2 Sep, 2010
Unity Amongst Dispair
Chile finds sense of unity in drama of trapped men
(Story excerpt & photo courtesy of AP) SAN JOSE MINE, Chile - Just six months ago, one of the largest earthquakes in a century tore Chile apart, physically ripping the ground, triggering a deadly tsunami and leaving in the wreckage a divided society and a government trying to decide whom to blame. Now, with Chile confronting a new disaster - 33 men trapped in a mine below the Atacama Desert since Aug. 5 - the nation is unified by the drama playing out in slow motion. Sitting alone on a hill above the mine where his brother, Juan, is buried alive, Oscar Illanes, 51, quietly fidgets with pebbles and contemplates how his personal disaster has also become that of his countrymen.
"This accident has crossed all borders. Everyone in Chile, rich or poor, a mining family or not, is sending a positive force that sustains us," he said. "The will to survive started with the 33 miners alone under the ground. It soon became 150 as the families arrived here. Now it is an entire nation, all working with the same spirit to free the men."
There has been some finger-pointing since the miners were trapped -- and it will certainly increase if they are not rescued. The San Esteban mining company has taken the brunt of the criticism for lacking safety standards that could have prevented the event or allowed the miners to escape. But a positive energy floods the town of Copiapo near the mine. "Those 33 men are the focus of every Chilean's attention. We cannot fail to bring them out, that would be unthinkable," said Luis Arancilia, 68, who sat in the main plaza reading the latest news of the accident. "All efforts, all energy must be focused on bringing them up."
Romans 15:1-7, 13 (New International Version)
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about unity?
When bad things happen to us, and they will, we shouldn’t be quick to put the blame on others. Even in the midst of natural disasters, manmade mistakes, and just humor error, it is easy to blame others – or even God – instead of trying to learn from the situation, gain endurance, and rely on the Scriptures to remind us of the promises of hope that Christ provides for us. We are to be like Christ, who we see in verse 3 did not seek to please himself. Blaming or tearing down others does nothing to help when there are difficult times in our lives. In fact, it often causes more harm or damage and is destructive. To deliberately build others up does take more work, just like construction work is much harder and takes longer to complete than destruction.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Ask God to help you be a person builder, offering kind words of encouragement. God will be glorified when our hearts and mouths promote unity with one another.
- Have you felt put down or neglected? Treat others the way you would want to be treated. (Do you remember the Golden Rule?)
- Even when it’s easy to jump on the ‘band wagon’ and talk trash about others, stop. Ask yourself if it is building up that person. Admit you are wrong and ask for forgiveness.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
You will probably have to be the example in showing others how to encourage one another. When you hear bad or negative things about someone (whether you know them or not), find something positive to say. Or change the subject. Walk away.
Find an accountability partner who will help you keep your focus on building up and not tearing down.
1 Sep, 2010
It Only Takes a Spark
A golfer in Irvine, CA never could have expected what would happen next after mistakingly hitting a golf ball into the rough at Shady Canyon Golf Course, last Saturday. According to the Associated Press, when he attempted to hit the ball back onto the green, " . . . his club snagged a rock, causing a spark that lit the rough ablaze and eventually attracted 150 firefighters to the scene. Fire officials say the fire burned through the rough, into vegetation next to the course and over two dry, brushy hillsides. No charges were filed against the golfer, whose name was withheld."
(Story courtesy of www.limaohio.com, Image courtesy of Google Images)
James 3:5-6
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about the dangers of the tongue?
Too often we don't know or expect what kind of impact our words have on others. Who would've suspected that the swing of a golf club would start a rapid fire and create so much damage? Likewise, something you may have said and thought was not a big deal could have been a life-altering comment (positively or negativiely) for another. It's not all that difficult, then, to understand why God chose to use the illustration of the spark and the fire, in James, to teach us about the effect our tongue can have when God is not in control of it. God loves and cares for His children, and as Believers, it is our job to show that love to others; however, all too often, instead of using our words to bless others, we use our mouth in evil ways, starting fires that destroy rather than give life.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Make a list of the areas where you struggle to control your tongue. Is it gossip, exaggerating details, disrespecting authority figures, lying, sarcasm, etc? Ask God to help you find ways to overcome these temptations.
- Choose, daily, to give God control over your tongue, rather than satan. Choose to let the words that come out of your mouth bless others, rather than cause a path of destruction. Remember that even one lie or word of discouragement can be the spark that lights someone's world on fire. Pray that God would use you to spread love and joy to one's soul, rather than pain.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to our friends?
- Challenge your friends to join you in your attempt to gain more control over your mouth. Hold each other accountable to speaking more lovingly toward others, including parents, teachers, and those you may not like so much.
- Intentionally find ways to encourage those around you . . . at least one person at work, or in each class this week. See how your words can become blessings to others, rather than a source of pain.
- If/when God reveals to you individuals whom you have hurt in the past, be willing to take the risk and apologize for the pain that you caused, be sure to ask for forgiveness. Speak in love, even if he/she chooses not to forgive you.
31 Aug, 2010
Everywhere a Sign
Britain being overrun by signs
(Reuters) - The British government has declared war on the profusion of unnecessary road traffic signs, railings and advertising boards, saying they blight towns' English character. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has written to local council leaders in England, calling on them to cut the number of unsightly signs and other "street clutter." Even traffic lights are in the firing line.
Ministers want the public to inform local authorities of particularly bad examples of excess signage, to clean up the national landscape. "Our streets are losing their English character," Pickles said. "We are being overrun by scruffy signs, bossy bollards, patchwork paving and railed-off roads -- wasting taxpayers' money that could be better spent on fixing potholes or keeping council (local) tax down."
The government says that in some cases traffic signs are installed by councils in the mistaken belief they are legally required, when they are not. Hammond said the abundance of so-called street furniture often makes towns resemble "scrapyards," confusing motorists and obstructing pedestrians. For signs to be most effective, ministers say, they should be kept to a minimum.
Matthew 16:1-4 (NLT)
One day the Pharisees and the Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven proving his authority. He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means fair weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah." Then Jesus left them and went away.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about signs?
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not buy into who he was. Instead of their hearts being open to him, realizing their need for him, their hearts were hardened, only interested in his ability to prove what he said about himself. In response to their request for a sign, Jesus rebuked them.
While they were certain of the weather based on signs in the sky, they refused to be certain about him based on signs he had already performed. Furthermore, Jesus’ greatest sign was yet to come. Just like Jonah only spent three days in the whale, Jesus would only spend three days in the grave, after which he would rise again, clearly showing himself to be God.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
Do we really buy into who Jesus is? Or are we, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, only interested in him proving himself to us? Are we withholding our trust from him in some way, waiting on a particular sign before we will truly be willing to obey him? If this is where we are, then he wants us to realize that there is something more that he wants from us.
Our faith in Jesus should not be based on some further sign that we want him to perform, like working out a certain situation to our liking or removing something difficult from our life. He wants us to realize that his greatest sign was that he overcame sin and death in order to offer us new life and walk with us through anything that may come our way.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Today’s story reminds us that too many signs only creates clutter and mess. God’s Story scripture reminds us that Jesus has already performed the one sign that reveals who he is. What signs are your friends looking for? Are they looking for Jesus to further prove himself while overlooking what he has already proven himself by rising from the dead?
It is the privilege of those who have already experienced the living reality of Jesus to share him and what he has done with others. Our willingness to trust him through thick and thin, convinced that he has already proven everything he needed to prove, will be a refreshing reminder to those around us that they can too can place their faith and trust in him.
30 Aug, 2010
Enduring Hardships
5 years after Katrina: Can it happen again?
In the five years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the city has recovered better than many predicted. To paraphrase the great Southern writer William Faulkner, it has not only endured but prevailed.
Katrina cost the city more than half its population; today, it is nearly 80% of its former size. One in 10 residents is a newcomer, including a cadre of well-educated young people. Blight is declining; the middle and upper classes are growing. What was one of the nation's worst school systems is re-inventing itself. This year's Super Bowl victory by the once-awful Saints seemed to cap the comeback.
But if a storm like Katrina hit New Orleans today, some of that hard-won progress would be under water. Not the roof-high waters that drowned the city in 2005, but perhaps several feet — enough to do serious damage.
A city sitting in a bowl, with water lapping at its lip, can never be without risk. Nonetheless, as New Orleans residents like to point out, Katrina was as much a man-made disaster as a natural one. Water washed away the foundations of levees poorly designed and constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It was those breaches that caused so much death and destruction.
The new flood-control system is clearly stronger, but a failure of federal and local leadership at crucial moments has left New Orleans more vulnerable than it should be.
An influential panel of engineers and National Research Council scholars has warned repeatedly that the level of protection Congress ordered is inadequate for a densely populated metropolis. Engineer Robert Bea, who helped investigate why the old levees failed, believes that a storm less intense than Katrina would still cause repeated breaches, as the water found "weak links" in a system composed of new and old pieces.
"Is the city more protected in an honest way than before Katrina? Yes," says Tulane University environmental expert Mark Davis. "Is it protected as it needs to be? No."
For full story, click here Read More >>
Story and Photo courtesy of www.usatoday.com.
God Disciplines His Sons
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about enduring hardships?
I'm not going to pretend I understand a fraction of what those directly affected by Katrina had to endure. As the 5 year anniversary rolled around this weekend, several stories aired that literally brought tears to my eyes. Katrina was one of the worst disasters this country has ever had to face. My question for each of us today is simply, What is your "Katrina"? What is the most difficult circumstance you have encountered? What hardship have you had to endure in your walk with Jesus? What has happened that almost derailed you in your walk? And could it happen again?
