30 May, 2008
Most young people don't know the location of Iraq.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Despite the wall-to-wall coverage of the war in Iraq, six in ten people age 18-24 can't find Iraq on a map, according to a Roper poll conducted for National Geographic last year.
picture courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy AP
Can you get there from here?
Proverbs 3:5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. (ESV)
According to today's God's Story scripture verse, what is the one word that describes how to read God's map for our future?
TRUST! This is the key to reading God's map for our future.
Isn't it amazing to find out how many young people can't find Iraq on a map? What do you think the reason is? Apathy? Distractions? Living only in the moment?
These same reasons will keep us from identifying where we are at in relationship to God's map for our future.
Today's verse is one that is often used at graduation time or whenever someone is making plans for the future. The bottom line is for us to trust the Lord with our future. Let's look at what some of the words in the verse really mean:
- Trust - to lean or rest with one's full weight
- LORD - refers to God's promise-keeping character
- All - offering a sacrifice to be burned completely
- Heart - the center of the mind, will and emotions
When we're living out a total commitment to God, we're trusting Him and not ourselves. We're just human and make mistakes. God is perfect and never makes mistakes.
By offering the promise-keeping God our mind, will and emotions, we are demonstrating our trust in His plan, which He has mapped out for our future.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He knows what is best for you and your future. With trust, commit to Him the decisions (big and small) you must make in the near future. Ask Him to give you the faith you need to trust Him as He leads you. Ask Him to give you the faith to trust Him even when things don't go the way you had planned.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to trust God with your future.
- Whenever you see a map or a globe, let God remind you to trust Him with your future.
- Make a list of the "TOP FIVE DECISIONS" you must make in the near future. Keep this in front of you every day. Trust God with them every day in prayer.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for the opportunity to share what you learned in this DAILYBIDE with a friend who needs Jesus. You could bring up today's topic quite easily during this time of graduations.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a study resource with your small group or youth group.
29 May, 2008
Don't pull over...keep going!
Imagine yourself in a youth group that is taking a 100-mile bus trip to an event. With just 25 miles to go, your youth leader pulls the bus over to the side of the road. (No, this is not the usual breakdown of the church bus. It's something else.)
Your fearless leader explains that since it's now dark and the bus headlights only shine a distance of 500 feet, you'll have to wait for daylight. (Youth leaders can be kind of scary now and then.) You and everyone else on the bus are bright enough to know that by the time your bus moves 500 feet, the headlights will illuminate the next 500 feet, and so on and so on, until you reach your destination!
Why do you think people often misunderstand God's guidance for the future? What do you wish you knew about God's will and your future?
picture courtesy images.google.com
Can you see what's ahead?
Psalm 119:105
Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. (ESV)
How could applying today's God's Story scripture help us see what lies ahead in our future?
This is the time of year when graduating seniors are being asked "what are your future plans?"
The truth is that everyone will always deal with this important question time and time again in their lifetime. As Christians, we want to know about God's guidance but we often have misunderstandings about it:
- We think God's will is hard to know. The fact is that God has already given us much of His will for our lives in His Word. We should follow what we know.
- We think God wants us to know our whole future. Today's verse makes it clear that God wants to lead us one step at a time. We must learn to trust.
- We think God wants us to be 100% sure before we make decisions. If we never step out in faith with God's lamp, we'll never move ahead on our path.
Don't misunderstand God's will. You "must understand" that He has a wonderful plan for your future. Let Him light the way for you.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Thank God that He has a perfect plan for your life. Ask His Spirit to help you study His Word to learn His will. Thank Jesus that He will walk right beside you, lighting your path one step at a time. As you look at the picture below, thank God that He will lead you as you trust Him...
picture courtesy images.google.com
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Go for a walk with friends in the dark, but take a lamp or a flashlight. (Make sure you choose a safe area!) As you walk, ask your friends how they make decisions about the future? Share some of your story by talking about how God is leading your future plans. You can use today's "bus head lights" story.
- Share what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE with another friend, especially a graduating senior, or your youth group.
28 May, 2008
Maria Sue Chapman Memorial
For an amazing tribute to God's faithfulness and love, go to Steven Curtis Chapman's blog and spend some time looking and reflecting and praying. A story about Maria's memorial service can be found by clicking on the link in the lower left corner of this main page...
http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/blogs.htm
Remembering Maria...
Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Why is today's God's Story scripture so comforting for anyone who is a follower of Christ?
Paul says that God promises His children (those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior) His ongoing presence.
All of us who are followers of Christ face some hardships in life. It might be illness, suffering, persecution for our faith in Christ and for some around the world - imprisonment! The final hardship is death, BUT (this is one of the most powerful words in Scripture!) it is impossible to be separated from Jesus Christ! His death and resurrection for us proves His ultimate power which means that He keeps all of His promises to us.
The Heavenly Father gives this promise of His unending love to us so that we will feel secure in Him. His children are assured of eternity in Heaven. There's no need to be afraid.
ARE YOU ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN? THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM BEING ONE OF GOD'S CREATION.
If you are, the separation from another believer caused by death is only temporary. We can grieve with hope and say, "See you later!"
This hope is found in God's love and promises. This is the hope that the Chapman family is living out in front of the world.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for His love which never fails. Thank Him for His promise to never let you be separated from His love for you.
- Memorize Romans 8:39 to make this eternal hope in Christ a permanent part of your thinking and feelings.
- If you have never trusted Christ to be your personal Savior, you can do so right now. Simply admit to Him that your sin separates you from Him. Let Him know that you believe Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead to pay the penalty for your sins. Trust Him to be your Savior and take over the controls of your life. (Be sure to contact us at 3Story.org so that we can pray for you and send you some materials to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.)
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Pray for comfort for the family and friends of Maria Chapman.
- Share today's story of Maria's death and what you learned in this DAIYBIDE with a friend who is interested in God's Story.
- The next time you are connected as a friend or family member to someone who dies, ask Jesus to give you a caring attitude, listening ears and the right words as you may have the opportunity to make a 3Story connection. Remember that when others see your love and perspective, they may ask you about the source of your hope.
27 May, 2008
Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter killed by car in driveway
Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday evening after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.
Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by Life Flight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The 5-year-old was hit by an SUV driven by her teenage brother, she said. Police did not give the driver’s name.
The teen was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser down the driveway of the rural home at about 5:30 p.m. and several children were playing in the area, McPherson said. He did not see Maria in the driveway before the vehicle struck her, she said.
“It appears to be a terrible accident,’’ McPherson said.
No charges are expected, she said. The accident was witnessed by two other children; the entire family was home at the time, McPherson said.
Singer/songwriter Chapman, who recently was inducted into Music City Walk of Fame, is one of contemporary Christian music’s most recognizable and most awarded names.
He and his wife Mary Beth have long been supporters of international adoption, having brought three girls from China into their family. Maria was the youngest.
The couple is so active in the cause that they formed an organization, Shaohannah’s Hope, to aid families wanting to adopt.
With his latest music tour, which came through Nashville in November, Chapman started a campaign called “Change for Orphans”. He asked audience members at each stop to bring spare change to the concert, where it was counted and given to a local family to aid in their adoption process.
“I don’t know of anybody who loves his children more than he does and is so committed to the adoption concept, and to lose one, no matter what the circumstances, is heartbreaking beyond all comprehension,” said John Styll, president of the Nashville-based Gospel Music Association.
“He talks about his kids all the time. That’s his life. His kids are more important to him than music, that’s for sure.”
