30 Jun, 2009
Man Builds Scaled Replica of Noah's Ark
Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands . The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.
Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.
'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.
Now that I am old and gray...give me the time to tell this new generation (and their children too) about all your mighty miracles. Psalm 71:18
Here is a link on the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6604879.stm
This is the account of Noah.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress [c] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. [d] Make a roof for it and finish [e] the ark to within 18 inches [f] of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them."
Noah did everything just as God commanded him. (Genesis 6:11-22)
What does today's story & God's Story Scripture teach us about God's Story being true?
The story of Noah is one lots of people know and probably learned when they were little. Sometimes, God’s Story is hard to believe. It may seem like a collection of good stories, but ones that can’t possibly be true. How could you build a boat big enough? How could all those animals live on it together? How could Noah and his family survive when no one else on earth did? The truth is every piece of God’s Story (The Bible) is true and really quite interesting to read. The man who built this replica of Noah’s Ark to the exact measurements as found in the Bible, brought this very old story to life in front of people who had never heard or never really believed that the Bible could be true. He made a very clear connection for people to see God’s Story in real life.
How can we conncet today's story, & God's Story Scripture to our own story?
What about you? Do you really believe that the Word of God, His Story, is true? Do you know God’s Story very well? Are you making connections for people between God’s Story and their everyday lives?
Try spending 15 minutes everyday for the next week reading God’s Story. Start in Genesis (the first book of the Bible) and learn (or re-learn) some of the stories of the Bible. You will be amazed at how fascinating the Bible is and how God used ordinary people (like Noah) to unfold his plan for our lives.
How can we conncect today's story, God's Story Scripture, & our story to our friend's?
Show these pictures of the replica of Noah’s ark to some of your friends who don’t know Jesus. Tell them the story of Noah and see what they think. Do they believe the Bible is true? Does seeing these pictures help them imagine the true Noah story better? Tell them about some other cool stories you have read in the Bible and see what they think. Great discussions happen often when you are just willing to tell someone a story.
29 Jun, 2009
Balloons At A Discount!
An overeager crowd in Budapest ruined attempts by a low-cost airline to release 1,000 balloons into the air during its fifth anniversary celebration.
The plan was for the airline to attach coupons worth $49.95 on to each balloon and then the balloons would fly far and wide until they popped or ran out of gas. People would then find the balloons with the coupons as they came down and use them toward their flight.
Well, someone caught wind of the idea, passed it around and crowds of people came to the release site, and started popping balloons to take as many vouchers as they could. The airline didn't put a limit on how many vouchers any one person could use because their intention was for them to be much more spread out.
The good news for those at the release site was that they could receive a substantial discount, but it did take fun out of the event for the organizers and even those who weren't as lucky to be there.
Story and photo from: http://mobilereuters.com
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
What does God say about process?
We are people who love results. We often rush through things just to get the desired outcome. If we're reading a book we jump to the end because we don't have the patience to get to the ending. We often interrupt others in mid speech so we can get the answer we're looking for.
We often transfer this mentality to God. We often think that God is only interested in the outcome but He is even more interested in the process. The outcomes God will bring to fruition but it is the process that places us before His feet so we can be used.
Like those who stomped out the balloons and those of us who jump to the ending of the book we often miss what's in the middle. And it is often what is in the middle that God wants to teach us and make us more complete in Him.
Connecting today's story and Scripture to our lives.
- What things are you rushing through with in your life today? An activity? A relationship?
- Are you obsessed with the outcomes that you have selected?
- Give these to God and ask Him to slow you down and trust Him for the outcomes.
Using today's story and Scripture to connect to others.
- Listen to others more closely than usual today. Take time to hear some details that you might have missed in the past.
- Ask God to use you in this process to be a light for Him.
26 Jun, 2009
The Day of Death
Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop,' dies at age 50
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50.
Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.
"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.
Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage. His 1982 album "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.
At the time of his death, Jackson was rehearsing hard for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13.