Tyndale's Life Application Bible Study Notes remind us that "to live effectively, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We will stumble if we look away from him to stare at ourselves or at the circumstances surrounding us. We should be running for Jesus, not ourselves, and we must always keep him in sight." The only way for us to be as prepared as we need to be to handle the hardships in our lives, is to fix our eyes on Jesus.
How can I connect God's Story to My Life?
- What is "hindering" you in this race called life? What is holding you back from growing to be more like Jesus? Ask God to reveal it to you today.
- What "sin" seems to continually "entangle" you? A sin that you are afraid will happen again? Ask God to remove it from your life today.
- Ask God to keep your eyes fiocused on Jesus.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Do you have a friend who has something hindering their spritiual growth? Pray for them today and ask them if you can share how you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
- Do you have a friend who is fearful of sin from their past coming back to haunt them? Remind them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.
- Do you have friend who is running well? Send them a message today to encourage them to keep running well. Thank them for their example.
27 Aug, 2010
"Freedom for the Prisoners"
NKorea releases American imprisoned since January
SEOUL, South Korea – A smile flickered across Aijalon Gomes' face as he hugged former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and boarded a plane for Boston on Friday, seven months after his arrest in North Korea.
Carter flew to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, this week on a private mission to secure a pardon for the 31-year-old American.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il granted Carter's request to "leniently forgive" Gomes, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, and Carter and Gomes were due back in Boston later Friday for a reunion with his mother, Carter's spokeswoman Deanna Congileo said in Atlanta. Read More >>
Story and Image found at http://news.yahoo.com.
17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to [Jesus] him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
What do you think of when you hear the word prisoner? Or maybe I should ask, Who do you think of when you hear the word prisoner? For many of us, our thoughts most likely to those who have committed a violent offense and been sentenced to prison. Read the full story and you will find that Aijalon Gomes was arrested for trespassing in North Korea in April and sentenced to eight years of hard labor and fined 70 million won — more than $600,000 — for sneaking into the country illegally and committing a "hostile act." So what did it take for him to be set free? It took former President Jimmy Carter to negotiate his pardon and release.
In today's God's Story scripture, Jesus was proclaiming himself as the one who would had come to set prisoners free. Free from what? Free from being held captive to the sinful nature. Free from the law of sin and death. Free! So how does it feel to be FREE?
- Find some time this weekend to write down the areas of your life where Jesus has set you free.
- Write a Thank You Letter to Jesus for coming to set you free.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to others?
Do you have a friend who is held captive by one of the same sins that held you captive?
Share your story with them and how Jesus has set you free. Now you have the opportunity to be the one who proclaims freedom for the prisoners.
26 Aug, 2010
Should Parents "Friend" Their Kids on Facebook?
Three quarters of parents questioned in a Nielsen survey said they are friends with their children on the popular social networking website which boasts 500 million active users. But a third admitted they are worried they are not seeing everything their children are doing on the web.
Perhaps with good reason, as nearly 30 percent of teens said if given the choice they would unfriend their parents.
"The No. 1 parenting issue, as least with my discussion with parents, is living on Facebook," said Regina Lewis, a consumer adviser with online services company AOL, which jointly developed the survey.
"It is part of the modern-day parenting reality."
The average number of friends on Facebook is 130 but for teenagers it can be much higher, according to Lewis.
"I thought the percentage of parents who were friends with their kids was strikingly high. It is more than 70 percent," she said, adding that children were twice as likely to want to unfriend their mother than their father.
For some children friending a parent is not always an option. In 41 percent of households there was a rule that children who use Facebook have to be friends with their parents.
"For some parents that became a non-starter," said Lewis.
The friending issue is a delicate balancing act between children thriving for more independence and their parents' desire to see what is going on to make sure their children are safe.
In nearly half of cases, children said they would prefer to be friends with their parents privately on the web without their parents having the ability to post comments.
Nielsen questioned 1,024 parents and 500 children aged 13 to 17 for the online poll. More than half of the youngsters admitted they do not personally know all of their Facebook friends, and 41 percent of parents said they knew half or less of their children's Facebook friends.
"Friending friends is certainly a way to populate your list quickly," said Lewis.
"That is why the number of mutual friends is one of those really important factors in figuring out who may be a outlier," she added, referring to someone who shouldn't be there.
Twenty percent of parents admitted they had told their children to unfriend someone.
Whether they are friends or not, Lewis said that to be responsible parents need to keep an eye on what their children are doing online.
Story taken from: http://www.reuters.com; Photo taken from: http://www.thesystempredicts.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/facebbook.jpg
Read John 15:12-15 (NIV)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Today's story begs us to ask the question of what a "real" friend is. Because of facebook and other online groups we all can boast that we have many friends. But do we? Websters Dictionary defines a friend as a person you know well with affection and trust. I'm sure we can all come up with our own definitions of what a true friend is but what does God say about the subject? It is amazing the God of the universe calls us "friends!" We are not just Christians and followers of Christ but friends of God. It is cool to think that our #1 facebook friend is God Himself. His standard of friendship is the love that we have for one another. He commands us to love others as He has loved us. We can know that we are friends of God if we have love for others. Let us love God and others and experience what it means to have true friendship.
What is your definition of frienship? According to your definition, have you been a good friend to others? Why or why not?
Would your life look any different if God's defintion of friendship was yours?
25 Aug, 2010
Million Dollar Throne
(not actual toilet for sale)
'Author JD Salinger's toilet' put on sale for $1m
A toilet described as once having belonged to US author JD Salinger has been put on sale on the online auction site eBay for $1m (£644,000).
The vendor says he obtained the "used toilet commode" from a couple who now own the former home of the Catcher in the Rye author.
It comes "uncleaned and in its original condition", the ad for it states.
"Who knows how many of [his] stories were thought up and written while Salinger sat on this throne!", it adds.
There have been a number of bids on the item.
. . . Salinger died in January, aged 91.
His most famous work, The Catcher in the Rye, has sold tens of millions of copies.
The tale of adolescent alienation has become one of the most influential American novels of the modern era since it was first published in 1951.
He became disillusioned with the publishing industry and moved to Cornish where he withdrew from society.
He continued to write, however, and is believed to have completed 15 manuscripts. It is these that the vendor suggests may have been dreamed up while sitting on the toilet.
(picture courtesty of google images, story courtesy of the BBC - see full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11044329)
Romans 5:6-8
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though fo a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach us about grace?
I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't pay $1 million for a toilet, especially one that was used and unclean! It blows my mind that something so disgusting and seemingly worthless could be valued as something so priceless, simply because of the one who owned it. Although, it's almost like what God did for us, isn't it? After the fall of mankind, God looked down from Heaven and saw His children, generation after generation, living lives of sin. We had built idols, cursed His name, indulged in immoral behavior. As a people group, we were used and abused, and had been left to die in the filth of our sin. While anybody else would have only seen a group of worthless and selfish individuals, God, in all His love and grace, saw much more than that. He saw His Creation, lives that were worth saving, and He was willing to pay an unfathomable price. And, as a result, those who believe are now heirs to His Throne - one that nobody could possibly put a price tag on, or have enough money to purchase it!
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
- Consider all of the things that God has saved you from, because of the price He paid, through Jesus Christ, for your life.
- Allow yourself to meditate on God's Grace. Praise God for His Son, for seeing something worth saving in you, and for being willing to pay the price.
- Ask God to help you live your life differently because of all He's done for you - that you would not take it for granted or forget what He has done for you.
How can I connect todays story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Bring up today's story to your friends and ask them what they might be willing to pay for a used toilet! Talk about under what circumstances they might/might not purchase it. Would they be willing to take it if it was still nasty and unclean? Tell your friends about today's scripture and explain how, while we were still slapping God in the face with our actions and behavior, God chose to send His Son to die on our behalf, because He loved us that much!
24 Aug, 2010
Words from the Word
Vuvuzelas make it into dictionary
LONDON (Reuters) - The ever-present hum of the vuvuzela during this year's soccer World Cup catapulted the plastic trumpet to prominence and now it has earned a place in the Oxford Dictionary of English.
Vuvuzela is among 2,000 new words and phrases added to the third edition of the dictionary, published on Thursday, which is compiled from analysis of two billion words used in everything from novels to internet message boards.
The rise of "social media," itself a new term, has spawned several additions, including "defriend," removing someone from a list of friends or contacts on a social networking site, and "tweetup," a meeting organized via posts on Twitter. Other words include:
Bromance: a close but non-sexual relationship between two men
Buzzkill: a person or thing that has a depressing or dispiriting effect
Cheeseball: lacking taste, style or originality
Chillax: calm down and relax
Frenemy: a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry
Interweb: the internet
John 1:14 (ESV)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about the Word?
One of the titles given to Jesus is the Word. Why is it that he is called the Word? One of the reasons is because words can be seen. They can be written down, looked at, observed. And so it is with Jesus. He came down to earth and during his time here was both fully God and fully man, so that when people saw him they were beholding God in the form of a man.
Later in John, the words that Jesus speaks are mentioned multiple times. In one instance, Peter tells Jesus that he will not desert him because he has the words of eternal life. In another instance, when Jesus is describing events at the end of the world, he says that heaven and earth will pass away, but his words never will.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
Although there are many words that we will hear and read and write and say over the course of our lives, there is one Word that we should give all of our life to. Jesus is the Word, the one who gave up his place in heaven to come and live among us and ultimately offer his life for us so that we may be forgiven of sin and have new life in him.
Although there are many different people in our world who have many different ideas about what truth is, may we always remember, like Peter, that it is Jesus alone who has the words of eternal life. May we continue to stick close to Jesus, through thick and then, remembering that his words will last even when all that we know in this life passes away.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Today’s story reminds us that the words that are used in our society are constantly being changed and updated. Words that used to be common are no longer used, while words that were never heard of a few years ago are now in our vocabulary on a daily basis. In the midst of a world of changing words, may we remember the true Word that does not change.