The tragedy was announced during Wednesday-night services at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, which the family attends. Maria had just graduated from the church preschool.
And word spread throughout the tight-knit Christian music community on Wednesday evening.
Most of the Chapman family was at Vanderbilt children’s hospital after the accident and could not be contacted. The long, gravel driveway leading to the home west of Franklin was blocked off by Williamson County sheriff’s deputies.
photo & story courtesy tennessean.com, 5/22/05
Unbelievable tragedy for the Chapmans
Jesus knows their pain...
John 11:33-37 (NLT)
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34
They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about how Jesus cares and responds to us?
Jesus comforted his friends in their grief. He felt their pain. He cared for them. He cried with them.
Here's some more insight from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE:
11:33-37 John stresses that we have a God who cares. When Jesus saw the weeping and wailing, he too wept openly. Perhaps he empathized with their grief, or perhaps he was troubled at their unbelief. In either case, Jesus showed that he cares enough for us to weep with us in our sorrow. This portrait contrasts with the Greek concept of God that was popular in that day - a God with no emotions and no messy involvement with humans. Here we see many of Jesus' emotions - compassion, indignation, sorrow, even frustration. He often expressed deep emotion, and we must never be afraid to reveal our true feelings to him, He understands them for he experienced them. Be honest, and don't try to hide anything from your Savior. He cares.
When I saw the story of the Chapman's little girl being killed, my heart and prayers went out to them. This tragic accident will continue to make the news for some time, but it will continue to be a painful question (perhaps for a long time) for the Chapmans and especially for the older brother who was driving the vehicle.
The pain for this family is probably beyond what most people experience, but it is not beyond the experience and mourning of Jesus that we find in today's passage. Jesus cared for his friends when Lazarus died. In the middle of grief, blame, unbelief, sorrow and questions, Jesus loved, cried, and demonstrated his authoritative power.
You may never experience the level of tragedy and grief that Steven Curtis and his family are experiencing. But Jesus cares for you in the same way He cared for the friends of Lazarus and the way He is caring for the Chapmans right now.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our story?
- Praise God that He is in control no matter what. Thank Him for His compassion and care. Thank Him for sending Jesus to show us what His love is really like. Thank Him that you can trust Him in times of tragedy and sorrow. Pray right now for the Chapman family. Thank Jesus that He knows you and cares for you.
- Read the entire story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-37). You will be reminded of Christ's power and purpose.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- As often as God helps you remember, continue to pray for His comfort for the Chapman family. Pray that God will use this tragedy to draw people to Christ as Steven Curtis communicates his story and God's Story in the future.
- Bring up today's story in conversation with friends and family who need Jesus. Ask them what the most difficult tragedy or accident is that they have experienced? Listen carefully and trust Jesus to show His care through you.
23 May, 2008
On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember the courageous men and women who have served our country so that we might be free.
A young woman views the numerous tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery following a Memorial Day Ceremony.
Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cherie A. Thurlby
Remember their sacrifice
Freedom has a price.
Joshua 4:1-9
Twelve Memorial Stones from the Jordan
4:1 When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. 5 And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
8 And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the Lord told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there. 9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day. (ESV)
Joshua records the story of the Lord's leading of the Israelites. It's a story of conquest and fulfillment for God's people. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised to their fathers. At last, freedom was a reality! But, numerous battles had to be fought for that freedom.
Without God's power and blessings, there would not have been freedom for His chosen people. Without God's power and blessings, our country would not be free today.
How will you use this Memorial Day weekend to remember the sacrifice of our service men and women and the blessings of God upon our country?
- Thank God for our freedom.
- Pray for the Veterans in our country as they remember their sacrifice and service.
- Pray for those who are serving our country all over the world. Pray especially for the safety of those serving in Iraq. Pray for their families and friends back home.
- Pray for wisdom and courage for our President and other leaders in our government. Pray for peace. Pray for our enemies. Pray that people will come to know Christ as their Savior through the conflicts around the world.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Every time you see our American flag, pray for those serving our country.
- Regardless of any political views, write a letter of thanks and encouragement and prayer to someone you know who is serving in the Armed Forces.
- Go visit a Veteran and tell him/her thank you. Listen to their story and thank God for freedom.
22 May, 2008
Cook triumphs over Archuleta on 'American Idol'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The grown-up rocker triumphed over the smooth-voiced kid as David Cook claimed the "American Idol" title Wednesday, and it wasn't as much of a surprise as it seemed.
While 17-year-old Archuleta was heaped with praise by the judges the night before, the voters decided otherwise — and did they ever. Host Ryan Seacrest said during Wednesday's show that 12 million votes was the difference, and they broke in the favor of the 25-year-old from Blue Springs, Mo.
Cook was overcome by emotion, bending toward the stage after his name was announced.
"This is amazing," he said. "This is all your fault," he added, addressing the brother who Cook had accompanied to the "Idol" audition that started it all.
Cook immediately took the microphone and began to sing "Time of my Life," which won the annual "Idol songwriting competition, to close out season seven.
Cook refused to bow to the conventional during his three-song set Tuesday, with Collective Soul's "The World I Know" as his pick for a closing performance. He also sang U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and the power ballad "Dream Big," his choice from the songwriting competition's finalists.
"If I had to choose between playing a song that not a whole lot of people know that I could get behind, or the opposite, I'll choose the lesser-known every time," Cook told The Associated Press backstage Tuesday.
Judge Simon Cowell said at the time that the song choices sunk him, and told Archuleta that he'd scored a "knockout" performance in the boxing-themed performance finale.
Cook was unshaken, and now his choices are vindicated.
With a record 97.5 million audience votes cast by phone and text, the split between the two contestants was 56 percent for one David and 44 percent for the other, Seacrest announced at the start of the show.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 5/21/05
Did you vote for David?
Which one?
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Please know that there is a difference between talent and the spiritual gifts or abilities that God gives to each person who trusts Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior.
Both Davids, the 'Idol' finalists, have musical talent. This kind of talent or ability is God-given to both followers of Christ and those who are not followers of Jesus. It can be genetic and or developed by lots of practice.
Talents can be used with even greater impact when combined with spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to every follower of Christ for the purpose of glorifying God as we build His Kingdom.
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE adds this from the study notes:
4:10,11 Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, and Ephesians 4:11.
Millions of people will now be "worshipping" the newest 'American Idol', but you can worship God by using the ability He's given you to serve Him.
- Thank God that you have at least one Spirit-given spiritual gift or ability. If you have no idea what it is, ask God to help you discover it. Offer your abilities to God right now. Ask His Spirit to empower you to glorify God as you use your abilities to do whatever it takes to build God's Kingdom.
- Read the other verses mentioned above to get more details on spiritual gifts.
- Ask your youth leader or pastor for help in discovering and using your spiritual gifts. This might be at your church or through some outreach project.
- Whenever you see reports on the latest 'American Idol' this week, let it be a reminder to worship God by serving Him with your abilities.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- There will be lots of talk about the the new 'American Idol' this next week. Use it as an opportunity to encourage others in their abilities and talents.
- If you have someone in your storysphere who is pretty interested in God's Story and your story, use conversation about the new 'American Idol' to explain how God has given everyone abilities and His followers special spiritual gifts. Don't feel like you have to go into great detail. Just continue to talk naturally about your relationship with Jesus.
- Pray for David Cook to experience God's Story in his life during this incredible experience and opportunity.
21 May, 2008
Collapse of California Carnival Ride Injures 23
Onlookers helplessly watched as the Yo-Yo attraction spiraled out of control, sending riders, most of them children, flying through the air and injuring all 23.
