28 Feb, 2007
7,500 state wrestlers had season put on hold
In a move thought to be a national first, the Minnesota State High School League halted competitions and practices for 8 days to stop a rash caused by a virus. Officials say a ban on skin-to-skin contact was the only option.
The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) took the step after 24 athletes from 10 teams were diagnosed with the rash, which is caused by the herpes virus. It is believed to be the first time in U.S. history that a high school sport has been halted on a statewide basis in the middle of the season.
The ban, (now lifted) meant that more than 7,500 wrestlers and 262 teams could not compete or hold wrestling practices.
The skin infection, herpes gladiatorum, is caused by the herpes simplex virus, the one responsible for cold sores. Those who contract the virus often get sores and blisters around the face and neck.
And while the infection can be treated with antiviral medications, those who are susceptible have recurring outbreaks at the site of the original infection throughout their lives.
In the rare cases when the infection occurs in the eye, it can lead to blindness, said Dr. B.J. Anderson, a member of the MSHSL sports medicine advisory committee. Though that's uncommon, it is the leading cause of blindness from infection.
Herpes simplex is not more common among wrestlers than any other people, according to Anderson. He said research shows that about 30 percent of high school boys carry the virus.
photo & story courtesy startribune.com, 01/30/07
Are you contagious!
High school wrestling stopped...a ban on skin-to-skin contact was the only option.
Matthew 8:14-17
Jesus Heals Many
14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about Jesus' authority over disease and evil?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
8:16,17 Matthew continues to show Jesus' kingly nature. Through a single touch, Jesus healed (8:3,15); when he spoke a single word, evil spirits fled his presence (8:16). Jesus has authority over all evil powers and all earthly disease. He also has power and authority to conquer sin. Sickness and evil are consequences of living in a fallen world. But in the future, when God removes all sin, there will be no more sickness and death. Jesus' healing miracles were a taste of what the world will one day experience in God's future Kingdom.
The ultimate disease the entire world faces is sin. But it's much worse than a rash! The wrestlers were ok once they stopped having contact with each other. But even if we had no contact with others, we would still find sin to be deadly. It is in each of us individually. Jesus' blood shed on the cross is the only cure.
As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege and responsibility to be contagious with His cure for sin.
Jesus alone is the only hope for the most deadly disease.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for Christ's blood that takes away your disease of sin. If you are reading this and realize that you're still dying....admit that to God right now and receive His gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He will come in to your life, forgive you, lead you, and He promises you eternal life in Heaven! (If this is you, please email us at 3Story so that we can send you info to help you grow in your new relationship with God.)
- If you are already a follower of Jesus, you have just read over the simple "cure" for the disease of sin. Ask God right now to show you how to be contagious and spread it, starting with one person.
- Whenever you continue to hear and see news reports of contagious diseases around the world, let it remind you to spread the "cure" of Christ.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray every day for God to lead you to be contagious with His Story and your story in Christ. Trust His Spirit to give you the opportunity to learn the stories of others who have not yet received Christ's cure for the disease of sin.
- Talk about today's story (about the hold on wrestling in Minnesota) with other friends who are followers of Jesus. Could you stay strong if you could not have contact with each other through your youth group, small group, or church? Form a team of 3 or more friends who get together regularly to pray, hold each other accountable, and help each other by contagious with your 3Story connections.
- With this same group, try to imagine what Christ's future Kingdom will be like when there will be no more sin, sickness, and death. Wow!
26 Feb, 2007
World's youngest surviving baby born in Miami
Little Amillia Taylor was born at the age of 22 weeks and six days, weighing only 10 oz. We know her exact age because she was conceived by in vitro fertilization.
Four months later, weighing four pounds, Amilliia is being released from Baptist Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida, today.
How ironic that the world's youngest known baby to survive was born in Florida, the very state so much in the news lately for standing by as babies older than this little girl are aborted alive and either purposefully killed or shelved to die.
In fact, according to local news, Amillia's mother Sonja, lied to doctors about her baby's age, knowing they would not resuscitate her otherwise....
photo & story courtesy prolifeblogs.com, 02/21/07
Nothing too small for God!
Psalm 139:13-15 (NLT)
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the sacred value of every life?
Every single person (including the pre-born) is a unique creation of God. His character, His perfect plan, and His beyond-our-understanding control over every detail makes every life sacred, because we are a creation of the Almighty.
Little Amillia is obviously a miracle of God to have survived her early birth. But, everyone of us is a miracle of God because He made us!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Remember that whenever you are down on yourself or feeling worthless....God values you beyond your understanding and He wants to help you know Him and know yourself in the way He intended.
- Make a written list of why you can thank God for making you so wonderfully complex!
- Once a week, open up your Bible to Psalm 139 and read it aloud as a prayer to the Creator - your loving Heavenly Father.