Use today’s story to have a conversation with your friends about the changing nature of words. Then share with them about how one of the titles given to Jesus is the Word and how his words never change or fade away. Invite them to give their lives to Christ, trusting that he alone has the true words of eternal life.
23 Aug, 2010
The Unknown
What could Apple’s 'unknown hardware' be?
A new beta of Apple’s iOS mobile software reportedly boasts references to a fourth-generation iPod Touch and maybe even a new iPad — not much of a surprise there. It’s the mention of some "unknown hardware" in the iOS beta code that’s raising eyebrows. Are we talking a new Apple TV, perhaps, or something new we haven’t seen yet?
Click here for full story for Yahoo!News.
Image courtesy of http://images.google.com.
Acts 17:22--34 (NIV)
22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about knowing the unknown?
Athens was known for being the center of everything that was culturally relevant in Paul's day. As Paul walked around the city, checking things out, he saw many idols (statues) that the people of Athens worshipped. The statue/idol for the "unknown god" was made just in case there was a god out there somewhere that they missed. They wanted to cover all their bases. So along comes Paul, ready to share the Good News of Jesus, and he finds that statue. Now it's not that Paul was accepting their "unknown god" as the One True God, but he was using it as an entry point to share God's Story.
Today, many would say the the Apple brand is at the top of the charts when it comes to being culturally relevant. Everyone always seems to be wondering, what will they think of next? What and when will the new iPad or iPod Touch be here? What will it be like? Many wonder the same thing about "a higher power," or "a supreme being." They want to believe in something bigger than themselves, but they just don't know the Truth in order to believe it. So now it's our job to make our friends who are searching for their "unknown god," aware of the One True God who desperately wants to know them.
- Read all of Acts 17 this week to see how Paul made the complete connection in Athens.
- Spend some time listening to God this week as you continue to know more and more of Him.
- Grab some paper and a pen and write out all that you know to be true about God. Be sure it all matches up with the Truth in His very own Word.
- Start some conversations about "what's next" in the world of technology.
- Use those conversations to open a door to talk about what's next in your life and the lives of your friends.
- Use those conversations to open a door to talk about the God who knows what's next for all of us.
20 Aug, 2010
Excuses, Excuses!
LONDON (Reuters) – Cricket star Graeme Swann told a police officer who stopped him for drunk driving that he had had to go out to buy screwdrivers to rescue his trapped cat, a court heard Monday.
The 31-year-old spinner had been out with friends when he returned to his Nottinghamshire home and discovered his pet trapped under the floorboards, he told police.
He said he then got in his white Porsche Cayenne and was driving to a supermarket in the early hours of April 2 when he was pulled over, Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard, the Press Association reported.
Police constable Steven Denniss said he decided to pull Swann over initially because he was driving a high-performance car in an area where there had been a spate of burglaries.
"Mr. Swann stated he had been out that evening and had come back to find his cat trapped under the floorboards in his house. He had gone to Asda to fetch some screwdrivers to remove some floorboards," Denniss told the court.
"His speech was slightly slurred but he was compliant. He was slightly upset due to the fact of his cat and what had just happened."
The officer said Swann, third in the International Cricket Council's world bowling rankings, then admitted he "shouldn't have probably been driving." A blood test found he had 83 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. The legal limit is 80 mg.
Swann denies one charge of drink driving and the trial continues.
Story and Photo found at http://news.yahoo.com.
10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”
13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “They rush to commit murder.
16 Destruction and misery always follow them.
17 They don’t know where to find peace.”
18 “They have no fear of God at all.”
19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about making excuses?
Paul uses Old Testament references to show that humanity in general, in its present sinful condition, is unacceptable before God. Have you ever thought to yourself, "Well, I'm not too bad. I'm a pretty good person"? Look at today's verses and see if any of them apply to you. Have you ever lied? Have you ever hurt someone's feelings by your words or tone of voice? Are you bitter toward anyone? Do you become angry with those who strongly disagree with you? In thought, word, and deed, you, like everyone else in the world, stand guilty before God. We must remember who we are in his sight-alienated sinners. Don't deny that you are a sinner. Instead, allow your desparate need to point you toward Jesus.
The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, what was your reaction? Denial, argument, and defensiveness? The entire world will be silent before almighty God. No excuses, or arguments will remain. Have you reached the point with God where you are ready to hang up your defenses and await his decision?
(Adapted from Life Application Bible Study Notes;Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)
- Have you been guilty of making excuses for holding on to some sin in your life? Ask God to forgive you and let go of whatever it is you are holding onto.
- Read the rest of Romans 3 in God's Story.
- Thank God for saving you from your sinful nature.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story and God's Story to others?
In this 3Story way of life, we often say that "It's more important to tell our friends how much WE need Jesus, than it is to tell them how much they need Jesus." Do you have a friend you've been connecting with lately whose story is very similar to yours? If you haven't already, ask them if you can share your story a little more with them this weekend. Talk about how Jesus has met you in the midst of your sin. When you are able to make this conversation happen, ask a trusted adult in your life to pray for you and your friend while you are sharing. Don't underestimate the power of prayer!
18 Aug, 2010
The Kindness Of A Stranger
(From a radio interview - March, 2008) Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner. But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn. He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.
"He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says.
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."
The would-be robber looked at his would-be victim, "like what's going on here?" Diaz says. "He asked me, 'Why are you doing this?'"
Diaz replied: "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome.
"You know, I just felt maybe he really needs help," Diaz says. Diaz says he and the teen went into the diner and sat in a booth.
"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says. "The kid was like, 'You know everybody here. Do you own this place?'"
"No, I just eat here a lot," Diaz says he told the teen. "He says, 'But you're even nice to the dishwasher.'"
Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"
"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.
Diaz asked him what he wanted out of life. "He just had almost a sad face," Diaz says. The teen couldn't answer Diaz — or he didn't want to.
When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."
The teen "didn't even think about it" and returned the wallet, Diaz says. "I gave him $20 ... I figure maybe it'll help him. I don't know." Diaz says he asked for something in return — the teen's knife — "and he gave it to me."
Afterward, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch."
"I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."
Produced for Morning Edition by Michael Garofalo.
(Article and picture courtesy of www.npr.org)
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about showing kindness toward others?
In this chapter, Paul is writing to the people of Colosse about striving to live a holy life by putting to death the "old self" - the self that did not know God, His grace, His forgiveness, His Son. While they are struggling with sins of their old nature, Paul challenges the Colossians to remember what Christ did in their own lives, reminding them that the grace the comes through Christ knows no boundaries: no color, culture, or economic status. It's because of this Truth that Paul commands them to actively show compassion and kindness to all people, loving them just as Christ did.
Loving others, despite their actions and behavior toward you, simply because Christ loves them, is never easy. I can't imagine how in the world Julio Diaz was able to love his attacker enough to show compassion and kindness in the midst of a mugging, but what a message it sent! Such kindness permeated the young teen's heart and it changed him.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture to our lives?
When I think about the times that it has been the hardest to show kindness and love to someone, or to even listen to them long enough to consider showing any kind of compassion, it has been during the times that I have forgotten what Christ has done for me. In verse 12, Paul makes a point to say that because we are "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,"we must actively pursue "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
- Make some time today to sit and think about all that God has saved you from, about the compassion He has shown (and continues to show) you. Let it change you! Praise Him for what He's done and thank Him for His grace.
- Ask God to help you to see others through His eyes and with His heart.
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
- Remember that everyone has a story and you may not know what is going on in the lives of those around you (even some of your closest friends). Before making any assumptions about people, seek first to show them compassion and kindness, no matter how they may treat you.
- Take the time to ask questions and really listen to people. Listening is a great way to show love.
- Share today's story with your friends and ask them if they could've acted the way Julio Diaz did, why/why not? Share with them about the kindness and gentleness that Jesus showed those who attacked him throughout his life, especially nearing his crucifixion. Use this opportunity to share about how Christ's grace and forgiveness for your actions has changed your life.
17 Aug, 2010
Rediscovering Romans
Luther creates stir 500 years later
(Reuters) - About 800 colorful statuettes of 16th-century Protestant reformer Martin Luther are popping up in the eastern German town of Wittenberg, where Luther first railed against some practices of the Roman Catholic church almost 500 years ago.
The one-meter high plastic figurines in red, green, blue and black are the creation of the artist Ottmar Hoerl and are intended to replace a statue of Martin Luther on the town square while it is being renovated." My Luther statuettes look just like the original, except for the feet," Hoerl told German press agency DDP.
The art installation has stirred the ire of some Protestant theologians who say the statuettes make a mockery of Luther's achievements. Hoerl's art has caused controversy before. In 2009, he created 1,250 garden gnomes with their right arms outstretched in the Nazi salute.
Romans 3:22-24 (NLT)
We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Jesus Christ, who has freed us by taking away our sins.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about being made right with God?
Almost 1500 years ago a restless monk named Martin Luther was finished. What was he finished with? He was finished with trying to use good works to satisfy God. He had striven for years to make God be happy with him by attempting to live a moral and religious life. In the end, however, instead of finding peace with God, he only found anger and frustration.
At this point, he stumbled upon these verses found in the book of Romans. Once he read them, he realized he could never be good enough to be accepted by God. However, he also discovered the great truth that Jesus Christ provides the way for us to be accepted by God. Through his death, he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of every person, and the only thing we have to do to be accepted is believe in Jesus and trust our lives to him.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
The first thing we need to be aware of is how easy it is to forget that God’s acceptance of us is not based on what we can do, but rather on what Jesus Christ has done for us. The church in Martin Luther’s day had forgotten this truth, choosing rather to try and earn God’s favor. This is why it is important to consistently incorporate God’s Story into our lives.