The Yo-Yo ride, with a spinning base and mechanical arms, uses chains to lift riders in swinging seats off the ground.
"It dropped down and dragged the kids around in circles," Phillip Coulson, whose godson was on the ride, told KTXL-TV in Sacramento, about 80 miles southeast of the annual fair. "Two girls got hurt and my godson, he just scraped his knees."
Some of the victims were thrown through the air as chains snapped, and three riders were airlifted to hospitals in Modesto and Sacramento.
Investigators were trying to determine if the accident was caused by mechanical or human error, and workers reportedly were being tested to determine if drugs may have played a role, KTXL-TV reported.
The carnival rides remained closed, but the festivities continued as police investigated.
photo & story courtesy foxnews.com, 5/18/08
Don't fall!
Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
Doxology
24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
According to today's God's Story scripture, why can we trust God to keep us from "falling"?
God's Spirit gave Jude the words to write in this letter. God wants us to know that we don't have to be afraid of falling prey to false spiritual teachers if we trust Him and keep connected to Jesus (abiding in Christ - John 15).
Jude wrote to people like you and me - they were vulnerable to false "religious" ideas and to temptations to live an immoral lifestyle. Think about our culture. Every which way we look, we are bombarded with spirituality, most of which is from Satan, our enemy, not from God's Holy Word.
The basic philosophy of the secular world is that you should believe anything you want to believe about God, regardless of truth. If your belief is true for you and feels good to you, then you will be happy. If there is life after death, your chances are good.
That sounds like a thrill ride that guarantees you a fall that lasts forever.
Following Jesus every day can be a wild ride but you can be assured that God won't let you fall from His grace. When you receive His forgiveness through Christ's death and resurrection you become one of His children. The Father takes care of His kids!
As we abide in Christ, He empowers us to remain faithful no matter the temptations and false teachings that the enemy throws at us. The real thrill of this Christian life ride comes at the end - when we come into Christ's presence forever!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our own lives?
- Stay buckled up in "the belt of truth" (Ephesians 6:14). God keeps us from "falling" as we remain in Christ. We remain in Christ by knowing and obeying His Truth - God's Holy Word.
- Confess any way in which you have recently been trying to "ride" life's ups and downs on your own, rather than with Jesus.
- If you go on a ride at an amusement park this summer and find yourself spinning around, let Jesus take that moment to remind you of the scriptural truth we looked at today. God won't let you fall!
- Read the book of Jude (it's short) for a deeper understanding of today's scripture.
- You could go to an amusement park and hang out (but don't fall). Seriously, if you've been having any kind of spiritual discussions with someone and you go on a thrill ride together - it would be pretty natural for you to use this as an illustration to share more of your faith story with them.
- Make abiding in Christ (John 15) your constant discipline. As you stay buckled in the seat with Jesus, then connecting to Their Story will be natural, because Jesus is in control of the ride.
20 May, 2008
Connecticut boy takes off Favre jersey for good after four years
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Finally, David Witthoft shunned his Brett Favre jersey for the first time in 1,581 days.
The Ridgefield, Conn. boy, 12, wore the No. 4 jersey every day since receiving it as a gift for Christmas in 2003. David's father, Chuck Witthoft, said Monday that his son's last day wearing the jersey was April 23 - his 12th birthday.
Witthoft conceded his son was starting to become more concerned about his appearance after the jersey barely came down to his belt line.
Witthoft first gained national attention three years ago, and attended his first Packers game in December. He's also planning to attend the Sept. 8 game when the Packers retire Favre's No. 4.
His mother, Carolyn, had washed the jersey every other day and mended it when needed.
Need new clothes?
Would you wear the same thing for 1,581 days?
Colossians 3:10-14 (MSG)
You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what to wear every day?
Our loving God, the master designer, has a clothing line for His children to wear. The look is not seasonal or trendy, just holy.
According to Paul, it means that our actions should match our faith. If we claim to follow Christ, our "look" should be like Jesus. This means that we won't always be in style with this world. Christ-like clothing will not match the world's "look", but Jesus calls us to make a fashion statement that has His "look".
The 12-year-old kid who wore the Farve jersey for 1,581 days, obviously loves Brett Favre. But he became concerned about his appearance after after he realized he had outgrown this raggy old shirt.
Same for us...a sign of our spiritual growth is when we are willing to get rid of those old self-serving clothes and let Jesus dress us every day with His wardrobe. Our motivation? Our love for Christ!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our story?
- Thank God for the new nature He has given you through your faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God's Spirit to daily help you clothe yourself with Christ's holy wardrobe.
- Memorize Colossians 3:10 as a reminder of what to wear every day.
- In today's passage, Paul mentions 8 items of Christ-like clothing. Pick out the one you have trouble "fitting into" right now and make it a daily prayer focus until you look Godly in it.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- This next week, every time you stand in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear, briefly pray for Christ-like character. Jesus will use these moments to make you very aware of His presence when you are learning the stories of people around you.
- Since the topic of clothes comes up in conversation almost every day, trust Jesus to show you when to use this as an opportunity to talk about the new wardrobe God has given you - it's part of God's Story and your story.
16 May, 2008
'Prince Caspian' brings magic back to Narnia with epic sequel
Fans of the first Narnia surely will enjoy this sequel, which is better made and more of an epic than 2005's first installment of Chronicles of Narnia, based on the popular series by C.S. Lewis.
The production design is lavish, the cinematography lovely and the world of woodland creatures beautifully crafted. It's just too bad that the computer-generated bands of warriors grow tedious and conjure memories of The Lord of the Rings, which managed those hugely choreographed clashes more adeptly than any movie in history.
Setting that aside, the quartet of children at the heart of the Narnia tales are engaging, and Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) is not only a heartthrob, he's perfect for the role of a noble prince being pushed out of the kingdom of the Telmarines by the power-mad King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto).
Shortly after arriving, they save a dwarf who is about to be drowned (Peter Dinklage). His quips provide much of the film's humor. Soon, they are introduced to a cadre of cute talking mice and a loquacious badger. Following on their heels is a host of centaurs and other magical figures. Narnians have been in hiding since being conquered by the Telmarines, and Narnia is much changed. The magic has faded and the trees no longer dance. There is no sign of Aslan, the stately ruling lion and a character meant to symbolize Christ. The children's realization that their last visit was 1,300 years earlier is moving, even poetic.
Soon they join forces with Prince Caspian, and legions of valiant Narnians come out of hiding to find Aslan and reinstate the glory and magic of Narnia, wresting it from the tyranny of King Miraz. For some reason, the Telmarines, descended from pirates, all have Spanish-sounding accents. When Prince Caspian accosts King Miraz, who he learns is responsible for his father's death, you almost expect him to launch into the famous Princess Bride speech: "You killed my father. Prepare to die."
When it comes to family films, the imaginative world of Narnia is a far more thrilling destination than the frenetic landscape of Speed Racer.
Though the movie could have ended a few scenes earlier, it is still a journey well worth taking. (Rated PG for epic battle action and violence. Running time: 2 hours, 24 minutes.
photo & story courtesy usatoday.com, 5/15/08
The Prince is almost here!
2 Peter 3:10-14 (NLT)
10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
What "big opening" is today's God's Story scripture talking about? What should we do to be ready?
If you have not noticed the hype about the second Narnia movie opening this weekend, it means you have ignored all media or you've been napping under a rock! Sneak previews, articles, photos, gadgets and toys, interviews, and the list goes on and on and on....
