26 Jul, 2007
Official: MySpace finds 29,000 sex offenders on its site
North Carolina's Roy Cooper is one of several attorneys general who recently demanded the News Corp.-owned website provide data on how many registered sex offenders were using the site, along with information about where they live.
After initially withholding the information, citing federal privacy laws, MySpace began sharing the information in May after the states filed formal legal requests.
At the time, MySpace said it had already used a database it helped create to remove about 7,000 profiles of sex offenders, out of a total of about 180 million profiles on the site.
Two MySpace spokeswomen did not immediately return calls seeking comment Tuesday.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story cpyu.org, 7/24/07
Careful where you click
Proverbs 4:13-17 (NLT)
13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.
14 Don’t do as the wicked do,
and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
Turn away and keep moving.
16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
17 They eat the food of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence!
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about hanging out with or near the wrong crowd?
Read carefully the study notes from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE:
4:13-17 Even friends can make you fall. It is difficult for people to accept the fact that friends and acquaintances may lure them to do wrong. Young people want to be accepted, so they would never confront or criticize a friend for wrong plans or actions. Many other people can't see how their friends' actions could lead to trouble. While we should be accepting of others, we need a healthy skepticism about human behavior. When you feel yourself being heavily influenced, proceed with caution. Don't let your friends cause you to fall into sin.
If you go online to the wrong places near the wrong people to check out the wrong things, you may not be victimized by a sex offender, but you will be missing God's best.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for the simple, but practical Truth of His Word. Confess any way in which you have been straying down the wrong path with the wrong crowd online or in person. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask His Spirit to give you the courage to walk with Him every day rather than giving in to wrong influences.
- Memorize Proverbs 4:14-15 to help you remember and apply today's important truth from God's Word.
- In your journal, keep a written weekly evaluation of whether you are being influenced by friends online or in person, or if you are having a Godly influence on them?
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
Use the news report of MySpace finding 29,000 sex offenders to talk with your friends about making good choices. This may lead to them asking you why? Let Jesus help you make the 3 story connection.
25 Jul, 2007
Lohan Hit With Drug and Alcohol Arrest
SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The troubled saga of Lindsay Lohan took another turn Tuesday when police booked her on suspicion of drunken driving and cocaine possession after a frightened woman dialed 911 to report being chased by Lohan's SUV.
Less than two weeks out of rehab, with another drunken-driving case pending, Lohan had a blood-alcohol level of between 0.12 and 0.13 percent when police found her about 1:30 a.m., Sgt. Shane Talbot said. The legal limit for driving in California is 0.08.
Lohan attorney Blair Berk said her client had relapsed and was again receiving medical care. Her appearance Tuesday on "The Tonight Show" was canceled.
"Addiction is a terrible and vicious disease," Berk said.
photo & story courtesy msn.com, 7/24/07
In need of a rescue story
More trouble for Lindsay...again...and again...
Psalm 34:17-19 (NLT)
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about crying out to God for help when we are in trouble?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide this insight:
34:18, 19 We often wish we could escape troubles - the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear us down. God promises to be "close to the brokenhearted" and to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems. Sometimes he chooses to deliver us from those problems. When trouble strikes, don't get frustrated with God. Instead, admit that you need God's help and thank him for being by your side.
While we don't know what Lindsay Lohan believes about God, it seems that her addictions are overwhelming her to the point where it may cost her or someone else their life. Lindsay's only real hope is to be rescued by Jesus and then to become a committed follower of Christ.
You may need to do the same. If you remember to trust God, you may not have to hit rock bottom over and over again like Lindsay Lohan.
But if you do, our loving Father will hear your cry and meet your need.
- Thank God that He alone is the Rock of our salvation, our strength, our hope, our loving Father. Be honest. If you are overwhelmed with troubles, admit that to Him right now and let Him show you His unconditional love and amazing help. If you're doing well, praise God and admit to Him that you must and will depend on Him in every way, every day.
- Memorize today's scripture. It will be a constant reminder of God's love and strength in your daily life.
- If you are struggling with alcohol, drugs, an eating disorder, sexual addiction or something else that is crushing you, contact a Christian friend, youth leader, or pastor and ask for help today.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use the latest Lindsay Lohan headline to start conversations with friends and family members who are hurting with some outcomes of poor choices.
- If you know someone who is struggling with an addiction, pray for God to give you the opportunity, courage, and love that you need to talk to him or her. Remember to ask questions that allow them to share their story. Listen carefully. You don't have to have all the answers but by showing that you care, you will be communicating your story and God's Story.
- For help, contact a pastor or another Christian friend to find Christian recovery programs and resources for them.