The second thing we need to do is ask ourselves what we base our relationship to God on. Do we think that going to church or knowing Bible information or being nice to other people is the basis for God loving us? Though none of these things are bad, we must always remember that the only way to be accepted by God is by having our sins forgiven by Jesus and trusting our lives to him.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
One of the results of Martin Luther’s rediscovery of Romans was that he was compelled to make it known to as many people as possible. As we remember that our lives before God are not based on what we can do but on what Jesus has done for us, it should fill us with newfound enthusiasm. As Paul says, it should free us up to take our eyes off of ourselves in order to focus on sharing this life-changing news with others.
16 Aug, 2010
What's Luck Got to Do with It?
LONDON (Aug. 15) -- Friday the 13th proved especially unlucky for one 13-year-old British boy, who was struck by lightning at exactly 13:13 on the much-feared date.
The teenager was among a crowd of 170,000 people watching an aeronautical display at the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival in the east of England when he was zapped by a bolt from the sky, reported The Mirror. He suffered minor burns and is expected to make a full recovery.
Click here for the full article from aolnews.com.
Image courtesy of http://news.google.com.
The Beatitudes
2And [Jesus] he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about bad luck?
Wow! What were the odds of that boy getting struck by lightning? According to the National Weather Service here in the U.S., the odds of getting struck by lighing in a given year is 1/750,000. Many websites reported this weekend, how "unlucky" that young man was, and how "lucky" he is to have survived.
But what does God's Story have to say about luck? Nothing! A quick search for "luck" in the Bible, searching multiple translations, led to "0 results" every time. Why? Because luck has nothing to do with how God operates! God operates much more in terms of "blessings," as we see in today's scripture.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
- Thank God for the many blessings you have experienced in your life.
- Make an effort this week to avoid the word "luck" in your conversations.
- Read Matthew 5:2-12 every day this week. If you haven't already, make an effort to memorize these verses.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to others?
- Ask some friends if they heard about Today's Story over the weekend.
- Start a conversation about "good luck" and "bad luck" with some friends to get a little deeper into their stories.
- Be ready to share your thoughts on God's blessings in your life.
13 Aug, 2010
New Beginnings
For many back to school means new beginnings. In our house this year, it means new schools for all three of our children. Our oldest son heads into high school, our daughter begins middle school, and our youngest begins a new elementary school due to the closing of his school this summer. As they headed off into their first day this week, we shared today's God's Story Scripture with them. Hopefully, it will bring some encouragement to you as well.
6 "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you."
Courage, as defined by Webster, is "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty." For many, starting a new season of life can be difficult. And that requires courage. But where do you find that courage? Today's God's Story scripture reminds us that it is God, our God, in Whom we should trust. Just look at the qualities of God that today's verse points out.
- "God, your God" - He is personal and wants to be involved in your life.
- "striding ahead of you" - He is out in front of you, preparing the way for the plans He has for you.
- "He's right there with you" - God is always present.
- "He won't let you down, he won't leave you" - In the midst of a society that constatly sees people abandoned, God will always be faithful. He will never leave us.
- Are you back in school, or getting ready to start a new year? Take some time this weekend to commit today's scripture to memory.
- Thank God His personal involvement in your life.
- Thank God for striding ahead of you, into this new school year.
- Thank God for is consistent presence in your life.
- Thank God for his faithfulness and for never leaving you.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Do you have a friend who is struggling with courage? En-courage them today by sharing today's scripture with them.
- Do you have a friend or family member starting a new season of life in school this year? Talk with them about God's desire to be personally involved and present in their life.
- Do you have a friend who feels alone and abandoned? Talk with them about your God, who will never let them down or leave them.
12 Aug, 2010
The Holy Spirit Uses Our Sorrows to Deepen Our Desire for Christ
I am going through a particular dry time in my life right now. I am preparing to go back to teach high school and life feels very bland. I feel depressed, unworthy, lonely, and inadequate.
Why? I don't know for sure really. The pressures of keeping up with the fast pace of life. Not having enough money to take care of basic needs. Thinking about all the unfulfilled dreams.
While all these are true, I also feel down because I want Christ to be my sense of joy and the reality is that many other distractions take the place of Him. I seek happiness in this life but I think what I really want is joy. Can you relate? I stumbled upon some quotes from Dr. Larry Crabb that have been helpful to me and I want to pass them along to you. His premise is that God must take us through shattered dreams to give us what we really want: a relationship with Christ.
Read: John 14:1 (NIV)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
“Perhaps we can better hear what our Lord means when He tells us to live now with untroubled hearts….
‘I know things are not now as you want them. I know many of your dreams are not coming true. I want you to understand that things are not as I will one day make them. I like neither the distance between us nor the pain you suffer. Until I come to bring you to My Father’s house, I am devoting myself to only one thing: I am preparing a place for you. And My Spirit, on My behalf, is devoting Himself to only one thing—preparing you to enjoy Me and all that I will provide.
I have called you not to the secular journey where you must make everything in your life now as pleasant as possible. I have called you to the spiritual journey, to a process of enlarging your heart to desire Me above everything else.
Do not be troubled by all the dreams that will shatter while you remain on earth. You will feel deep pain. But every sorrow you experience will be used by My Spirit to deepen your desire for Me. He will speak to you about Me. Listen for the voice. You will hear Him most clearly when suffering humbles you enough to want to hear Him, to know you cannot go on without hearing Him.
-Dr. Larry Crabb
Article takenfrom:
Photo taken from:
Do you feel down and depressed today? Why?
What is it that you think you want that is not being fulfilled?
Spend some time in prayer giving everything to God and asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your weakness.
11 Aug, 2010
Friendly Advice
Ever wonder how great of a friend you are (or aren't)? Recently, Readers Digest published a few tips on "How To Be a Better Friend." Here's their advice:
Make time for friendships. Nothing makes closeness fade away more
than never talking to or seeing each other. While some bonds of
friendship may be strong enough to span long silences, most aren't. If
you cherish a person's friendship, make time for him or her, whether
it's just the occasional phone call, e-mail or a weekly get-together.
Make sure you aren't being a burden to a friend. Friendships fade away if there isn't an equilibrium between the give and the take. Be sensitive to how much your friend can and can't offer you – be it time, energy or help – and don't overstep the mark. And vice versa: friendships that drain you will not last. If a friendship is out of balance, talk the situation through.
Be a good listener. It can be the hardest thing in the world to do – simply to listen as he or she pours it all out or is seeking your advice or opinion.
Be in your friend's corner if he or she's not there to defend him or herself. If you're at a gathering at which someone mentions your friend disparagingly, defend him or her against gossip or criticism. Say, "Mary is my friend, and it makes me feel bad to hear you talk this way." Sooner or later, news of your loyalty will travel back to your pal, and it will deepen your friendship.
(picture and exerpt courtesy of www.rd.com)
John 15:5-8
Yes, I am the vine; you re the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit . This brings great glory to my Father.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about friendship with God?
We've all seen the t-shirts and stickers claiming that "Jesus is my homie." You've probably heard people refer to him as their "best friend," and even scripture and hymns refer to Christ as our friend (even one who "sticks closer than a brother," Proverbs 18:24). In today's scripture, Jesus calls his friends to remain in him - to stay close, to maintain a position where there is no separation, to abide. Just like our earthly, human relationships, maintaining a close relationship with Christ is a great deal of work; however, it's the one relationship that most of us tend to abuse more than nurture. Jesus is offering us everything and all he requires of us is complete loyalty. If there is one relationship that we should really work on and be concerned with being "better" at, it is our relationship with Christ.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture to our lives?
Go back and reread the tips that Readers Digest offers on becoming a better friend, only this time read and think about your friendship with Christ. Evaluate how great of a friend you are to Him. Be honest.
- Are you making time daily for Him?
- Do you tend to run from Him when things change or don't go the way you wanted?
- Are you doing all the talking? Do you make a point to listen to what God wants to say to you?
- Do you "have Christ's back?" When others are mocking or putting him down, do you laugh and go along with it, or do you take a stand and defend him?
What do you need to work on when it comes to your friendship with Jesus? Will you do whatever it takes to daily abide and remain in Him?
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Talk to your friends about your friendships. Share some of the tips you read about being a better friend. Be honest with one another and use it as an opportunity to strengthen your friendships. Ask your friend to be honest with you about what type of a friend you've been to him/her (and be willing to take it and work on it!).
Share some of the convictions you have about the friend you have/haven't been, including the friend you've been to Jesus, and why it's important to you.
10 Aug, 2010
Delighting in Differences
Europeans dress most casually for work, Indians smartest
(Reuters Life!) - Wearing shorts to work in Hungary might not merit a second glance but in India you are likely to be deemed a slacker who won't make senior management, according to a global Reuters/Ipsos poll on business attire. A survey of about 12,500 people in 24 countries found that Europeans are the most casual when it comes to work clothes with only 27 percent wearing a business suit or smart clothes to work.
Hungary came bottom of the table with only 12 percent of workers saying they wore a suit or smart dress to work. Among Hungarian workers, 46 percent said it was appropriate to wear shorts to work while 56 percent approved of thong sandals or flip-flops at work. Indians were found to be the smartest when it came to work attire with 58 percent donning a suit or other smart clothing for work. Only 21 percent said it was fine to wear shorts.
1 Corinthians 9:19 (ESV)
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about people’s differences?
When Paul writes this verse, he is in the middle of explaining how he approaches his ministry toward others. He realizes that God has called him to share the message of Christ with all types of different people who all require different approaches and understandings, from Jews to Gentiles to those considered to be weak and those considered to be strong.