I really hope the movie lives up to the hype, because I liked the book and I think the movie could be a great opportunity for the "real story" to be noticed by the world, but that's another topic for another day.
All of the advance promo got me wondering how well we as believers are doing at giving the world around us a preview of the coming of the Prince of Peace? And without a doubt, this event will far exceed any hype.
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide some insight to help us know how God wants us to be involved in promoting the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ:
3:13, 14 God will purify the heavens and earth with fire; then He will create them anew. We can joyously look forward to the restoration of God's good world. We should not become lazy and complacent because Christ has not yet returned. Instead, we should live in eager expectation of His coming. What would you like to be doing when Christ returns? That is how you should be living each day.
- Praise God that His Son Jesus is coming! Ask His Spirit to make you aware of the truth that this promised event will happen and it could be any day. Ask Jesus to help you live every day in a way that honors Him. Thank Him that this will give the best "preview" to the world around you.
- Read today's passage every day this next week. Let God's Spirit use it to prepare you for the coming of Christ.
- Write down a list of changes needed in your life in order to be living the kind of holy life that God wants His children living in anticipation of Christ's coming. Pray for the Spirit's power to make these changes.
- Whenever you see the promo this weekend and in the weeks ahead about the Prince Caspian Narnia movie, let it remind you to let your life be a promo for the coming of the Prince of Peace.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray that God will use the truth of His Story, that is communicated through this latest Narnia movie, as a way to connect with your friends and family who need Jesus.
- Go see the movie with others who need Christ as their Savior and then just talk about it and listen to their perspectives and you will learn more of their story. If God leads your conversation into some depth about spiritual battle and the future, be ready to talk about today's God's Story scripture - that Jesus is coming!
15 May, 2008
China Races to Save Quake Victims
A survivor stretches his hand out from the debris of a collapsed building at the earthquake-hit Beichuan County, about 160 km (99 miles) northeast of the epicenter of Wenchuan County, Sichuan province, May 13, 2008.(Stringer/Reuters)
On Jianshe Street in the devastated center of the town of Dujiangyan, amid mud and trash and slabs of concrete sheared from building facades, a group of young soldiers in green-gray raincoats stand in a semicircle, chests out and arms interlocked. They face off against the mourners and gawkers who have come to watch the bodies being carried out of the pile of tangled gray debris that was once the Xinjian Elementary School.
Monday's earthquake, China's deadliest since 1976 when more than 200,000 died in a magnitude 7.5 temblor in the northeast city of Tangshan, has jolted the country into a frenzied race against time and death. Chinese state-run media estimated that there are 25,000 people trapped in collapsed structures in the quake zone, including 18,645 people in Mianyang, a city of more than 5 million. President Hu Jintao called for an all-out response. About 100,000 relief workers, including soldiers, police and medical teams, are working in the affected areas, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said on state television.
On the streets of Dujiangyan the rescue troops are ubiquitous. Military vehicles are lined up, and People's Armed Police and People's Liberation Army soldiers, kitted out in crisp, matching green camouflage, are battling rain and rubble as they try to reach trapped survivors and control emotional crowds.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 5/14/08
Can you count on being rescued?
Does God always rescue His people?
Proverbs 11:6-8 (NLT)
6 The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
8 The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God rescuing people from trouble?
When you quickly read today's scripture, it seems to say that God is always going to deliver us (Christ's followers) from trouble.
This is another example of why it's so important to study all of God's Word and why some verses can be misunderstood if they are read out of the full context.
One of the themes of Proverbs is the difference between the life of a godly person and an ungodly person. Not every verse is a promise from God, but rather a general truth that is intended to challenge people to live for God rather than themselves.
Today's verses point out two different paths in life but they don't apply to everyone in every circumstance. Trouble is still a normal part of life for God's people. Even if we are abiding in Jesus every day, we're still going to experience problems and the need to be delivered.
If we follow the path of God's wisdom, we can be confident that God will ultimately rescue us, but it may mean that we experience ongoing suffering until He rescues us from this earthly life and takes us home to His eternal Heaven.
But a wicked person will continue to make their own trap of destruction, without the hope of being delivered for eternity. Sobering, isn't it?
We don't know the true spiritual condition of each of the thousands of Chinese people who still need to be rescued, we do know that our loving Heavenly Father cares for them and we should pray for their rescue. Praying for others is evidence that we desire to stay on the path of Godly wisdom.
We can always pray for God to deliver us, but are we willing trust Him for His ultimate rescue?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise God that He has the ultimate, perfect plan for your life! Ask Him to give you the faith you need to always be ready and willing for the "ultimate rescue". As His child, if you need some sort of rescue in your life, ask Him for it right now. Thank God that because of Christ in your life, you can look forward to eternal life, even if it's not God's plan to deliver you from your earthly trouble right now.
- In your journal, keep track of how God delivers you from different troubles in your life. Review this every week to see what God is doing and what you are learning.
- Try reading through the book of Proverbs in one month. One chapter a day will help you see the big picture of God's truths.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray every day for people to be rescued in China, both physically and spiritually.
- Pray for a Christ-like attitude toward others and their troubles, because God may want to use you to help rescue someone.
- Lots of movies and TV shows have a rescue theme. When watching with family and friends who need Jesus, look for the opportunity to share your story of how Jesus rescued you.
- Share today's DAILYBIDE with another follower of Jesus who needs some encouragement while waiting to be delivered by God.
14 May, 2008
Death toll from China quake soars past 12,000
DUJIANGYAN, China (Reuters) - The number of dead in China's earthquake climbed past 12,000 on Tuesday with the toll expect to soar further after state media said nearly 19,000 people were buried under rubble in one city alone.
Rain hampered rescue efforts in the mountainous area around the epicenter of Monday's 7.9-magnitude quake that jolted the southwestern province of Sichuan, the country's worst earthquake in three decades.
State media reported scenes of devastation as rescuers gradually filed into villages near the epicenter in Wenchuan, a remote county cut off by landslides about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of the provincial capital, Chengdu.
About 60,000 people were unaccounted for in Wenchuan, where 600 armed police were due to arrive before dawn on Wednesday.
"What we most need is medicine. There is no medicine, there are no doctors and after such a long time, no food," He said.
More than 12,000 people died in Sichuan and more than 26,000 were injured, Sichuan vice-governor Chengyun said.
A further 18,645 people were buried under debris in the city of Mianyang, Xinhua said, suggesting the death toll was likely to rise sharply.
Thousands were reported to be buried under factories, schools and other buildings elsewhere. Hundreds more have died in neighboring provinces.
photo & story courtesy news.yahoo.com, 5/13/08
Another Disaster!
Psalm 18:1-4
The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress
For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang:
1 I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
4 The ropes of death entangled me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
Yesterday, I wrote about the tragedy in Myanmar and today it's China! Tornadoes have ripped through southern America and many were killed. What in the world is going on? These disasters are affecting millions of people either directly or indirectly. What will they do? What should we do? While we look for ways to respond, let's begin with a needed perspective from God's Word.
According to today's God's Story Scripture, what is the only way to experience hope during a crisis in life?
If you have ever read much of the Old Testament, you know that David faced one crisis after another in his life. He had enemies who wanted to kill him, struggles with serious sin, painful relationships, hurtful family members, sickness, sadness and much more.
But David understood God's protection. In today's passage he describes God's safety with five symbols. Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain David's characterization of God's care:
18:2,3 God is like (1) a rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us, (2) a fortress or place of safety where the enemy can't follow, (3) a shield that comes between us and harm, (4) strength of salvation, a symbol of might and power, (5) a stronghold high above our enemies.
