30 Oct, 2006
Cowboys coach claims family found dead rat in McDonald's salad
DALLAS - Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Todd Haley is suing a suburban McDonald's, claiming his wife and the family's live-in baby sitter found a dead rat in a salad they took home and began to eat.
(Note: This photograph made available Friday by Scott Casterline, a spokesman for the Todd Haley family, allegedly shows a rodent in a McDonalds salad. The photo has been digitally manipulated by the source to make the rat look blue.)
The lawsuit filed Thursday in state district court seeks $1.7 million in damages, The Dallas Morning News reported on its Web site.
In addition to Haley, the Cowboys' passing game coordinator who got in a well-publicized shouting match with receiver Terrell Owens earlier this month, the suit was also filed on behalf of his wife Christine and the family's au pair, Kathryn Kelley.
According to the lawsuit, Christine Haley and Kelley had eaten part of the salad purchased June 5 at a McDonald's in Southlake before the rat was discovered. The women became violently ill and endured long-lasting physical injuries, the lawsuit said.
Believed to be a juvenile roof rat, the rodent was about 6 inches long and was found on its back with its mouth opened, Scott Casterline, a spokesman for the family, told The Associated Press.
"The family needs closure," said Casterline, whose family's law firm is representing the plaintiffs. "It came to a point where you have to draw a line."
Ken Lobato, owner-operator of the McDonald's in Southlake, told the Morning News that he hadn't seen the suit and couldn't respond.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers," he said. "We maintain the strictest quality standards. We take these matters seriously and are conducting a full investigation to get all the facts.
"In my years as an owner-operator, I've never seen anything like this."
photo courtesy dfw.com & story twincities.com, 10/26/06
Ah rats!
What does today's God's Story teach us about sin and tempting situations?
Come on now, how often do any of us read from the book of Leviticus? I don't. Do you? Usually, we think this is just one of those Old Testament books that doesn't apply much to our stories today. BUT, I think you'll see that all of Scripture is holy because God's Spirit wrote it and it is timeless because it is full of practical lessons to help us abide in Christ.
Here's the deal on today's verses from the study notes found in Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible:
11:8 God had strictly forbidden eating the meat of certain "unclean" animals; to make sure, he forbade even touching them. He wanted the people to be totally separated from those things he had forbidden. So often we flirt with temptation, rationalizing that at least we are technically keeping the commandment not to commit the sin. But God wants us to separate ourselves completely from all sin and tempting situations. Perhaps this passage has made you aware of areas of your life where you have "technical" innocence but in which you have actually been involved in sin. It's time to cross back over the line and stay there.
It'a a no-brainer what you do when you find a rat in your salad. First of all - you throw up! Then don't eat it! It's unclean.
God wants us to think no-self when we are faced with "unclean" situations in our lives. If we trust His Spirit to help us abide in Christ every day, we'll be able to make Godly choices when we face 'McSinful' tempations in our lives!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Take a few minutes to talk and listen to Jesus. If you are willing to be totally honest, Jesus will help you recognize the "unclean" areas in your life right now. Confess them and let His forgiving grace (made possible through His sacrificial death on the cross) get you clean again. Thank God and worship Him!
- Let Jesus help you write down the 5 main areas in your life where it's sometimes like finding a rat in your salad! In humility, ask Jesus every day to help you rely on His power to live clean.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
The way to apply this is obvious. BUT be careful to not make your friends and family throw up! You can use today's DAILYBIDE to share more of your story with other Christians and with those in your storysphere who are not yet followers of Jesus. When you talk about this subject of God's instructions on the "unclean", be careful to be real about your own weaknesses, without judging the other person.
NOTE: You might want to tell today's story after you have a salad at McDonalds, not during your meal. Wait a minute...for your friends with weak stomachs, you might want to wait till the next day....maybe while keeping a barf bag handy!
27 Oct, 2006
Kurt Cobain topples Elvis as highest-paid dead celebrity
NEW YORK (AFP) - Angst-ridden grunge rocker Kurt Cobain has pushed Elvis into second place in a list of highest-earning dead celebrities, with the late Nirvana frontman raking in 50 million dollars in the past year.
The Forbes.com website ranks 13 celebrities pushing up daisies on their income and proves that death need not be an obstacle to making money, with the group collectively earning 247 million dollars in the last year.
While Elvis, who has been dead for almost 30 years, slipped to number two in the list for the first time since 2001, his estate still managed to earn 42 million dollars in the past 12 months.
Success of the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line" helped the Man in Black avoid going into the red, pulling in eight million dollars for his heirs, while late Beatles guitarist George Harrison and reggae legend Bob Marley both earned some seven million dollars, mostly through CD sales and royalties.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 10/26/06
Songs that last forever!
How does today's God's Story teach us that God's music lasts forever?
David, the psalmist, had something in common with Kurt Cobain and yet they obviously were very different.
Kurt Cobain, the lead for the band Nirvana, was very talented but very messed up. Fighting with drugs and depression, one of his famous quotes was simply, "I hate myself and I want to die."
Sadly, he did. He took his own life. There was no evidence that he ever was willing to let Jesus rescue him and change his story in this life and for eternity. He wrote songs that live on and make money even after his death, but they don't help him now and eventually his music will fade away forever.
David also was very messed up at times. Trapped in his own sin and strugggles with depression, David often wanted to die. He also wrote songs that live on because God's Holy Spirit wrote God's music through David which are recorded forever in God's Word.
In today's scripture, David is praising God for the ultimate hope that Cobain never received. He is making a commitment to prolong his praise to God forever.
Here's something really cool to think about - as followers of Christ, we can experience the same hope and deliverance now that David wrote about. Then some day, we will stand next to David in Heaven and sing our worship to God forever!
These songs will last forever. No need for iPods. Just us praising Jesus!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Praise God right now in a prayer of gratitude for the ways He has "turned your mourning into dancing and clothed you with gladness."
- In your journal, write a praise every day to God for His faithfulness to you. If you don't keep a journal, write God a note (or a song) that expresses your own "psalm" to Him.
- For one week (don't wait for the weekly church service), spend 30 minutes a day (the same as a TV sitcom) in personal worship of God by singing, dancing, and praising while you listen to some of your favorite worship songs. Get ready for God to really use this in your life!
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
Get together some evening with a bunch of friends just to listen to some of everyone's favorite tunes. It should be pretty easy to find some moments when you can use what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE. You can learn more of their story by asking them about their music. It will probably give you the opportunity to share more of your story and maybe even some of God's musical story.
26 Oct, 2006
Spoiled milk sparks school evacuation
Swartz Creek, Mich. - A plastic bottle with foul-smelling contents that was found in a men's bathroom at Swartz Creek High School two weeks ago prompted an evacuation and a visit by the bomb squad. But lab results show that the bottle contained spoiled milk.
The bottle had been sitting in a student's locker and was left on the ledge in the bathroom, The Flint Journal reported Tuesday. It was found Oct. 9 and officials initially said they believed it contained a mix of household chemicals.
"It looks like it was chocolate milk, old, spoiled and under pressure," Superintendent Jeff Pratt said.
