29 Apr, 2009
Fasting for Justice
Reporter Jailed in Iran Passes Week on Fast
TEHRAN — The Iranian-American journalist imprisoned here since late January has become weak after seven days of a hunger strike, her father said Monday. Reza Saberi, the father of Roxana Saberi, who was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment this month on charges of spying for Washington, said his daughter had lost about 10 pounds. Mr. Saberi spoke after he and his wife, Akiko, visited her in prison on Monday, a day after her 32nd birthday.
Ms. Saberi started the hunger strike to protest her sentence and has demanded to be released. Her incarceration has become a new source of tension between Iran and the United States at a time when both countries have been making diplomatic overtures for improved relations after a 30-year estrangement. “She said she will continue her hunger strike until she is released,” Mr. Saberi said. “She drinks liquids but has refused to have food for seven days now.”
His daughter, who has worked as a journalist in Tehran for six years, was arrested in late January for buying a bottle of wine, which is illegal in Iran. The charges against her gradually escalated to working illegally without a press card and then spying for the United States. Her press card was revoked in 2006.
Ms. Saberi was in a good mood, her father said. Her parents have been allowed to visit her in jail every week. Ms. Saberi’s parents traveled to Iran from their home in Fargo, N.D., this month in an effort to secure her release.
They have asked Shirin Ebadi, the country’s prominent human rights lawyer and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, to help. A colleague of Ms. Ebadi’s is expected to meet Ms. Saberi on Tuesday.
Iran’s judiciary chief has ordered an investigation into the case, and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has urged the prosecutor to ensure Ms. Saberi will get a fair appeal.
story & photo courtesy of - The New York Times
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about fasting for justice?
All over the world people sit in prison for crimes they did not commit or for lawful behaviors that have been labeled "criminal" by tyrannical and oppressive states. Even in the U.S. faulty evidence, unjust laws, and insufficient legal aid have resulted in scores of innocent people spending time in prison. No state is immune from acting unjustly in executing "justice".
However the Kingdom of God, in which Jesus is President, is a nation of people that are called to not only practice God's perfect justice, but to sacrifice for it. The prophet Isaiah reminds us the that discipline of fasting is not only a personal, devotional act that teaches us to live on more than "bread alone", but that fasting also has powerful social implications. Isaiah says that we should live and fast with a purpose, that our personal devotion should transform us in such a way that we embody the values of the kingdom. Indeed this is the heart of the gospel and the heart of 3Story. That as we abide in Christ we become more like Christ so that we can share the chain loosening, yoke smashing, hungry feeding, naked clothing, homeless sheltering love of Jesus with all flesh and blood.
May you be so connected to Jesus, through fasting, prayer, abiding in scripture, that your life is a living witness to the beautiful justice of the Kingdom of God.
- Pray for all those in jail or prison
- Share some of your food with the hungry, donate to a food bank this week
- Ask your youth pastor or Campus Life director to organize a group fast to raise money for homelessness relief
- Tell your friends about today's story, talk with them about fasting for justice
- Invite a friend to join you in a week long fast from food, TV, Facebook, etc.
28 Apr, 2009
Now where'd I put those top secret documents?
The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration recently postponed its crucial program to rejuvenate quarter-century-old Trident missile warheads because no one can remember how to make a key component of the weapons (codenamed "Fogbank"), according to a March 2 report of the Government Accountability Office. The GAO found that, despite concern over the bombs' safety and reliability, NNSA could not replicate the manufacturing process because all knowledgeable personnel have left the agency and no written records were kept. Said one commentator, "This is like James Bond destroying his instructions as soon as he's read them."
Story courtesy of newsoftheweird.com 4/24/09
Ephesians 3:4-6 The Message
As you read over what I have written to you, you'll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God's Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.
1 John 1:1-4 The Message
From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!
How can we connect today's story to God's story?
Okay, I admit to misplacing the owner's manual on my chainsaw before...but a nuclear missile!?! Woops! Aren't you glad that the apostles didn't mistakenly forget to write down the instructions that Jesus gave us regarding the mysteries of life? These Biblical authors tell us that they personally spent time with the Son of God. They heard it, saw it and experienced it all for themselves and then they were led to write it all down for us!
So what does that mean for us? It means that we have a document...the Bible...that contains the answers to the mysteries of life! It isn't hidden away in some (apparently not-so-secure) National Security Office where we can't get to it. It's not truth that has been lost forever after Jesus left the earth. It is here! It is in our hands! What was hidden for thousands of years is now clearly outlined in His Word and, as John tells us, he wants us to enjoy it too.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Read the Word daily so that you can be refreshed and encouraged every day as you follow Jesus.
- Read the Word daily so that you can refresh and encourage others with the answers to life's questions. Your friends will ask you at some point and we are to be prepared to share those answers (I Peter 3:15) in love.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story?
- Share today's story with someone and then ask them if they have ever lost anything important.
- Ask them to share with you the one moment in history they would go back and be a part of if they could. (And then discuss why that is so important to them.) Remind them that the only reason they know about it is because someone recorded it. Then share with them that this is how we know about what God did for us. There were actual people who walked with Jesus, wrote it all down for us and eventually died for what they knew to be true about Him.
- Don't keep this formerly top-secret information to yourself. Ephesians 3 lets us know that anyone can have the same offer, the same help and the same promises from Jesus. Be sure to let them know!