- Pray for Lindsay Lohan to know and trust the truth of God's Story in her life.
24 Jul, 2007
Minor league coach dies after being hit
The Texas League game was suspended in the ninth inning Sunday after the 35-year-old former major leaguer was hit by a foul ball off the bat of Tino Sanchez of the Arkansas Travelers. Coolbaugh was taken to Baptist Medical Center-North Little Rock, where he was pronounced dead.
"It's a tragedy for all of baseball," Drillers president Chuck Lamson told the Tulsa World in a story posted on the newspaper's Web site early Monday. "He just joined the staff and was a former Driller player. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Travelers spokesman Phil Elson said Coolbaugh was either hit on the right side of his head or on the forehead and fell to the ground immediately. According to a report on the Drillers' Web site late Sunday, Coolbaugh was knocked unconscious and CPR was administered to him on the field.
Sgt. Terry Kuykendall, spokesman for North Little Rock police, said Coolbaugh was still alive when he was put in an ambulance, but stopped breathing as the ambulance arrived at the hospital.
"They tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at 9:47 p.m.," Kuykendall said.
Coolbaugh played 44 games in the major leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers over two seasons. Coolbaugh joined the Tulsa staff on July 3 as a batting coach. He played for the team briefly in 1996.
Coolbaugh is survived by his wife, Mandy, and two young sons, Joseph and Jacob, all of San Antonio. Mandy Coolbaugh is expecting another child in October.
photo & story courtesy foxsports.com, 7/23/07
Was it his time?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
A Time for Everything
3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the timing of death?
God's Spirit gave Solomon the words to write. His main point in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is that God has a time for everything. God has a plan that includes the different cycles of life, including death.
God's timing for everyone's death is important and perfect. This may seem unfair to some people and give great peace to others. Either way, remember that since God is the Creator and in control, He knows best. Keep in mind, that God is love and He can do no wrong.
So, the key to peace with God's timing is to know Him through Christ and confidently accept the fact that He offers eternal life in Heaven after death. God knows what is best for each of us in light of His perfect plan for building His eternal Kingdom.
If someone doubts or is bitter toward God for His timing and plan, he or she will probably experience discouragement, rebellion and endless confusion in life. You can take heart in remembering that God has planned the exact second when our time runs out. His timing is always perfect.
How can you connect today's God's Story scripture to your story?
- Daily thank God for His perfect plan and timing in everything.
- Write down in your journal (or somewhere you'll be reminded) the answer to this question: If you knew that your time would run out one week from right now, what would you do? How would you live your life during this next week?
- Talk to God right now in prayer. Thank Him for being in control of everything. Thank Him for loving you and having a perfect plan for every part of your life, including death. Express any fear or questions you have...He will listen and love you. Confess any way in which you tend to minimize the time God has given you in life. Ask His Spirit to help you use your time wisely and to live as if your time were about to run out.....
How can you connect today's story and God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- Keep in mind that time is running out for everyone. Every second that goes by brings everyone another second closer to death. This doesn't mean that you should panic and start cramming Jesus down everyone's throat. God does the work through His Spirit. He just calls each of us to live out the reality of Jesus in us and look for opportunities to learn the stories of others and then connect our stories and God's Story to their lives.
- Pray regularly for Jesus to show you how to use your time effectively in sharing His Good News with others.
- Pray for the Coolbaugh family to experience God's comfort, peace and hope.
- Use the sudden death story of Mike Coolbaugh to talk to your friends about the uncertainty of life. Ask them if they heard about this story and if they think "it was his time"?
19 Jul, 2007
Teenage Girl Killed on Bungee Thrill Ride
OSHKOSH - A teenage girl was killed Saturday after falling from a bungee cord harness ride at a festival.
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Mohl, or Liz as she's better known, was celebrating life at the Christian festival, "Lifest," when she tragically lost hers.
The Air Glory thrill ride hoists two to three people, strapped into bungee-cord harnesses, 45 feet in the air face down. The riders then pull a rip cord and fall or swing down on the bungee cords.
People were standing by watching, waiting for Liz's bungee cord to pull her up. Instead she kept falling until she hit the ground.
Counselors were being made available Monday and Tuesday at Menasha High School for students seeking help in coping with the tragedy. Mohl would have been a junior at the school this fall, school district director of special services Marci Theri said.
Mohl was described by Theri as an excellent student who was active in the orchestra and jazz band.
Her friends say they still can't believe Mohl died so tragically.
One friend posted a message on Liz's Facebook.com page. He said "Liz kept falling...it was hard for me to hear it and I clinched my fists...none of us will ever forget her."
Liz went on the ride with a friend. Her friend was also hoisted 45 feet in the air when Liz suddenly fell.