Pressure from the spoiled milk apparently caused the bottle to expand, making it look more suspicious. Pratt said school officials erred on the side of caution, noting that possible threats can't be taken for granted.
"Two police officers and three members of the bomb squad refused to go near it or touch it, and that was good enough for me," Pratt said.
Students were evacuated to the football field and later dismissed. It turns out a student had cleaned out his girlfriend's locker, found the bottle and accidentally left in the bathroom, the newspaper said.
Swartz Creek Police Chief Rick Clolinger said the milk was inside a clear, nearly 16-ounce water bottle.
"I know that after the fact it makes us look on the silly side, that we sent kids home because of spoiled milk on the shelf," Clolinger said. "But all of the right decisions were made."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 10/25/05
What's that smell?
What does today's God's Story teach us about the important issue of how we smell?
Paul lived in the day of the Roman Empire. When the Roman army would return from another battle victory, the Roman general would show off their prisoners and loot in a parade of triumph. The streets would be lined with people burning incense to honor their false gods. This aroma was sweet for the victors, but it was a foul stench for the captives because they faced slavery and death.
When we (followers of Christ) talk about God's Story and our story, it smells great to some and to others - it stinks!
Other believers will like the fragrance of Christ in us, unless they're not living to please Jesus at the time.
For those who are not followers of Christ, it may smell like death at first, because deep in their souls, the Holy Spirit will convict them of their eternal destination without the forgiveness of Christ. But this is good - it's part of God's Story - His Spirit is pointing out their need for spiritual rescue and will attract them to the sweet smell of life in Christ!
But do we smell like new life in Jesus Christ? Jesus will use our lives to be like a sweet aroma to others if we are full of His grace and love. Be honest. How do you smell?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Remember today's story - how the students had to leave the school because of the stagnant milk? Be honest. Has your relationship with Jesus been sitting on the shelf like the milk? If your life in Christ is not fresh and you suddenly try to be a "witness" for Christ, it may cause an evacuation of the area. Don't drop a religious "bomb" on others!
- Talk to God right now. Praise Him for the sweet aroma of Christ's forgiveness which keeps you from the stench of eternal death! Confess any way in which you have been smelling more like the decay of this world rather than new life in Jesus Christ. Ask God's Spirit to keep pointing out anything unclean in your life so that you will give off the fragrance of Christ to others. Thank Jesus for keeping you spiritually fresh every day!
- Memorize 2nd Corinthians 2:15 as a daily reminder of the need to smell good!
- Whenever you put on perfume, cologne, or some body spray, pray that God's Spirit will empower you to give off the aroma of Christ to others. Or the next time you smell the milk carton, let Jesus remind you to be His aroma!
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to the lives of others?
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a resource for your next youth group meeting or small group time. (Be sure to start off the discussion with sharing the smell of some rotten milk!)
- The next time you're having a meal with friends at school, at work, or with your family and milk is a beverage of choice, use today's story as a way to turn the conversation toward today's story. You can follow this up by asking the others, "How would you describe the smell of people who claim to be Christians?" This should create some interesting discussion which may give you the opportunity to share how today's God's Story affects your story.
25 Oct, 2006
Bostonians light 30,128 pumpkins
BOSTON - Bostonians on Saturday lit 30,128 pumpkins on Boston Common, shattering the world record for the most jack-o'-lanterns lit in one place.
"It's fantastic," said Jim Laughlin, a spokesman for Life is Good, the Boston clothing company that sponsored the event. "We've been going after this record for a long time."
The old record of 28,952 lit pumpkins had been held since 2003 by Keene, N.H. That city tried to keep up with their own attempt Saturday, but lit only 24,682 pumpkins.
In Boston, an estimated 100,000 people crowded onto the Common to slice, scoop, and sculpt pumpkins and to savor pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup. Mayor Thomas M. Menino greeted children, who were dressed as ghosts and angels.
Keene, a city of 22,000 people, did not go down without a fight. "We had more pumpkins lit than people who live here," said Alan Davis, an organizer.
The friendly competitions raised thousands of dollars for charities.
photo & story courtesy images.google.com; twincities.com, 10/24/06
Light it up!
What does today's God's Story teach us about being light?
Light is very interesting. It is noticed and it shows the way. This is true of a big building full of lights that sits on a hill or of a small candle on a table. And when you put candles inside of 30,128 pumpkins, you set a record and get lots of attention for a city!
Regardless of impact, light is something that Jesus said should characterize our lives. Is there anything in your life that is hiding Christ's light in you?
Sometimes we hide our light by not speaking up when we should, by going along with the crowd when we shouldn't, by letting sin dim our light, or perhaps by ignoring opportunities to meet the needs of others.
How can we be a light in the dark world around us?
Remember, we don't have to be a major spotlight or searchlight or even thousands of pumpkins lit up. Just being a candle of God's Truth will be noticed by someone and show them the way.
By consistently living out the life-changing Truth of Christ-like love, we are letting a little bit of His light into our world. It could help change someone's life forever!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- In today's story about the record-setting pumpkin light, did you notice that the participants had to carve and empty the pumpkins before they were filled with candles? Let Jesus help you see how your life may need to be cleaned out by his forgiveness before He replaces it with His light.
- Ask His Spirit to help you recognize the ways that you may have been hiding your light. Ask Jesus to help you be faithful to the little opportunites He gives you to be a light. Thank Jesus for always being the light to show you your next step in life as you serve Him.
- Using a Bible study guide (usually in the back), look up ten verses that use light as an analogy for living for Christ and following Him.
- For one month, write down every opportunity that Jesus gives you to be a light to someone. At the end of the month, evaluate what you have learned and make any needed lighting adjustments.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to the lives of others?
- Pray every day for Jesus to show you one opportunity to bring His light into someone's life. It might be as simple as a friendly smile at school or at work to someone who is lonely. It could be the affirmation of "way to go" to someone! It could be (you fill in the blank).
- Have a pumpkin carving party and use it as an opportunity to be Christ's light as you laugh and talk.
- Write a note of appreciation to another follower of Christ who has been "lighting it up".
24 Oct, 2006
Ecstatic fiancée identifies 'Amnesia Al'
He is Jeffery Alan Ingram, a 40-year-old Olympia, Wash., man who vanished on the morning of Sept. 9 when he was supposed to be driving to Alberta, Canada, to visit his parents.
Instead, he found himself on the 16th Street Mall in Denver, in front of the World Trade Center building on Sept. 10, unable to remember his name.
Family members contacted Denver police over the weekend after his story was featured on Good Morning America and the Today show.
"Obviously, I'm ecstatic," his fiancée, Penny Hansen, said Sunday afternoon. "I'm happy he's safe."
Later Sunday, she told the Olympian in Olympia, Wash., that "it's been a horrific six weeks since his disappearance. I'm anxious to talk to him and see how he's doing."
Denver police said Sunday they were able to verify Ingram's identity through the family. Until then, police had referred to him as "Al," rather than the "Alpha number" on his report file.
Police, however, do not think his disappearance or his allegation of lost memory is a joke. After consulting with doctors at Denver Health Medical Center, they think Ingram is suffering from a psychiatric disorder known as a "dissociative fugue state."