- Keep a list of how you see God's involvement in the little details of your life.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Whenever you meet new people or hang out with old friends this week, see them for who they are - amazing creations of God!
- Use today's story about little Amillia (including the picture) to encourage someone who is down on themselves or wondering if God really notices the little things in life.
- Pray that the world will see the sacred value of every single life (including the pre-born).
23 Feb, 2007
Tales of a party girl
Spears rose to fame eight years ago in the guise of a virginal schoolgirl and had hits with tunes such as “Oops!... I Did it Again” and the Grammy-winning “Toxic.” As little girls around the world clamored to mimic their idol, Spears ditched the clean-cut image by kissing Madonna at an awards show, using public restrooms in bare feet and marrying a childhood friend for two days.
She has become a fixture on the nightclub circuit since her split in November from her second husband, Kevin Federline, a former backup dancer.
Spears was repeatedly photographed in December climbing out of automobiles without wearing underpants while in the company of celebrity Paris Hilton.
An appearance in family court sought by Kevin Federline amid a child custody dispute (for Jayden James, 5 months, and Sean Preston, 17 months) with Britney Spears was canceled Thursday as reports surfaced that she was back in rehab.
Last Friday, Spears arrived at a San Fernando Valley hair salon, grabbed an electric razor and shaved her head bald.
Afterward, she visited a tattoo parlor, where she had a pair of red-and-pink lips inked onto her wrist. Then she went out clubbing with friends before apparently checking into rehab.
Whether her recent behavior will damage her recording career is hard to say, said Vibe magazine music editor Jon Caramanica.
photo & story courtesy music.msn.com, 02/22/07
What would Jesus say to Britney?
2 Timothy 3:1-4
Godlessness in the Last Days
3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (ESV)
After reading today's scripture, what do you think Jesus would say to Britney Spears?
For starters, I think Jesus would tell Britney that He loves her and is the answer to what seems like a desperate cry for help. Plus, He might tell her that His Word is truth and she might want to read Paul's scripture.
The "last days" that Paul wrote about refer to the days after the resurrection of Jesus and will continue until Christ's second coming. This means that not only are we living in the "last days" now, but every day that we live brings us closer to the return of Christ.
Paul says that "people will be lovers of self...of pleasure rather than lovers of God".
It's pretty obvious that poor Britney Spears is pretty messed up. When you consider her perspective on material possessions, the flaunting of her body and the abuse of it, her take on marriage, and her lack of being a responsible parent, there's no doubt that she loves herself and godless pleasure rather than God.
But before we get real righteous by bashing Britney, we need to take a look at ourselves.
We claim to be followers of Jesus. But what do we seek more often, pleasure or God?
Worldly pleasures are easily obtainable, while God is uncontainable. The pleasures available in this life seem to benefit us now, while the benefits of loving God are often in the future.
Loving God rather than loving pleasure means we must let go of our pride, selfish desires, and accomplishments. Loving God with all of our heart, strength and mind requires complete surrender to God in every part of our lives.
What is Jesus saying to you right now?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Honestly answer these questions to yourself and to God: On a daily basis, are you choosing to love pleasure, or to love God? Is there anything you love more than God?
- Are you guilty of anything on Paul's list in today's scripture? Let God forgive you. He loves you. He really has a plan for you.
- Rather than giving in to culture's pressures, stand up against secular perspectives by abiding in Jesus every day. Keep a written journal to track your spiritual growth.
- Pray right now for Jesus to point out to you the changes that are needed in your life for you to love God with "all of your heart, strength and mind". Ask Jesus to give you the courage to stand up for God's Truth in our culture every day in every way, not just spiritually. Thank Jesus for His love for you which is beyond human understanding.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Pray for Britney Spears to encounter Jesus. Pray that someone who knows Jesus will have the opportunity to learn her story and share their story of faith and God's Story with Britney.
- The topic of loving pleasure rather than God is illustrated every day in our culture and especially in the media. Ask your friends what they think about Britney's struggles? Listen carefully for their story. Look for those moments when you can be real about your own struggles in this area. This would be a great way to share part of your story.
22 Feb, 2007
Woman awakens encased in ice after going higher than Mount Everest
CANBERRA, Australia - A German paraglider was encased in ice and blacked out after being sucked into a tornado-like thunderstorm in Australia and carried to a height greater than Mount Everest. She survived.
“You can’t imagine the power. You feel like nothing, like a leaf from a tree going up. The glider kept climbing, climbing and I couldn’t see anything," recalled Ewa Wisnerska. "Then it got dark."
The 2005 World Cup winner was lifted 32,612 feet (9,940 meters) above sea level by the storm near Manilla in New South Wales state while preparing for the tenth FAI World Paragliding Championships next week.