Paul realizes God has given him great freedom because he is a follower of Christ. He is free from living under the power of sin, free from having to impress others, and free from living for the temptations of the world. However, he chooses to become a servant to those he has been freed from, so that his life and influence will hopefully impact them to turn to Christ.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
If you are a follower of Christ, you too have been set free. How are you using your freedom? Instead of living for others, do you look like the rest of the world, living for yourself and your own desires? Because of the variety of people in the world, we should surrender our freedom to Christ and ask that he will help us use it to impact others for him.
Although we should use our freedom to adjust ourselves to all the differences in the people we are exposed to, this should never become an excuse to engage in sinful practices. Learning to approach people differently based on their personality, background, and interests is very different from being negatively influenced by them.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Today’s story reminds us of the great differences between people all over the world. In something as simple as what kind of clothes to wear to work, it is clear that different people groups are each unique. The uniqueness of people is not a new thing; in fact, it is exactly what Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 9, and he teaches us to embrace these differences as we pursue others.
Spend a few moments considering some of the differences among your friends. How should your approach to share the gospel with them be different based on each of their unique characteristics? As we learn to surrender ourselves more and more to the purposes of God, he will help us become more sensitive to how to reach people of all different kinds.
9 Aug, 2010
What's Your Calling?
More young adults heeding pastoral call
For years, churches across the USA have prayed that more young people would explore careers in ministry as a wave of Baby Boomer pastors prepares to retire. Now it seems their prayers are being answered.
For the past 10 years, the estimated median age of candidates for master of divinity degrees has fallen steadily, from 34.14 in 1999 to 32.19 in 2009, according to an analysis by the Center for the Study of Theological Education (CSTE) at Auburn Seminary. That marks a reversal: From 1989 to 1999, the estimated median age had climbed steadily from 31.4 to 34.14.
Denominations hail this new pattern as a positive sign now, as churches increasingly depend on aging leaders and struggle to attract parishioners under age 30.
"A pastor usually attracts persons 10 years above and below their own age range," says Gail Ford Smith, director of the Center for Clergy Excellence at the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. "If you have a 27-year-old starting a new worship service, they're going to attract people ages (17) to 37. That really does appeal to us if we're trying to reach mission fields of those who've not yet been connected to God through Jesus Christ."
Click here for full article from USAToday.
1I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore it says,
"When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men."
9(In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
So what are you going to be when you grow up? Some of us reading this today may have already figured that out. Others may still be wondering. Some may have changed our minds several times. But when you do stop to think about it, do you ever wonder if you have a calling? It's interesting that the word "vocation" that is often used to mean your job, actually is first defined as - "a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action; especially : a divine call to the religious life." Our primary calling, then, is our calling into God's family through our relationship with Jesus!
For some of us, however, there just might be a "calling" into a particular vocation. So, when you start to think about what you are going to be when you grow up, do you wonder if there might be something that God is calling you to do? When I first picked a career, I chose accounting because I loved working with numbers and everyone I talked to said I would be great as an accountant. Everyone that is except God. As I started wrestling with that decision during my freshman year of college I realized that was the wrong choice for me. I started getting the advice of close friends who were following Jesus and the next step was them helping me realize that I should be working with students, so I chose to pursue becoming a school counselor. Then, through a series of events and experiences, God made it clear that He was "calling" me into ministry as a vocation.
- Spend some time this week talking with God about your future.
- Write down vocations that interest you and ask God to help you sort through what might be the best fit.
- Ask God where you could be of the most service to Him when you find a vocation.
- Have you every wondered if maybe God was calling you into minstry as a vocation.
- Do you have a friend wrestling with God? Talk with them this week about God calling them into His forever family.
- Do you have a friend struggling to find what they should do with their life? Pray for them this week. Talk with them about today's story and today's scripture. Start a conversation about what God might be calling them to do.
6 Aug, 2010
Whatever It Takes
Dog chews off Michigan man's toe, saves his life
DETROIT (Reuters) – A Michigan man credited his dog with saving his life by chewing off his diseased big toe as he lay passed out in a drunken stupor.
Jerry Douthett, 48, woke up on a Saturday night in late July in his Rockford, Michigan home to find his Jack Russell Terrier, Kiko, had gnawed off his right big toe.
"The dog always lays with me on the bed," said Douthett. "That night, I woke up and looked down at my foot, and it was wet. When I looked it was blood, and there was the dog looking at me with a blood mustache."
Douthett's wife, Rosee, rushed him to a hospital where doctors found he was suffering from Type 2 diabetes. His toe was badly infected and surgeons amputated the remainder of the digit.
Douthett's wife, a registered nurse, had been urging him for weeks to have his infected toe examined by a doctor.
On the night Kiko ate his toe, Douthett said he had been out with his wife and drank about "six or seven beers" and a pair of giant margaritas "big enough to put goldfish in."
"I was self-medicating at this point," he said. "The moral of the story is that the dog saved my life, because otherwise I never would have gone in to see a doctor."
The couple said they were amazed that Kiko appeared to know Douthett had an infection that needed treatment.
"He kind of chewed off the infected part and stopped at the good bone," said Rosee. "We joked that we shouldn't have had to pay the co-pay because he did half the job by chewing off half of the toe."
Story found at http://news.yahoo.com.
Photo found at http://images.google.com.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7"Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic— 11"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home." 12And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Talk about taking a risk. The four friends in today's scene from God's Story knew that they had to get the friend to Jesus, no matter the cost. First they sacrificed their time to take their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they arrived, however, they couldn't even get into the house. Their solution? Go in through the roof! Sounds pretty risky to me. But in their eyes it was well worth it for the sake of their friend. What about you? What are you willing to risk to get your friends in front of Jesus to meet their need for emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual healing?
- Thank Him for the ways that you have been healed by Him in your life.
- Ask God to direct you to others who might be in need of meeting Him.
- Ask God to give you the boldness to do whatever it takes for the sake of your friends who still need to meet Jesus.
- Do you know someone who is stuck in a dangerous situation? A bad relationship? A bad habit? A sinful lifestyle? It takes some boldness to intervene in their life, but it just might be what they need.
- Does that situation seem too dangerous for you to be the one to intervene? Talk to an adult that you trust about your firend's situation and get their advice and guidance on how to move forward.
- Spend some time this weekend writing down the names of any friends who are in serious need of emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual healing.
- Take your friends to Jesus by praying for them, by name, throughout the weekend.
5 Aug, 2010
Mental Health Experts Ask: Will Anyone Be Normal?
Leading mental health experts gave a briefing on Tuesday to warn that a new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is being revised now for publication in 2013, could devalue the seriousness of mental illness and label almost everyone as having some kind of disorder. Citing examples of new additions like "mild anxiety depression," "psychosis risk syndrome," and "temper dysregulation disorder," they said many people previously seen as perfectly healthy could in future be told they are ill. "It's leaking into normality. It is shrinking the pool of what is normal to a puddle," said Til Wykes of the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and contains descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It is seen as the global diagnostic bible for the field of mental health medicine. The criteria are designed to provide clear definitions for professionals who treat patients with mental disorders, and for researchers and pharmaceutical drug companies seeking to develop new ways of treating them. Wykes and colleagues Felicity Callard, also of Kings' Institute of Psychiatry, and Nick Craddock of Cardiff University's department of psychological medicine and neurology, said many in the psychiatric community are worried that the further the guidelines are expanded, the more likely it will become that nobody will be classed as normal any more.
Story and Photo taken from: http://www.reuters.com
Read: Romans 6:6,7
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Romans 6:8
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
What does it mean to be normal? In today's world (as our story points out), we are increasingly moving to classifying everything as a disease or disorder. It becomes very difficult to decipher what exactly is normal anymore. When we feel depressed does that mean we have a depressive personality? When we spend too much money, are we a shopaholic? The list can go on and on.
What is clear in today's Scripture is that Paul discusses sin (not disorders) as our biggest obstacle to a life with God. According to the Scriptures, we "all" miss the mark in some way. What Paul discusses as Normal (to be expected) is that sin is not to have any power over us. But of course, it often does. Sin is a conscious decision to do things our way. It is also a culture that surrounds us and influences with activities that are clearly apart from God.
To be a normal Christian is to do battle with sin on a daily basis. We must put these sins to death and believe me that doesn't feel very good. Dying with Christ brings our hearts and minds in line with His and allows Him to work in us. The Normal Christian Life.
What do you think a normal Christian should look like? What is your first response when tempted to sin?
Realize doing battle with sin is normal for the Christian. When you feel like going down a clearly wrong road, remember this Scripture and present yourself to God. It probably won't feel very good because we are dying to our old way of thinking and trying to put on Christ's way.
4 Aug, 2010
Aint Nothin' Like the Real Thing
(picture courtesy of google.com/images)
I live in a small suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana, and I recently discovered one of the yummiest (is that a word?) tacos I've had in a very.long.time. See, although I live in Indiana now, I actually grew up in California, where I was surrounded by quality, authentic, ethnic food, especially Mexcian food. As a result, somewhere along the line, I became a taco snob - just ask my husband (who grew up in Kansas City and whose idea of great Mexican cuisine is Taco Bell)! I guess all I can say is, once you've tasted the real thing, there's just no settling for anything less. Well, not too long ago, a big black truck arrived in Indianapolis and created quite the buzz. People began talking about a group of guys who sold tacos out of a catering truck, on a street corner in a busy area of town. As the story goes, it all started with one guy who moved to Los Angeles, CA (from Indy), tasted an authentic, Mexican taco, and he was never the same. He'd never experienced a taco quite like it. It wasn't the typical hardshell taco loaded down with beef, sourcream, lettuce and cheese . . . it was simple: a taco in its purest form (just meat, onions, and cilantro), and it changed his life, literally. Believing that the rest of the world (or atleast Indianapolis) needed to share the same experience, the young man (and a few of his buddies) invested his life-savings into getting the business started. It hasn't taken long for word to spread through social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, as individuals can't stop talking about "West Coast Tacos." Even the New York Times featured the traveling taco truck, recently. All the talk peaked my curiosity (and my craving) so I made the 25 minute trek into downtown Indy last week, braving the heat and humidity (along with the noontime lunch crowds) to stand outside a truck, amidst a long line of customers to experience it myself . . . and it was so worth it. So much so, that I told my family about it and dragged them back to the truck just a few days later so they could enjoy it! There's just nothing like the real thing!