According to the Thurston County sheriff's office in Washington, where the original missing persons report for Ingram was filed, his fiancée reported that he experienced a similar bout of memory loss during a routine trip to the grocery store in 1995.
Ingram spoke to reporters on Friday but was not available Sunday. Quinones said plans call for him to return to Washington within a few days.
He has a long way to go," she said, adding that Ingram did not recognize pictures of his relatives. "He was just frustrated. He said, 'I know I should know these people - but I don't.' "
photo & story courtesy ap & insidedenver.com, 10/23/06
Who am I?
What does today's God's Story teach us about knowing our identity?
Isaiah is reminding God's people that they don't have to ever wonder or worry if their Savior is going to forget them. Look at these words again:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine."
God had a proven track record when it came to taking care of His chosen people and He would continue to love and provide for Israel.
The same promise is true today for any of us who have trusted Jesus to be our Savior. He knows each of His followers by name - we belong to Him - Jesus will never forget us or let us go!
When I read today's story and God's Story I identified with 'Amnesia Al' and Israel at the time of Isaiah's writing. Sometimes, I allow the circumstances of life to overwhelm me and I forget my identify in Christ. Like Israrel, I fail to remember the many times that God has delivered me and lavished His love on me. Can you identify with me on this?
Be encouraged. Just like someone (his fiancee) who loves 'Amnesia Al' remembers him, someONE who loves you and me never forgets us even when we're confused about who we are. God knows our name and He calls us His own!
How can you connect today's God's Story with your life?
- Listen to God as you talk with Him right now. Not only does He know your name, He knows everything about you, including your most pressing needs, your greatest challenge, your hidden hurt, your confused moments, your dreams about tomorrow, your.....let His Spirit communicate His love for you as you listen and reflect...
- Try to keep a written journal for two weeks, with a daily entry of one way that you recognized how God never forgets you.
- For as long as you remember to do this - every day you look in the mirror - thank Jesus that your identity in Him will never be lost.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- For someone in your "storysphere" who is not yet a follower of Jesus, you could ask him or her if they heard the story about 'Amnesia Al'? If you are truly being a good listener, Jesus will help you know if the time is right for you to transition into sharing more of your story. You could say, "I have a friend who has never forgotten me or let me down, even though I have often forgotten him and let him down."
- To encourage another follower of Jesus who seems to be forgetting his or her identiy in Christ, you could use the same line (as above) and see if he or she catches on to the fact that you are talking about Jesus? More than anything, be ready to listen with the heart of Christ. Share today's scripture and how it impacts your story today.
23 Oct, 2006
Officials Probe Finger-in-sandwich claim
Chowchilla, Calif. - Health officials are investigating a woman's claim that she found part of a human finger in a Subway sandwich - an allegation reminiscent of the chili bowl finger hoax at a Wendy's restaurant last year.
Two health inspectors visited the Subway restaurant Thursday in Chowchilla after the woman reported finding what appeared to be a half-inch piece of a finger a day earlier, said Jill Yaeger, director of the Madera County Environmental Health Department.
The inspectors did not find any evidence that a restaurant worker had lost part of a finger, and they found no violations of food handling procedures there, Yaeger said. The purported human digit was sent to a laboratory for testing, and the incident was reported to police.
The Subway manager, Anita Munoz, said she was in the restaurant when the woman returned with what she claimed looked like a finger.
"It looked like a thick piece of fat," she told The Fresno Bee. "It doesn't look anything human to me."
Munoz said the incident would be investigated by Subway's national headquarters.
Subway spokesman Kevin Kane said the company was aware of the woman's claim but would not comment until Madera County officials completed their investigation.
"The Subway restaurant chain takes every customer comment seriously," Kane said Friday. "We don't know what the foreign object is yet."
Chowchilla is about 90 miles east of San Jose, where a Las Vegas woman claimed in March 2005 that she bit into a fingertip in a bowl of chili at a Wendy's restaurant. Anna Ayala's stomach-turning claim made headlines around the world.
The claim was found to be a hoax and Ayala was sentenced to nine years in prison. Her husband was sentenced to more than 12 years for getting the finger from a co-worker who lost it in a workplace accident.
Wendy's, based in Dublin, Ohio, said it lost $2.5 million in sales because of bad publicity and had to lay off dozens of employees at its Northern California franchises.
Subway, which has more than 26,000 restaurants in 85 countries, is owned by Doctor's Associates Inc., based in Milford, Conn.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 10/21/06
Are you going to eat that?
After reading today's God's Story, why should we recognize that our behavior affects others? What should we do or not do?
At some point we will learn whether the claim of finding "finger food" is true or just another hoax. Either way, the behavior of the person leaving a part of a finger in the sandwich ingredients or if the claim of the finger finder is a lie, Subway and many customers will be affected.
In today's passage, Paul is talking about an issue that all followers of Christ face at some time or other - our behavior's impact on others. Let me share with you a great explanation from TYNDALE'S LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE. The notes make it quite clear:
Both strong and weak Christians can cause their brothers and sisters to stumble. The strong but insensitive Christian may flaunt his or her freedom and intentionally offend others' consciences. The scrupulous but weak Christian may try to fence others in with petty rules and regulations, thus causing dissension. Paul wants his readers to be both strong in the faith and sensitive to others' needs. Because we are all strong in some areas and weak in others, we need to constantly monitor the effects of our behavior on others...
While Paul urges us to be sensitive to those whose faith may be harmed by our actions, we should not sacrifice our liberty in Christ just to satisfy the selfish motives of those who are trying to force their opinions on us. Neither fear them nor criticize them, but follow Christ as closely as you can.
So let's focus on intimacy with Christ. Then our behavior will be what's good for the whole body of Christ, not just a few "fingers".
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- Thank God for His Word which is so practical! Confess any way in which you've been insensitive about how your behavior affects others. Ask God's Spirit to help you focus on growing to be more like Jesus. Thank Him that this will help you please Christ and at the same time know how to live in such a way, that your behavior will influence others to live to please Christ.
- Pray every day for the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in a way that pleases and honors Jesus Christ. Then the "food" issues won't be a big deal.
- OK, I can't resist - whenever you eat a sub sandwich the next couple of weeks, look closely at what you're eating. Let it remind you to get your nourishment from God's Word and to be aware of how your actions impact others in the body of Christ.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
Rather than focusing on what others are eating (their lifestyle choices), or what food you can or can't eat (your rights and choices), focus on eating the Bread of Life every day (abide in Christ) and God will give you opportunities to help others "taste the Lord and see that He is good".
20 Oct, 2006
North Korea nuclear tension
North Korea's resumption of its nuclear weapons program has set its neighbors and much of the rest of the world on edge.
Five nations -- the United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea -- are now piling the pressure on North Korea to curb its nuclear ambitions.
Pyongyang has said it wants a formal non-aggression treaty with the United States before it makes any move. But lately it has been dishing out a charm offensive in a bid to get Washington to be more flexible.