A 42-year-old Chinese paraglider, He Zhongpin, was killed by the same weather system, apparently from a lack of oxygen and extreme cold, the organizers said. His body was found on Thursday 47 miles from his launch site.
'No oxygen' in the death zone
Wisnerska, a member of the German team, had been carried to a height greater than the 29,035-foot Mount Everest — an area known to mountaineers as the death zone for its extreme cold — in just 10 minutes and was rendered unconscious for almost an hour.
She encountered hailstones the size of oranges, and the temperature plummeted to minus 58 Fahrenheit.
“There’s no oxygen. She could have suffered brain damage. But she came to again at a height of 6,900 meters with ice all over her body and slowly descended herself,” said Godfrey Wenness, one of Australia’s most experienced paraglider pilots.
Wisnerska was admitted to hospital with severe frostbite and blistering to her face and ears, but has since been released.
Wisnerska, whose flight was tracked by her personal GPS and computer, landed 40 miles from her launch site.
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 02/16/07
No matter where you go
Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT)
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
What does today's scripture teach us about God's presence?
He's everywhere! He's everywhere! Another big word to describe this truth about one of God's attributes is that He is OMNIPRESENT.
This means that we can never escape from His Spirit. For those of us who know and love God through our faith in Christ, this is great news!
No matter where we go or what we do, we are never out of reach of God's comforting presence.
The paraglider, Wisnerska, had her amazing flight into the heavens tracked by her personal GPS.
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are personally tracked by GPS (God's present Spirit)!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Go back and read today's verses (Psalm 139:7-10) aloud as a prayer of thanks and trust to God.
- Keep a journal or written list of the "storms of life" that have sucked you up into feeling like you wish you could pass out. This might be a stress at school, in your family, with your job, etc. Use today's scripture as a daily prayer for this list and watch how God's Spirit meets your needs.
- Read Romans 8:35-39 as another Biblical reminder of how you can depend on God's loving presence in your life.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Go paragliding in Australia with your friends. (OK, try the next one.)
- Use the story about the woman who survived the storm while paragliding to start a conversation with someone in your storysphere who needs Jesus. Ask your friend or family member what he or she thinks about when caught in a "storm of life"? If Jesus gives you a nudge to share some of your story, you might use Psalm 139:7-10 because it fits so well with the incredible story of the surviving paraglider.
21 Feb, 2007
Woman dies after being in water-drinking contest
SACRAMENTO — A 28-year-old woman found dead hours after taking part in a radio station's water-drinking contest died of water intoxication.
Also known as hyponatremia, water intoxication occurs when the body's sodium level falls below normal. Overdrinking dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream, causing the brain to swell and push against the skull. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness and, in severe cases, seizures, coma and death.
Jennifer Strange's mother found her daughter's body at her home Friday, January 12. Earlier Friday, Strange took part in a contest at radio station KDND-FM (107.9) in which participants competed to see how much water they could drink without going to the bathroom.
Initially, contestants were handed eight-ounce bottles of water to drink every 15 minutes.
"They were small, little half-pint bottles, so we thought it was going to be easy," said fellow contestant James Ybarra of Woodland, west of Sacramento. "They told us if you don't feel like you can do this, don't put your health at risk."
Ybarra said he quit after drinking five bottles. "My bladder couldn't handle it anymore," he added. After he quit, he said, the remaining contestants, including Strange, were given even bigger bottles to drink.
The winner of the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest was promised a Nintendo Wii video game system. John Geary, vice president and marketing manager for Entercom Sacramento, the station's owner, said station personnel were stunned when they heard of Strange's death.
"We are awaiting information that will help explain how this tragic event occurred," he said.
photo & story courtesy latimes.com, 01/14/07
Living water
John 4:10
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
John 7:37-39
Rivers of Living Water
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (ESV)
What do you think Jesus means when He talks about "living water" in today's God's Story scripture?
In His conversation with the woman at the well in John 4:10, Jesus is refering to eternal life when He offers living water. In John 7:37-39, Jesus is refering to the Holy Spirit. Eternal life and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand.
Jesus' invitation to drink of His living water means that He is claiming to be the Messiah, the only One Who can forgive sins and promise eternal life in Heaven. Everyone who drinks His living water (receives His gift of salvation) receives the Holy Spirit into their lives to lead and guide them as His followers.
The young lady in today's tragic story died because she drank too much water without getting rid of some of it.
We need to drink the "living water" of Jesus Christ continually. The difference is that you can't soak in too much of Jesus. But the problem is...if we don't get rid of some of it...we have missed the opportunity to share life with those around us who are dying of spiritual thirst.