Story: Yahoo! News
Image: Google Images
1 A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the day of birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of every man;
the living should take this to heart.
What does God's Story say about death?
It's hard to imagine a world without death. Today's verse reminds us that it is the "destiny of every man." Today, many in the world around us will be talking about the death of Michael Jackson. Some around us might be faced with talking about the death, or pending death, of someone close to us. Death is a reality in the world we live in. But it's not the way God intended it. Remember what God told Adam in the Garden of Eden?
16 And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." - Genesis 2:16-18 (NIV)
Death is a consequence of the sinful world we live in. But it's not going to be that way forever. Remember what God told John to write in Revelation ...
3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:3-5 (NIV)
Oh what a day that will be!!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Ask God to give you a "good name" in the presence of your friends and loved ones.
- Give God any fears you have over death and ask Him to replace the fear with hope and peace.
- Thank God for the gift of eternal life you have received through your relationship with Jesus.
- Ask ... When you hear your friends talking about the death of Michael Jackson, use that as a doorway to ask questions about their thoughts, fears, and anxieties about death.
- Listen closely to the answers your friends give about death.
- Talk about the hope that comes with a relationship with Jesus. Talk about the eternal life that God gives.
- Pray with and for your friends as you share your story and God's Story.
25 Jun, 2009
Do You Want the Good News or the Bad News?
Today's world is filled with so much bad news. Just flip on the TV and you get it on almost every station:
72 people killed in a car bombing in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday. The bomb tore through an outdoor market while people were buying groceries. Bad news.
South Carolina governor Mark Sanford tearfully admits that he is having an affair with a woman in Argentina. His wife of over 20 years must hear him confess nationally as well as his three boys. Bad news.
The U.S. government declares that it is imposing sanctions on North Korea due to its threat to the world by declaring that it is pursuing nuclear bomb capabilities. This no doubt will put a strain on U.S. and North Korea relations. Bad news.
These are all national stories and they don't stop there. Behind these bad stories are more lining up to be told and written about. Not to mention that the local news stories and our personal lives are filled with a lot of bad news. Bad news sells and we are more than eager to get the dirt on anyone and anything.
Matthew 9:35 (NIV)
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Mark 16:15 (NIV
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Acts 5:42 (NIV)
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
What does God say about Good News?
Christ and His disciples were always talking about the 'good news.' Undoubtedly they had a lot of bad news during that time but they focused on sharing the good news.
As much as we are entertained by bad news, we are discouraged and exhausted by it. Most of us like good endings to movies because of this. It is hardwired into our being. We want good to prevail, the hero to always win and for lovers to live happily ever after.
While Christ does not promise that everything in our life will be easy and that we will always have good news, He does promise us 'good news.' And that good news is Christ crucified and raised from the dead. Because of what He has done for us we are promised a 'good ending.' That should bring us tremendous joy.
It is so easy to focus on the bad things in our lives but Christ has given us eternal life and that life begins right now!
- Make a list of all the things in your life that are bad or difficult (things you wished could be better). Give them to the Lord and let Him take control of them.
- Thank God each morning for the 'good news' of being in Christ. In the midst of all that is bad or painful, focus on the goodness of God and the great ending to the story for those who are in Christ.
- Think of a friend or family member who needs some good news in their lives. Like Christ and the disciples share with them the good news of life in Christ. This may seem oversimplified but trusting in the goodness of God is often the very essence to our growth in Christ (It is very difficult to follow Christ if we don't believe in His goodness). Many non-believers are aching to see our joy in Christ's goodness instead of a lifeless Christian who is just interested in being religious.
24 Jun, 2009
Transformers 2 Debuts Tonight!
The new Transformers movie is set today to record numbers. "This looks like it could be one of the biggest Wednesday openers -- with a shot of being the biggest," Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said, predicting a five-day haul in the $130 million-$150 million range.
The first "Transformers" grabbed $155.4 million in its first seven days. By the end of this weekend, its sequel could hit a number in that same neighborhood -- but in just five days.