For its part, the United States is keen to see the standoff resolved but is standing firm amid concerns expressed by top officials that the nation is a "rogue state" holding the world hostage to nuclear blackmail.
courtesy cnn.com, 10/18/06
Threat of war?
In time, the world will find out if North Korea's nuclear threat is for real. Sadly, most of the world doesn't recognize that they are already in a war that is very real - one that involves eternity.
Today's God's Story is about our ultimate enemy, who is trying to hold our world hostage. What kind of war are we in and how do we fight to win?
Paul is teaching us to remember that Satan and his army are obsessed with the destruction of any follower of Christ.
He understood the spiritual battle that all of Christ's followers face as individuals. Paul is teaching us (just as God's Spirit told him) to unite together in our war with Satan and his fallen angels. And it will require much more than nice Christian words and ideas.
To win the war against Satan's terror, we must first receive the freedom from sin through which Satan is holding us hostage.
Then as followers of Jesus, we (the Church) must depend on the Lord's mighty power. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! This power comes through the Holy Spirit. So how can we get this power from the Holy Spirit?
Put on every piece of God's armor and stand our ground together!
- Thank God for His Holy Spirit's power. Ask Him to help you use every piece of God's armor to battle against the Devil. Pray for other Christians around the world to answer God's call to unite together for victory over the forces of hell. Ask God's Spirit to unite your local church and to help your brothers and sisters in Christ wear God's armor every day. Ask God to unite you with at least two other Christian friends in your school, church or neighborhood for the purpose of relying on the Lord's mighty power together.
- Read through Paul's list of armor again and ask God to help you focus on the one you need the most this week. His Spirit will help you put it on.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Use the current world watch about the threat from North Korea as a way to talk about the subject of the spiritual war between God and Satan. It could be a way for you to share part of your story which includes Jesus giving you the armor to go to battle against the spiritual enemy in your life.
- If you aren't already in a prayer/accountability group, start one with two others at your school, church, or work place.
18 Oct, 2006
Miami: Punishments appropriate; 'new standard set'
CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Shaking her fist for emphasis, Miami president Donna Shalala said Tuesday that sanctions levied against 13 players for their role in a sideline-clearing brawl were fair, justified and strong enough to satisfy the university.
All that, though, came with one big caveat: Miami athletes simply can never fight again, she said.
....Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers took a much harsher stance -- dismissing two players, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr., and extending the suspensions of all other 16 sanctioned players indefinitely.
The 16 suspended FIU players will be placed on athletic probation for the remainder of the academic calendar year, must complete 10 hours of anger management counseling, and will undertake a community service project to educate South Florida youth on appropriate behavior as related to athletics, the Miami Herald reported on its Web site Monday.
There were many instances of heated words being exchanged during -- and before -- the game.
But shortly after halftime, unsportsmanlike turned into unruly.
Bryant bowed to the crowd after catching a touchdown pass with 9 minutes left in the third quarter. Moments later, Chris Smith wrestled Miami holder Matt Perrelli to the ground and punched him, and McDuffie kicked Perrelli in the helmet.
Morse jumped onto the Smith-Perrelli pile, Singleton followed and tried to punch the Hurricanes' Calais Campbell -- and benches began to empty.
Several players from both sides appeared to throw punches. Meriweather was seen attempting to stomp on FIU players, while an injured Golden Panther swung a crutch menacingly at several Miami players.
photo courtesy foxsports.com & story sports.espn.go.com, 10/16/06
Trash talkin' trouble!
What does today's God's Story verse say about trash talkin?
All right, I know, the verse uses the word "rash", not trash. And it is saying that these "rash" words can be like a sword thrust, not a helmet smash. But you get the connection between today's football brawl story and God's Story.
Proverbs 12:18 really doesn't need explanation. In the context of the theme of wisdom in Proverbs, our words to others will show us to be a fool or someone who is full of God's wisdom.
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Answer this question honestly: Do your words bring hurt or healing to others?
- Talk some words to Jesus right now. Thank Him for the practical truth of His Holy Word. Confess any way in which you have been hurting others with words, whether to their face, behind their back, or online. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask His Spirit to help you fill your mind with God's Truth, so that you'll be full of wisdom and express words of Christ-like love toward others. Ask Jesus to use your words to bring healing to the lives of those who are hurting.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder for how God wants you to talk to others.
- If someone has hurt you with words, ask God to give you a Christ-like attitude of forgiveness toward them, even if they never apologize.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If you have hurt someone with your words, go apologize and ask for forgiveness. It will be an example of someone who has a new story through following Christ, which is part of God's Story. It may give you opportunity to learn more of their story as they respond to your apology.
- This one may seem even harder. At school or at the work place, when you see someone "thrusting a sword" by trash talking someone in a hurtful way, intervene in a calm way without playing the role of judge. Just try to be a peacemaker while standing up for someone who is being picked on. Get ready, because this may really open up some conversation about your story.
- Use the football brawl story to discuss with others the whole issue of using words to build others up rather than putting others down.
17 Oct, 2006
Which of these have you seen, heard, or played?
Movies Top Ten Video Game Rentals
GameFly - Week Ending: 10/9/2006 Top 10 Artists on MTV.com 9/18/06 - 9/24/06
Top Ten Songs (Radio Airplay) Top 40
Launch.com Top 10 Streaming Music Videos 10/11/2006
As Viewed on Launch: Music on Yahoo! 10/13/2006 - 10/15/2006
Source: Nielsen EDI | Top Ten TV Shows rank TV Program Audience (in millions) Grey's Anatomy(ABC) 22.8 2. CSI (CBS) 21.5 3. Desperate Housewives (ABC) 21 4. Lost (ABC) 18.8 5. Dancing With the Stars (ABC) 18.4 6. CSI: Miami (CBS) 17.9 7. Dancing With the Stars Results (ABC) 17.5 8. NCIS (CBS) 15.9 9. Survivor: Cook Islands (CBS) 15.8 10. Two and a Half Men (CBS) 15.8 Top Ten Albums
Billboard Magazine, Issue Date: 10/21/2006 Top Ten Song Downloads
Source: i-Tunes, Week of 10/16/2006 Yahoo! Buzz Index
Top Searches on Yahoo! |
hot lists courtesy cpyu.org, 10/13/06
Heads up on media!
How does the scripture in today's God's Story connect to the media in today's culutre?
In today's passage, Paul gets real specific with sensual sins. OUCH!
Every one of us struggle with evil desires. We can't ignore them. Most of them won't be noticed by others, but we all know that deep down, there's some pretty ungodly stuff being tossed around.
Paul says that if we're not letting the Holy Spirit control every part of our lives, our sinful nature is going to produce some sinful desires and result in evil.
You may not be sexually active, but if you allow your mind to be continually filled with impure values, doesn't it seem logical that in time you could become eager for lustful pleasures? Will you then have the strength to say no to sexual immorality?
If you are struggling with sensual sin, do you see the connection between what you are putting into your mind with what you are doing?
If we allow the Holy Spirit to control our minds, we will experience God's power to make Godly choices about what goes into our minds and hearts. If we don't, would we want anyone to see our TOP TEN thoughts?
How can you connect today's God's Story with your own life?
