26 Jun, 2007
Pepsi Ice Cumcumber
Even though this soft drink doesn’t actually have any cucumber in it, it has been artificially flavored to resemble “the refreshing taste of a fresh cucumber” said Aya Takemoto, spokeswoman of Japan’s Pepsi distributor, Suntory Ltd.
"We wanted a flavor that makes people think of keeping cool in the summer heat," Takemoto said. "We thought the cucumber was just perfect." The mint-colored soda is on sale just for the summer and only in Japan, Takemoto said. She said initial sales were brisk, and Suntory aims to sell 200,000 cases over the next three months.
photo & story courtesy tmcnews.blogspot.com, 6/20/07
Pickle in a Pepsi?
You can be cool as a cucumber with this new soda.
Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the taste of God?
We don't know if David, the psalmist, ever drank a good soft drink, but he knew how good it was to taste the goodness and faithfulness of the LORD.
David wrote this after pretending to be insane in order to escape from King Achish. In Psalm 34, his theme is that whether God delivers us in times of trouble, we can be sure that He always hears and acts on behalf of those who love Him.
When David writes, "taste and see", he is not saying "hey, check out God if you feel like it." He is saying, "trust God, I know you'll like it."
Obedience is the best way to taste and see that the LORD is good. This is another way to understand what it means to abide in Him. Obeying Jesus will help us remain in His love and according to Christ's words in John 15, this will make us full of His joy! As we trust and obey Jesus daily, we will continue to acquire an even greater hunger for tasting His goodness.
It's interesting that Pepsi is trying this new cucumber flavor in Japan. If enough people taste it and say that it is good, it might make it to a vending machine near you and catch on here in the United States.
Many people you know have not tasted that the LORD is good. But if you showed them the sweet taste of trusting Jesus, your personal faith in Christ might catch on with your friends.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Soft drinks can be one of the most addictive, pleasure-giving options in life. Write down a list of whatever gives you pleasure and perhaps has become almost an addiction for you. It might be anything from music to sports to alcohol to shopping to_______________. Is your taste for these greater than your desire to taste the goodness of the LORD?
- Pray right now - Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and your faithfulness to me. I confess to you that I have been tasting more of _________________ rather than obeying you and tasting your goodness. Fill me with the joy that comes when I abide in You. Use the power of your Spirit to help me grow in your love and grace!
- Whenever you see or drink a Pepsi or eat a cucumber, let it be a moment of worship that reminds you to taste and see that the LORD is good!
- Read all of Psalm 34 to learn more of God's faithfulness to David.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray that your life will be an example to others of someone who is full of Christ's sweet joy.
- Get together with friends and serve cucumbers and Pepsi. When they ask why, share today's story and your story of tasting the goodness of the LORD.
- Forward this DAILYBIDE to some friends and family to encourage them.
22 Jun, 2007
Eighth grader commits to USC
Ryan Boatwright, a speedy 5-foot-10, 145-pound rising freshman point guard from Illinois who has yet to make a decision on where he's headed for high school (he's choosing between East Aurora High and West Aurora High), accepted Floyd's scholarship offer while at USC's camp this past weekend.
"They were the first one to show interest in Ryan," said Boatwright's father, Mike. "A lot of people have said Ryan isn't that good, but he went to USC's camp and played well."
Boatwright played well enough that Floyd put forth a scholarship offer on the final day of camp. DePaul, Indiana and a few smaller schools had expressed interest, but USC was the first to step up with an offer.
"It shocked me," Mike Boatwright said of the offer. "But Ryan loved it there and he decided on his own."
Mike Boatwright said the biggest concern surrounding his 14-year-old son's decision is the potential local reaction.
"I'm tremendously concerned," he admitted. "It could get ugly as far as kids getting jealous. I also don't want it to get to his head. I want him to stay humble."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story foxsports.com, 6/19/07
This junior higher got game!
A basketball scholarship is offered to a 14-year-old.
1 Timothy 4:12
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what a young follower of Jesus can do?
Paul was a mentor to Timothy. (The Bible doesn't tell us if Paul taught Tim how to shoot hoops.) Paul gave Timothy some great advice that every young believer should apply.
We don't know exactly how old Timothy was, but evidently some people thought he was too young to be a pastor.
It's pretty normal for older Christians to look down on young people because they are...well you know...YOUNG! If older people are used to seeing immaturity in young people, it's easy for them to hold back on their trust of what young people can do.