Online sales account for 93% of movie profits and more than 600 movie theaters are already sold out. Get your tickets early and arrive likewise if you want to be the first to see the Autobots slug it out with the Deceptacons!
Story taken from http://mobile.reuters.com; photo from http://images.google.com
Romans 12:1,2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What does God say about being Transformed?
Like the Deceptacons in the movie Transformers, there are many things in this world that can deceive us and take our eyes off the prize of following Christ. Many things in this world offer false promises and don't always appear what they claim to be.
Most of the commercials today say that we are missing something and if we only purchase their product our lives will be transformed - toothpaste that will make us attractive or a deodorant that will attract the opposite sex like a magnet.
While most of these ads focus on the perfection of the physical world around us God cares more about our minds. He wants our minds to be transformed. If our minds are renewed daily in Christ then we can come much closer to God's will for us and surely make better choices.
- Take a minute to think about what goes in your mind on a daily basis. Are you renewing your mind with God's Word or are you content to be conformed to the world's ideas?
- List 2 or 3 patterns or ideas about life that you have embraced that are more worldy ideas and not God's. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and pray for his renewal. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are reminded about the things of God and renewed.
- Talk to at least one friend about wordly assumptions, ideas or phrases (for example: there are many ways to God, just be yourself, life is good, money is everything etc...), what they mean and do they believe it.
- Use this topic naturally in your conversation and share how God has transformed your ideas about how the world works and how he has changed your perspective.
23 Jun, 2009
The President On Father's Day
Honoring our imperfect dads...
Barack Obama: "I Have Made Mistakes" as a Father
President Barack Obama penned another touching letter to his daughters, Sasha, 8, and Malia, 10, in Parade magazine.
Obama -- who recalled how his girls inspired him to run for office in a January note -- approached the magazine about writing his tribute. Says the editor in chief: "The editing didn't take long. I changed two words for grammatical reasons and added a comma or two."
An excerpt from the message, which ran on Father's Day is below:
I observe this Father's Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters' lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life.
"In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence—both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.
"We need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one.
"I know I have been an imperfect father. I know I have made mistakes. I have lost count of all the times, over the years, when the demands of work have taken me from the duties of fatherhood. There were many days out on the campaign trail when I felt like my family was a million miles away, and I knew I was missing moments of my daughters' lives that I'd never get back. It is a loss I will never fully accept.
"On this Father's Day, I think about the pledge I made to Malia the day she was born: that I would give her what I never had -- that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father."
photo & story courtesy usmagazine.com; 6/19/09
Ephesians 6:1-3
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (ESV)
How do you respond to today's God's Story scripture teaching us to honor our fathers?
Paul is quoting the Ten Commandments in this passage. Obviously, God has made it very clear that we must obey and honor our parents.
There is a difference between obeying and honoring our parents. To obey our dads, means that we do as we are told. To honor our fathers, means to love and respect them. Obeying is something that children do while living under their parents' care, but honoring parents is a responsibility for the rest of our lives.
We are never commanded to disobey God by obeying our parents to do something that is wrong. But we honor God when we honor our parents.
The word "honor" means to show respect, to revere, even to hold in awe.
Our President says he has failed at times as a dad. Perhaps your father has failed you big time. Each of us have failed our fathers many times. So whatever the mistakes have been, whether they are incredible fathers or not, we are to honor our dads.
How did you honor your dad this past Father's Day weekend? What about this next week?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He is the perfect, incredible Heavenly Father. Thank Him for being your Creator and spiritual Abba (daddy)! Thank Him for your earthly father. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you obey and honor your dad, not just on Father's Day weekend, but consistently. Spend a couple of minutes just praying for your dad's needs - spiritual, emotional, physical....
- Pray for your dad every day. Ask him regularly how you can pray for him?
- Honor your dad by making it a priority to regularly talk with him and listen to him with an attitude of learning from him.
- If your dad is no longer living, or you don't live with your dad, or you don't know who your dad is, write a note to your Heavenly Father to express your heart and experience His heart.