- Start by being honest about the connection between the media going into your head and your attitude, thoughts and actions.
- Thank God for the power of His Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases Him. Confess your struggle with choosing to fill your thoughts with what is Godly and ungodly. Ask His Spirit to control your mind today, for an hour, or maybe just for the next minute! Thank Jesus that He promises you to be able to do with what is pleasing to your Heavenly Father when you abide in Him.
- Memorize Galatians 5:16.
- For one week, read today's scripture every day, slowly and aloud. Listen for some new thoughts and encouragement from Jesus.
- For two weeks, keep a written journal of what goes into your mind from the media...your choices in movies, TV shows, magazines, music, video games, the internet, and the Godly stuff....like time in His Word, prayer, worship, Bible studies at church or with friends at school or the work place, a Christain book, etc. At the end of the two weeks, evaluate which is having more impact on your mind? Make any needed adjustments.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- With friends and family who are followers of Jesus, look at the hot lists together and talk about the connection to Galatians 5:16-19.
- With friends and family who are not followers of Jesus, be careful not to preach at them or judge them for their media choices. Rather, be familiar with today's media, because this is part of knowing how to connect God's Story to their stories. You don't have to see all the movies or hear all the songs to know what's going on. Check out these resources: http://www.3story.org/start/ http://www.cpyu.org/Default.aspx http://www.planetwisdom.com/ http://www.dare2share.org/
- With the mind of Christ in you and a growing understanding of God's Story, you can listen to the media perspectives and experiences of those who need Jesus and find those moments to convey spiritual truth in a loving, thought-provoking way. This is part of connecting your story and God's Story to their stories.
16 Oct, 2006
Can a python bite off more than it can chew? Ewe bet!
In fact, after swallowing a pregnant sheep, it couldn't move at all.
Firemen in the Malaysian village of Kampung Jabor, about 190km east of Kuala Lumpur, easily caught it after it was spotted on a road.
Pythons eat no more than once a week but when they open their incredible hinged jaws, anything is fair game.
This 5.5m python found its eyes were definitely bigger than its belly.
In July surgeons were forced to operate on a 4m Burmese python after it inadvertently swallowed a queen-size electric blanket.
Humans also have become victims. In 1972 a python in Burma swallowed an eight-year-old boy.
But sometimes their food really doesn't agree with them.
In October last year, a 3.6m python came off second best in Everglades National Park in Florida.
The snake, which tried to swallow a 1.8m alligator whole, exploded, said scientists who found the gory remains.
photo & story courtesy news.com.au, 09/8/06
What are you swallowing?
What does today's God's Story teach us about God's judgment on those who take advantage of the poor?
Chapter 20 of Job is a speech that Zophar is giving to his friend Job, God's servant. It is part of their serious debate about God's control and purposes in a person's good times and bad times. Zophar is proud that he is healthy and rich and he believes that this is proof of the fact that he sees himself as being godly. (That is a messed up theological view that you will often see on religious televsion shows today.)
Today's verse (20:15) is a subject on which Job will agree with Zophar. Oppression of the poor is evil. Taking advantage of the poor and helpless is like a tasty food for the rich, but God will judge this wicked action eventually. Even if God's judgment is not seen in this earthly life, it will happen in the last judgment (for eternity).
"Ewe" know that pregnant sheep was pretty helpless. The python was very greedy. It was "cast out of his belly". Justice!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Start by being very honest. Let's ask ourselves some hard questions. How have we achieved some temporary gain at the expense of others? Have we taken advantage of someone who has less than us? Indirectly, has a worldy view on the "good things" in life and our spending habits made life more difficult for people in this world who are poor and helpless?
- Let's pray. Ask Jesus to show us our selfish greed. Let's confess any way in which we have "swallowed" up others for the sake of what we want. Thank God that as we confess this, He will help us "throw up" what is not pleasing to Him. It may hurt, but He will fill us with His love. This not only feels better - it's the right thing to do and it's part of abiding in Christ every day.
- Read Job 20 & 21 to learn more of this very thought-provoking part of God's Story.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Today's story and photo of the snake full of sheep would be a great conversation starter with your youth group, small group or family. Share it (but maybe not at the dinner table). Talk about it by looking at what Job 20:15 is teaching. Discuss some changes that are needed in your lives and brainstorm ways to reach out to those who are truly poor and helpless. Your love in action could help lead some "sheep" to the Shepherd.
- If you have "swallowed up" someone through your actions or attitude, ask Jesus to give you the humility and courage to go to this person and apologize. Be ready, because this kind of action is so unusual in our world today, you may get asked why? It may be another step in connecting your story and God's Story to their story.
13 Oct, 2006
Chelsey Junker is 18 years old this weekend!
God has given me the privilege of a friendship with Chelsey. I say this because she has taught me a lot about faith, God's grace and God's purposes.
The fact that she is alive to celebrate her birthday is another one of God's miracles! In January of 2005, Chelsey, 16 at the time, was severly injured in a snowmobile accident. (This first photo is of Chelsey before the accident.)
Surviving the trauma of major brain injuries and a severed spinal chord, Chelsey returned home after almost seven months in a hospital. She has continued to make some improvements, but Chelsey is paralyzed from the chest down and is unable to see. She has made incredible progress in areas of speech and the use of her arms. Chelsey is a senior and taking some classes at school and continues in therapy.
Her sweet spirit, sense of humor, and most of all - her love for Christ -blesses everyone who meets her! Chelsey is teaching everyone who meets her about what it means to trust God and praise Him, no matter what. My favorite quote from Chelsey is "I praise God that I'm alive!"
(Chelsey is in the middle front of this family photo)
Happy Birthday Chelsey!
What does today's God's Story teach us about praising God?
The psalmist points out that God alone is worthy of praise, because He has made everything, is in complete control, and deserves all glory! Notice that the earth "trembles" when He looks at it. The psalmist sings praise to God just for having "being" which means that God determines our very breath and when we will take our last breath.
Chelsey shares the heart of the psalmist.
When she says in her quiet voice and with all her heart, "I praise God that I'm alive", it grabs your heart with God's love and His Truth.
Through God connecting His Story with Chelsey's story, we are reminded that God loves us and has a perfect plan and purpose for each of us. He alone is worthy of all our praise!
What do you need to praise God for today? What problem do you need to trust God with? Even though life is often hard to understand and you can't see the future...God does.
How can you connect today's God's Story with your story?
- Pray right now. Take a couple of minutes to talk to your loving Heavenly Father...He already knows your problems and needs, but He is waiting to listen to you pour your heart out to Him...now thank Him for His love, His sovereign plan and purpose in your life...finish by praising Him....
- Pray every day for Jesus to give you the faith you need to trust God, no matter what, and to praise Him for "just being alive"!
- Write down a list of reasons to praise God in your life, no matter what. Keep this where you will see it regularly. Let it be a reminder to you of God's love and faithfulness to you.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Pray for Chelsey and her family. Pray for God to do another miracle by restoring her eyesight.