How about you? Have you drank of Christ's living water? Are you helping others find His well? Is there a river overflowing from your life?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Talk to God right now. Praise Him for giving His Son as the "living water" you need to live. Thank Him for His forgiveness and the power of His Holy Spirit at work within you. Confess any way in which you have been ignoring Jesus' living water to quench your thirst. Pray that Jesus will fill you up so much that His overflow will be a river of life that meets the spiritual thirst of others in your life.
- Memorize today's scripture - it will remind you to drink plenty of "water" every day.
- For two weeks, keep a written record of how you spend your time. It may help you realize why you get so "thirsty". Let God help you make the needed changes.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- During the rest of this week, whenever you drink a glass of water, pray for God to quench your spiritual thirst and to show you someone who is "thirsty".
- Encourage other followers of Christ to use public drinking fountains as a 3Story connecting place during the next month. This could be at school, at your work place, at the mall, or at your church. Be ready to silently pray for someone else getting a drink; be ready to learn the story of someone who is getting a drink; be ready to share part of your story and how Jesus takes care of your "thirst".
20 Feb, 2007
Mummified body found in front of blaring TV
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Police called to a Long Island man's house discovered the mummified remains of the resident, dead for more than a year, sitting in front of a blaring television set.
The 70-year-old Hampton Bays, New York, resident, identified as Vincenzo Ricardo, appeared to have died of natural causes. Police said on Saturday his body was discovered on Thursday when they were called to the house over a burst water pipe.
"You could see his face. He still had hair on his head," Newsday quoted morgue assistant Jeff Bacchus as saying. The home's low humidity had preserved the body.
Officials could not explain why the electricity had not been turned off, considering Ricardo had not been heard from since December 2005.
Neighbors said when they had not seen Ricardo, who was diabetic and had been blind for years, they assumed he was in the hospital or a long-term care facility.
photo courtesy AP & story infoshop.org, 02/17/07
A lonely skeleton
Proverbs 18:24
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(ESV)
NOTE: Today's DAILYBIDE is recycled from about a month ago because it's another story of someone dying without friends. I hope it grips your heart as much as it does mine...
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being a friend?
Today's verse touches on some very important truths to remember about relationships. There are some people who pretend to be "friends". The relationship is superficial. Often this "friendship" is a taking relationship rather than a giving one.
We all need friends who will stick close, listen, forgive, encourage and offer help in both good times and bad.
If you need a genuine friend, try to become one to someone.
Without knowing any details about the man who sat dead in front of his television for over a year, I'm guessing he was a lonely person. How could he not be missed for more than a year? Didn't he have any friends or family?
Loneliness is all around us. Someone you know probably feels cut off and friendless. Maybe it's you sometimes?
Who is someone you know who is lonely? Will you reach out to him or her?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for the ultimate friend you have in Jesus Christ! Ask Jesus to show you someone who needs you as a friend. If you are lonely, ask Jesus to give you the courage to start a friendship with someone and trust Jesus as your true friend while you build relationships with others.
- Pray every day for Jesus to enable you to be like Him in your relationships with others.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Pray for the opportunity to befriend a lonely person and watch God work! It might be someone at school, in your neighborhood, or even in your family.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion in your youth group or small group. Together, come up with a plan to reach out to one or serveral individuals you know are lonely.
- Whenever you are sitting and watching television during the next couple of weeks, let Jesus remind you to be a friend to someone you know is lonely.
19 Feb, 2007
After victory, Dungy and Colts pray before they party
They were not leaving Dolphin Stadium without one more piece of business. A prayer.
Dungy had the TV cameras in the room shut off. The interviews with maybe a dozen reporters still lingering stopped. The pictures players were snapping of each other holding the Lombardi Trophy needed to wait.
"Wait a minute, Coach. Some guys are in the showers," someone yelled from the back of the pack as players made their way to the center of the room.
A few seconds later, Bob Sanders and a couple of others emerged wearing towels.
Then it was so quiet the proverbial pin drop could be heard.
Dungy prayed.
With the team's chaplain by his side, the Colts coach gave thanks for the players' health, expressed joy that the team stayed together through adversity.
Holding hands, the team joined him in unison to recite The Lord's Prayer.
"Like we've done all year, we just fought, hung tough and everybody did their job," Dungy told his players. "And when everybody does their job, it's a beautiful thing to watch. We're champions. We brought it back to Indianapolis. And we're going to party tonight. We've got some days off. We'll see you tonight at the hotel. Great job."
photo & story courtesy usatoday.com/sports, 02/05/07
Are you part of a prayer team?
One more powerful story from the Super Bowl...
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about prayer?
Championships are won with great coaching and teamwork! In the past two weeks, we have heard how the Colts totally trusted Coach Dungy and talked to him to get instructions and encouragement, especially when facing adversity.