A witness said her friend was stuck hanging, crying and screaming, while people ran to help Liz.
Mohl died of massive trauma due to head, chest and abdominal injuries, Winnebago County Coroner Barry Busby said Monday. She died during emergency surgery, he said.
Life Promotions organized the festival. Communications director Wes Halula told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Silvia Acevedo that police shut down the ride to investigate what happened. Fest organizers shut down the festival for two hours to pray for the victim.
Lifest is one of the largest Christian festivals in the country. The annual music event features rides and sports.
story courtesy Silvia Acevedo & Melissa McCrady, todaystmj4.com, 7/18/07
How could this have happened?
Job 42:1-5 (NLT)
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.
4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.’
5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what to do even when God's wisdom can not be explained?
The background to Job's story up to this point is that he had asked God "WHY?" sixteen times to explain all the suffering he had endured. After God's speech to him, Job humbled himself and God blessed him with a family and even greater material possessions than he had before.
In today's text, Job is admitting that he had been foolish in questioning God's control and wisdom. He confessed his attitude of demanding God to explain His ways.
Today's story about Liz falling to her death at the Christian music festival is one that has her friends, family and maybe some of us questioning God and asking Him the "WHY?" question.
The hard reality is that God's wisdom in this tragic accident may not be explained in this earthly life. So what do we do?
Job's story gives everyone an example to follow. We must come to the point where we don't demand for God to explain the "WHY" and in humility recognize that our focus must be on the "WHO".
This "WHO" is the almighty, loving God who uses His wisdom to accomplish His perfect plan. Our response must be absolute TRUST in Him because:
God's wisdom is understood through His Spirit.
God's wisdom and knowledge are infinite.
God's wisdom is part of accomplishing His purposes.
God's wisdom may not be explained in this life, but we must trust Him.
- Praise God for His infinite wisdom, which He reveals to us through His Spirit as He accomplishes His perfect purposes. If you have been angry with God in demanding an explanation for the circumstances in your life, admit that right now - He understands and loves you. If you have been using what you can't understand about God's ways as an excuse for not trusting Him, admit this to God right now and ask His Spirit to give you the faith you need to trust Him in complete humility. Thank Him for the fact that He will continue to use all of His wisdom to help you glorify Him as you become more like Jesus.
- Pray every day for God's Spirit to give you faith to choose to trust Him rather than doubt Him as you face life's unanswered questions.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for the family and friends of Liz to experience the peace that only Jesus Christ can provide.
- The ride that malfunctioned and cost Liz her life is called "Air Glory". Pray for God's glory to be revealed through Liz's accident as He uses His wisdom and power to reach people for Christ through this story.
- Use this story as a conversation starter to learn more about the stories of those in your storysphere who need Jesus. Focus on listening rather than feeling the need to answer the questions, especially since we don't know the answers. BUT, this may be an opportunity for you to share more of your story - that you are trusting the "WHO" as you wonder about the "WHY".
18 Jul, 2007
A heinous synthetic shoe has conquered the world.
Fans will tell you, Crocs aren't just footwear; they're the closest thing to religion that the foot has experienced. The company's stock has skyrocketed in value over the past year, and Crocs is now poised to launch a new product line this fall. Yet Crocs are heinous in appearance.
A first-time Crocs wearer will indeed find that the shoes are springy and light, as their fans aver, and cushion the feet with what some have called a "marshmallow fluffiness." On a muggy New York day, the holes punched in the toe box allow for a soothing breeze to cool the sweating foot. Even so, the ratio of shame to comfort was extreme. When everyone else on the avenue is garbed in proper footwear—even something as unpretentious as flat sandals or ballet flats—an adult, it seemed to me, must blush at the sight of her bulbous feet. But those who wear Crocs all day long swear that the springy material holds up like nothing else; one painter reported that his chronic shin splints disappeared after he began wearing Crocs. Crocs make you look absurd, but they can change your life.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story slate.com, 7/13/07
These shoes are a Croc!
Romans 10:14-17 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God's idea of how to make feet look beautiful?
We won't all agree on Crocs, but God will give us a heavenly reward for wearing out shoes that bring the "GOOD NEWS" of Jesus Christ to a spiritually lost world.
Here in Romans, Paul is borrowing a quotation from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Originally, the "beautiful feet" described those who would bring good news to the Jewish people of their release from captivity in Babylon.
Paul is applying it to believers who bring the good news of freedom from being a prisoner to sin.
Some questions for us to think about...
... How will your friends at school, your family members, your neighborhood, and your fellow employees learn the "GOOD NEWS" unless someone tells them?
...What keeps you from putting on God's messenger shoes and getting the "GOOD NEWS" to people in your community?