- Tell your dad "I love you" regularly.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Share today's DAILYBIDE with some friends as a way to encourage them in their relationships with their fathers.
- Use today's story about the President's comments about fatherhood as a conversation starter with friends who need Jesus. Ask them about their relationship with their dad. Listen carefully. This may be a great opportunity for you to share how the Heavenly Father has changed your life story.
22 Jun, 2009
Youth Rules the U.S. Open
The 109th U.S. Open is being held at Bethpage Golf Course in Long Island New York this week. The story for most of this famous golf tournament has been the weather. Play has been cancelled twice this week due to rain.
Along with the story of weather, however, has been the story of Ricky Barnes. A good amateur player, Ricky has never won a professional event yet he is leading the U.S. Open after 3 rounds. Not only that, he set the low 2 round record at 8 under par. This has never happened in 109 years of this tournament. There are also a handful of other twenty-somethings that are close to the lead as well.
Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and many other big name golfers are lagging behind Ricky and these young hopefuls just waiting for them to faulter on the last day of this tournament. The thought is that their youth and inexperience might make them faulter in the end. That may be true, but the fact remains that so far their youthful talent has prevailed. We'll wait and see what happens in the end.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
What does God say about youth?
God doesn't hold our age against us. True, there are many things in life that come with age. There often are no shortcuts to the experiences that life affords us as we get older. However, God also expects good things from us when we are young as well.
Whether you're in elementary, middle, or high school, you can set an example for Christ. You can monitor your speech and encourage others to walk with God. Your faith and purity of life is often the example that spurs others interest in a relationship with Christ.
Like Ricky and the other young bucks in the U.S. Open, stand strong and represent your faith well.
- Pray for the strength to be an example for Christ in your home this summer.
- Be encouraging to your family (especially Dad this week!) and look for opportunities to model your faith in Christ.
- Volunteer to help out with Vacation Bible School at your local church this summer or even a community project. Don't worry about feeling too young. It is often trusting God in these small opportunities that builds our faith in Him even stronger.
19 Jun, 2009
"Mommy! Daddy Called Me Princess!"
This week our daughter, Hannah, turned 10. One of the big birthdays - double-digits now. As I look back on the last ten years, there is one special night that God used to remind me of the power of our words toward others. Allow me to share my personal journal entry from that night, when our little girl was barely two-years-old, with you today ...
"Mommy! Daddy called me Princess!"
I will never forget those words for as long as I live. Tonight, as we were reading to our kids, we changed our normal routine. Hannah didn't like the change at all. She wouldn't let me even touch her at first, as we snuggled up for story-time. Finally, she let me rub her cheek a little. After a few books we headed to brush her teeth. I had to carry her, kicking and screaming into the bathroom. The tears were really flowing by now. When we finally finished the battle of brushing teeth, she grabbed my hands to jump down from the stool, as she always does. Only this time, as she hopped down, I simply said, "Let's go, Princess!" By the time she took three steps to the door, she sprang into a gallop and said, with a sparkle in her eye, "Mommy! Daddy called me Princess!"
It was a simple affirmation, but it changed the world of a two-year-old little girl. As we climbed into bed for one last Bible story, the sparkle was still in Hannah's eyes as she smiled and said it one more time, "Daddy called me Princess!"
But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about encouraging others?
Isn't it amazing to know that the Creator of the universe has adopted us as his own and calls us his heirs, his children. He is the King of the Kingdom, we are his, therefore, we are as princes and princesses in his eyes! In our deepest, darkest moments, we can hold on to that truth and be encouraged.
We can also reach out to other followers of Christ in their times of discouragement and remind them of their place in the Kingdom.
Finally, we can share this amazing encouragement with those who aren't following Jesus, letting them know what a privilege it is to be an heir of God!
- Take some time alone today and soak in the truth that you have been adopted into God's family as one of his own.
- Thank God that you are a child of the King of kings.
- Call up a friend who follows Jesus, get together with them and talk about what it means to be a prince or princess in the Kingdom.