In today's verse, Paul is making sure we understand how important prayer is for any of us who are followers of Jesus Christ. He is our coach. If we are to experience victory in our lives when facing temptations, tough times and attacks from Satan, we must talk to Jesus for instructions and encouragement.
Paul says we should pray at all times. One way to do this is to remember that the Holy Spirit is with you all the time, waiting to lead and empower you. Have the attitude that you're hanging out together, ready to talk or listen anytime.
Now don't miss this - Paul says that believers should be persistent in praying for each other! If we all did this, picture our team victories!
Jesus is ready to lead us to victory!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for His Holy Spirit. Thank Jesus for being your ultimate coach as you strive to live a victorious Christian life! Express your desire and need to talk with Him about anything and everything. Tell Him what's on your mind right now....listen.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to "talk to the coach".
- Read Acts 2:42-47 to get another powerful story on the importance of Christ's followers praying together.
- If you are not part of a small group of believers who pray together regularly, form your own prayer team. This might be at your school, through your church youth group or in your neighborhood.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray together once a week with a group of Christ followers. Share your lives, your hopes and fears, and the purpose of connecting your stories and God's Story to others in your part of the world.
- For the next month, every time you see an athletic event - live or on TV - talk to THE COACH for a minute and listen.
13 Feb, 2007
Today's story comes from Jack Crabtree, Director of Long Island YFC.
----------------
When I was in college I rode a bicycle from Miami to Seattle, 4300 miles in 37 days. There were 35 guys on this trip riding across America. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Not only did I get to see America, I learned big lessons about myself and my relationship to God. Growing up I went to church every week but I never understood God’s love. I was a church kid clueless about how Jesus could live in me and change me.
Biking across Wyoming I learned something I’ll never forget. When the wind was blowing, the riders on our trip would clump up in groups of 10. Riding was easier when we worked together. Riding in a double file draft line when the wind was against us, the riders in the front took the brunt of the wind. The riders behind the leaders felt less wind resistance and pedaled more easily. The group leader broke the wind for a mile then rotated to the back of the pack. Everyone moved up and kept riding the steady pace.
That windy day in Wyoming was one of the worst of my life. I woke up sick. Not riding wasn’t a choice. I tried hard but I couldn’t keep up with the riding pace of my group. They waited for me a few times but each time I fell behind again. Finally they rode off without me.
Now I was riding alone. The wind was 40mph in my face. My body was so weak. There were so many miles to go. I was sure I would never make it.
Suddenly I looked up and there was John Hanson, a guy from my bike group, riding toward me. He swung his bike around and pulled his bike in front of mine. Breaking the wind for me, he rode the slower pace I could handle. During the next four hours he took the full blast of the wind and pulled me along until we got to our campground for the night.
As I crawled into our six-man tent, I saw John Hanson already in his sleeping bag totally exhausted. I asked one question, “Why did you come back to ride with me?”
He opened his eyes and said, “A couple years ago I started following Jesus Christ and made it my goal to be like him. In the Bible it says, ‘this is how we know what real love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.’”
With that he rolled over and went to sleep. I had heard a lot of sermons in church but I never heard one as good as that one.
The next day I felt better and got back on my bike. All day I pedaled and thought about what John did for me yesterday and what he said in the tent. This guy left the comfort and safety of the biking group to come back and spend all his strength helping me make it.
Somewhere between Wyoming and Seattle it hit me. God’s love is real. What John did for me helped me understand what Jesus did for all of us when he died on the cross. He left the comforts of Heaven to suffer and laid down his life for us when we could not make it on our own. Since that bike trip I can never forget God’s love for me.
Everyday Love
1 John 3:16
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. (ESV)
What does God's Story teach us?
God’s love is never just promises or words on a page; it is proved by action. All the misunderstandings about what is real love are resolved by looking at Jesus Christ. What he did was real love.
When we say “I love you” to someone, they need to see it confirmed in our actions toward them. Are we giving the best we have to help them?
Real love always costs something. The more it costs, the deeper the love. Jesus set the example for us. He wants us to spend our lives setting aside our own personal desires and using our strength to serve others.
How can you connect God’s Story to your life?
You just read My Story. On that trip I learned God’s love is the only reliable foundation for my life. When I know God’s love is real I don’t have to chase acceptance and approval from other people. God proved he loves me so I can love and respect myself.You have a story too. When did you start to understand God’s love? How is it changing your relationships with others. You can stop worrying about what is best for you and start doing what is best for others. You can be generous to people according to how generous God is to you.
Whenever you doubt yourself or your worth, be confident because you know what Jesus did for you. Whenever you struggle to love others, remember how far God was willing to go for you.
How can you connect God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Think back and remember how someone showed God’s love to you. Take time to contact that person and thank then for making God’s love real to you.