Are you ready and willing to give the world a new perspective on young people?
Paul is teaching that younger Christians need to earn the respect of their elders by showing maturity. You can do this by being a Christ-like example in your talk, your love, your faith and in your purity of actions. No matter how old or young you are, God will use you to help build His Kingdom. He is simply waiting for you to live in such a way that the world around you will see Christ in you!
Ryan Boatright's dad is excited for his son, but is concerned that he remains humble.
God doesn't give out scholarships for living for Christ and serving Him, but He offers incredible eternal rewards. Can we remain humble?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He uses everyone who is faithful to help build His Kingdom. Ask His Spirit to help you be faithful so that you might bring honor and glory to God. Ask His Spirit to help you mature in Christ daily. Offer yourself to be used by God in any way He chooses. Ask God to help you be honest about your maturity level if older believers don't seem to trust you yet. Ask Him to help you be patient as you strive to earn their trust.
- Every day, remember that abiding in Christ means that you focus first on being like Jesus and then serving like Jesus.
- Look for a weekly opportunity to serve Jesus with maturity.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to trust God to use you no matter your age.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Sit down with an older follower of Jesus and ask him or her to tell you their story about what the Lord has taught them about living for Christ. If you're real brave, ask this person to mentor you by holding you accountable in your process of maturing in Christ.
- Encourage your small group or youth group by sharing today's DAILYBIDE with them. It's ok to be young and make a difference!
- Shoot some hoops with friends who need Jesus. Use today's story as a conversation starter to talk about what God is teaching you about serving Him.
19 Jun, 2007
Out-of-control drag car kills six during Tennessee parade
SELMER, Tenn. — There were no guard rails between the crowds of spectators and a public highway where a drag-racing car bolted out of control, killing six people during a charity fundraising event.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol declined to make any statement today about road conditions or safety procedures during the Saturday evening parade of cars.
Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Mike Browning said the six who were killed included two 15-year-old girls and a 17-year-old girl. The accident injured 18 others, including a 5-year-old boy, who were taken to hospitals in Tennessee and Mississippi.
The crash happened during an "exhibition burnout" _ when a drag racer spins his tires fast enough to make them smoke _ at the Cars for Kids charity event in Selmer, located about 80 miles east of Memphis.
On amateur video of the crash, broadcast on WMC-TV in Memphis, the car's engine is heard revving loudly before the vehicle speeds down the highway. After a few hundred feet, the car skidded off the road in front of a drive-in restaurant.
Selmer Police Chief Neal Burks said "bodies were flying into the air when it happened."
There was a guard rail along at least part of the highway, but not along that stretch.
Nick Staples, who was at the show with his wife and three children from Columbus, Miss., said he was standing 20 feet from where the car plowed into the audience.
"There should have been guard rails," Staples said. "But even if there had been, it wouldn't have mattered."
photo courtesy ap & story honoluluadvertiser.com, 6/17/07
Spinning out of control?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the importance of God's Word?
Don't you think the apostle Paul sometimes felt like his life was spinning out of control? He was proclaiming the good news of Jesus, getting new churches started, developing young Christian leaders and the whole time... he's facing persecution, being thrown in jail, getting beaten up, getting shipwrecked, dealing with a chronic physical problem....
Perhaps Paul had days when his life felt like a speeding dragster spinning out of control.
But Paul was teaching Timothy and us that God's Word gives the directions needed for straightening out our lives and living for Him in a world that often seems to be spinning out of control.
Because God's Word is inspired and completely trustworthy, we should read it, study it, memorize it, apply it and share it. It explains how to know God, how to be saved from our sins, how to find joy and hope, how to..... yes, it covers everything we need to about God in this life and how to prepare for life after death.
Are you regularly studying it or are you just reading the same familiar passages? Are you relying on the scriptures to guard your mind against the false teachings of this world? Are you spending time in it to simply enjoy time with Jesus?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for using His Holy Spirit to give the exact words to the authors He chose to write His Holy Word. Ask His Spirit to give you greater discipline to really study His word regularly and obey it. Thank Him for giving you His Scriptures to give you a clear mind and a motivated heart when your life seems to be spinning out of control.
- Memorize today's scripture as a reminder to depend on God's Word.