27 Apr, 2009
YouTube Sensation Susan Boyle Hits the U.S.
YouTube marvel Susan Boyle, the Scottish singing sensation who last weekend stunned the judges of the Britain's Got Talent TV show – including cynical Simon Cowell – has hit American shores.
Boyle, 47, said from her home in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, that when she was younger people made fun of her. Now, the reaction is anything but that. "Everyone wishes me very well," she says. As for the international reaction, especially online, Boyle modestly admitted, "It hasn't maybe sunk in yet."
What turned Boyle's world around was her Britain's Got Talent appearance. After her entrance triggered snickers and patronizing comments – especially when the dowdy and slightly jumpy Boyle said she wanted to be the next Elaine Paige, a petite blonde British stage musical star – Boyle picked up the microphone and magically delivered "I Dreamed a Dream."
The result? The audience melted, then stood up and cheered, and after the judges closed their gaping mouths, Cowell termed her performance "extraordinary," while fellow judge Piers Morgan admitted she was the biggest surprise he'd ever experienced on the show.
Leaving the stage after her number, Boyle – an unemployed charity worker who lives with her cat, Pebbles, and, until recently, had cared for her ailing mother, now deceased – immediately seemed to take it all in stride, until it hit her how much she had wowed the crowd. "Breathtaking, unbelievable, awesome," Boyle now says of the reaction to her.
As of Thursday morning, her YouTube clip – one of several, actually – had generated more than 11 million views and planted Boyle firmly in the pop-culture firmament.
( written by Stephen Silverman-for more go to people.com)
1 Samuel 16:6-8 The MESSAGE
Could it be that we live in a culture that is so obsessed with looks that when someone whom most would deem as unattractive and worthless has extraordinary talent that we are convicted, at least for a moment, about how petty we are? Susan Boyle phenomenon reminds us that what really matters are the unseen parts in each of us.
Susan has been a talented singer her whole life, yet she has been shunned by people around her. No one applauded when she was gently caring for her ill mother. Her servant’s heart is far more valuable to God than her looks or even the incredible voice that he gifted her with.
The passage from I Samuel tells us without any doubt that God is a God who cares about what is in our hearts.
What about you? Do you tend to choose your friends based on whats on the outside? Do you judge others without knowing who they really are? Do others judge you based on what you look like? How does that feel?
Isn’t it cool that we have a God who knows us and looks at our heart? Imagine what it would be like if we had to stand in front of a judges table and perform to earn God’s love.
With that in mind, think about the parts of your heart (personality) that bring God pleasure. Make a list of these. If you are having trouble thinking of some, think about what your family or friends have told you that they appreciate about you. Remember focus on inside stuff.
After you have made a list, read it a loud. These are the parts of you that you should continue to grow and concentrate on when you think about who you are. Thank God for the way he has made you and for the work he is doing in you to be the person he has created you to be.
Are there people in your world that you have been judging by whats on the outside? Ask God to forgive you and make efforts to get to know them from the inside.
- Talk about the Susan Boyle story with your friends who don’t yet know Jesus. Ask them why they think it has become such a big story.
- Share with your friend about a time when you felt judged by your outward appearance and how hard that is. Ask them if that has ever happened to them. Then tell them how cool it is that you know God cares about what is going on inside.
- Take a moment to tell your friend what you appreciate about their heart.
24 Apr, 2009
Faith
"Where the Rubber Meets the Road"
In January we shared the story of Debbie Shelton, a marathon runner from Indiana, who has run a marathon in all 50 states. After that DailyBide, e-mails came in sharing that we needed to hear more of Debbie’s story. Well, we were able to connect with Debbie in person. So, Debbie’s Story, with her permission, is Today’s Story …
We were raised in the Catholic church. My parents, my three sisters, and I attended
Mass together every week. When I was in
High School, my family stopped attending church together. Did we stop going to church because of
difficulties, or did we start having difficulties because we stopped going to
church?
When we graduated from High School, my twin sister, Deddie, and I started college classes in the summer and we got our first jobs. We didn’t see nearly as much of one another as we’d liked and one thing we did was start meeting at church each Sunday morning. We’d each drive there and then head to work after Mass. It was sometimes the only quality time we had together.
She got married and moved to Germany and I went away to school. Our parents divorced, I moved away to work, she came home and divorced. She remarried and we lived at least 500 miles apart from then on. This was back in the days before the internet and when making a long distance phone call was pretty expensive on a tight budget. We wrote a lot of letters back and forth.
In the late 90’s we took up running. In 2000 we met in Chicago and ran our first marathon, together. I didn’t think it was very much fun, in fact I swore I’d never do it again. But in 2002 I tried it again and this time, it wasn’t so bad. In the summer of 2003 Deddie and I and our husbands went to running camp at Lake Tahoe. We met a lot of really sweet and crazy runners. We learned of a club of people who ran a marathon in every state called the 50 States Marathon Club. We were pretty crazy ourselves and we thought we’d give it a try.
It was great. Every month or so Deddie and I would meet somewhere, visit, and run a marathon. Running literally brought us together.