- Tell your story to others. Don’t exaggerate or diminish it. Make sure all your friends know how God became real to you.
- Open your eyes and look for people in your life who are struggling. Leave your comfort zone and do what you can to help them get through their hard time.
- When people you know don’t believe in God or Jesus, show them how real God’s love is by serving them and helping them through their personal challenges.
12 Feb, 2007
You probably heard about it. The ugly night of December 16th. Whether you’re a basketball fan you probably saw it all over the news. It was the brawl between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets. It was an ugly scene that led to 10 players (five on each team) getting suspended for a number of games. The harshest penalty (15 game suspension) was handed out to the leading scorer in the league, Carmello Anthony. The New York Knicks were already a bad team, winning only nine of 26 games until that ugly night. Ironically the next team that the Knicks had to face was the second best team in the league, the Utah Jazz, who had won 18 of their 24 games. The Knicks only had eight players for the Utah game. Knicks fans expected the worst. “Could any good come out of this?”
Surprisingly the Knicks beat Utah that night. Since the brawl and the suspensions, the Knicks have 13-11 win-loss record and have played better basketball than they played in a few years.
Can any good come out of bad situations? It happens in sports sometimes. It happens in our lives all the time through God’s power and mercy.
Have you ever been in a tough situation that seemed like no good could ever come out? Sometimes it feels like there is no way God can turn around the bad things that happen to us, but that’s not true. God takes the toughest situations and turns it around to do more good.
Tough Times
John 11:17-23
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
John 11:39-45
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, (ESV)
What happened?
Lazarus died and Jesus heard about this. When he finally gets to the family all hope is lost for Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. This wasn’t a happy situation. Lazarus was a man who many people loved. Jesus shows us that even when things seem bad, God can use the situation and make so much good come from it. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Even better, the Bible tells us that many people believed in Jesus after that.How can you connect God’s Story to your story?
What about you? Do you know that Jesus can take your toughest and most hopeless situations and make good come out of it? It’s true. When we stop trying to fix it ourselves and ask and trust Jesus to help us, he works them out in ways where so many more good things come out.When God walks you through those tough situations, it prepares you to help others in similar situations. You can help them know God’s Love and how much he cares for them because you know he cares for you.
How can you connect God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- When hard times show up, don’t panic or lose faith. Use the tough moments to trust God more. Be confident God is with you.
- Remember to thank God for the tough times he helped you get through, no matter how big or small they were. Journal them so you don’t forget.
- Share your experiences going through difficult times with your friends and show them how God is always there to make the difference.
- Be alert to what is happening to your friends. When life gets tough for them be sure to show up and offer to help them and pray for them.
9 Feb, 2007
The past three weeks, American Idol has been auditioning future stars coast to coast. It has been a circus parade of sweet voices and dreadful crooning. Everyone tries to get into that audition room for one reason — to get a golden ticket to Hollywood.
The Idol rules are simple. You get 60 seconds to impress Randy, Paula and Simon. If two or three of them agree, you are either going home in tears or jumping for joy in the hallway with friends and family.
What would it be like if God made us audition to get into Heaven? Would the judges be Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
What would you do to impress God so that he would give you a golden ticket to Heaven? How could you convince God you belong in heaven?
Would God be easier on you than Simon or would he be telling you how pathetic you really are?
Auditioning for Heaven
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV)
What does God's Story teach us?
You don’t audition with God to get a spot in Heaven. Your talent won’t get you in. Neither will your good works. You can be the best person you know and still not get in.Nobody gets in for being good. None of us are good enough.
There’s only one way to get the golden ticket to Heaven. The Bible says we have all sinned and broken God’s law. Our way to Heaven has been paid for by God Himself. When Jesus died on the cross our sins were forgiven. Jesus tells us that everyone who believes in him and asks him to be their Savior will be forgiven so we can spend eternity with God in heaven.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story to your life?
Your Story connects to God’s Story when you believe in him to forgive your sins and to follow him. Your connection to God is totally based on what Jesus did for you. It has nothing to do with what you did for God. You have nothing to brag about. God paid the penalty for your sin and gave you the only golden ticket to heaven — only through his grace.
You have the greatest gift in the universe. Nothing is more important or more valuable.
Live your life every day connected to God. When you know Jesus, you have nothing to fear on the day when you stand before God. That’s your story. Stick to it.
How can you connect God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Study and know the difference between Christianity and all the other world religions. Christianity is all about salvation by grace. In other religions salvation is by living a good life (which raises the question---how good is good enough?).
- Prepare to tell Your Story to friends. Be sure to focus Your Story on how Jesus is rescuing you from your old life and forgiving your sins to make you right with God.
- Talk your friends about what God has done for you and them. Educate them about salvation by grace vs. salvation by works. Try your best to explain it and support what you say from the Bible.