...Who is one person you know who needs to hear the "GOOD NEWS" and what is something you could do to help him or her hear it?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for using someone in your life to bring you the "GOOD NEWS". Ask His Holy Spirit to give you the compassion and courage you need to be God's messenger to someone else. Take a moment right now and ask Him to put the name and face of that person in your mind and on your heart. Thank Him that your role is not to save souls, but simply to wear out your "soles" in bringing the love of Jesus to your world.
- Write out your answers to the questions in the godsstory section above and keep it where you will be reminded to take action.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Whenever you wear or see someone wearing Crocs, let Jesus remind you:
- Crocs are conquering the world, but you can be part of conquering the world, one person at a time, by having beautiful feet that bring God's Story to lost people.
- Crocs are comfortable, but wearing "Good News" shoes is often uncomfortable.
- Crocs make you look absurd, but they can change your life. Your friends and family who need Jesus may not find your feet "beautiful" at first, but connecting your story and God's Story to their story will change their lives forever!
17 Jul, 2007
‘He just internalized his pain’
HOUSTON - More than a year after a horrific bias attack nearly killed him, David Ritcheson masked his pain with a smile, concealing his anguish from the people closest to him, an attorney for his family said Tuesday.
Ritcheson, a Mexican-American who was beaten unconscious and sodomized with a plastic pole by a man shouting "White Power!" in April 2006, leaped to his death in the Gulf of Mexico from an upper deck of a Carnival Cruise ship on Sunday, witnesses said.
Attorney Carlos Leon said Ritcheson had never threatened or talked of suicide and left no note.
The lawyer said Ritcheson boarded the ship Saturday in Galveston with two friends and the parents of one of the friends. The ship was to have gone to Cozumel before returning July 5. Leon said he was not aware of any incident aboard the ship that might have upset the teenager.
"This comes as a shock to everybody ... to his family, to everybody who knew David," he said.
Ritcheson had endured more than two dozen painful surgeries and had to use a colostomy bag. Perhaps worse, virtually everyone he met knew what had happened to him that terrifying night.
Leon said his client's physical condition had been improving, and he underwent his most recent surgery just 45 days ago. But he said Ritcheson had rebuffed repeated attempts to persuade him to seek counseling for the emotional and mental scars.
"I think he thought wallowing in the pain would make it last longer," Leon said. "David internalized his pain, and I think he thought he could just persevere through it."
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 7/03/07
Why did he jump?
Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Workers Few
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the need for us to show the compassion of Christ?
Everyone has a story. Sadly, many people have a story that is filled with a twisted plot and a tragic theme. David Ritcheson, the teenager who jumped to his death, seems to fit Matthew's description of someone who is "harassed and helpless, like a sheep without a shepherd".
Jesus feels great compassion for people who have problems so great that they don't know how to get help, or they are so down, they don't respond to help that is available. He wants to bring healing and hope to their lives through His love, forgiveness and power, no matter how deep their pain.
The amazing thing is that He wants to use us. Jesus said we should pray for people to respond to His need for workers. Quite often, when we pray for something, God uses us to answer our own prayers! He wants us to see the need and trust Him to empower us to meet the needs of others.
Many people are ready for the turning point in their life story. They will give their lives to Christ if someone shows them and tells them God's Story.
Are you willing to be that person?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He sent Jesus to rewrite your life story. Praise Him for the fact that you know your story will have a happy ending - living with God in Heaven forever! Ask His Spirit to empower you with Christ's compassion for those who are hurting, in pain, and feeling helpless. Pray that people will respond to the need for being God's workers. Ask Jesus to give you a willing, humble heart to be one of those workers.
- For the next few weeks, especially when you are near someone of a different race and you don't really know this person...remember that Jesus knows and loves this person...and that He wants you to be ready when He nudges you to reach out to those who are harassed and helpless.
- Write a note of thanks to someone who showed Christ's compassion to you at a time when you may have been carrying a lot of pain and feeling helpless.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray specifically for David Ritcheson's family and friends to experience God's comfort and hope. Pray also for those who victimized David - bringing unbelievable pain into his life. Pray that they will be brought to justice and seek God's forgiveness.
- At least once a week, be intentional about showing Christ's compassion to someone who seems harassed and hurting, without expecting anything in return.
- With your youth group or small group, come up with a strategy for reaching out to those who are hurting and helpless in your neighborhood, your community, and your school.
16 Jul, 2007
China city debuts opulent public toilet
They're flush with pride in Chongqing, where a recently opened porcelain palace features an Egyptian facade, soothing music and more than 1,000 toilets spread out over 30,000 square feet.