- Make a commitment to spend regular time in studying God's Word.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Encourage a friend who is a follower of Christ who may be "spinning out-of-control" right now. Email him or her today's DAILYBIDE and follow it up with a conversation about what both of you have learned.
- Think of a friend who is not yet a follower of Jesus and is "spinning out-of-control". Use today's story about the dragster accident as a way to share how God uses His Word to give you guard rails that keep you going straight down the best possible course for your life.
14 Jun, 2007
God has released me, says Paris
Los Angeles - Paris Hilton believes her jail sentence was a message from God to change her party-loving lifestyle and become a positive role model for women who look up to her.
In her first interview since she was dramatically sent back to prison last Friday for probation violation in a drink-driving case, Hilton said her imprisonment has served as a life-changing wake-up call.
Her comments were made to veteran television journalist Barbara Walters in a phone-call from the hospital facility of the Los Angeles jail where she is being held.
"I'm not the same person I was," Walters quoted Hilton as saying on her ABC television program The View on Monday.
"I used to act dumb. It was an act. I am 26-years-old, and that act is no longer cute. It is not who I am, nor do I want to be that person for the young girls who looked up to me."
Hilton has said she will not appeal the decision to send her back to prison to serve her 45-day term.
'I know that I can make a difference'
She was controversially released after spending only three days behind bars last week, sparking a public outcry and prompting Los Angeles judge Michael Sauer to order her back to jail.
Hilton, who was dragged sobbing and wailing from court on Friday, suggested she intends to give up her lifestyle of endless VIP parties, red carpets and pursuing the limelight upon her release.
"I know now that I can make a difference, that I have the power to do that. I have been thinking that I want to do different things when I am out of here," she said. "I have become much more spiritual. God has given me this new chance."
Hilton's said her new-found spirituality had led her to believe that her jail stint was meant to be.
"I feel that the purpose of my life is to be where I am," Hilton told Walters. "My spirit or soul did not like the way I was being seen and that is why I was sent to jail. God has released me."
story courtesy news24.com, 6/12/07
Is this for real?
James 2:14-20 (NLT)
Faith Without Works Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[f] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
What does James teach us about genuine faith in today's God's Story scripture?
If James had been into cliches, he might have said, "you gotta walk the talk", or "talk is cheap".
His message is very clear - genuine faith shows up in how we live!
When someone becomes a Christ follower, he or she becomes a brand new person. There is new life! With Christ living in us, His Holy Spirit brings transformation in our desires, our character and our actions.
We will treat others as Jesus would treat them.
I thought we could stop covering the latest Paris Hilton story until her claim of beginning a new story. She says God has changed her.
No doubt, people are skeptical, including myself. I pray that her new "faith" is genuine and not another publicity stunt.
How about you? If you tell others that God has changed your life, do they belive you? Can they see your faith in action?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Spend some time alone with Jesus in complete humility and honesty. Let His Spirit point out to you if you are showing your faith through your actions.
- Make it your daily prayer to depend on Jesus with every part of your life. Ask Jesus to be seen in you to others.
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and Galatians 5:22-25 for more on what it means to show your faith through your actions.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Ask Jesus to empower you to demonstrate His love every day by doing a good deed for at least one person.
- Make a written list of how you can show your faith in action to a friend from school, a family member, a person in your neighborhood and someone at your work place.
- Use today's story about Paris Hilton finding "faith" to talk to your friends who need Jesus. Ask them if they believe Paris has really changed? Ask if they can see your faith in action? This could be a great way for you to help them see their need for Jesus if you get vulnerable about how much you need Jesus.
- Pray for Paris Hilton to fully understand what it means to follow Christ and Christ alone.
13 Jun, 2007
"I was sure I was in love..."
Do you know what it feels like to be in love? Do you remember the first girl or boy who made your palms sweat? I do. I was 11 years old and I had just moved to a new neighborhood. I can remember the scene like it was yesterday. I was riding my bicycle when the neighborhood girls were all in a group and giggling as I rode by them. From the group there was one girl that almost made me fall off my bike every time I saw her. Everyday and every second, no matter where I was, I thought about her. I was sure I was in love.
photo courtesy images.google.com & today's DAILYBIDE written by
James Leon,
What's love got to do with it?
Matthew 22:34-40
The Great Commandment
34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (ESV)
What does today’s God's Story scripture teach us?