- Send Chelsey a birthday greeting and let her know that you're praying for her. She has started a new computer program which tells her what letter she is typing. You can email her at: chelseyj@frontiernet.net
- Use today's story as a way to encourage someone else who is facing a difficult time. But be careful to express it as an example of God's love and power, without making the other person feel that he or she must immediately respond with the same faith that Chelsey has. It's always best to show that we care and then ask questions and then listen....before we start talking like we have all the answers.
12 Oct, 2006
19-year-old driver sentenced in 2005 car-surfing death
By Eric Litke
Sheboygan Press staff
A 19-year-old Kansas man was sentenced Monday to 60 days in jail and given 18 months probation for driving a vehicle his best friend fell from while "car surfing" in Sheboygan in July 2005, said Sheboygan County District Attorney Joe DeCecco. The 19-year-old friend was killed by the fall.
John A. McKenzie, of Topeka, Kan., reached a plea agreement in which a felony conviction of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle will be deferred 18 months and dismissed if in that time he commits no crime, performs 100 hours of community service — including 25 hours of speaking to youth on the dangers of car surfing — and maintains absolute sobriety.
The charges stemmed from an incident July 7, 2005, in which Kohler resident David Weyrens, a Kansas native, died after falling from the roof of a 1997 Land Rover Discovery driven by McKenzie. DeCecco said the two grew up together in Kansas, and McKenzie was in town visiting Weyrens when the incident occurred.
The two left from Weyrens' home about 3 a.m., with McKenzie riding on the vehicle. Weyrens then took a turn clinging to the Land Rover's luggage rack.
Weyrens fell when a piece of the luggage rack broke off as the car passed St. Nicholas Hospital on Superior Avenue, police said. He died at the hospital shortly after the fall.
DeCecco said Weyrens' parents asked for leniency for McKenzie, and he said the plea agreement reflected that.
"This was a tragic case, but I'm grateful it was resolved consistent with the Weyrens' wishes," DeCecco said in a press release. "I'm hopeful that this utterly needless death of a young man will serve as a warning to others of the dangers and very severe consequences of car surfing."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story sheboygan-press.com, 10/10/06
Looking for something extreme?
After reading today's God's Story, would you describe Paul as someone who discovered an extreme thrill?
Paul was a true follower of Jesus Christ! He flirted with death without having to do any chariot-surfing between synagogues. The dangers Paul faced came from boldly serving Christ and telling others about God's Story and his story, even if it meant prison, torture, or possible execution.
Even though most of us can't begin to picture ourselves trying to ride on the top of a speeding car, your peers who don't know Christ seek thrills that can kill them if they don't believe that God has the answers to this life and life after death.
Paul had God's eternal perspective, so his whole purpose in life was to become more like Jesus and use His God-given courage to tell others about life in Christ, even if it resulted in his death. He didn't fear death, because he knew he would then see Jesus face to face in Heaven and be free from worldly troubles.
Do you want the ultimate thrill? Make sure you know your eternal destiny through Christ. Devote your life to serving Jesus. With His love, you will have the courage to tell others His Story, without fear of death. It's the only way to live!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Thank God for His promise of eternal life in Heaven. Praise Him for the privilege and responsibility He has given you to serve Him and to be His messenger. Ask Jesus to forgive you for ways in which you are looking for worldly thrills rather than His Kingdom thrills. Ask Him to show you every day how to serve Him with His eternal perspective in mind.
- Memorize Philippians 1:21 as a reminder of the extreme thrill it is to serve Christ!
- Write a list of what you do to experience thrills in life. How many things on your list involve serving Christ and connecting your story and God's Story to others? Make the adjustments.
- Whenever you see some extreme sports or stunts, let Jesus remind you to live dangerously for His purpose and glory.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Pray every day that your love for others will be extreme, just like Christ's love!
- A very practical application is for you to have the courage to say something and try to intervene when you learn of peers who are planning or suddenly decide to do something "stupid" for the sake of thrills. You may not be a very popular voice at the time, but you may save someone's life. Think of the extreme fulfillment this will give you!
- Use today's story as a conversation starter with a friend who needs Jesus. Ask if he or she heard about this car-surfing story? What does he or she like to do for thrills? Be ready to talk about what gives you excitement in life. Be ready if Jesus leads you....to talk about your story of faith or His Story.
10 Oct, 2006
Man sets sights on eye-popping record
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Claudio Paulo Pinto is looking to break an eye-popping record. Literally. Pinto can pop his eyeballs out of their sockets at least 7 millimeters (0.3 inches), a national record for eye-popping according to RankBrasil, an organization modeled after the Guinness Book of World Records that lists Brazilian records.
A former driver, Pinto got a job scaring visitors in a commercial haunted house in Belo Horizonte, 210 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. But he recently was laid off, and now he seeks international recognition for his ability.
"I was measured by an opthamologist on television in January. I could pop my eyes out 7 millimeters," Pinto said by telephone Saturday. "Since then, my capacities have improved over 50 percent."
That could put Pinto close to the record. The title of "furthest eyeball popper" in the Guinness Book of World Records currently belongs to Kim Goodman of Chicago, who can pop her eyeballs 11 milimeters (0.43 inches) out of her sockets.
Pinto's ability is called "globe luxation." Doctors say it can strain blood vessels and nerves between the eyes and the head and feels unpleasant but usually doesn't cause lasting damage.
Pinto says he's been luxating his globes since he was 9 years old and "it doesn't hurt a bit."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 9/15/06
Eyes wide open?
Why should today's God's Story open up our eyes?
Part of our sin nature (which all of us are born with) includes the selfish perspective that we don't want or need anyone or anthing telling us what to do. We think that rules get in the way of our "personal freedom". They keep us from doing what we want to do.
But the psalmist is obviously excited about God's laws. Why?
It's because God's law (the instructions and guidelines found in His Holy Scriptures) were given to us because of His great love for us! God knows what is best for us and He wants us to find ultimate freedom which comes only when we surrender our will to His will. The Bible shows us how to do that. God's Word leads us in His path and helps us stay away from our own worldly paths which only lead to destruction.
This eye-popping truth was discovered by the psalmist and God wants us to see it too!
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- You know how TV shows featuring wild stunts always do a disclaimer like "don't attempt this at home"? Well, you should not attempt to pop your eyes like the guy from Brazil, but each of us should attempt to let God help us discover today's "eye-popping" truth at home. It starts with your eyes being wide open! Talk to God right now. Be honest. Have you resisted seeing His Story (God's Word) as the authority in your life? Confess this and ask Jesus to forgive you and take over. Thank Him that His Word is not only perfect, but God has given it to you because He loves you so much and wants you to experience His best.
- Read Psalm 119:12-24 to see the bigger picture of the eye-popping truth of God's Word.
- Keep a written journal for at least two weeks (warning: this can become a habit!) for your daily Bible reading. Every day, look for and write down one "to do" that you find in God's Word. The effect on your life will open up your eyes even more to God's incredible Story and love and plan for your life.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story, and your story to others?
- Pray every day that Jesus will open up your eyes to see His Truth and the need for His Truth in the lives of your friends and family members who don't know Him as Savior. Ask Jesus to enable you to live like Him in a way that will allow the "eyes" of others to be open to seeing God's Story.