At one race I found Team 413. It was based on Philippians verse 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We bought the shirts and started wearing them for all of our marathons. In every race at least two or three people would say things like “I’ve been following you for miles – your shirt inspired me to finish.’ Or ‘that’s my favorite verse, too!’ For us at the time, we used it for strength to finish the tough mental and physical requirements of finishing a long distance run.
But were these just words or did we really believe them? Did we live them?
In 2007 we had 12 marathons to go with a schedule planned to finish our 50th State in October at, where else, the Twin Cities marathon in Minnesota. In January Deddie and I met in AZ for a marathon and sisters weekend. We had fun, but Deddie wasn’t feeling well. The next week they found a tumor on her liver about the size of a baseball. They told her it wasn’t cancer. We rejoiced. On February 23 she had surgery to have the tumor removed. She was found to have stage IV (the final stage) biliary cancer and it was spread extensively throughout her abdomen. This cancer is very rare, and it was bad, but we kept the faith and believed she would recover.
Our family became Team 413. My husband got us all shirts and we wore them to both of Deddie’s chemo treatments. She spent a lot of time in the hospital and when she was there, her Team 413 shirt hung on the wall, directly in her line of vision. We prayed together every day, usually saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Rosary.
In mid-June we were told she didn’t have but a couple of weeks left with us. I told her that there were so many things I was sorry for that I couldn’t name them all and I asked her to forgive me, she said the same, although I couldn’t think of a single thing she needed my forgiveness for. We said the words each needed to hear ‘I forgive you.’ Giving a blanket of forgiveness to each other, and we told each other to remember how much we loved one another.
It lasted only minutes, but I think that was one of the most important talks we had in her final days. I can’t tell you all what knowing I had her forgiveness has meant to me. Losing her was so difficult for me. I feel so guilty. But I can’t change anything I’ve done in the past. I can only take the precious gift of her forgiveness and try to do better next time. We have that same gift from Jesus, too, if we just ask for it. We must seek forgiveness of our sins and try to do better. And when we start to beat ourselves up, we have to remember that He has forgiveness us. He died for our sins.
Looking back the thing I marvel at the most was how at peace Deddie was. She knew it was a matter of days, yet she didn’t complain at all. How I wished that I would have stopped to talk to her about it. Reflecting on it all, I realize that she showed us so much grace.
She left this world peacefully at 4:20 am on July 8, 2007 with her husband and I holding her hands, one of our younger sisters at her feet, and my husband nearby, as Jesus carried her away. She set a real example of faith for us all. We’d seen her live her faith. She could do all things through Christ who had strengthened her to make her journey home to Him.
The next 15 months or so were filled with such intense pain that I could barely breath. I didn’t want to get out of bed, my mind and my soul were in torment, I was crying out to God all the time - I was so lost. Each day was a struggle, and yes there were days I’d pull into the garage and think about how easy it would be just to shut the garage door and go to sleep. I’d call upon the strength of Jesus to turn off the motor and get out of the car.
I’d pretty much stopped running through Deddie’s illness.
Now I had a decision to make – how was I going to live? Was I really going to follow her example? I wore a shirt proclaiming that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I had a lot of people watching me and praying for me. Was I willing to test that faith and hand this over to God, too? I had to…I was so week that I couldn’t do the simplest thing myself. I was calling upon the Lord for the least of things. I prayed like I’d never prayed before, I read, I started listening exclusively to Christian radio, I sought out my faith-filled family and friends.
His strength got us through the toughest part of my life. I needed to show everyone that the writing on the backs of our shirts weren’t just words, but our FAITH.
Getting back to running was very difficult. We each had 11 States left to go. My Brother-in-law, a non-runner, told my sister he was going to finish her states. And I thought Deddie would be really disappointed in me if I didn’t finish. So we started training. We made signs to wear on our backs in Deddie’s memory. I finished my 50th State on September 21, 2008 and my brother-in-law has just three to go. We’re planning to wrap those up this year.
Now I run for the Glory of God and in Deddie’s memory, often using the time for prayer and praise.
I thought that running marathons was hard, but I’m living through something I never believed I could – my life without my twin, sister, best friend, confidant, running partner, and role model for living the faith. He never said it would be easy, but through His Grace, God is showing me that He is here. Always. I only hope that by sharing my faith story with you today I am showing you that I, we, Can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Phillipians 4:12-13 (ESV)
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Think of the most difficult situation that you have experienced.
- Take some time to thank God for the lessons you learned (or are still learning) from that experience.
- Are you going through a difficult season of life right now? Ask God to be your strength.
- Is there an activity (e.g. running) in which you are involved that you to do for the glory of God?
- Share Debbie's story with a friend going through a difficult season.
- Ask that friend if allowing God to strengthen them ever crosses their mind.
- Invite your friend to go to church with you this weekend to meet others who trust God to be their strength.
- Pray with your friend.
- Pray for your friend each day this week.
22 Apr, 2009
A two-minute silence
Holocaust Remembrance Day markedA wail of sirens brought Israel to a standstill on Tuesday morning for a two-minute silence to remember the victims of the Holocaust. At a ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Holocaust deniers would never be allowed to carry out another Holocaust of the Jewish people.
Six million Jews were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust during WWII.
Remembrance ceremonies were held across the world, including at the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz in Poland. Thousands of young Jews and elderly survivors took park in the March of the Living, walking from Auschwitz to the nearby death camp at Birkenau.
