can connect to Jesus. Who do you know who needs to be connected to Jesus?
  • As you go through this week, make a list of those you encounter who need to be connected with Jesus. At the end of each day, pray for ways to connect with them the next day.
  • Make another list this week of those who are connected with Jesus, but you know they are struggling to keep that connection strong everywhere they go. Ask them, and God, what you can do to help them keep a strong connection.

Permanent Link

2 Dec, 2011

When Pigs ... Walk?!

Pig learns to walk upright on its front legs
Below is an incredible video of a pig born without its hind legs that has learned to walk on its front legs. And while that might sound like an arduous and sad struggle, it actually turns out to be pretty amazing--and more than a little inspirational. The pig doesn't just hobble around on its front legs--it hoists up its entire body like a gymnast.
The soon-to-be famous boar was born in China's eastern Anhui Province, where its owner Ge Ximping said, "It took lots of time and devotion but now all villagers love him."
The video is worth checking out for the visuals alone--but also be sure to listen to the adorable little guy snort as he races around his neighborhood.
 
Watch the full video here: Click Here
 
Story courtesy of news.yahoo.com
Photo courtesy of images.google.com 
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) 
Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.

What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About Overcoming Difficulties?
It is very easy to allow our focus in this life to be on our difficulties or short-comings that on God's Spirit. In today's God's Story scripture we jump into the middle of a conversation between an angel and the Zechariah. Here's a little background from the Life Application Study Bible:
Zerubbbabel was given the responsibility of Temple in Jerusalem. While the prophets Haggai and Zechariah gave the moral and spiritual encouragement to resume work on the Temple, Zerubbabel saw that the task was carried out. As the work was being completed, the prophets encouraged Zerubbabel and tolkd him of a time when spiritual apathy and foreign oppression would forever be abolished.

In the midst of this conversation, the angel enourages Zechariah with the word the Lord gave to this same Zerubbabel. Here's what the Life Application Study Bible has to say about today's verse:
Many people believe that to survive in this world a person must be tough, strong, unbending, and harsh. But God says, "Not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit." The key words are "by my Spirit." It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished ... As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of his Spirit.


How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
  • Do you feel like you lack certain abilities or strengths? If so, make a list of those sometime today. 
  • Give the list that you made back to God tonight before you go to sleep. Ask him to be your strength.
  • Talk to a trusted adult in your life. Ask them what strengths and abilities they see in you. Allow that encouragement to replace any negative feelings you have about your own environment.

How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
Do you know someone who lets a disability hinder them from being all that God wants them to be? Get together with them this weekend. Ask if you can share Today's Story, along with today's God's Story scripture with them. Ask God to allow you to be an encouragement to them this weekend.
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1 Dec, 2011

Look Up!

 

Angry India charmer lets loose snakes in office

An angry snakecharmer in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
has let loose dozens of snakes in a government office, sparking
chaos and panic.
 

Hakkul, of Lara village in Basti district, dumped the snakes, including a number of cobras,                       at the land revenue office in Harraiya town on Tuesday.

Many of the frightened villagers and officials ran out of the office,                                                       while others climbed on top of tables.

No-one was bitten or injured but the snakes are yet to be caught.

(Story and Picture provided by: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-15963842) 

 

Numbers 21:5-9

New International Version (NIV)

5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”

 6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died.7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

 8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

John 3:14-18

New International Version (NIV)

14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

What does God's Story scripture teach us about where salvation comes from?

Today, I gave you the passage from Numbers so you could have the back story for Jesus analogy. The long and short of the Numbers story... The nation of Israel began turning their back on God, because though He was providing they didn't like how or what he provided. The Hebrews were then disciplined using poisonous snakes. God in His mercy also offered a cure for the snake bite.

In the section from John, Jesus is talking to a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nic would have known this story very well – in fact he would have had it memorized. It was the perfect example for Jesus to explain how God would save the world.

The only way for people to not die, in the Numbers story, was to keep an eye on the "Snake-pole." The only way for people to live eternally with God is to keep an eye on Jesus who was also lifted up.  

How can we connect today's God's Story Scripture to our lives?

Nicodemus wondered how Jesus anology connected to His life also. Jesus was making a dynamic statement when he compared himself to the pole being lifted up in the desert. 

  • Make sure you understand the gravity of Jesus statement. If you are not sure then find someone you respect that is following Jesus and ask them to help you understand. 
  • Learn the story in Numbers and retell it to a friend. 
  • Memorize John 3:14-16 

 

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?

Fear of snakes is one of the most common fears in the world, so the scripture story and news story from today can bring about some lively discussion. 

  • Share the news story with a friend. Then ask how they would react? Are they scared of snakes? Would they try and catch the reptiles?
  • Now tell them the story from Numbers and ask what their reaction would be. Would they stay close to the pole so they could always look up? Would they not care and just go about life as usual?
  • As the conversation unfolds you can share how you see the sin in our lives as snakes and Jesus is the life giving pole being lifted up. 
  • No matter what make sure your friend knows that you love them and care about them.  

 

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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