You may not be affected directly by the disasters going on in the world right now, but you may be looking for hope in the middle of your own crisis. Call on the LORD for yourself.
Call on the Lord on behalf of those in China, Myanmar and in the sourthern part of the United States where the tornadoes have struck.
- Thank God that He cares more deeply for you than you can even understand. Let the LORD know what part of your life feels like a crisis right now. Call out to Him for safety by scrolling up to today's passage and use David's words as your prayer. Then do this again as you pray for those in crisis around the world.
- Every time you see images or hear stories in the news about the disasters going on in our world, pray for people to experience the hope that comes from God alone.
- Memorize Psalm 18:2 or write it out and place it where you will regularly see it. Use this to remind yourself to call upon the LORD for safety when you face a crisis in life.
- Put each of the 5 symbols of God's protection on post-its and place them on your computer or in one of your school books or in your organizer. During the next month, whenever you need God's protection, choose one of David's symbols and claim God's care through prayer.
- Talk to your youth leader or pastor to check on some practical ways you and your church might be able to send money or other kinds of help to the victims in the different disaster areas of America and the world.
- Use today's story to start conversations with those in your storysphere who need Jesus. Ask your friends or family members what they would do if they were to experience the kind of disaster we see in today's news. Trust Jesus to lead your conversation so that you can share what you learned from Psalm 18 to help you deal with tough times in your own life.
13 May, 2008
UN chief slams Myanmar junta for slow response
85% of the people in Myanmar are Buddhists
UNITED NATIONS - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized Myanmar's military junta Monday for what he called its "unacceptably slow response" to helping cyclone victims.
Three of the U.N. Security Council's five veto-wielding members — France, Britain and the United States — remain interested in possible action to require Myanmar's government to open its doors to more aid, U.S. and other council diplomats said.
There has been no agreement on proposed wording for a statement or resolution, but U.S. officials say their aim is to craft language saying authorities in Myanmar must do everything possible to accept international help.
A previous such effort last week was temporarily set aside after Myanmar began taking steps to let in a few flights and aid shipments.
Nearly 32,000 people were killed by the cyclone and almost 30,000 others are still missing after the May 3 cyclone, Myanmar state television reported Monday. Almost all foreign relief workers have been barred entry into the isolated nation. The junta says it wants to hand out all donated supplies on its own.
"I want to register my deep concern — and immense frustration — at the unacceptably slow response to this grave humanitarian crisis," Ban said.
"Unless more aid gets into the country — very quickly — we face an outbreak of infectious diseases that could dwarf today's crisis," he said. "I therefore call, in the most strenuous terms, on the government of Myanmar to put its people's lives first. It must do all that it can to prevent this disaster from becoming even more serious."
photo courtesy ap & story news.yahoo.com, 5/12/08
Tragedy in Myanmar
Matthew 10:29-31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Revelation 21:26-27
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. (ESV)
This past week, the cyclone and flooding tragedy in Myanmar reminded us that people around the world are in dire need. The greatest tragedy in Myanmar is that 85% of these beautiful people are Buddhists, meaning that they are without Jesus Christ as their Savior.
This is very sobering, because it reminds those of us who know the only living God, through Jesus, His Son, that there is an eternal aspect to this tragedy.
How does today's God's Story scripture relate to the tragedy in Myanmar?
First of all, remember that though many of the dead have not been identified, they are known to God.
Jesus said in today's Matthew scripture that God is aware of everything that happens, even the details in the life of a sparrow. We are far more precious than small birds to God, so He grieves over the deaths of those killed in Myanmar and He has compassion for their loved ones.
Another reality that should break our hearts is that those who died without Christ as Savior will never experience eternal life in Heaven. Revelation 21 makes it very clear that "only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" will enter Heaven.
This means that the majority of those killed (Buddhists) will spend eternity apart from the loving, forgiving God. Sadly, most of the victims were depending on their false god rather than Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Savior of the world.
As followers of Jesus, we should remember this spiritual reality and the human condition....
- Thank God that He is in control. Praise Him for His grace which makes salvation through Christ alone possible. Thank Him for recording your name in the Lamb's Book of Life forever! Ask His Spirit to use the disaster in Myanmar to bring people who follow false religions to Jesus Christ.
- Do a little personal evaluation of your trust in God when the storms of life overwhelm you. Do you continue to trust God, no matter what?
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray that the government in Myanmar will allow relief agencies from around the world to be able to help the thousands of homeless in Myanmar. Pray that the Good News of Jesus Christ will become known to the people who were affected by the storm.
- No doubt, you know followers of false religions at your school or where you work. Pray for opportunities to learn their stories and connect them to your story and God's Story.
- Look for ways to help those affected by this tragedy. You will be spreading the love of Christ. You may read or hear of relief agencies that will help Myanmar.
- Use the media coverage of the tragedy in Myanmar to start a conversation with those in your storysphere about how God's Story connects with tragedy in our world today. Ask those you are trying to reach for Christ what they believe God's view on disasters might be? Remember to focus on learning their story rather than "dumping a sermon" on them. Remember that we don't have all the answers, but we know the One who does, even if we won't understand everything until we get to Heaven.
12 May, 2008
What's a mom worth?
According to one report, $138,095 a year.
That's last year's figure in a report by Salary.com, which calculates the wages that would have been paid a stay-at-home mom if she were compensated for all the elements of her "job."
Moms who have jobs outside the house would earn another $85,939 for their mothering work, beyond what they bring home in existing salary.
The job descriptions used to determine a mom's salary includes 10 jobs that moms do on an average day: housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, CEO and psychologist.
In calculating a mom's wages, Salary.com looked at the "overtime" that both working and stay-at-home moms put in each week.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy moneycentral.msn.com, 5/09/07
Thanks Mom! You are priceless!
Exodus 20:12
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Proverbs 23:22-25
22 Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and mother be glad;
let her who bore you rejoice.
Ephesians 6:1
Children and Parents
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Proverbs 19:26
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach.
1 Timothy 5:3-4
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. (ESV)
In Exodus 20:12, God gives a timeless commandment to all of his people. We are to honor our mothers. What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about how to honor our moms?
The following is a list of ways we can honor our moms. Match the list with the scriptures. You may need to scroll up to read the verses again.
a) Accept them (Proverbs 23:24-25)
b) Forgive them (Ephesians 6:1)
c) Appreciate them (Ephesians 4:31-32)
d) Obey them (Proverbs 19:26)
e) Care for them (Proverbs 23:22)
f) Be Godly (1st Timothy 5:3-4)
The correct answers:(a) Proverbs 19:26; (b) Ephesians 4:31-32; (c) Proverbs 23:22; (d) Ephesians 6:1; (e) 1st Timothy 5:3-4; (f) Proverbs 23:24-25
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that part of His sovereign plan included Moms! Thank God that he sees your mom as priceless! Thank Him right now for your Mom, even though she isn't or wasn't perfect. Thank God for your Mom, whether you know her well or never knew her at all. If you're adopted, thank God for both of your Moms. Confess any way you have not been honoring your Mom the way God's Word teaches. Ask God's Spirit to enable you to honor your Mom in the ways presented in today's scripture verses. If your Mom is living, pray that she will feel honored by you every day and blessed by the loving Heavenly Father.
- All year long, try to honor your Mom by doing "the list" above.
- Spend some time talking and listening to her. Thank her for being priceless.