Officials in the southwestern Chinese city plan to ask Guinness World Records to have the free four-story public bathroom listed as the world's largest, state-run China Central Television reported Friday.
"We are spreading toilet culture. People can listen to gentle music and watch TV," said Lu Xiaoqing, an official with the Yangrenjie, or "Foreigners Street," tourist area where the bathroom is located. "After they use the bathroom they will be very, very happy."
Footage aired on CCTV showed people milling about the sprawling facility and washing their hands at trough sinks. For open-aired relief, there's a cluster of stalls without a roof.
Some urinals are uniquely shaped, including ones inside open crocodile mouths and several topped by the bust of a woman resembling the Virgin Mary.
There are also plans to build a supermarket nearby, which will sell toilet-related items, CCTV reported.
photo & story courtesy thenewstribune.com, 7/11/07
Bathroom humor?
John 14:1-3 (NLT)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2
After reading today's God's Story scripture, are you looking forward to Heaven?
OK, did you laugh when you read today's story? China must be serious about joining the company of the elite countries in the world - a "porcelain palace with soothing music and more than 1,000 toilets spread out over 30,000 square feet." It's a toilet mansion with some religious tones!
Have you every wondered how many bathrooms are in each mansion in Heaven?
The study notes from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE remind us of the incredible promises of Jesus:
14:2,3 There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Jesus says, "I am going to prepare a place for you," and "I will come and get you." We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear because Jesus is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us.
Actually, with our new resurrected bodies, there won't be any need for "throne rooms" and besides, we'll be too busy worshiping at the throne of Jesus.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Confess those times when your eyes get stuck on earthly treasures rather than on the eternal delight of Heaven. (Let that kind of worldly thinking go right down the toilet!) Thank Jesus for His forgiveness, for giving you a new life, for giving you purpose in this life, and for promising you an eternal place that is out of this world.
- Thank Jesus every day for His promise to bring you "home" some day - a mansion with many rooms!
- Whenever you are in a really nice bathroom, thank Jesus that someday you won't need any!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Show or email today's story about the "toilet mansion" in China to your friends and family who need Jesus as their Savior. Use it as a conversation starter to see if they think there will be bathrooms in Heaven? How many? What kind? Have some fun with this and see if they respond in a way that God gives you the nudge to share more of your story. You could tell them why you are looking forward to Heaven.
13 Jul, 2007
Movie Review: Transformers
By: Alex
Short take: It’s about as good as a film based on a the idea of transforming robots can be. The challenge was to make the film appeal to its core base of boy fans and men with fond memories of their original Transformer toys, while reaching out to the larger filmgoing audience who were needed to make the film a blockbuster in fact not just in intention. How do you do that in a film about metallic characters who appear as recognizable vehicles from sports cars to trucks but who transform into their robot form of somewhat greater mass? And then have them talk to each other as characters with human traits? The film rightly starts with human characters to give us a sense of scale and a biological grounding (for about five minutes) before the first Transformer, one of the evil Decepticons, appears to wreak havoc at a desert army base. It is about an hour into the film before we get the long-awaited money shot of the noble Autobots assembled with their true blue and red leader, Optimus Prime as they gather to plan their countoffensive against the terrible Decepticon scheme to turn earth’s technology into a vast robotized army to destroy all humans.
By this time, the audience has had time to buy into the internal validity of the concept as plausible in a three-dimensional movie world. The robots are wonderfully realized by Industrial Light and Magic’s special effects. But it’s the human actors, led by the young rising star Shia Labeouf, as the teenager who buys an old Camaro, only the find out its the Autobot named Bumblebee, who has been sent to protect the boy who has an object the Decepticons want.
Of the summer blockbuster I’ve seen this summer, Transformers was the most fun, which is what we usually look for in movies at this time of the year and which has been in rather short supply so far. I would fault it for resorting to a brief interchange or two of purely unnecessary sexually-related dialogue wholly out of place at a movie aimed at a core audience that includes pre-teens. Many a family car will leave the theater parking lot with embarrassed parents being asked by a young-ling, “Daddy, what’s masturbation?” Removing those lines is the only transforming this film should have had before its release.
photo & review by theculturebeat.com, 7/08/07
The ultimate transformation
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about letting God transform us?
Obviously, we are not robots and God doesn't force us to be transformed. Wouldn't it be easier if we could just twist and turn our heads and arms and legs and SUDDENLY, WE'RE MIGHTY CHRISTIANS! (That makes sense only if you ever played with Transformers as a kid.)
But we do need to stop twisting and turning in our attempts to be like the world wants us to be and start letting God renew our minds and desires.
Let your mind absorb these study notes from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE:
12:2 Paul warned Christians: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world" that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs; it must be firmly planted in our mind...Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.