In Germany, the parliament commemorated the day with an address by President Horst Koehler.
During the two-minute silence in Israel, pedestrians stopped in their tracks, drivers pulled over and got out of their cars and people in offices rose to stand next to their desks.
At the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, survivors Lia and Iudit - twin sisters - lit a torch to open the remembrance day ceremony, before Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu laid a wreath. In the Hall of Remembrance names of the victims were recited.
The Holocaust Remembrance Day is also being marked in communities all over Israel with prayers and musical performances.
story courtesy of - http://news.bbc.co.uk
photo courtesy of - The Associated Press
"For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about silence?
My guess is that for Jews all over the world the pain of the Holocaust is so bitter, so intense, that silence seems like the only possible response. It's just impossible to fully comprehend the magnitude of six million deaths. That's six million people with families, with stories, with hopes and dreams, with unique laughs and smiles, all murdered because of their religious identity. If such tragedy doesn't leave us silent, I don't know what will.
Simply put, silence to remember is a good and healthy thing.
However Isaiah reminds us that we should not remain silent when injustice and suffering are happening in our midst. For a long time we may have remained silent about Genocides like the Holocaust, but indeed we are called to cry out like a woman in childbirth.
Are you aware of the Invisible Children in Uganda, or the Darfuri people in Sudan. These children of God need your voice, they need you to cry out for them. Jesus was a voice for the voiceless in his time, he is calling us to be the same.
- Spend some time in silence remembering the victims of the Holocaust.
- Ask God for the courage to never remain silent while injustice is taking place in your midst.
- April is Genocide Prevention Month. Look for a rally in your area and attend it with your friends.
- Ask a Jewish friend how they remembered the Holocaust.
- Visit these websites with a friend and talk about how you can respond:
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/
http://www.genocideintervention.net/
21 Apr, 2009
Warning: Risky Roads Ahead!
America's Scariest Drives
Alfred Hitchcock could not have conjured a scarier highway—122 miles of vertigo between Monterey and Morro Bay. Highway One in California has two lanes for nearly its entire length. The road meanders along cliff tops poised high above the Pacific, including 33 bridges and countless drop offs into liquid oblivion. Anyone faintly squeamish should not attempt to drive this route.
Hawaii's incredible Saddle Road shoots between two hulking volcanoes across a sweltering lava-rock desert. “Famously bad and dangerous” is how one guide describes Hawaii Route 200 between Hilo and Waimea. Although improved in recent years, much of the route is narrow and one-way; intermittent fog makes it even more hazardous. Side roads lead to the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
The longest stretch of road in U.S. with no services, the 414-mile Dalton in Alaska throws down several gauntlets including gravel roadway, steep grades, dangerous animals, and dire weather conditions. It’s an awful long wait for a tow if you break down out here.
(Article by Joe Yogerst. Photo by Kangotraveler. To see full story go to travel.yahoo.com 4/17/09)
Matthew 24:9-13 [NIV]
9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
John 15: 19-21 [NIV]
19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
What does God's Story teach us about the dangers of following Him?
Quite often we hear about the beenfits of following Christ...and there are many. Each of us as disciples, however, needs to be aware of the dangers as well. Much like today's story that talks about some of the riskiest highways in America to travel, Jesus warned us that there would be persecution for anyone who truly walks the path of following Him.
The world, He told us, will be in opposition to us...even to the point of persecution. It is happening all over the world today. In fact, many die every day because of their faith in Christ. If you haven't yet been persecuted, the Word clearly teaches us that we need to be prepared for whatever may come as we seek Christ.
Amidst the harsh reality of Jesus' warning we also find news that is as encouraging as it gets..."he who stands firm to the end will be saved"!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Keep studying God's Word each day so that you know all of the signs and warnings that Jesus gave us regarding what is ahead.
- Be prepared to go through anything for our Lord. Remember what He went through for us. Remember also what awaits us when this life is done.
- Pray each day asking God for the courage to boldly (and lovingly) live for Him amidst any persecution that may come.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- As you share Christ with your friends, definitely be sure to explain how amazing it is to follow Him and know Him personally. Share how it brings you peace, joy, contentment, purpose, direction, forgiveness, the hope of eternity with Him...
- BUT...as you do this, please don't lead them to believe that all of life's worries go away and Jesus makes everything rosy. If Jesus himself didn't teach that, neither should we.
- As a balance, share both the great parts and the hard parts. It will give you the chance to tell them why it is worth it!
20 Apr, 2009
"Do as I Say, Not as I do...?"
Police Say Speeding Grandma Topped 100 MPH
Woman Said She Was Teaching Grandson Lesson.
SALEM, Ore. -- You know about "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena." But how about the speeding granny from Salem?
Marion County authorities said 53-year-old Sandra Nardi was doing 103 mph with her 10-year-old grandson in the car on Sunday.
Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Lorance said a deputy clocked Nardi with a radar gun. The deputy said he's never seen anybody going that fast on that particular road.
Authorities said Nardi claimed to have been teaching her grandson about the dangers of speeding. She supposedly warned the boy never to drive the way she does.
Story Courtesy kptv.com, 04/07/09
Titus 2:6-8 (New Living Translation)
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
What does God’s Story teach us about being an example to others?