Read the story of West Coast Tacos here:
http://indianapolis.metromix.com/restaurants/article/west-coast-tacos-in/2025221/content
Mark 3:7-10
Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of hte crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him.
What does today's story and God's Story scripture teach us about authenticity?
People are willing to sacrifice a lot when they find something that they find to be genuine, pure, or authentic. Obviously - I'm willing to drive 30 minutes to chase down a taco truck and wait another 20 minutes in line just to get one! When people heard about all that Jesus was doing - the miracles he was performing, the healing, and the genuine love and compassion he was showing - they came from great distances to fight the crowds, in hopes of getting just a glimpse of the man who was causing such a stir. Those who were diseased and hurting knew that Jesus was the "real thing," and they were wiling to do anything to be healed by him. It's amazing the lengths we'll go to just to experience something authentic and real (a live concert, a painting, food, friendship, love). When you value it, you'll do and pay whatever it takes. Jesus is the great I Am. He is the Only One who can rescue us from our sin, and the Only One who can restore our relationship with God. There is no substitution for His grace, and nothing will ever compare!
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
Do you have a craving for a real, authentic relationship with God? Maybe you find that all to often you're willing to attempt to substitute God's grace for a counterfeit that the world is offering. You're settling for Taco Bell when you could be sinking your teeth into something genuinely fresh and rich with flavor! Spend some time this week really seeking out Christ. Work at it, like the crowds did when they had to journey long distances to see his face. Look for God in the things that surround you: people, circumstances, creation. Search for Him in your prayer times, through scripture, and in conversations with others. Ask God to reveal Himself to you, giving you the wisdom to discern what is True and what is not. Knock-offs and substitutes are easy to come by - they're cheap and can be found everywhere - but an authentic, original is the only one of it's kind and people are willing to sacrifice greatly just to get their hands on it.
How can we connect our story and today's God's Story scripture to our friends' lives?
Talk to your friends about the difference between knock-off or counterfiet items and originals. Talk about why one is considered more valuable than the other. Ask them about what things they value in their lives that they're willing to really sacrifice for. Use this as an opportunity to share a few things in your life that you really value and are willing to work for, including your relationship with Christ. Share about all of the people who, just having heard about Jesus and the miracles he was performing, traveled long distances to see and experience his healing hand. Help your friends understand why there is no substitute for the grace and forgiveness that God offers, through Christ.
3 Aug, 2010
The Necessity of Training
Foxes trained to combat rat plague
(Reuters) - Authorities in China's far west have bred and trained "an army" of silver foxes bought from a fur farm to fight a plague of rats threatening a huge expanse of grasslands, state media said on Wednesday. The Xinjiang government bought 20 foxes in 2004 and they have since increased to 284 and been released into the wild, the official Xinhua news agency said.
"Foxes are excellent natural predators of the rodent. One fox can catch about 20 rats per day. There has been a decline in the rat population in several counties where the measure has been adopted," it quoted official Ni Yifei as saying. Rat numbers have exploded due to unusually dry conditions and threaten more than 5.5 million hectares of grasslands, the report said.
In one of the areas where the foxes have been released, rat numbers have dropped 70 percent, it added. "The silver fox was chosen to be the rat fighter for its distinctive ability to run, hunt and live under the harsh living conditions on the prairie," Ni said.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about training?
Paul communicates here that training is part of living life with God. As we see in today’s story, training is necessary in order to combat plague-like adversaries. The plagues that Paul mentions are “godless ideas and old wives’ tales.” These teachings were causing people in Timothy’s church to have a wrong understanding of who God is and what he is all about.
The emphasis in these wrong teachings was that followers of God should reject everything in life considered to be pleasurable. Instead of trying to be godly through physical denial of certain activities, Paul encourages us to be godly by looking beyond the physical to the spiritual, which happens as we learn to honor God in every area of our life. As this occurs, we will experience benefits in our life now and in our life after death.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
The first thing for us to remember is that God never promises that our lives as Christians are going to be easy. Just like Jesus suffered much during his time on earth, we now take part in his sufferings as his representatives. Because of this, we should commit ourselves to godly training, learning to expect attacks of all kinds and learning to combat them with the truth of who God is and what he has done for us in Christ.
The second thing for us to remember is that training to be godly does not happen by just physically refraining from certain activities. Though there are sinful activities that we certainly should refrain from, we should learn to develop a perspective of life and people that is based on God’s perspective. As we allow our worldview to be based on God as he is revealed to us in his story, we will be actively engaged in training ourselves in godliness.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Both today’s story and God’s Story scripture show that training is needed to combat plagues. Just like the foxes are being trained to combat the rat plague, we as followers of Jesus should be training to combat plagues. The plagues we must combat show up in views, opinions, philosophies, and perspectives that are not rooted in God’s truth.
If we have friends that have not become followers of Jesus, then they are very likely being negatively affected by certain ungodly viewpoints. Part of our job is to clearly communicate how God’s perspective reflects absolute truth because it is based in his absolute love. This love has been clearly expressed through Jesus’ death and resurrection by which we are offered the forgiveness of sins and a new life based in a restored relationship to God.
2 Aug, 2010
A Dangerous Drive
DENVER (Reuters) - A black bear attracted by the smell of a peanut butter sandwich managed to open the door of a car, climb in and got stuck, knocking the gear stick into neutral and sending the car rolling down a slope into trees.
The blare of the car horn alerted the members of the Story family who realized 17-year-old Ben's Toyota was no longer parked in the driveway of their home in Larksspur near Denver.
When they went to explore they discovered the car and trapped culprit at the bottom of the hill -- a giant bear with teeth bared and claws tearing through the car's interior.
The bear was trapped inside the car for two hours before police were able to release the animal who ran off into nearby woods.
Ben and his sister Becky said the bear was likely lured into the car by a certain scintillating scent.
"There was a peanut butter sandwich in the back seat," Ben told reporters, adding that his car was ruined.
Story and Photo found at http://mobile.reuters.com.
14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about giving into temptation?
Check out what the Life Application Study Bible Notes have to say about James 1:14-15 ...
It is easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions. We use excuses such as: It's the other person's fault; I couldn't help it; everybody's doing it; it was just a mistake; nobody's perfect; the Devil made me do it; I was pressured into it; I didn't know it was wrong; or God is tempting me. A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. A Christian, on the other hand, accepts responsibility for his or her wrongs, confesses them, and asks God for forgiveness.
- So how are you doing with avoiding temptation? Do you know your limits? Do you know your weak areas and how to avoid them? Spend some time with God this week asking Him to reveal to you where you are struggling with temptation luring you into dangerous situations.
- Ask God to protect you from those situations.
- Ask God to be your strength to say no to what tempts you.
- Is there something for which you have tried to pass them blame onto someone else, or even God? Confess that to God and to whoever that might be and ask God and/or them for forgiveness.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Do you have a friend who is following Jesus, but just seems to keep getting caught in dangerous situations that could lead them down the road to sin? Find some time to talk with them this week. Offer to help them stay accountable to the commitment they've made to follow Jesus.
- Do you have a friend who is blaming God or others when they fall into sin? Talk with them about today's God's Story scripture and help them realize they need to accept the blame.
30 Jul, 2010
Managing Our Money
Money management a difficult lesson for NFL's rookie class
Wanted: A hot-shot athlete to star in the NFL. Fame included. Other perks involve fat paychecks, big houses, luxury cars, mega fans and VIP lists. Survive camp, make the big plays and you're home free.
Or maybe not.
As they begin life in the NFL, rookies also can ponder sobering fine print that tempers the allure of becoming rich and famous.
They could also wind up broke.
"I hope they save their money," says Keyshawn Johnson, former No. 1 pick, "and realize the NFL means Not For Long."
The average NFL career is just 3½ years. Yet the sweat equity routinely produces instant millionaires. The league's average salary in 2009 was $1.9 million. The $325,000 rookie minimum? That's seven times the average starting salary for a college graduate.
Despite such cash flow, there is no shortage of current and former NFL players — like examples in other sports — stung by financial distress. Some have blown millions, even while aligned with financial advisors. Indulgent spending, poor investments, off-the-field transgressions and unscrupulous business practices are typical factors.
Click here for full artilce at www.usatoday.com.
Photo found at www.usatoday.com.
The Widow’s Offering
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
When it comes to managing our money on God's terms, it basically comes down to giving. Giving money back to God that He has blessed us with in the first plance. And God doesn't so much look at how much we give in terms of the amount, but He does look at our motives. When the woman in God's Story came she didn't let anyone distract her or discourage her. She wasn't holding anything back from God. Why? Because of her love for him. So what about you? Are you holding back? Are you spending your money on yourself or are you giving it to further God's Kingdom efforts in your community and the world? And when you give, is it out of your love for the Father?
Be honest and ask yourself these questions:
- Am I giving all that I have to give, just like the widow did?
- When Jesus looks inside me, does He see a generous heart?
How can I connect today's story, my story, and God's Story to others?
- When you look at others, put judgments aside and value them like Jesus does.
- Do you know someone in your neighborhood who is struggling to make ends meet? Talk with your family about preparing a meal for them over the weekend.