- Use today's story as an illustration to talk to someone in your "storysphere" to help explain your story - how Jesus helped you see your need for Him.
9 Oct, 2006
God has used 'SEE YOU AT THE POLE' for 17 years!
BE STILL AND KNOW
"It was totally amazing and I felt the presence of God there, even at midnight."
That was the comment from Kevin, a student at Jacksonville (Ala.) State University, where 50 students met early Wednesday, September 27 for See You at the Pole, a national day set aside for students to pray for themselves, their campuses, and their country. The JSU students met in large and small groups; worship songs began spontaneously, and, according to the report, "Everyone there could feel the presence of God."
By starting at midnight, the Florida college students staked a claim that their prayer time "was among the first in the country," but groups that started in the Philippines and other countries preceded them in the global movement expressed in this year's prayer event.
The theme of SYATP 2006 was "Be Still and Know that I am God," from Psalm 46:10. As See You at the Pole observed its 17th year, God honored His promise in that verse: "I will be exalted among the nations."
Thousands prayed across Australia in May, and groups reported their participation from the Netherlands, Congo, Canada and Mexico as well as all 50 U.S. states.
photo & text courtesy www.syatp.com, 10/5/06
Students show up to pray
What does today's God's Story about Jesus returning to Heaven have to do with us?
About 2000 years ago, 40 days after Christ's crucifixion, the apostles looked up in the sky as they watched Jesus ascend into Heaven. Some of God's angels passed on a promise from God that really motivated the early disciples to get busy for the sake of Christ!
God spoke through His messengers that Christ's followers should plan on Jesus returning in the same way He went - bodily and visibly! Every day, we are getting closer to the return of Jesus to judge and rule over the earth. We are to work hard to share the Good News of Jesus so that others will be able to share in God's eternal blessings.
So you're wondering how the 'See You At The Pole' events connect with the future event of Christ's return? (Even if you're not, allow me to make the connection.)
Immediately after Christ returned to Heaven, the disciples had a prayer meeting (Acts 1:12-14) to begin relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to do what Jesus told them to do - to tell God's Story - all around the world!
When a multitude of students all around the world gathered together around school flag poles, they were doing much more than looking up into the sky. They were calling upon the power of the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts and in their lands. Perhaps you were one of them! God's Spirit is moving in the hearts of Christian youth to spread the Good News of Christ to the hearts of people all over "to the end of the earth". That's part of the ongoing process of telling of God's Story.
- Thank God for the Good News of Christ that brings forgiveness and eternal life in Heaven. Praise Him for the power of the Holy Spirt which gives you the love and courage you need to help spread God's Story all over the world. Pray for the ongoing effect of the 'See You At The Pole' events to be powerful in every nation. Ask God's Spirit to show you how to be involved in some way in the ever-widening circle of Christ's life-changing message.
- Every day, ask Jesus to show you how to learn the stories of others and then connect your story and God's Story to their stories.
- Whenever you see a school flag pole, pray for the story of Jesus to be told and understood in your own world and all around the rest of the world.
- Memorize Acts 1:8 as a reminder of the power and the mission that God has for you.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If you are not in a prayer group for the purpose of encouraging each other to abide in Jesus (grow spiritually) and share His Story, then pray about the possibility of starting one with some school friends, your co-workers, or through your church.
- To be encouraged and challenged, learn more stories from 'See You At The Pole' by going to www.syatp.com
6 Oct, 2006
Shooter's Grim Past
The Weston High School shooting occurred on September 29 in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. Eric Hainstock, a 9th grade student, used a pistol to shoot principal John Klang several times before being apprehended. Klang later died as a result of the wounds he received.
A criminal complaint says the 15-year-old was upset with Klang because the principal had disciplined him for having tobacco in the school the day before and teachers hadn't stopped a group of kids who had called him names. Court documents paint a grim picture of Hainstock's home life as he was growing up. When Hainstock's parents, Lisa and Shawn, divorced in 1995, a judge granted primary custody to Hainstock's father, saying he provided a more stable environment. But, Shawn Hainstock was charged with physically abusing his son in 2001. A criminal complaint says Eric told investigators his father kicked him because he hadn't given the pets some water. He says his father also hit him with a belt and a paddle he called the "board of education," put hot sauce or hot peppers in his mouth as punishment for lying and swearing and threatened him with juvenile court and foster care. Alan Hahn works on farms near the Hainstock home and has known the family for nearly a decade. Hahn says when Eric would do something wrong, like leave a motorcycle helmet out overnight, he would have to run laps around the house for hours. Hahn says the boy spent as much time as possible with his grandparents to get away from his father.
photo & story courtesy AP & waow.com, 10/04/06
Like sheep without a shepherd
What does today's God's Story teach us about Christ's compassion?
Everyone has a story. Sadly, many people have a story that is filled with a twisted plot and a tragic theme. Eric, the boy who killed his school principal, obviously fits Matthew's description of someone who is like a "sheep without a shepherd".
Principal Klang is a victim. His family, school and community are victims. Eric, the teenage shooter, is a victim....broken home....abused by his father....picked on.....none of this is an excuse for his crime, but he has a very painful past.
Jesus feels great compassion for people who have problems so great that they don't know how to get help, or they are so down, they don't respond to help that is available. He wants to bring healing and hope to their lives through His love, forgiveness and power.
The amazing thing is that He wants to use us. Jesus said we should pray for people to respond to His need for workers. Quite often, when we pray for something, God uses us to answer our own prayers! He wants us to see the need and trust Him to empower us to meet the needs of others.
Many people are ready for the turning point in their stories. They may give their lives to Christ if someone helps them connect their stories to God's Story.
Are you willing to be that person?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
Thank God that He sent Jesus to rewrite your life story. Praise Him for the fact that you know your story will have a happy ending - living with God in Heaven forever! Ask His Spirit to empower you with Christ's compassion for those who are hurting and feel helpless. Pray that people will respond to the need for being God's workers. Ask Jesus to give you a willing, humble heart to be one of those workers.
Pray for Jesus to show you someone in your circle of influence who is "like a sheep without the Shepherd". Trust Jesus to show you practical ways to connect with this person. It might be through acts of kindness, an encouraging word or note, an invitation to a "safe" place or experience....
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- The recent school shootings around the country are weighing heavy on our minds and hearts. Get your youth group, small group, or some other friends together to pray. Pray for Eric, the 9th grade shooter, to experience the love and forgiveness that comes through Christ alone. (Imagine the potential impact of thousands of DAILYBIDE readers praying for Eric.) Pray also for the family and friends of Principal Klang expereince God's peace and truth.
As you continue to see news reports of people who are harassed and helpless, let Jesus remind you that you know the Shepherd and your story can help other "sheep" be rescued. Encourage others who are in "the sheep fold" to do the same.
5 Oct, 2006
Amish Say They 'Forgive' School Shooter
By CHARLES GIBSON
NICKEL MINES, Pa., Oct. 3, 2006 —
It didn't take long for us to learn that the Amish families most affected by this tragedy have responded in a way that might seem foreign to most of us: They talk about Monday's school shooting only in terms of forgiveness.