While the grandma in today’s story may have had good intentions, she chose an interesting way to teach her grandson not to speed. There is an old saying that reads, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Not a great motto for teaching others. In fact, Jesus provided the perfect example for us as he walked the earth. He didn’t tell us to just do as he says, he said, “Come follow me.” In other words, Jesus said watch me and be like me and you will bring glory to God. That’s why reading stories of Jesus when he walked on the earth is so important, they provide real life examples of how to love God and live a full life.
Just as Jesus is our example, the verses in Titus tell us that we are to be examples for others. Your friends may never read stories about Jesus, but they do watch you in action. When you follow Jesus and let your friends in on that, they see Jesus through you. There is another saying that reads, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” That means telling our friends to be like Jesus doesn’t mean much if they don’t see us living it and depending on Him everyday.
How do we connect Today's Story & God's Story Scripture to our own lives?
Think about who, in your life, has set a great example for you to follow. (besides Jesus) What did they do to show you how to live? What do you do now that you learned from them? Consider writing a note or email to them to thank them for being a Godly example to you.
How can we connect Today's Story, God's Story Scripture, & our story to our friends?
Tell a friend who doesn’t know Jesus about today’s story. Tell them about a time when someone coached you or was an example to you. Share with your friend how they have been an example in your life or helped you be a better person. (Chances are since they are your friend there is something you see in them that you appreciate)
Consider talking about how Jesus has been the best example for you.
17 Apr, 2009
Second Chances
Jesus Saves A Woman From Her Accusers
'Idol' judges save Matt Giraud from elimination
"'Idol' history has been made!" host Ryan Seacrest exclaimed following the salvation.
Read the full article at www.news.yahoo.com.
Photo courtesy of www.images.google.com.
John 8:1-11 (ESV)
1but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" 6This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." 8And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."What does today's scripture teach us about Second Chances?
Jesus definitely handed this woman a second chance in today's scripture. She was brought to him by a crowd ready to stone her to death. But Jesus intervened, the crowd walked away, and Jesus said, "go, and from now on sin no more."
Look at what the Life Application Bible Study Notes have to say about John 8 ...
Jesus didn't condemn the woman accused of adultery, but neither did he ignore or condone her sin. He told her to leave her life of sin. Jesus stands ready to forgive any sin in your life, but confession and repentance mean a change of heart. With God's help we can accept Christ's forgiveness and stop our wrongdoing.
- Is there a sin that you are still trying to hide? Are you afraid of getting caught in the act of that sin? Accept Jesus' forgiveness, "go, and from now on sin no more."
- Confess that sin to someone whom you can trust. Ask them to help you stay away from that sin.
- Do you feel as though Jesus has already given you a second chance? Take some time to thank Him for the change He has made in your life.
- Ask a friend if they've ever been caught doing something wrong?
- Ask them what consequences they had to face when they were caught?
- Share the story of the woman and her accusers with them.
- Share with them that Jesus has the same message for them today.
- Ask them if they are ready for the "second chance" that Jesus offers.
15 Apr, 2009
Not Enough Resources
Giving Lessons in Traffic Safety at Middle Schools
LOS ANGELES — At 2:58 each weekday afternoon, the adults brace for traffic chaos at Florence Nightingale Middle School. The bell sounds, and children dash to the left and right. Some bounce basketballs as they make their way to waiting cars — some parked illegally — backpacks swing perilously from side to side, and many pile into Metro buses idling two lanes deep. School administrators in bright orange vests move their charges gingerly through a crosswalk as the children try to hurl themselves toward burger joints across the street.
Among the many worries of Los Angeles parents who pack their children off to school each day, traffic dangers have been looming larger in recent years.
The number of serious traffic incidents involving schoolchildren in L.A. public schools has significantly increased, particularly around middle schools, which are not staffed by crossing guards, school administrators and law enforcement officials say. Last year, two eighth-grade girls in Wilmington were hit by vehicles near school, and one girl was left partly paralyzed. The traffic dangers have become so widespread that the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office will soon begin training parents for volunteer traffic control and safety duty.
“The problem is that there are not enough resources,” said Michelle McGinnis, a prosecutor in the office. “And those resources are diminishing.” Financing for crossing guards has decreased steadily over 15 years, and there is a lack of applicants for the jobs, school district officials said.
story & photo courtesy of - nytimes.com
"Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!"
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about resources?
Do you ever feel like your working for something all by yourself? Do you ever feel like you're the only one that cares enough to "do the little things" or "go the extra mile" to help people out? I bet the school teachers and administrators that direct the tide of pedestrian traffic in and out of school everyday feel like they're all alone in their struggle for safe schools, and I bet Jesus felt the same way when he traveled through Israel confronting all of the sickness, pain, and spiritual emptiness in the lives of the people he met.
The question is, why aren't there more people joining the school administrators in their struggle to ensure safe streets and parking lots, and why aren't more people joining Jesus in his struggle to heal the sick, comfort the broken hearted, and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom.
I think we find our answer in Jesus' response to the people he encountered: "When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke."
When we look at crowds of people do we see the pain of a world lost in a maze of materialism, depression, and violence, or have our hearts become hardened? I think today's story and today's scripture teach us that we are prone to hardening our hearts to the needs of others.