8 Feb, 2007
Do you like stories that get passed around on the Internet? There’s one story I read and loved several years ago. Unfortunately it’s been on the Internet for quite a few years now and has been greatly embellished. The current story is about a young man named Kyle who was considering suicide after being bullied. This is how the real story goes:One day there was a boy walking with his books in hand. He tripped and his books came tumbling down along with him. Another boy saw this and went to help him. After helping him up they both spent the rest of the afternoon together. During the next months and years they see each other sporadically in school and are friendly to each other. One day the first young man, in a private conversation, tells his friend who helped him that he had planned on killing himself the day they met but ended up spending the day with him instead.
Helping someone pick up their books might seem like nothing, but we never know what an act of kindness means to others. In fact, we never know when God puts people, friends, or family in our path who need something we have or can get for them. We may never know whose life we changed through one act!
Intentional Acts of Kindness
Luke 5:18-20
18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:25-26
25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” (ESV)
What happened?
Here are two guys who have a paralyzed friend. They care about their friend so much that they are willing to do whatever it takes for their friend to get healthy. It’s possible their friend could have been so frustrated with life that he may not have even wanted to try anything else. His friends were determined to get him into that house because they knew Jesus could help. Jesus looks at them and tells them that because of THEIR faith, their paralyzed friend’s sins were forgiven, and his body was healed.How can you connect God’s Story to your life?
Getting Your Story connected to God’s Story starts the process of taking your eyes off your own needs and putting a new focus on what others need. Living with Jesus in you raises the compassion you feel for others. When you see someone in trouble and you feel God’s compassion n you, act on it. Do something to help.
It’s so easy to see your friends and family who don’t know God’s Story and just ignore them and do your own thing. But God shows us that sometimes it really depends on us to bring our friends to Jesus and to love them just as God would. Just taking time to do a small act of kindness could mean a whole new life for those people around you. It changed the life of the paralyzed man and it saved the life of the boy who was considering suicide.
How can you connect God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Put up your compassion antenna. Stop, look and listen for people close to you who are hurting.
- Ask God to help you show his love to your friends and the people in your life you don’t know.
- Pray for these hurting people asking God to speak to them.
- Take action and do something — a word of encouragement, an act of friendship or a sacrificial gift of love.
- When the right opportunity comes tell them about the hope and help you have found in Jesus. They will be ready to listen.
7 Feb, 2007
A recent news story in USA Today reported on a Pew Research Center
telephone survey of 579 18- to 25-year-olds. Eighty-one percent of them told Pew that "getting rich" is their
generation's most important or second most important goal in life.
Fifty-one percent said the same thing about being famous. In a distant
third through fifth places were helping people in need (30 percent),
being leaders in the community (22 percent) and becoming more spiritual
(10 percent), respectively.
The survey's results were summed up in the words of 22-year-old Cameron Johnson of Blacksburg, Virginia: "when you open a celebrity magazine, it's all about the money and being rich and famous ... the TV shows we watch — anything from The Apprentice where the intro to the show is the 'money song' — to Us Weekly magazine where you see all the celebrities and their $6 million homes. We see reality TV shows with Jessica and Nick living the life. We see Britney and Paris. The people we relate to outside our friends are those people."
Bling
Mark 10:42-45
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (ESV)
What does today’s scripture teach us?
Jesus caught his disciples arguing about who was going to get the high status positions in God’s Kingdom. They were playing by the old rules calculating their chances to make it big in Jesus’ new kingdom. Jesus turned everything upside down. According to him you are big stuff and highly acclaimed when you serve others.
What a revolutionary idea. Instead of chasing money and fame to find status, Jesus says the way up is down. Don’t be the boss pushing others around; we give our time and energy to helping others.
The exclamation point on what Jesus tells his disciples is his own life. They never met anyone greater, more powerful and impressive than him. He reminds them serving and giving his life is the singular purpose for his life. Jesus tell them---to find greatness---be like me.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story to your life?
Isn’t it incredible? You get to decide what is most important to you. God made you with the freedom and ability to choose what you will worship and desire. What will it be?
The majority of your peers believe money and fame bring them the status and significance they want? Do you believe that? Listening to pop music and watching television and movies pounds that message into your brain. How do you keep your mind and heart focused on Jesus and his “serve others” message.
You can’t worship and pursue both. The Bible says a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways (James ). What will you and your life be remembered for? It’s your choice.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Make choices this week to serve others and not just do what is best for you.
- Don’t use your money only for yourself. Change how you spend it. Sign up to support a needy child with Compassion International or World Vision.
- Talk to others about what you could do together to help others in your community. Turn your hang out nights with friends into group action nights where you go and help others.