- Take a couple of minutes to let the Truth of God's Word, which you have just read, sink into your mind and heart. Let God's Spirit use it to transform your priorities. Confess any way that your mind and actions have been copying the world's way of thinking. Receive God's forgiveness through what Christ did on the cross for you. Thank God for using His Word to change the way you think which is part of becoming more and more like Jesus.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder of God's purpose to transform you to be more like Jesus.
- For the next couple of weeks, keep a written list of how God's Spirit is transforming you.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
If you see the movie Transformers, use it as a conversation starter with your friends who are Christ-followers and with those who are not yet following Jesus. Ask your Christian friends: How do you think we are doing at letting God transform us? Ask your friends who need Jesus: If you could transform yourself into something else or someone else, what or who would that be? Be ready for the opportunity to share part of your story and your desire to let God transform you into a new person.
11 Jul, 2007
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Leaf it to New Hampshire, where a bank branch was held up by a man disguised as a tree.
Just as the Citizen Bank branch opened Saturday morning, a man walked in with leafy boughs duct-taped to his head and torso, and robbed the place.
"He really went out on a limb," police Sgt. Ernie Goodno said Sunday.
Police said the leafy man didn't saying anything about having a weapon, just demanded cash, and was given an undisclosed amount.
Although the branches and leaves obscured much of the man's face, someone who saw images from the bank's security camera recognized the robber and called police.
Officers said James Coldwell, 49, was arrested early Sunday at his Manchester home and charged with robbery. Arraignment was not expected until Monday.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 7/9/07
Can't get away with it!
Numbers 32:23
23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.
1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about "getting away with it"?
Let's go back to today's story for a second. I'm still laughing as I picture this guy trying to rob a bank while disguised as a tree branch. For me the most amazing part is that he thought they could get away with it? Maybe he should have waited till Christmas time and dressed up as an evergreen tree? Yeah, that would have worked!
Be honest. What were you thinking the last time when you thought you could get away with a little sin? What happened? Do you think you still might get caught some day?
Moses, the author of Numbers, gets right to the point doesn't he? We can be sure that our sins will find us out. Often our sin is discovered because we're arrogant and think that we're invincible. Even if we're not caught, or if others don't find out, we must remember that the Lord knows our sin. Sin will always affect us in some way. There are always consequences. We are responsible.
Thankfully, we have a loving God who has graciously taken on the responsibility for our forgiveness. When His Son, Jesus, died on the cross, He made it possible for us to always have our accounts cleaned up.
We can't get away with it, but Jesus died for it. That's God's grace.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that His Holy Spirit makes you aware of your sin. Claim 1st John 1:9 right now for any sin that is "finding you out". Thank Jesus for His complete forgiveness and ask Him to help you make choices every day that will honor and please Him.
- Whenever you dress up as a tree, or see the one nearest where you live, remember that you can't hide from sin.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- If you have tried to "get away with it" with someone, go talk to him or her and apologize and ask for forgiveness.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion with your small group or youth group. Try this while sitting outside by some trees, or have everyone come dressed in disguise and then talk.
- You probably know someone in your circle of influence (storysphere) who is trying to get away with sin. Don't use this DAILYBIDE to judge them or preach at them. Instead, be an example of God's grace as you figure out ways to care and show them unconditional love. They just might open up and talk to you, because Jesus will help them see that He cares and forgives through your example.
10 Jul, 2007
A-Rod's spouse makes nasty T-shirt statement
NEW YORK–The wife of Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez wore a white tank top with foul language on the back when she attended a game against the Oakland Athletics.
A common two-word obscenity ending with "you" was clearly visible when Cynthia Rodriguez, her 2-year-old daughter and an unidentified older woman took their seats Sunday in the players' family section at Yankee Stadium.
A front-page photograph in the New York Post shows the back of the tank top with the obscenity printed in Old English lettering between the shoulder blades. The first letter of the first word is visible; the three other letters are intentionally blurred. The second word is "You."
According to the Post, the team's policy prohibits banners or signs that are not in "good taste" and also warns that security guards will eject any guests "using foul language" or "making obscene gestures."
In late May, A-Rod's marriage was front-page news when the Post published a photograph of him and a woman – reported to be a Las Vegas stripper – at a Toronto hotel.
The speculation is that Mrs. A-Rod was venting her anger toward the media for reporting some apparent marital cheating by her husband.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story thestar.com, 7/3/07
Vulgar venting!
Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)
11 Fools vent their anger,
but the wise quietly hold it back.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about losing control and getting some self-control?
The book of Proverbs teaches us Godly wisdom for practical living. An unwise person "vents" to the extreme when feeling frustrated by circumstances and/or annoyed by others.