Ultimately, Jesus' compassionate heart for the people he met was a direct result of his intimate connection to the Father. So our lesson today is, as we know the Compassionate One, we will know compassion, and when we fill our hearts with the resource of compassion, we will be a resource to the Kingdom of God.
- If your heart has become hardened and it no longer breaks when you encounter people in pain, ask God for the vision to see people like Jesus sees them.
- Next time you're at a Campus Life meeting or youth group event ask your leaders if you can be a resource for them.
- Sit down with your Campus Life director or youth pastor and identify what resources God has given you so that you can be a resource for the Kingdom.
- Ask a friend, "what makes your heart break?"
- Tell a fried what made Jesus' heart break.
- Encourage a friend that God has given them resources to make a difference with their lives.
14 Apr, 2009
The Fear
One of the most popular songs around the world in recent months has been a song by Lily Allen called The Fear. It has even hit #1 on the charts in the UK. It is Allen's commentary on the life of a celebrity and society in general today.
Unfortunately, it gives a very clear picture of the lies that our society has bought into when she says things like...
- I want to be rich and I want lots of money
- Life's about film stars and fast cars
- I'm packing plastic and that's what makes my life so fantastic
- I'm a weapon of massive consumption
- Everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner
There are other disturbing lines in this song that point to a pursuit of "being famous". The chorus goes on to explain where all of this has left her when she says...
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
'Cuz I'm being taken over by The Fear
I John 2:15-17 [NIV]
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
I John 4:16-18a [NIV]
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
What does God's Story teach us about this world and fear?
The options we have are really only two...pursue and love the things of this world or pursue and love our Father. We can not do both.
The results are also pretty simple. If we choose to pursue the things of this world, we will be left empty and searching for purpose. Today's lyrics spell that out quite well. Without God the meaning of our lives quickly dwindles to nothing and leaves us in a place of confusion and fear.
If we choose, however, to pursue the love of the Father, all of that changes. We gain an eternal purpose, forgiveness, hope, joy, contentment, friendship with God and love...and as we learned today, perfect love casts out fear!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Replace the lies this culture feeds us with the TRUTH! This is done by feeding our minds and hearts with God's Word every day. We, for example, won't need fame, the right body shape or money to make us valuable because we will know that God values us just like we are!
- Stop pursuing the empty things of this world and focus instead on eternal matters only. Other scriptures that will encourage you in this are 2 Corinthians 4:18, Mark 8:34-36, Colossians 3:1-2 and Hebrews 12:2. Ask God to show you if you have any of these empty pursuits in your life right now...and then ask Him to set you free from them.
- Take any "fears" you have to your heavenly Father because His love will cast them out!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- If you find yourself with friends who are listening to this song (or any of the many songs like it that push listeners to the things of this world) ask them if they think any of that "stuff" would really make them happy. It will likely be the start of a great discussion about the only thing that can truly bring happiness and contentment.
- If the opportunity presents itself, share with a friend a few things you have been fearful of...and ask them if they have any themselves. You might be surprised at what they are dealing with inside. You can then ask them if you can pray for them. They may even want you to pray right there! This would be a great opportunity to introduce them to the Father who can take those fears from them.
13 Apr, 2009
Where do you get your directions?
Man Follows GPS ... to the Edge of a Cliff
By PETER MYCHALCEWYCZ
A British man successfully tested the boundaries of human stupidity when he followed his car's GPS navigation system to the edge of a cliff.
West Yorkshire Police told the BBC that "officers received a call at 11:18 a.m. on Sunday, March 22 reporting that a BMW was hanging off the edge of a cliff off Bacup Road."
The driver, Robert Jones, had apparently decided not to disobey the navigational system's orders, even when he found himself on a steep, narrow footpath. He eventually stopped when the car hit a fence at the top of the aforementioned cliff.
Jones has been charged with "driving without due care and attention." We would like to charge him with being a moron, but that is (according to the Switched legal team) not a crime. At least the car stopped short, and he now has a lifetime to redeem himself in the eyes of everyone he knows.
Story & photo courtesy bbc.com, 4/07/09
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
What does Today's Story tell us about who we get our directions from?
The poor man in today’s story thought he was following a trusted source who would never lead him astray. The problem is while he was listening he threw out all common sense and his own wisdom. He could see that the path he was headed down didn’t seem right and yet he kept going.
The verse in Proverbs tells us that this is all too common in the world. People think the path they are headed down seems right and find that in the end it was trouble. Sometimes people know the path they are on seems wrong, like the man with the GPS, and yet they often keep going anyway.
Have you ever listened to your friends and made decisions to head down a path that didn’t seem quite right and yet you kept listening to your friends until it was too late?
God gives us a few special gifts to help in this area.
One, he gives us brains to use. Our brains process all we are seeing and hearing and add our experiences from the past to help us make good decisions. Sometimes we refuse to listen to what our head is saying. If it looks like trouble, it probably is.
The other gift God gives us is his Holy Spirit. This is the voice that should be the loudest in our lives. Think of it as your own personal GPS system. When we choose to follow Jesus, he promises to help us make good decisions. We can trust that when we are following Jesus it is always down a path that is right for us. Although the path is sometimes rocky and unclear to us at the time, we can trust God’s leading. It is often the Holy Spirit that we are hearing when something just doesn’t feel right. We get a gnawing in our heart and head that says, “Don’t do it. Choose another way.” When we “hear” that, we need to double check that we are listening to Jesus and not the other voices in the world.