- Tell your Mom those all important words "I Love You" even when it's not Mother's Day.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Pass this DAILYBIDE on to friends who are followers of Jesus and with some who are not yet His followers as a way to share a little more of your story and God's Story with them.
9 May, 2008
When # 2 Is # 1
Jesus said the whole law and commandments of God can be summed up in two great commands: 1) Love God with all your heart, mind and strength, and 2) Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Which is more important?
I have seen a lot of crazy things happen. I saw a pastor get in an argument with the organist during the church service. They were mean and sarcastic to each other as the whole church congregation watched. It was tense. I was the guest speaker that morning. My topic was 10 words Jesus wants us to say more often to others. Can you guess them?
T_ _ _k Y_ _
I W_ _ W_ _ _ _
L _ t’s T _ _ k
I _ _ _ _ _ _ _
When I finished explaining how these simple statements are what God wants us to say to him and how he wants us to say them often to the people in our lives, I challenged them to use these words today. I got a big surprise. The organist was the pastor’s wife. The pastor was gutsy. In front of the congregation he said to the organist (his wife): “I was wrong. Let’s talk. I love you----and thank you for playing the organ every week and putting up with me.”
We can know a lot about God and miss what is most important. One of my friends likes to remind me “It doesn’t matter how many times you go through the Bible; what matters is how many time the Bible goes through you.”
Jesus makes your priorities very clear.
picture courtesy images.google.com
That love thing again
Today the Daily Bide wraps up five days of focus on being like Jesus in our personal relationships. There is NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING more important. Check out what the Bible says today.
...Jack Crabtree
Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)
23
What does today’s God’s Story Scripture teach us about loving God and loving others?
Jesus says you can’t truly worship God if there are unresolved conflicts in your relationships with others. That doesn’t mean that everything has to be perfect and totally peaceful. You don’t control what people think or do, but as much as it is possible for you, make every effort to be at peace with people in your life. Admit your mistakes and ask for their forgiveness. Let them know you want to understand them and encourage them as a friend, not attack them or ignore them as an enemy.
Jesus warns us not to put on a church face and pretend we love God and follow God when we have unsettled business with people in our life. This applies to parents and siblings as well as our school friends. Our ability to worship God is stifled and our prayers are hindered by unconfessed wrongs in our life.
Jesus says our love for God is best measured by looking at how we love others. When conflicts arise we must make every effort to bring about a reconciliation. The # 2 commandment is key to us genuinely being able to follow commandment # 1.
How can we connect my story to God’s Story Scripture?
- Read I Corinthians 13 and write down specific descriptions of what real love does for others.
- Examine your relationships and see if there are wrongs that need to be confessed--Do it this week.
- Do everything you can to make peace with people you fight against most often.
- Worship God with a clean heart this week knowing you did your best to set things right with the people in your life.
- Don’t get discouraged and give up. You will spend your whole life learning how to really love others.
How can we connect today’s story and God’s Story and our story to their story?
- Let your friends see God working in you this coming month.
- Show them how free and fearless you are to admit mistakes because you know God’s forgiveness and total acceptance.
- Be so honest about how much you need Jesus helping you every day---that it is refreshing to hang out with you.
- Be a servant to others. Do it with humility.
- Love people---don’t use them or judge them.
- Explain God’s remarkable grace to your friends using your life as the lab experiment.
8 May, 2008
If You Got It---Give It
Charles Johnson took his problem right to the top. He was scheduled to lose his house in foreclosure to his mortgage lender, Bank of America last week. It would have put him and family (six children) out on the street with no place to live. So Charles boldly called the president of Bank of America, one of largest national banks, for a personal appointment. To his great surprise the bank president agreed to meet with him.
According to an unnamed bank source, at the conclusion of the appointment, the bank president was moved by Charles Johnson’s desperate situation and forgave the outstanding, overdue debt of $483,686 owed on the Johnson family mortgage.
In this time of increasing foreclosures, this forgiveness of a substantial mortgage is a remarkable act of compassion and mercy by a major financial institution. A family facing the loss of their home was saved from homelessness..
In a strange turn of events later that same day, Charles Johnson was arrested outside a convenience store near his home and charged with attempted assault on a man who Johnson said owed him $75. Eyewitnesses said Johnson was very angry and threatening violence while demanding payment from a former co-worker. They had worked together at a local Management Corporation until they were both laid off last November. No further details about Johnson and the alleged victim are available at this time.
Got forgiveness?
This week the DailyBide is examining the key attitudes and actions in personal relationships. Forgiveness is key to knowing God and long-lasting relationships.
...Jack Crabtree
Ephesians 4:32
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 6:12
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:15
15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (ESV)
What does today’s God’s Story Scripture teach us about forgiveness?
Today’s story is as old as Jesus. He told it to let us know how ridiculous it is to not forgive others when we have been forgiven for everything we have ever done or ever will do. If we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven. God’s command is absolute and crystal clear.
Forgiveness is something we decide to do. It is unconditional, not based
on behavior or how often we ask for it. It is not granted or withheld
according to the severity of the offense or limited to a certain number of
requests. While we may want to add conditions to forgiveness that make
sense to us, God adds none. He says in all situations, at all times---he
forgives and he commands us to forgive.
Like Charles Johnson (a.k.a. you and me) it is hypocritical not to forgive.
As God loves and forgives us, we love and forgive others. If we don’t
forgive we hurt ourselves as much as we hurt the person we refuse to
forgive. Holding on to a grudge and unforgiveness is like letting a person
live inside your head rent free.
How can we connect my story to God’s Story Scripture?
Forgiveness is the major link between you and God. Nothing makes a relationship stronger than to know that all mistakes have been forgiven. The walls of separation between you and God are torn down and obliterated when you understand God’s unconditional forgiveness.
Forgiveness from God is the life blood of a Christian. It is acceptance, freedom and motivation. It is unspeakable joy and security—nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Write your own song of praise to God for the remarkable, undeserved, unconditional forgiveness and love given to you.
Live in freedom and forgiveness. Show it and share it.
How can we connect today’s story and God’s Story and our story to their story?
Psychologists tell us that most of the troubled people in the world are desperately searching for forgiveness. It’s what everyone needs. God’s Story is unforgettable and unmatched when his only son willingly gives his own life to purchase forgiveness for the whole world.
- Tell God’s story with passion and enthusiasm. It will sweep away feelings of doubt, fear and condemnation in all who hear and believe.
- Demonstrate the freedom God gives us when we forgive others completely as he forgives us.
- Find songs and stories about God’s forgiveness to share with your friends. Invite them to experience it for themselves.
7 May, 2008
These students needed someone praying for them...
It started with four students. They agreed to meet at the bottom of the main stairway for prayer 15 minutes before school every Wednesday morning. In a month it had grown to a dozen students. In three months 30-40 students were there praying together every week. One teacher passing by every week and amazed by what he saw nicknamed the group “The Stairway to Heaven.”
Just as the whole school started to notice how important prayer and faith was to these young Christians, the arguing began. It started with a disagreement about how to pray. The students who started the group prayed quietly not drawing any attention to what they were doing. The people who joined the group later prayed loudly, with hands raised. The whole situation reached a boiling point when some new people joined the group and began praying loudly in tongues and telling others their style of praying was the real way to pray.
The prayer group became a fighting group. They argued about how to pray more than they prayed. Each group of students had a way of praying they thought was right and comfortable for them. They disagreed about how to pray and what type of prayer was appropriate in the hallway of the school. The disagreement became an endless argument. Lots of harsh words and judgmental comments flew back and forth between them.