It's our human tendency to retaliate when someone or some situation annoys us. But as we've all experienced, this doesn't solve the issue and usually results in more trouble. Just ask Cynthia Rodriguez, who made a very immature choice in front of her 2-year-old daughter and millions of fans.
To hold back our temper and stay calm, we need to have self-control ahead of time. According to our practical friend, the apostle Paul, this happens only when we allow the Holy Spirit to control our hearts and minds every day.
If you think it's hard to develop self-control, you're right - we can't! That's because it's part of the fruit of The Spirit. God produces this fruit in us when we are consistently abiding in Christ.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Let's be honest. Though most of us would not wear clothing with an "f-bomb" message on it, how often do we think or mutter something vulgar under our breath when we are not under the Spirit's control?
- Thank God for the practical wisdom He provides in His Word. Confess any way in which you have been responding poorly to "annoying" people and circumstances. Ask His Spirit to take control of your heart and emotions every day. Tell God that you're willing for Him to use life's frustrating situations to teach you self-control, patience and forgiveness. Ask Him to produce the fruit of His Spirit in you. Thank Him that He will use your Godly response as a way to connect your story and His Story to others.
- Make a written list of frustrating situations that make it difficult for you to maintain self-control. It might be a certain relationship, another student at school, a teacher, a pesty little brother or sister, something at your job, frustration with possessions or a lack of them, etc. Place this list where you'll see it every day. Pray for God's Spirit to show you why you get annoyed and how to respond in a way that pleases Him.
- Whenever you eat some fruit, let Jesus remind you to abide in Him and produce the fruit of The Spirit in you.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Chances are pretty good that you will see someone wearing, doing, or saying something vulgar at school, at work, or on the street. If you are with someone in your storysphere, bring up today's story about Mrs. A-Rod and look for the opportunity to talk about your story as it relates to learning self-control.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a discussion starter with your family, youth group or small group.
3 Jul, 2007
'We are safe,' Homeland Security chief says
WASHINGTON - The United States remains safe after the attack at a Scottish airport and two foiled car bombs in London, and no raising of the terror alert status is planned, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Monday.
"We are safe, but we are safe because we continue to pay attention and we continue to add security measures," Chertoff said as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
The homeland security chief noted the incidents over the past several days in Great Britain sent a message that would-be terrorists have a wide variety of ways to attack.
"If you look back at all the plots, you've seen a wide variety of techniques," he said on CBS's "The Early Show." But Chertoff said authorities in the United States must prepare for a wide variety of threats, even though the suicide attacks often are the most spectacular.
He also said the country needs to be especially vigilant about how and under what circumstances the threat increases.
"I think we've been saying for some period of time that we need to be looking not only at homegrown terrorism, but that international terrorism might come to the United States through Europe," Chertoff said.
Chertoff also played down a report that al-Qaida was planning a big attack in the United States. "We do not currently have any specific threat information that is credible about a particular attack on the United States," Chertoff told Fox News.
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 7/2/07
Are we ever safe?
1 Peter 5:8-11 (NLT)
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
What does today's God’s Story scripture teach us about fighting our spiritual enemy?
In today’s scripture, Peter is warning believers (anyone who knows Christ as Savior and follows Him) to watch out for Satan, the enemy of God and His family. Satan, our worst enemy, is like a terrorist, who can pull a surprise attack at any time, any place, and against anyone.
Have you been feeling alone, weak or helpless, and not hanging out with other followers of Jesus? LOOK OUT!
Maybe you’ve been harassed for your faith in Christ or you’ve been going through some other suffering? BE ON GUARD!
Perhaps you’ve been focused on your own desires? Not spending time focusing on your relationship with Jesus? HIGH ALERT! HIGH ALERT!
Today’s story about the terrorist incidents in Great Britain is a reminder that terror is on the increase around the world. England and the US are challenging other world leaders to unite together to fight the war against terror.
There is a spiritual parallel. Satan attacks all followers of Jesus everywhere. We must remember to unite together in praying for each other to be alert and to resist the Devil.
How can we connect today’s God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Begin each day by praying for Christ’s protection and victory as you will face attacks from Satan.
- Unite together with other Christ followers by starting an accountability group in your neighborhood, at school, at church or maybe even at your place of work. Get together once a week with at least 2 other Christian friends for the purpose of praying together and helping each other to resist Satan and live for Christ.
- Pray every day for your brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. Like you, they face attack from our worst enemy – Satan.
- Talk to God right now…..Thank God for His loving protection. Confess any way in which you have been letting your guard down and losing battles to the enemy. If you have been a victim and have suffered in some way for Christ, ask Jesus to give you strength while you trust Him to get you on your spiritual feet again. Praise Jesus that He will give you victory over Satan!