- Talk to your friends about your goals and dreams for how God wants to use you and them to help change the world.
6 Feb, 2007
Wow! This guy is huge. Sun Ming, 23, the new center for the Maryland Nighthawks basketball team is 7 feet 9 inches tall (2.13 meters). From Bayan, China, he is now the tallest player in professional basketball history, and one of the tallest men in the world. Larry La, who is 5’6”, is translating for Ming as he is introduced at a news conference in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007.
It looks like playing basketball is easy for him.
What must he think about being so tall? Is he happy and proud or uncomfortable about all the people staring at him?
Have you ever been unhappy with your body or wanted to be taller? What would you like to change about your appearance?
Seven Foot Nine
What does today’s scripture teach us?
God is more concerned about what is inside a person and not so concerned about the physical appearance of that person. In this passage Samuel was sent by God to Jesse’s house to anoint the future king of Israel. Jesse lined up his sons for Samuel to make his selection. When Samuel saw Eliab, the tallest son, he was sure he would be God’s pick. God tells Samuel, “Not so fast, Mr. King-Anointing Priest.” What impresses you doesn’t count for much with God. Later God directs Samuel to anoint the youngest, smallest son, David, who eventually becomes the greatest king of Israel.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story (the Scripture) to your life?
The popular culture we live in puts high value on physical appearance. Tall, thin, good-looking people get lots of attention and special treatment in the media and youth culture. If you didn’t get the right beauty or athletic body genes, you often get ignored.
The good news is God who created you (with help from your mother and father) doesn’t judge you like People Magazine might describe you. You didn’t have any control over whether you are 4’9” or 7’9”. It doesn’t matter. God is more interested in your mind and heart being “hot” for him than how “hot” your body looks.
How can you connect Today’s God’s Story and Your Story to others?
- Change the way you look at other people. Keep your focus on what God sees in them, not their imperfect bodies.
- Stop any negative talk or criticism of other for their outward appearance. Step in and stop people who make fun of how someone looks.
- Encourage your friends to not judge others. Set a good example for them by how you treat others. They will see how God is changing you.
- Be a real friend to people regardless of their physical appearance. Let them know how much God loves them by how you treat them.
2 Feb, 2007
Peyton Manning prayed during the AFC Championship game.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning prays on the bench during the New England Patriots final drive in the AFC Championship games Sunday Jan. 22, 2007 in Indianapolis. "I said a little prayer on that last drive," Manning said. "I don't know if you're supposed to pray for stuff like that, but I said a little prayer." The Colts defeated the Patriots 38-34 and will play the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on Sunday, Feb. 4 in Miami.
photo & text courtesy sports.yahoo.com, 01/24/07
Super Bowl prayers?
Matthew 21:21-22
21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (ESV)
In today's God's Story scripture, what is Jesus teaching His disciples (and us) about the connection between faith and prayer?
These verses are some of the most misunderstood and abused scriptures among religious people and even followers of Jesus. Some people mistakenly try to use these words of Jesus as some sort of "magic" formula for trying to get whatever they want in life. Sadly, they think that the moving of "mountains" in life depends on a person not having doubts rather than on the perfect plan and power of our loving, wise God, who is completely able to do anything.
Jesus' words don't guarantee that we can get anything we want. God would never answer our prayers in ways that would hurt anyone or go against His will. When we are focused on pleasing God through obedience, then our prayers will more likely match what He wants for our lives and He will answer them. Because God is completely able, we can pray with complete faith.
So was it ok for Peyton to pray during those final minutes of that big game? Of course! I don't know what he prayed, but if he prayed for strength and courage - great! If he prayed that the Patriots would all fall and break their necks - sorry, God doesn't work this way!
The outcome of the Super Bowl doesn't depend on who doubts and who has faith and who prays the most. (It's more about who plays the best). If you're wondering what God does with both Bears' fans and Colts' fans praying for victory, don't worry...He can handle it....He can move mountains if He wants to!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise God for being all-powerful and unconditional in His love for you. Ask His Spirit to teach you to pray with faith, knowing that He cares for you, that He never changes and that He is completely able in all things. Whatever "mountain" you are facing in life right now, give it to God with confidence. Ask His Spirit to help you obey Him and trust Him and learn to walk with Him over the "mountain" when He doesn't move it.
- Write out your prayers in a journal every day for 2 weeks. At the end, evaluate if you were praying with submission, with your heart, with thankfulness, with humility, with worship, and with faith?
- Whatever your "mountain" is at school, work, at home, with your health, your future, in your relationships......give it to God every day in faith.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- If you're watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, ask your friends and family what they think God thinks if both teams and their fans are praying for victory? Have some fun with this and you may learn a lot more about their stories.
- Encourage someone who is in a difficult situation by letting them know you're praying for them.