How can we connect Today's Story & God's Story Scripture to our own lives?
Feel like you are headed down a path that may be leading you away from Jesus? Check in with your “spiritual GPS”, the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to make it clear to you about the decisions you should be making. Then wait and listen and see if God redirects your path.
How can we connect Today's Story, God's Story Scripture, and our story to our friends?
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Tell a friend who doesn’t yet know Jesus about the man who followed his GPS down a cliff. Then share with your friend about a time you were headed down the wrong path and how Jesus rescued you.
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Have a friend who you feel certain is headed down a path that will lead to trouble? Ask them about it. Chances are they may be feeling like it is wrong and are just waiting for someone to help them figure out a new direction.
10 Apr, 2009
Good Friday
"Truly this was the Son of God!" (Matt. 27:5)
Matthew 27:45-54 (English Standard Version)
The Death of Jesus
45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." 48And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." 50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.51And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about the death of Jesus?
When we read about the centurion in the gospel of Luke, we see that he "praised God" (Luke 23:47). While scholars are unclear as to whether this officer made a true Christian confession, it is obvious that when he witnessed Jesus breathing his last breath, he knew he witnessed a man very different from any whom he had ever met. An encounter with Jesus is life changing!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Read Matthew 27 & 28 a few times this weekend.
- Thank God for Jesus' death on the cross paying the penalty for your sinful nature.
- Celebrate your the ways that Jesus has changed your life this weekend on Easter Sunday.
- Thank God for the place He is preparing for you in your heavenly home.
How can we connect today's Story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Choose a friend with whom you've been sharing your story in recent months
- Read today's God's Story Scripture with that friend.
- Ask them what they think about Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
- Invite them to attend an Easter service with you at your church.
- Take some time to get their thoughts on that service.
- Ask them what might be keeping them from believing the truth of Easter.
8 Apr, 2009
Be Peculiar
Volunteers help salamanders avoid roadway massacre
NEW HAVEN, Vt. – The black salamander with yellow spots sat on the roadside in the dark, ready to make a go of it. But it was not on its own. It got help from an escort — one of 45 people who volunteered on a recent night to carry salamanders, frogs and newts across the road during their annual migration to mate.
On rainy nights in early spring, roads between forests and vernal pools are hopping and crawling with activity. On some nights, hundreds of amphibians cross small stretches of asphalt to mate. But many don't make it.
From rural Vermont to urban centers like Philadelphia, human escorts, called bucket brigades in some places, help amphibians make it to their mating areas without getting squashed by cars. It's part education, part conservation, and part science.
On a recent night, University of Vermont student Kaitlin Friedman walked with other volunteers along the asphalt with flashlights and clipboards, moving wood frogs, peepers, blue-spotted, red-backed and four-toed salamanders across the road, while jotting down how many they saw. They also kept count of vehicles, and the amphibians that didn't make it, trying to identify the flattened carcasses.
"It's pretty much the one time of year where you get to see a lot of salamanders in abundance and it's just really cool," said Friedman, 20, of Long Island, New York. "Plus, you know you help them across the road, you feel like maybe you're making a small reduction in their mortality rates, maybe, just for that hour or so."
story courtesy of - The Associated Press
picture courtesy of - www.uga.edu
1st Peter 2:9 (KJV)
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being peculiar?
Don't you admire the peculiar passion of the people in today's story? While their contribution might seem small, these people just might be helping to maintain the harmonious function of the ecosystem in their neck of the woods. Considering how much human beings often disrupt the ecosystem in which they live that's no small achievement!
While the safe migration of salamanders is a unique and peculiar passion indeed, I believe a quick inventory of the habits of those who follow Jesus will reveal similarly peculiar passions.
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Looking after widows and orphans (Jam 1)
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Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger (Matt 25)
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Healing the sick (1 Cor 12)
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Making peace in a world of violence (Mat 5)
The way of Christ is peculiar indeed, in fact later in this chapter of scripture Peter calls Christians "exiles". The way of Jesus is so unique, so set apart (read "holy"), so peculiar, that those who live it are like exiles, people who are living in a land that is not their home. So may you embrace the peculiarity of Christ, may you live in such a way that those around you know your home is the Kingdom of God, may your life "show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light".
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What about your life is peculiar because of your connection to Jesus?
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What peculiar passions of Jesus and other Christians do you admire?
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How might thinking of yourself as "an exile" change the way you live every day?
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Talk with your friends about today's story, ask them what they think about it.
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Ask your friends what they think is most peculiar to them about Christians.
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Invite your friends along with you as you practice your peculiar habits.
7 Apr, 2009
Royal Protocol
The Queen and Mrs. Obama: Did the First Lady Break Protocol?
Obama at Buckingham Palace
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, pose with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
The rules are set in stone, and so the eagerly watching British media sputtered when the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, briefly put her hand on the back of Queen Elizabeth II as the two chatted at a reception. Etiquette is quite stern about this ("Whatever you do, don't touch the Queen!").
Of course, there are corollaries to this. One must certainly touch the Queen if the monarch offers her hand (though you should return this not with a firm handshake but just a touch). On Wednesday, Michelle Obama put her hand on the Queen only after the Queen had placed her own hand on the First Lady's back as part of their conversation. So there is room for theological argument as to whether the American reciprocity of touch was allowable given the social dynamics of the situation.