- Whenever you see news reports about the global war on terror, let Jesus use that moment to remind you to unite with His followers and stay alert to Satan's attacks.
How can we connect today's story and God’s Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use today’s DAILYBIDE to encourage other followers of Christ. Share your story with them by being vulnerable about how you’re doing in facing Satan’s attacks in your life.
- Use today's story about the terrorist incidents in Great Britain and the terror alert system in the US as a conversation starter. Ask others in your storysphere what they think about from a spiritual perspective when they see evil attacks in our world?
- In your ongoing friendships with those who don’t know Christ yet, ask them how they’re doing. Do they have a need or a struggle you could help meet? Depending on their vulnerability, you may have the opportunity to tell more of your story by being real about how Jesus is helping you face the tough times in your life.
2 Jul, 2007
Dry cleaner wins $54 million suit over missing pants
WASHINGTON — A judge ruled Monday that no pair of pants is worth $54 million, rejecting a lawsuit that took a dry cleaner’s promise of “Satisfaction Guaranteed” to its most litigious extreme.
Roy L. Pearson became a worldwide symbol of legal abuse by seeking jackpot justice from a simple complaint — that a neighborhood dry cleaners lost the pants from a suit and tried to give him a pair that were not his.
His claim, reduced from $67 million, was based on a strict interpretation of the city’s consumer protection law — which imposes fines of $1,500 per violation — as well as damages for inconvenience, mental anguish and attorney’s fees for representing himself.
But District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff ruled that the owners of Custom Cleaners did not violate the consumer protection law by failing to live up to Pearson’s expectations of the “Satisfaction Guaranteed” sign once displayed in the store.
Bartnoff ordered Pearson to pay clerical court costs of about $1,000 to defendants Soo Chung, Jin Nam Chung and Ki Y. Chung. A motion to recover the Chungs’ tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees will be considered later.
“Judge Bartnoff has spoken loudly in suggesting that, while consumers should be protected, abusive lawsuits like this will not be tolerated,” the Chungs’ attorney, Chris Manning, said in a statement. “Judge Bartnoff has chosen common sense and reasonableness over irrationality and unbridled venom.”
Speaking to reporters outside their dry cleaners, the Chungs said they held no hard feelings toward Pearson. “If he wants to continue using our services, then, yes, he is welcome,” Soo Chung, a Korean immigrant, said through a translator.
Over the course of the litigation, the Chungs said they made three settlement offers — $3,000, then $4,600, then $12,000 — all rejected.
The case garnered international attention and renewed calls for litigation reform.
“This case was giving American justice a black eye around the world, and it was all the more upsetting because it was a judge and lawyer who was bringing the suit,” said Paul Rothstein, a Georgetown University law professor.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story freep.com, 6/25/07
I'll see you in court!
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (NLT)
Lawsuits Against Believers
1 When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! 2 Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? 3 Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? 5 I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? 6 But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves are the ones who do wrong and cheat even your fellow believers.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about lawsuits among followers of Christ?
Obviously, we should not "sue the pants off" of each other!
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain it this way:
6:6-8 Why did Paul say that Christians should not take their disagreements to unbelievers in secular courts? (1) If the judge and jury are not Christians, they are not likely to be sensitive to Christian values. (2) The basis for going to court is often revenge; this should never be a Christian's motive. (3) Lawsuits harm the cause of Christ and make the church look bad, causing unbelievers to focus on its problems rather than on its purpose.
If we, as followers of Jesus, take our differences to court, we give the cause of Christ a "black eye", just like Mr. Pearson, a judge himself, has given the American justice system by playing the "victim" and trying to get $54 million for a pair of pants.
Even if you and I are not going to sue someone, are we playing the "victim" game over situations in life that really aren't a big deal? We need to think about the impact this has on those who are not yet followers of Jesus.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Ask Christ to give us an attitude of a servant who loves and forgives others even when they act unjustly toward us.
- For the next month or so, whenever you can't find a pair of pants or jeans, let Jesus remind you how important it is to not play the "blame game" with others.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Encourage other followers of Jesus to apply Paul's teaching to not sue each other by sharing with them what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE.
- Use today's story about the $54 million dollar pants as a conversation starter with someone in your storysphere who needs Jesus. Ask your friends to describe how they see the "blame game" and "I'm a victim" mentality played out in our culture. Look for the opportunity to share your story by talking about your desire to not act like a "victim". Look for the opportunity to share more of God's Story by talking about how Jesus was unjustly accused but was willing to give his life on the cross for each of us who really are guilty.
- Pray for lawyers who are followers of Jesus. They have a tough job in our culture.