Just when the Pharisees and others thought they were going to trick Jesus into giving a wrong answer, he gives them the simplest answer. He tells them to love God with all their heart, mind and soul and the people around them as they love themselves.
Jesus tells them when we put God on our minds first and chase after him, we will get closer to him and start taking on his character.
When we truly love God we do what he asks us to do, and we see things the way God sees them.
How can you connect today’s God’s Story scripture to your life?
So what does it mean to love God? I thought about that girl that I was in love with when I was 11. I thought about her in everything I did. That’s what Jesus means too.
Think about God in everything you do. When you have fun, have fun with God. When you’re in a not-so-good mood, talk it over with God. In every decision think about what God wants you to do.
Before you say anything about someone ask God if it should be said.
When you “love someone” you share your whole life with them. Jesus said to do this with God, and then to treat other people the way you want them to treat you---with a lot of love and forgiveness.
- Talk to God everyday and share a little bit of your life with him
- Ask God to show you how to love and forgive others
How can you connect today’s God’s Story scripture and your story to others?
- When your friends watch how you live, what would they say you love most of all? Can they tell what is most important to you?
- Your friends probably haven’t seen up close anyone who really loves God. What would they hear in your talk and see in your action to show them that God is real and living in your life?
- Help your friends see being a Christian isn’t about following a long list of rules. Let them see your faith in action. Talk to them about decisions you make and how God guides you to say “yes” or “no” to opportunities.
- Talk to your friends about what “rules or commandments” they live by. What is right and wrong to them? In your interaction with them let them know how Christians are free to do what is right because they love God and not because some rulebook says they have to do it.
12 Jun, 2007
No more "Super Mario Bros"
Have you ever bought something that you thought you would love forever and never throw away? You probably think, “I have to have that. I need it!”
When I was six years old (in 1985) my uncle bought me a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas. I remember playing the first game made for NES called “Super Mario Bros” and saying, “I will never get tired of this game. It’s so fun I can play this forever.” About a month later after beating it hundreds of times I couldn’t stand it anymore and wanted a new game which then became the next game that I would “never get tired of.”
picture courtesy images.google.com & DAILYBIDE by James Leon, Long Island Youth for Christ - thanks!
Mine! Mine!
Luke 12:13-21
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (ESV)
What does today’s God's Story scripture teach us?
Jesus tells this story of a rich man who thinks only about how much more he can get. This man was like you and me. Instead of putting Jesus first and thinking of others, he thought only of himself and the more things he could get. Look at the Scripture verses and count the number of times he says “I will”. The problem with this man wasn’t the fact that he had so much, but that all his stuff was the first and most constant thought in his mind. God calls him a “fool” because he put his main focus on what wasn’t going to last.
How can you connect today’s God’s Story scripture to your life?
There is something in all of us that wants more. We always want the newest gadget or relationship because we think that we will finally be satisfied, but we find that we’re not.
Instead of thinking about things that leave you empty, focus on getting to know Jesus more. Your relationship to him is the most important part of your life and it will last forever. You can do this by first starting your day (every day) by praying and talking to Him.
And second, ask Jesus to help you make good choices throughout your day. Even if they are small choices, ask for God’s opinion and guidance. Don’t be a fool. Seek to get more of him and less of your old desires and the influences of this world.
How can you connect today’s God’s Story and your story to others?
- Spend more time today praying for your friends, reading God’s Word and talking with your friends than you spend playing games or watching TV. Do what is more important.
- Think of others and their needs. Look for ways to share with your friends what God has given to you.
- Sharpen your social and spiritual senses. Listen and watch carefully when you are with your friends. When your friends are going through tough times, be there for them and share the good news of Jesus with them.
11 Jun, 2007
Does that Mom really watch MTV?