"We're just trying to support each other and trying to let it sink in," said 17-year-old Dorothy King.
Two of her cousins were shot, and one is in critical condition, but like so many in the Amish community, she forgives the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts.
"We think it's all in God's hand," King said. "If this wouldn't have happened, something still would have happened … because their time was up. God's hand was in control."
Midwife Rhita Rhoads was present for the births of two of the five girls who were killed and also speaks of forgiving the gunman.
"If you have Jesus in your heart and he has forgiven you … [how] can you not forgive other people?" Rhoads said.
"I'm sure it's going to be a struggle to go on without a loved one like that," said Elmer Fisher. His 7-year-old cousin, Naomi Fisher, was among those murdered. "But I think they trust in God that he's going to take care of them and everything's going to be fine."
When asked if Roberts' wife would still be welcome in the community, Fisher said he believed she would, adding she would be welcome even at the funerals for the dead girls.
Such are the minds of the forgiving. Passages from the New Testament are taken literally in this community, and the Amish believe they need to love their enemies, which may be beyond the ability of most people, especially so close in time to the murders.
photo & story courtesy abcnews.go.com, 10/4/06
Living what you believe
What does today's God's Story teach us about forgiveness?
Jesus makes it real plain, even though it seems far from simple. If we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us. Why?
Because when we don't forgive others, we are acting as if we don't need God's forgiveness just as much as those who have sinned against us. God forgives us because of His mercy and grace. His forgiveness is not the direct result of us forgiving someone else, but it is based on our willingness to come clean and repent of our own sin.
Have you noticed that it is much easier to ask God to forgive us than it is to forgive others?
We know that Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. We believe what He taught about forgiveness. Are we living it? Abiding in Christ will make us want to forgive like Jesus forgives.
The quotes from some of the Amish who lost loved ones in the school murders sound like they are striving to live what they believe:
God's hand was in control....If you have Jesus in your heart and he has forgiven you … [how] can you not forgive other people?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Talk to God right now. Thank Him for His forgiveness for your sins through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Confess the lack of forgiveness toward others in your own life. Ask His Spirit to empower you to stay so connected to Jesus every day that you will forgive others as Jesus does.
- Whenever you ask God to forgive you of some sin, ask Him to remind you if you have forgiven someone who has wronged you?
- Keep a written journal for two weeks and answer these three questions every day: (1) Was I willing to serve others like Jesus? (2) Am I willing to forgive those who wronged me today? (3) Am I trusting God because He is in control, no matter what?
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If someone needs your forgiveness, trust Jesus to give you the love you need to give it. If you need someone to forgive you, trust Jesus to give you the humility and courage you need to ask for it.
- Use this incredible story of the Amish being willing to forgive the murderer as a conversation starter with someone in your storysphere (circle of influence). It should help you learn the story of someone else and give you the opportunity to share part of your story.
- Encourage your family, your small group, or your youth group to pray for the Amish community in Pennsylvania. Use this time to also pray for the need for your family or group to be able to forgive as Jesus forgives.
4 Oct, 2006
Police: Pennsylvania school shooter admitted molesting
NICKEL MINES, Pa. - A man who laid siege to a one-room Amish schoolhouse told his wife he had molested young children decades ago and left a note saying he had “dreams of molesting again,” state police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said Tuesday.
Police said they could not confirm the claim by Charles Carl Roberts IV and that family members knew nothing of the alleged molestation.
Authorities say a heavily armed Roberts, 32, took hostages in a one-room schoolhouse and opened fire on several girls before taking his own life as police stormed the schoolhouse.
Two more girls died from gunshot wounds Tuesday, raising the number of victims to five. Five other children remained hospitalized after Monday’s school shooting, the country's third in less than a week.
Roberts wrote his wife and three children suicide notes, took three guns and ammunition and went to the West Nickel Mines Amish School ready for an extended siege. He also had sex lubricant with him, but there was no evidence that any of the Amish children had been sexually assaulted, Miller said.
From the suicide notes and telephone calls, it was clear Roberts was “angry at life, he was angry at God,” and co-workers said his mood had darkened in recent days, Miller told NBC’s "Today" show on Tuesday.
In the notes to his family, Roberts talked about his anguish over the loss of the couple’s newborn daughter, Elise, in 1997, Miller said.
Pennsylvania state police released the first part of the suicide letter, which read, “I don’t know how you put up with me all those years. I am not worthy of you, you are the perfect wife you deserve so much better. We had so many good memories together as well as the tragedy with Elise. It changed my life forever I haven’t been the same since it affected me in a way I never felt possible. I am filled with so much hate, hate toward myself hate towards God and unimaginable emptyness it seems like everytime we do something fun I think about how Elise wasn’t here to share it with us and I go right back to anger.”
He also alluded to his wife another reason for his anger, Miller said, but said he “can’t discuss it with her and it happened 20 years ago.”
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 10/3/06
Opportunity for the Devil
Ephesians 4:26-27
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about dealing with anger?
First of all, we must recognize that the Bible is not saying that we can't ever feel angry. It is an emotion. The issue here is all about why we're angry and how we deal with it. In fact, our loving, perfect God gets angry about sin. We should be thankful that in His mercy, He doesn't deal with us the way we deserve. (But that's another story for another time.)
The apostle Paul is teaching us that if we don't handle our anger in the right way, it can hurt others, bring about bitterness, and eventually destroy us and relationships.
In fact, if we let our anger stay unresolved or we feed it, we will give Satan more opportunity to bring about more temptation, more sin, more bitterness, and greater pain and destruction.
Just look at the early report on Charles Roberts' life story. He was angry at someone from twenty years ago and that part of the story is yet to be heard. He was angry with God. He "hated" himself. His anger has resulted in the unthinkable taking of innocent life. Satan is powerful.
Don't give the devil any opportunity with the sun going down on your anger. The SON is offering you the opportunity for forgiveness and healing and hope.
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Be honest. Are you angry with someone right now? Pray and let Jesus help you right now. He already sees your anger, but He wants you to confess it and give it to Him. Let Him forgive you, love you, and begin the process for healing and hope for the future.
- Take out some paper, or in your journal, write down the names of anyone you feel anger toward and why. Write down your thoughts to Jesus about what you think it will take to make things right. Now listen quietly for Jesus to express His love and truth to you through the power of His Spirit in you. Write down what you learn, what you need to do, and the questions you still have. Keep this list handy and review it regularly until you experience freedom from anger.
- Ask a Christian friend (you can trust) to encourage you and pray for you and hold you accountable in your quest to be free from anger's control.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If you need to go and make things right in a relationship, pray until you experience some courage and calm from Jesus and then go do it.
- Realize that your honesty about your own anger (we all deal with it) will be a part of telling your story to others. Jesus will use you being real to help you learn their story and eventually they will see God's Story.
- Pray for the grieving Amish community and families to experience God's peace and truth. Pray that God will use this horrible story to help the world be interested in the real story about Jesus. Pray for the family and friends of the murderer to experience God's love through His presence and the support of others.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion and Bible study with your youth group or small group.