- With Back-to-School time around the corner, consider giving some of your own money to purchase school supplies for students in need of assistance.
29 Jul, 2010
French Nuns Seek Chart Run After Record Deal
(Reuters) - Benedictine nuns from a secluded convent in southern France have had their prayers answered after beating 70 other religious orders to a deal with Universal Music with the hope of creating a chart-topping album.
"We never sought this, it came looking for us," said Reverend Mother Abbess at the Abbaye de Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation near Avignon. "At first we were worried it would affect our cloistered life, so we asked St. Joseph in prayer. Our prayers were answered."
The nuns, whose album of Gregorian chants is set to be released in November, belong to an order that dates back to the sixth century.
The sisters are neither allowed to leave the convent or receive guests and only communicate with visitors through a grill. "I passed the contract through the grill, they signed it and passed it back," said Dickon Stainer, chief of Decca Records, a unit of Universal, in a statement.
To keep their privacy the sisters will also film their own television advert and photograph the album cover.
The nuns, who beat convents from North America and Africa, join a label that includes the likes of Elton John, The Rolling Stones and convent-educated chart topper Lady Gaga.
The abbess said the nuns decided to record the album hoping it would touch people's lives.
Story and photo taken from: http://www.reuters.com
Read: Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
What are "all these things?" Like these nuns in today's story it could be something material like a record deal. Maybe it's a new job, a car, a relationship, etc... But maybe the added things are less tangible like godly character, patience, love, and joy.
Regardless of what God provdes for us, it is clear in this passage that our responsibility is to seek Him first and His righteousness. It is easy to claim faith in Christ, however, it is not so easy to seek God in all that we do and desire righteous living over unrighteous living.
We don't have to become a nun or a monk to live godly lives but we must commit to some spiritual disciplines. I have never been so reminded of this than at this time in my life. Walking with God doesn't just happen. We should have some tangible things we are doing on a daily and weekly basis to develop our relationship with God. As the athlete trains his body, so must we train our spiritual muscles. Read below for a few ideas.
Here are some simple suggestions to increaese our capacity to seek God first:
1) Spend a day in silent prayer. Don't try to accomplish too much just be aware of hanging out with God.
2) Give up all forms of media (ipods, cell phones, tv, etc...) phones after 10:00 p.m. this week. Silently meditate on God instead.
3) Fast for a whole day and notice how much we depend on food for our daily energy. Rely on God instead.
4) Memorize a Psalm
These are but a few spiritual exercises. I'm sure you can think of some more. The important thing is to do them. We need to flex our spiritual muscles. And remember, the goal is intimacy with God, not giving ourselves points with God for doing these things.
Listen to other peoples story closely this week. Look for the activities that they are involved in and the work that it takes to maintain them. Affirm their perseverance and accomplishments but also pray that God might lead you into some discussion about spiritual things as well. Utilize the spiritual disciplines we have discussed to bring them to God in prayer and allow God to work in and through you. I'm sure you will notice a difference. Hopefully they will too.
28 Jul, 2010
What'd You Say?
(Cartoon by P.C. Vey, courtesy of www.readersdigest.com)
Colossians 4:5-6
Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.
Something tells me that there are way too many times in my life that I have been "that guy" on the phone.
"Hello? Oh, hey, Sarah, how are you? Rough day, huh? Bummer. Oooh, just a minute . . . OMG, I wish you could SEE what that girl was just wearing! . . . What? . . . Oh wait, I'm getting a text message. It's from Mark. This might be important . . . Let me just text him back real quick . . . Okay. Sarah? You there? What were you saying?"
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about listening?
Although I like to think that I'm a great listener, I have to admit, there are times when I find myself falling victim to the distractions that surround me - enticed by something seemingly more pressing, interesting, or attractive. I hate to think that there have probably been times when I've missed out on some pretty incredible opportunities to minister to someone or show a friend Jesus because I've been too concerned with what I've had to say, rather than what they are trying to share with me.
Today's God's Story scripture teaches us that we have to always be ready to listen to others, to look for opportunities to share Christ and minister through grace and love. What better way is there to show someone that you love and have concern for them, than to truly listen?
To "listen" another person's soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another. - Douglas Steere
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Have you ever tried to witness to someone only to walk away frustrated, feeling like nothing you said was even heard? Or maybe it was the fact that you realized (as soon as you walked away) that you dominated the entire conversation and you never even bothered to ask how your friend was doing. It may seem a little much to be concerned about every.single.conversation, but God wants us to make the most of every opportunity, and by learning to listen to others better, we learn just how to minister more effectively to those God puts in our paths.
Of course, it's not just listening to others. Learn to listen better to God's voice and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The more familiar we become with God's Word and the more practice we have listening and obeying Him, the more prepared we are when we are faced with opportunities to minister to others.How can we connect today's God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Pray and ask God to help you become a better friend and listener. Ask Him to show you ways in which you can graciously love others better and be better prepared for conversations with those who are not Christians.
Learn the "Five Laws of Listening:"
- Somebody has to go first - when sharing sensitive/privileged information help your friend feel safe by offering to share first (be vulnerable).
- Don't compete for airtime - listen more than you talk
- Some of the best questions don't have question marks - gather more information by making requests in the form of a statement (ex. Tell me about your family. I'd like to know more about that. Explain how that happened.)
- Say it again - tell your friend what you think you heard her saying so she can correct your perceptions
- Ask tough questions gently - be prepared to answer whatever questions you ask
27 Jul, 2010
Healing the Heart
Man delivers pizza, saves heart attack victim
(Reuters) - A laid off paramedic who turned to delivering pizzas to make ends meet is credited with saving the life of a man who went into cardiac arrest just as a pizza was delivered to his door. Christopher Wuebben, 22, was delivering a pizza late last week to the suburban Denver home of George Linn, when he heard the man's wife screaming for help, according to Wuebben's boss, John Keiley.
"Chris told the woman that he was trained in CPR and knew what to do," Keiley, owner of Johnny's New York Pizza, said on Tuesday. "He got him on the floor and brought him back to life before the fire department showed up." Linn was transported to Swedish Medical Center where he is listed in serious condition in the hospital's critical care unit, hospital spokeswoman Julie Lonborg told Reuters.
Keiley said Wuebben is a military veteran who recently moved to Colorado after he was laid off from his paramedic job in Illinois. He said Wuebben is not scheduled to work at the pizza restaurant until later in the week, but Keiley may not have his new employee for long. At least one local hospital and a fire department have called to offer Wuebben a job in his chosen field after hearing of his heroics.
Acts 15:7-9 (ESV)
And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about the heart?
In the verses above, Peter and the disciples are discussing how the early church is spreading from the Jews to the Gentiles. After listening to many of the other early church leaders, Peter reminds them of his experience of seeing some of the first Gentiles receive Jesus by faith. By doing so, he clarifies that God does not have any favorites.
The reason that God has no favorites is because everyone’s heart is the same before him. Both Jew and Gentile, male and female, black and white all have the same need for Jesus to come in and change their heart. The path to a changed heart is the same for every individual: it is not something to be earned but rather something to be received by faith.
How can we connect God’s Story scripture to our lives?
The first thing to learn from this passage is to always be thankful for what Jesus has done. It is only through the death and resurrection of Christ that our hearts can be reunited to God. As we receive this truth by faith, turn from our sin, and trust our lives to him, our hearts are cleansed and made new, giving us brand new purpose and direction in all of life.
The second thing to learn from this passage is that every person, no matter who they are or what they are like, is in need of a heart repair from Jesus. The Bible tells us that the heart of mankind is nothing but evil but that Jesus offers to give people a new heart that has been cleansed and made new in him.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s story scripture, and our story to others?
It is amazing that the pizza delivery guy in today’s story just happened to be in the right place in the right time. He was not planning on saving someone from a heart attack, but he had the opportunity to do so just because he was going about his normal business. In the same way, Peter was simply minding his own business when he was summoned to deliver the gospel message to a particular Gentile household.
As we reflect on the stories of both Peter and the pizza delivery guy, we should be reminded that we will never know from day to day who God may bring into our path whose heart needs to be changed by the love of Jesus. May we be faithful in all the simple and ordinary things in life, always ready to seize the opportunity to present Jesus as the solution to someone’s heart problems.
26 Jul, 2010
Awarded for Forgiveness!
Murdered coach Ed Thomas honored at ESPY Awards 2010
There was an emotional moment at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles Wednesday night as the family of murdered Iowa football coach Ed Thomas accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
In June 2009, Ed Thomas was shot to death by a former student, Mark Becker. Becker was hospitalized in a mental health unit and then released several days before the shooting. He currently is serving his sentence for life in prison.
The Arthur Ashe award was given to Ed Thomas family because of the forgiveness shown to the family of Mark Becker. ESPN honors those individuals who transcend sports each year with this awarad.
A video tribute about Ed Thomas was shown prior to his son, Aaron Thomas, taking to the stage and speaking to the audience about his father:
When you look at former winners and the company we’ve joined ... and to think that our dad and the example he set at doing what’s right has led us into the category ... We went through many tough times, but we had a great example from my father in how to handle adversity.'
Story and Photo found at http://news.google.com. Posted July 15, 2010.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about Forgiveness?
Jesus gives a startling warning about forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. It is easy to ask God for forgiveness, but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask, Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me? (Life Application Study Bible Notes, Tyndale House Publishers)
Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive?
- Pray for that person every day this week.
- Pray for yourself, asking God to continue to work on your heart in this matter of forgiveness.
- Thank God for His forgiveness for your sin.
- Do you know someone who is stuggling to forgive someone? Pray for them every day this week, asking God to continue working on their heart in this matter of forgiveness.