As the whole school watched they spoke unkindly about each other and questioned the motives of the other praying students. Attempts were made to reconcile the warring parties but the battle lines were drawn and no one was backing down. Finally they became two separate prayer groups. The loud pray-ers started a new prayer group up on the second floor while the quiet pray-ers stayed at the bottom of the stairs. The arguments were replaced by cold stares and silence. In two separate locations both groups decreased in size. By the end of school neither group was meeting for prayer.
photo courtesy images.google.com
Fighting mad!
This week the Daily Bide is focusing on how we get along with others. Jesus said that how his followers love each other is the best witness to people who do not believe in Jesus. Today’s topic is a hard one.
...Jack Crabtree
Ephesians 4:3
“Stop being mean, bad-tempered and angry. Quarreling, harsh words and dislike of others should have no place in your lives.”
Proverbs 20:3
“Every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”
What does today’s God’s Story Scripture teach us about arguing and fighting?
Arguments and fights wear us out emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The decline and disappearance of the prayer groups isn’t surprising. The arguing and broken relationships exhausted them. They had no enthusiasm or strength to keep meeting together for prayer. The fighting was like anti-prayer. It killed the desire to meet and pray together like toxic chemicals sprayed on a lush green lawn.
Disagreements are normal for all people including even the best Christians. We see things differently. Our culture and personal experiences teach us different ways to deal with problems. The Bible tells us to resolve our differences with others peacefully with humility and love. Arguing doesn’t resolve the problem. When we argue everyone involved becomes hyper-sensitive to anything said or done and ready to pick another fight. Arguments depress people and damage self esteem. God’s Story from the Bible today specifically warns us not to argue, quarrel or fight with others.
How can we connect my story to God’s Story Scripture?
- When have you been involved in an argument? What did you say or do that you now regret?
- What situations exist in your life right now that need to be resolved. What will it take for you to go to the people involved, ask their forgiveness and seek reconciliation and resolution of the problems.
- Think about regular times in your life when you “blow up” with anger and arguing. What can you do to keep yourself under control when you are in those situations? How can God help you?
How can we connect today’s story and God’s Story and our story to their story?
- Work on being known as a peacemaker with your friends.
- Learn to recognize when a disagreement is becoming an argument. Plan what you can say or do to defuse the argument bomb from exploding. Your example of controlling anger will raise positive questions about God’s Story in your life.
- Demonstrate how to “fight fair” when you have a disagreement with someone.
- Talk about how your feelings, not the other person’s mistakes.
- Never talk like you know the motives for why a person says or does anything.
- Give the other person time to respond without interruption.
- Together identify what is the real problem.
- Find out what you agree about and look for a solution together.
- Be positive toward the person even as you disagree about the problem.
6 May, 2008
Watch Your Mouth
Jason doesn’t go to church anymore. He used to, but a series of nasty messages posted on My Space by some students from his youth group changed his mind about church. The messages mocked and ridiculed how Jason looked and talked. When the messages became the talk of the school other students joined in taunting Jason every day with the same ugly words that were used on My Space. Jason was hurt and bitter. The people he thought were his friends and fellow Christians had viciously attacked him. The youth group leader confronted the students who wrote the messages about Jason. They apologized and said it was all a joke but Jason never came back to church.
photo courtesy ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp
Jason's story...
This week the DailyBide continues its focus on interpersonal relationships. What is more important than improving your relationship with the people who mean the most to you?
...Jack Crabtree
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
What does today’s God’s Story scripture teach us about what we say to and about other people?
Our words have incredible power. The Bible tells us they can hurt or heal. Our words influence the beliefs and actions of people who hear them. The targets of our negative words can become depressed or angry or worse. Many young people build their self esteem on the verbal feedback they get from their peers.
Negative (unwholesome) words do hurt. The Bible describes negative words as arrows, darts, daggers and swords. They cut; they wound; they destroy. They divide families, destroy friendships and ruin reputations. If we are careless about the negative words we use we are responsible for how they damage the people who hear them. King David wrote: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalms 141:3) Watch what comes out of your mouth.
Today’s scripture verse also emphasizes the power of positive words. It tells us to make thoughtful decisions every day to only say what is positive and helpful to others. Replace the flow of negative, hurtful words with kind, strong words that build up others.
How can we connect my story to God’s Story scripture?
- As you abide in Christ today, ask him to help you examine your words and choose new words that Jesus would say to people.
- Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is truthful, helpful, encouraging and something you would want others to say to you?
- Refuse to join in with people when they are gossiping and making fun of other people.
- On important matters don’t blurt out the first thought than comes into your mind. Take time to pray about it and consider carefully what you should say about it.
- In choosing your words every day, take into account the effect those words will have on others. Will your words make someone feel better or worse about themselves?
How can we connect today’s story and God’s Story and our story to their story?
- Most of our friends live in a cruel, critical world where words are used as weapons of mass destruction. Imagine how Jesus will shine through your life if you use your words to build up the weak, heal the wounded and give hope to everyone who is struggling.
- If you have said bad words to people or about people, go to them, ask for forgiveness and talk to them about how you want to build them up, not tear them down.
- When you hear people verbally attacking someone, speak up and say positive words about the person being attacked. Go to the person who is being attacked and speak words of hope and love from God to them.
- When you speak words of life, people will want to talk to you. They will want to know why you are different. You have a great opportunity to tell God’s story.
5 May, 2008
Two Ears, One Mouth---Do the Math
Yesterday a lady asked me what was happening in my life. I didn’t get 30 seconds into my answer before she interrupted and started telling me about her life---a rambling three minute commentary.
Does that annoy you? Did she really want to know about me or was her question to me only a launching pad for her to talk about herself? I couldn’t wait to get away from that lady.
What’s worse? I catch myself doing the same thing to other people. While they are talking I’m impatiently thinking about what I am going to say when they pause or stop talking.
I’m not listening to them. I’m thinking about me and what can I say to top their story or impress them. It’s competitive conversation.
photo courtesy images.google.com
Competitive conversation?
This week, the DailyBide will help us focus on our interpersonal relationships.
In a world filled with celebrities and wannabes seeking their 15 minutes of fame---what is more important than your relationship with the people who mean the most to you?
Our DailyBide writer this week is Jack Crabtree, from Long Island Youth for Christ. Thanks Jack!
James 1:19 (NLT)
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
What does today’s God’s Story scripture teach us about listening and speaking?
Most of us talk too much. God’s word tells us to use our ears more than our mouths. Most of the time we reverse that order. We are quick to speak and slow to listen. No behavior is more self-centered than our drive to speak and our reluctance to listen. It’s the root cause of most of our conflicts with others.
The anger comes from our frustration when other people think they know us but they aren’t even listening to what we are saying. Our anger starts to boil when people interrupt us and don’t give us a chance to express our opinions and thoughts.
When we listen, we learn. When we are talking we learn nothing about the other person. Becoming a better listener requires an intentional commitment to limit our talking and practice better listening. That’s why the Bible tells us, “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.”
How can we connect my story to God’s Story Scripture?
When we listen, we love. Giving people our full attention and taking time to listen as they say what is on their mind is a clear demonstration of love and affirmation. One of the helpful thoughts about God is his willingness to listen. The Bible says his ear is not so heavy that he cannot hear (Isaiah 59:1). His ear is open to the cries of his people (Psalm 34:15). We know God loves us because he pays attention to us and encourages us to talk to him. God wants us to treat others the way he treats us.
How can we connect today’s story and God’s Story and our story to their story?
- People listen to people who listen. 3Story strongly teaches this simple principle.