(Story by Howard Chua-eoan, photo by John Stillwell. To view the full story, go to news.yahoo.com 4/2/09)
Hebrews 4:16 [NIV]
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
James 4:10 [NIV]
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Revelation 4:9-11 [NIV]
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
“ You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
What does God's Story teach us about how we should approach The King?
In today's story we see The First Lady getting ridiculed because of a simple touch on the Queen's back even though it was a kind gesture that was intended to be polite. Why has this ruffled so many feathers? Because she's the Queen and you don't just touch the Queen! At least that's the way they see it in England. There is an amazing amount of respect and even reverence for the Queen which makes following the proper protocol paramount to the English. After all, she is royalty.
So, since God is the highest royalty...being The King of the universe...how are we to act in His presence? What's the "protocol"?
There are really two important aspects of the protocol for coming to God. One of those is to remember that He is God. He created everything. He has sovereign control of all things. He is eternal, all-knowing, always-present and all-powerful. Because of these truths, we must approach Him with reverence, humility, awe and praise.
This, however, does not make Him a distant or unapproachable God by any means. As we can see in today's scripture, God calls us to approach His throne of grace with confidence. In John 15, we read that He has called us "friends"...wow...the King of Kings is our friend! That same chapter describes how He wants us to abide in Him...share our fears and hopes with Him, be intimate with Him, bear our souls in every way.
Yes, He is The King and deserves our reverent praise...but He certainly welcomes us to touch Him and be touched by Him.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- If you haven't made a habit of going to God's throne daily...today is a great day to start! If you have been talking to Him at meal and bed times, start adding more of those times throughout your day. If you are already sharing with Him multiple times a day, turn it into a conversation that is continuous so that He can direct your steps all day long!
- If you have gotten overly casual with your prayers, take some time today to sit before the Sovereign King and acknowledge Him for who He is. Praise Him as you humbly bow before your Creator.
- If you have always seen God as distant or impersonal, take a risk and share something with Him today that you would share with only your best friend (which He wants to be). Then just wait and watch how He will respond to you through His Holy Spirit's presence!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- Remember that the goal is not to get your friends to church...or even "saved"...but rather to connect them to The King who wants to touch their lives in a personal way. The best way for them to understand how that works is for them to see that connection to God happening in your life. That is why daily abiding is so important.
- Many of your friends may see God as distant or even scary. Perhaps today's story will allow you to ask them how they would act in the presence of royalty...and then share about your experiences before God's throne.
- Ultimately it is God who draws them...not you...so keep praying that your friends will feel that unmistakable touch from God.
1 Apr, 2009
Gain the World. Lose Your Soul.
Outrage Growing Over Perchlorate Contamination Of Food
MILWAUKEE - An environmental group is accusing the government of not doing enough to protect people and the nation’s food from potentially dangerous levels of a rocket fuel ingredient.
It’s called perchlorate, and it’s a key component in rocket fuel.
"We don't think people realize how widespread of a contaminant it is," Environmental Working Group Dr. Anila Jacob said.
The group says that 20 million to 40 million Americans may be exposed to the chemical.
"We know that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has found perchlorate in 100 percent of the people they've tested, so there's widespread exposure, through contaminated drinking water and also through contaminated food," Jacob said.
The concern is that the fuel additive has seeped into the ground and water in dozens of states -- usually from old military bases or NASA sites. That's how the group said how perchlorate has ended up in the drinking water and the food supply. Perchlorate can affect thyroid hormone levels, which in a fetus or newborn baby can inhibit brain development -- which is why advocacy groups said pregnant women and nursing moms need to be made aware.
story courtesy of - wisn.com
picture courtesy of - library.thinkquest.org
Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about "gaining the world and losing our souls"?
We all make sacrifices. The question today is, for what cause will we sacrifice? According to today's article, those involved with NASA and the U.S. military have sacrificed the health and safety of millions for the sake of their cause. Some might argue the exploration of space or the strength of the U.S. military is worth any cost or sacrifice, others would obviously disagree. Regardless, the sacrifice has been made and the consequences must now be addressed.
Jesus warned us that "for the sake of the world" we might jeopardize something even more important. Jesus warned us that our pursuit of wealth, power, popularity, or success could wind up destroying us. None of us are immune to it and Jesus even calls it a "daily" exercise.
Ultimately we have a choice between selflessness and selfishness. Jesus, in his life of humble service and sacrificial death is the example of turning from selfishness for the sake of others. Daily he is calling us to do the same. Simply put, we are to sacrifice all we have and all we are for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
The beauty of it all is that as we give up our lives to the will of God and the redemption of others, as we take up our cross, we will find our lives as we never have before, full of hope, peace, meaning, and purpose. So when we take up our cross, when we follow Jesus and give up our selfish desires, we find redemption too.
- Are "selfish ways" poisoning the soil of your relationship with God?
- What do you need to give up for the sake of Christ?
- Thank Jesus for his willingness to give up his life for our sake.
- Talk with your friends about today's story, find out what they think about it.
- When you're with your friends try to practice selflessness rather than selfishness.
- Ask your friends if they believe some goals are worth sacrificing health and safety for.