- Is there someone who is struggling with understading God's forgiveness for their sin. Pray for them this week as well.
- Is there someone who has wronged you that you need to seek out this week to express forgiveness? Don't just keep it between you and God. Step out and offer them forgiveness.
23 Jul, 2010
Attention Getting Donkeys
Parachuting donkey shocks Russian beachgoers
London: Russian entrepreneurs, who wished to attract beachgoers to their private beach, have been questioned over a promotional stunt that involved parachuting a donkey.
The donkey, which was spotted soaring in the blue skies, shocked beachgoers as it screamed in fear while circling the Cossack village of Golubitskaya in the Krasnodar region of Russia last week.
It was dragged for several meters when it landed on the water before it was pulled out half-alive on to the shore.
The entrepreneurs, who had wished to attract guests, instead attracted the attention of regional police who learned of the flying donkey earlier this week and launched a probe.
"The donkey screamed and children cried. No one had the brains to call police," the Telegraph quoted Larisa Tuchkova, regional police spokeswoman, as saying.
She said people instead reached for their cameras and bombarded a local newspaper with phone calls.
Story and Photo found at http://news.google.com.
Balaam's Donkey
21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. 22 But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road.
24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. So he beat her again.
26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?"
29 Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now."
30 The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?"
"No," he said.
31 Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.
32 The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."
34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back."
35 The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.
36 When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. 37 Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?"
38 "Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth."
39 Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth. 40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to Balaam and the princes who were with him. 41 The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw part of the people.
What does today's God's Story Scripture have to say about attention getting donkeys?
In both Today's Story and today's God's Story Scripture a donkey was used to get someone's attention.
Could you imagine seeing either one of these scenes if you were passing by?
In today's God's Story Scripture, God used Balaam's donkey to get his attention. And as if that weren't enough, the "angel of the Lord" finally came to set Balaam straight. Balaam was going his own way. The angel tried to stop him, but only the donkey saw the angel. Why didn't Balaam see it the first few times? Maybe he was so convinced of his own way that he was oblivious to the angel. Maybe the angel wasn't visible to anyone except the donkey at first. No matter the reason, Balaam was so stubborn that God had to make a donkey talk to get his attention.
How about you? What would it take for God to get your attention?
- Is God trying to get your attention about some area of your life? Ask Him to keep showing up until you know what area He wants to work on.
- Is there a habit or way of life you've had a difficult time giving up since you decided to follow Jesus? Ask God to be your strength as your commit that area of your life to Him.
- Is there a big decision in your near future? Are you tempted to make your own plans and go your own way? Ask God to direct your steps so you are in step with His plans for your future.
- Is God wanting to use you to get someone else's attention to change some area of their life? Who is that someone else?
- Is God wanting to speak through you to give direction to a friend in need of making a big decision? Who is that friend?
- Is God wanting to put you in places where His Love can overflow out of your life and into the life of someone who needs His love? Who is that someone who needs His love?
22 Jul, 2010
Romantic Comedies Affecting Off-Screen Love Lives
Romantic comedies might provide 90 minutes of light-hearted fun but the happy-ever-after movies are also impacting people's real love lives, according to an Australian survey.
A poll of 1,000 Australians found almost half said rom-coms with their inevitable happy endings have ruined their view of an ideal relationship.
One in four Australians said they were now expected to know what their partner was thinking while one in five respondents said it made their partners expect gifts and flowers 'just because'.
"It seems our love of rom-coms is turning us into a nation of "happy-ever-after addicts." Yet the warm and fuzzy feeling they provide can adversely influence our view of real relationships," said Australian relationship counselor, Gabrielle Morrissey.
"Real relationships take work and true love requires more than fireworks."
The survey was released by Warner Home Video to mark the movie "Valentine's Day" going to DVD.
Story and photo taken from: http://www.reuters.com
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seekin, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
I don't think we can ever get enough of 1 Corinthians chapter 13 - the "love" chapter. Even those who don't know Christ believe that love is what makes the world go around. The question often remains, however, "What is love?"
I don't think today's news story is any real surprise. Our culture is flooded with movies and songs about love. It is so easy to be persuaded that a particular song and/or movie is the key to how to do it. Right now we have the Twilight series displaying the power of love even over supernatural beings. Believe it or not I watched The Sound of Music last night for the first time and was captivated by the music and love story portrayed there. These images are hard to get out of our minds. They can be inspiring for sure, but the question for those that follow Christ still remains - is this God's love or an imitation?
God's love is patient. Are we waiting on God's or pushing through with our own desires? God's love isn't envious of other people's stuff. Am I listening? It is so easy to think we don't have enough when we look around at those we think do (Celebrity Cribs?!). God's love does not brag. We are comfortable just being a child of God. We are proud of that! God's love is not rude. Why do I need the best parking spot or the first spot in line and force my way in there? God's love is not easily angered and doesn't keep track of all the negative things about our life and other people. Enough said! God's love does not delight in evil. This is a tough one. There are many things masquerading around that appear good but are evil. Jersey Shore anyone? God's love always protects the reputation of others. It always trusts God for everything good in life. It looks forward to a future with God as opposed to just the here and now. God's love keeps getting up even when we fall down and struggles to keep faith even when life sucks.
The love chapter huh? I can't imagine anything more difficult. In the words of the famous Christian, G.K. Chesterton: "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried."
Whether we are in a romantic relationship or just trying to figure out how to love friends and family, may we keep trying God's way even though it is difficult.
What is your defintion of love? How does it compare to God's definition in 1 Corinthians 13? What is your definition of romance? If you're in a romantic relationship does it reflect the godly characteristics listed above? Whether you are in a romantic relationship or not, pick out two qualities of God's love listed above that you can (with God's help) work on this week.
No doubt there are many people around you today that are in romantic relationships (both Christian and non-Christian). Starting today, pray for your Christian friends in that the model of God's love in 1 Cor. 13 would flow throughout their relationship. For your non-Christian friends, pray that God would give you windows of opportunity to share what His love looks like. This is especially effective for those who seem to always be having tons of drama.
21 Jul, 2010
A Rocky Relationship
(Image courtesy of PAUL
RUHTER/Gazette Staff - billingsgazette.com)
Rocky
[Readers Digest] The chestnut gelding with one white sock and a blaze of white down his nose was a handful. Named Rocky, he sometimes gave even experienced riders trouble. His owner, Suanne Stenger, of Worden, Montana, described him as "hyper and bouncy out of the gate."
Stenger's five-year-old daughter, Bailee, was an unlikely match for the frisky Rocky. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age three, she routinely experienced dozens of seizures a day. Yet the girl had a passion for barrel racing, only natural in a family full of horse and rodeo people. (Her grandmother showed Appaloosas, her father had ridden bulls in high school, and her mother also ran barrels.)
When Bailee's horse Scooty became sick during a race one day, the little girl asked to ride Rocky. At first, her mother didn't like the idea. "I was afraid she might not be able to control him," Stenger says. But with Bailee in the saddle, Rocky became a different horse. He ran smoothly, responding to cues from his small rider. His restlessness subsided.
Bailee too was different. Over the following months, as she continued to ride Rocky, she had fewer seizures. Astride Rocky, she stayed calm.
So attuned were the horse and rider that each settled the other down, even in frightening circumstances. Once, while putting a bridle on Rocky, Bailee collapsed and began convulsing on the ground between the horse's two front legs. Some horses might have reared up or even stepped on the girl, but Rocky remained unruffled. In fact, he stood over Bailee like a sentry until Stenger arrived at her daughter's side.
In January 2007, Bailee underwent brain surgery to lessen her seizures. By Memorial Day weekend, she had improved so much that she wanted to ride Rocky at a race in Montana. The pair went on to win prizes two days in a row.
The bond between girl and horse grows stronger with each passing year. "He knows I'm little and can't take responsibility for stuff," says Bailee, now 12. "So he takes over, and we just go."
(Written by Gary Sledge - www.readersdigest.com)
Romans 8:6-9 (NIV)
6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being controlled by the Spirit?
Like Rocky, there was a time when others could have, without hesitancy, described me as "restless." And, if I'm being most honest, there are still times when I feel anxious, unreliable, and as if my life is out of control. However, when I think back on those moments in my life when I let my anxieties and restlessness take over, they were times when I was not in tune with the Holy Spirit. The story of little Bailee gently leading Rocky and calming his restlessness with her quiet cues is such a beautiful illustration of how I believe God wants our relationship with Him to be. His Word promises us that when we submit to His control, God gives us life and we can finally experience the peace our hearts long for. As a result, during times when life seems really scary and threatening, we are able to stay calm, relax, and remain faithful.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
God is our Rock; His Spirit is the reins that guide us.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Take some time to think about who/what has been controlling you . . . your mind . . . your thoughts . . . your actions. Who's been sitting in your saddle? Have you been listening to the cues of the media? Allowing the nudges of your peers to lead you in a direction you weren't planning on heading? Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to be in control? Our God is a God of peace and order. If your life is marked by chaos and your spirit is restless What do you need to do today to release the reins and surrender to the Spirit's leading? Pray and ask God to give you the courage and strength to overcome.
Memorize Isaiah 26:3-4.
May your relationship with God be like that of Rocky and little Bailee Stenger: The bond between girl and horse grows stronger with each passing year. And may you embrace a similar perspective: "He knows I'm little and can't take responsibility for stuff . . . So he takes over, and we just go."
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Talk to your friends about the story of Bailee and Rocky. Use it to jumpstart a conversation about what things make them feel unsure, out of control, or restless. Challenge yourself to go first and be vulnerable by sharing about times when you've been in a similar place, then talk about how the Holy Spirit helped calm your mind by bringing you peace. Be honest about the nature of your struggle for control, allowing God to be glorified by the way He is or has redeemed you through His Spirit.