In the basement of a small church, 20 parents are having a lively (and loud) conversation. It almost sounds like an argument. The high school seniors from the church want to take a trip to the islands for their graduation celebration. They want the “freedom” and “excitement” of mingling with the likes of Flava-Flav, Fergie and Akon.One mom asks why “Princess Fergie” would want to be in the
Silence spreads across the room and people start whispering. Does this middle-aged mother actually watch MTV? Is this family really ‘Christian’ if they listen to secular music? The conversation quickly moves from the merits of the trip to whether Christians should be listening to the world’s music and watching MTV. Voices are raised, feelings are hurt.photos courtesy images.google.com & today's DAILYBIDE written by Nina from Long Island Youth For Christ
One mom asks why “Princess Fergie” would want to be in the
Silence spreads across the room and people start whispering. Does this middle-aged mother actually watch MTV? Is this family really ‘Christian’ if they listen to secular music? The conversation quickly moves from the merits of the trip to whether Christians should be listening to the world’s music and watching MTV. Voices are raised, feelings are hurt.photos courtesy images.google.com & today's DAILYBIDE written by Nina from Long Island Youth For Christ
Silence spreads across the room and people start whispering. Does this middle-aged mother actually watch MTV? Is this family really ‘Christian’ if they listen to secular music? The conversation quickly moves from the merits of the trip to whether Christians should be listening to the world’s music and watching MTV. Voices are raised, feelings are hurt.photos courtesy images.google.com & today's DAILYBIDE written by Nina from Long Island Youth For Christ
Be careful not to judge each other
Romans 14:9-12
9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:19
19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us?
Paul was writing to the Romans who were struggling. The church there was filled with people who had become followers of Christ but were from different backgrounds. Some had been Jews who had grown up believing that belonging to God had to be proven to the world (and perhaps to God) by their good behavior – by following rules. The non-Jews didn’t have that background and tended to be filled with gratitude for their new life. Each thought the other should be ‘more like me’. They looked down on each other. This was hurting the church.
Paul wrote to correct them and to teach them that the “new” way of living was to love God and to love each other. Paul says every effort is to be made to live at peace with each other and to build each other up.
Christ came to earth, lived as a man among men, died and came back to life in order to give us life. He wants to be our Lord. Many of us spend our time judging other Christians and their behavior and in doing so spread the aroma of death all around us.
When we judge others we act like we are their lord. The only one who will rightly judge us will be God. We should live to honor and please him.
When we are make these choices it is easier to love people who disagree with us and think we are doing the wrong thing. When we love God it is easier to love people who we think are wrong too!
How can we connect today’s God’s Story scripture to our lives?
We’re surrounded by Christians who think differently than us. Christians differ on issues such as: what kind of church to attend; how to dress when at church; whether singing hymns or praise songs is more worshipful; whether baptism is by sprinkling or dunking; whether you can listen to rap, punk or rock music; whether you can have facial piercing; whether it’s right or wrong to eat meat … and on and on the differences go.
The issue isn’t “Do we all agree?” but “How do we treat people we disagree with?” God commands us to love each other and to accept each other as He has loved and accepted us.
- Ask God to help you love the person who thinks you are wrong.
- Choose to do something ‘their way’ and see what it feels like!
- Ask God to give you ideas about how to bless the one you disagree with or who thinks you’re the one who is wrong.
- Pray that every decision you make will honor God first and then leave the rest to Him.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s story scripture and our story to others?
- Think of a person you know and with whom you disagree.
- Make a decision to find ways to accept the person with whom you disagree (if you are a teen – think of something you are struggling with your parent over; and if you’re a parent – think of something your teen wants to do that you don’t think you can’t handle)
- Pray for that person and ask God to help you respect them (not look down on them)
- Tell the person that you want to better understand where they are coming from so that you can accept them more freely. Ask them to talk to you.
8 Jun, 2007
Who are you going to serve?
I recently went on a missions trip with 25 students from my youth group. I was one of the 10 adult leaders. Two months before the trip, my left knee was injured while I was dancing and jumping during a time of worship at our youth winter retreat.
For almost two months, I tried to take care of my knee, by icing it, wrapping it, and elevating it. Every time it felt better I went back to normal activities---climbing stairs and walking for exercise. Immediately my knee would swell up like a balloon. The doctor prescribed medicine to reduce the swelling.
When I asked people to pray for our missions team and for the Lord to heal my knee, my close friends said, “Is your knee is bothering you? This always happens to you when you’re going on a missions trip. The enemy always attacks you in your legs before you go on a missions trip. You should have asked for prayer way before this.” They were right.
Two days before the trip my knee was really swollen. I could hardly walk. While I was praying, I told the Lord that as long as I can walk, I will go on this trip. At the airport I needed to use a wheelchair because it was a long distance to the gate. I wanted to save my knee for walking for when we arrived at the camp. There were many flights of stairs between the buildings where we ate and met at each day? So I just took one step at a time.