- Everyone has an ongoing life story. Take time to hear it and understand it.
- Giving time, attention and a listening ear is a practical act of love to people who need to experience God’s love.
- Attentive listening provides insight about a person’s needs and their openness to God’s Story.
- God’s Story is best told and received when people know they are loved and accepted.
- Intentionally reduce how much you talk this week and increase how much you listen.
- Learn as much as you can about the people in your life who need Jesus.
2 May, 2008
Softball opponents offer unique display of sportsmanship
Gary Frederick thought he had seen everything in 40 years at Central Washington University. He'd coached baseball and women's basketball for 11 years, been an assistant on the football team for 17 and athletic director for 18.
Last weekend, he learned he was wrong.
In the top of the second inning as his Wildcats played host to Western Oregon University in Ellensburg, Wash., something happened that spoke to the beauty of athletics. It came in the form of a home run that no one in attendance will forget.
"Never in my life had I seen anything like it," said Frederick, 70, in his 14th season as softball coach.
"It was just unbelievable."
Central entered Saturday's doubleheader one game behind Western Oregon in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference race. At stake was a bid to the NCAA's Division II playoffs. Western won the first game 8-1, extending its winning streak to 10 games. Central desperately needed the second game to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Western Oregon's 5-foot-2-inch right fielder came up to bat with two runners on base in the second inning. Sara Tucholsky's game was off to a rough start. A group of about eight guys sitting behind the right field fence had been heckling her.
"They were giving me a pretty hard time," said Tucholsky, a Forest Grove High School graduate. "They were just being boys, trying to get in my head."
At the plate, Tucholsky concentrated on ignoring the wise guys. She took strike one. And then the senior did something she had never done before -- even in batting practice. The career .153 hitter smashed the next pitch over the center field fence for an apparent three-run home run.
The exuberant former high school point guard sprinted to first. As she reached the bag, she looked up to watch the ball clear the fence and missed first base. Six feet past the bag, she stopped abruptly to return and touch it. But something gave in her right knee; she collapsed on the base path.
"I was in a lot of pain," she told The Oregonian on Tuesday. "Our first-base coach was telling me I had to crawl back to first base. 'I can't touch you,' she said, 'or you'll be out. I can't help you.' "
Tucholsky, to the horror of teammates and spectators, crawled through the dirt and the pain back to first.
Western coach Pam Knox rushed onto the field and talked to the umpires near the pitcher's mound. The umpires said Knox could place a substitute runner at first. Tucholsky would be credited with a single and two RBIs, but her home run would be erased.
"The umpires said a player cannot be assisted by their team around the bases," Knox said. "But it is her only home run in four years. She is going to kill me if we sub and take it away. But at same time I was concerned for her. I didn't know what to do. . . .
"That is when Mallory stepped in."
Mallory Holtman is the greatest softball player in Central Washington history. Normally when the conference's all-time home run leader steps up to the plate, Pam Knox and other conference coaches grimace.
But on senior day, the first baseman volunteered a simple, selfless solution to her opponents' dilemma: What if the Central Washington players carried Tucholsky around the bases?
The umpires said nothing in the rule book precluded help from the opposition. Holtman asked her teammate junior shortstop and honors program student Liz Wallace of Florence, Mont., to lend a hand. The teammates walked over and picked up Tucholsky and resumed the home-run walk, pausing at each base to allow Tucholsky to touch the bag with her uninjured leg.
"We started laughing when we touched second base," Holtman said. "I said, 'I wonder what this must look like to other people.' "
Holtman got her answer when they arrived at home plate. She looked up and saw the entire Western Oregon team in tears.
"My whole team was crying," Tucholsky said. "Everybody in the stands was crying. My coach was crying. It touched a lot of people."
Even the hecklers in right field quieted for a half-inning before resuming their tirade at the outfielder who replaced Tucholsky.
Western Oregon won the game 4-2 and extinguished Central Washington's playoff hopes.
photo & story courtesy blog.oregonlive.com, 4/29/08
Teamwork!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about teamwork?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
4:9-12 Cooperating with others has advantages. Life is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Some people prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, bot to serve God and others. Don't isolate yourself and try to go it alone. Seek companions; be a team member.
The Central Washington University women softball players demonstrated a serving attitude, even in competition. In an act of selfless sportsmanship, they carried their new friend till she reached "home".
As Christ-followers, we need to carry each other till we reach our eternal "home" some day.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our story?
- Ask God to show you every day at least one opportunity to be a friend and help lift someone up.
- Memorize today's scripture as a reminder of the kind of serving attitude and actions that God has in mind for each of us.
- This spring and summer, whenever you see or play softball or baseball, let Jesus remind you of today's story and scripture and then live it out.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Send this DAILYBIDE to your friends and family who know Christ as an encouragement.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a discussion guide in your youth group or small group.
- Use today's story as a conversation starter with your friends who need Jesus. Tell them the story of this amazing act of sportsmanship. Get their impressions and comments. Use it to share your desire to help others, no matter the circumstances.
1 May, 2008
Boy Scout finds $800 in wallet and promptly returns it
DORR, Mich.—When an 11-year-old Boy Scout found some one's wallet with $800 inside, he understood what the person who lost it was going through.
Only a few weeks before, he had lost his own wallet and the $45 it contained.
J.R. Bouterse immediately told an adult about his discovery, which was turned over to a law-enforcement official and returned to its grateful owner.
"We're just so proud of him," said the boy's mother, Michelle Bouterse, 41. "We can't say enough."
To reward the boy, the Michigan State Police threw a pizza party Monday night, not only for the law-abiding child but for all 30 Scouts in Troop 90.
Another guest at the party, to J.R.'s surprise, was 20-year-old Jessica Cutler, the wallet's owner, who wanted to personally thank him for his act of honesty.
"I can't believe someone would find a wallet with that much money in it and not take some," she said. "A lot of people maybe wouldn't have done that same thing. I'm just glad he found it and not someone else."
J.R. found the wallet a little more than a week ago while leaving a Scout meeting at the church.
"I knew exactly how she felt," he said.
Not exactly: His own wallet has not been returned to him.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story twincities.com, 4/30/08
Finders...Keepers?
James 4:17
17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (ESV)
What's the flip side of sin that we learn in today's God's Story scripture?
Usually we think of sin of doing something that is wrong. But James teaches us that knowing the right thing to do and then not doing it - it's sin! Sometimes these two kinds of sin are called sins of commission and sins of omission.
Let's be honest. What would you have done if you were the boy who found the wallet with $800 in it? Especially after you lost yours and no one returned it?
After all, couldn't we just think of it as "finders keepers"? The Boy Scout did the right thing! If he had not, according to James 4:17, he would be guilty of sin.
When God's Holy Spirit shows us the right thing to do, will we?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Memorize James 4:17.
- Thank God for His practical Word. Confess anything that the Holy Spirit points out to you right now that is an example of knowing the right thing to do, but not doing it. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness. Ask His Spirit to give you the desire to follow His leading in all of your actions every day.
For the next month, pray every day for Spirit-led sensitivity to follow through on doing what you know is right.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Return every wallet you find with $800 in it. OK, so since this isn't going to happen regularly, you could look for one opportunity every day to do something that is valuable to someone else!
- Remember some other examples of the sin of omission - like when we know the truth, but don't tell it. Or, we know that we shouldn't tear others down with our comments, but if we know someone who needs our friendship and we don't talk to them, we're guilty of knowing the right thing to do and not doing it.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for study with your youth group or small group.