God did many awesome things in through our team while we served the people in that community. Some found new life in Christ. Some were healed. Some were set free from destructive habits and behavior. Some had a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit. Some were fed physically and some spiritually. The Enemy tried to destroy the work God was doing through us; but God is still the victor!
photo courtesy images.google.com & DAILYBIDE courtesy
Donna Carlino,
Lessons from a Missions Trip
John 10:10-11
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)
What does today’s God's Story scripture teach us?
Jesus doesn’t sugar-coat the battle we are in with our enemy:
- Satan is a thief and a robber who wants to kill you.
- He also wants to take what God has for you and ruin it.
- He wants you to be afraid to obey and follow God.
But Jesus wants what is best for us:
- Jesus loved you enough to die for you so you can live.
- Jesus not only gives you eternal life; but freedom to live for Him here and now.
- Jesus wants you to know that He is good and loves you even when things don’t seem to be going right.
So, who are you going to serve? Will it be the one who hates you or the One who loves you?
How can you connect today’s God’s Story scripture to your life?
Remember...
- Satan tried to discourage me from going on this missions trip and tried to rob me of the joy of seeing God work on this trip.
- Jesus was faithful to allow me to participate in His work even though I couldn’t walk normally. I used my time to encourage our team mates and pray for them. I also prayed for the people God sent us to.
- God sometimes allows hindrances and discomfort in our lives so we will focus more on him.
- God always blesses obedience. That doesn’t mean that life is going to be easy or without trouble. It does mean that he is always with us and uses us when we do what we know he wants us to do. His love is real and people respond to real love.
How can you connect today’s God’s Story and your story to others?
When you start connecting God’s Story to others expect opposition and discouragement. Be prepared for struggles the enemy wants to use to stop you.
Ask God for wisdom and strength to keep going when the battles are tough.
Get involved in a missions trip with your church or youth group and learn by experience how God will use your service to others to tell his story to them.
If possible get some of your unbelieving friends to come on a service activity or a missions trip with you so they can see God at work in a group of young people. They will see it isn’t as weird as they thought, but it is more full of real life than anything they have ever experienced.
1 Jun, 2007
Flight Risk
An airline passenger infected with a particularly lethal form of tuberculosis been put under quarantine. How much of a threat is the disease to others?
Passengers and crew on two recent transatlantic flights may have been exposed to a rare and unusually drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis by an unidentified man who is now under federal quarantine. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say it’s been more than 40 years since a similar isolation order was given.
In an effort to contain the spread of this often-lethal form of the disease known as XDR TB, health authorities are asking passengers who traveled on either flight (Air France Flight 385 from Atlanta to Paris on May 13 and Czech Air Flight 0104 from Prague to Montreal on May 24). to come forward for testing. Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs and is usually spread by people in close quarters. While rates of the disease are fairly low in the United States (fewer than 14,000 cases were reported last year), it is a leading health problem worldwide—particularly for those with compromised immune systems. There were 1.6 million TB deaths in 2005 according to the World Health Organization.
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 5/30/07
Dangerous disease?
Matthew 8:14-17 (NLT)
Jesus Heals Many
14 When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. 15 But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.
16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. 17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses
and removed our diseases.”
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.
If you are a fairly regular reader of the DAILYBIDE, you know that I often remind us that the Bible tells us that more world wide trouble will lead up to the return of Christ. Terrorism, war, famine, hurricanes...and it is possible that a disease may impact the planet at some point.
The ultimate disease the entire world faces is sin. It's in each of us and Jesus' blood shed on the cross is the only cure.
As Christ's followers, we must spread Christ's "cure" world wide. He 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.org so that we can send you info to help you grow in your new relationship with God.)
- If you are already a Christ follower, you have just read over the simple "cure" for the disease of sin. Ask God right now to show you how to spread it, starting with one person.
- To learn more about how to spread the "cure", learn the 3Story strategy by going to our home page at 3Story.org
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Pray every day for God to lead you to share the "cure" with someone as His Spirit gives you the opportunity to build relationships with those who are dying of the disease of sin.
- Whenever you continue to hear and see news reports of today's story, let it remind you to spread the "cure" of Christ.
- Use today's story about the airline passenger infected with a particularly lethal form of tuberculosis to have conversations with friends in your storysphere. Ask them if they think there's any disease that could infect the whole world? Let Jesus nudge you if this is the time to share more of your story and how God gave you the "cure" for your disease of sin.