- Find someone today who follows Jesus, but seems a little discouraged. Share some encouraging words with them and remind them that they are a prince or princess in God's eyes.
- Find someone today who isn't following Jesus. Ask their permission to share your story and what it means to you that you are a prince or princess.
- Do something special for that same person to encourage them with your actions, and not just your words.
18 Jun, 2009
Cat Survives for a Month in a Container
Socks the cat, from a town in Scotland, was found in a metal container at an industrial site after being trapped inside for a month. Apparently Socks stayed alive by licking the condensation from the inside of the container.
Electrician Murray Ruxton said: "I was just going through some stock and I saw something out the corner of my eye shuffling about. When I realised it was a cat I knew straightaway he must be in trouble as none of us had visited the unit for at least four weeks."
Ms. Maher was overjoyed when Socks was found and was amazed that he had survived. She planned on giving him tons of TLC since he was separated from her in such a tramatic way. He weighed only 4 lbs. when found which was well under his normal weight of 8lbs.
Ms. Maher stated that "cats are remarkably resilient but to survive for over a month in those conditions it really quite amazing. We are just so happy that Socks is okay, but I hope he will be a little more cautious in the future."
Story and photo taken from http://news.bbc.co.uk
Romans 8:38,39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Like Socks, there are times when we feel abandoned and lonely. God feels so distant and life loses its color and excitement. In times like this we must remind ourselves that nothing can separate us from the the love of Christ.
Sometimes the problem is that we the love of Christ is really not our focus. We might pay lip service to God but we wander around looking for people, things, or activities to fill a void. Like Socks, our world becomes very small and we feel detached from any real meaning.
We can all feel like this at certain times in our lives. If that is how you feel now, that's ok. God is constantly seeking us out and waiting for us to put Him first. He loves us unconditionally and no matter what we've done, thought, or haven't done will separate us from His love.
- Do you feel separated or distant from God today? If so, meditate on the fact that you are God's and He is yours. Nothing can change this fact.
- Say a prayer of thanksgiving for this fact and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of this often throughout the day.
- Many people today are detached, lonely, and separated from any love at all. Share your story of feeling distant from God. Pray for them and ask God to use you to demonstrate God's love for us all.
17 Jun, 2009
Just Joking Around
David Letterman has made a living for the past 30 years telling jokes to the nation on late night tv. He has made a name for himself by pulling no punches in attacking everything and eveyone in the name of comedy.
On Monday night he apologized to Sarah Palin and the nation for making sexually charged jokes about her daughter. Letterman stood in front of the nation and said this:
"I told a joke that was beyond flawed, and my intent is completely meaningless compared to the perception of the joke by viewers. And since it was a joke I told, I feel that I need to do the right thing here and apologize for having told that joke."
Not only did David Letterman take responsibility for saying the joke but he took responsibility for the perception that others might have of the joke.
Photo taken from google.com. Story taken from reuters.com.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do 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 God say about telling jokes?
Like David Letterman I love telling jokes and joking around with others. Laughter is a key ingredient toward a healthy lifestyle. After reading this passage what are we to think? Does God not want us to joke around? I think not.
What I believe God is saying here is that we must always consider others in our joking around. There is a fine line between laughing with someone and laughing at them. Comedy is "always" walking that fine line. That is the nature of it and what makes funny people truly funny.
However, as Christians, we must think about the outcome of our joke telling. Does our sarcasm make others laugh or does it make them angry? Does our goofy mocking bring joy to the mocked or do they get depressed? The list goes on an on. I think you get the point.
This is a constant struggle for me since laughter is so entwined in my identity. I teach high school and I know it is wrapped up in the identity of teenagers. People like people who are funny and we often will spare no expense to make others laugh. A celebrity like David Letterman does that everyday but even he realized there was a line and that he had crossed it. As Christians, we must do the same even when there isn't a nation watching us.
- As God to show you areas in your life that the joke has taken priority over building others up and ask His forgiveness.
- Memorize Ephesians 4:29 and continue to be funny but with the help of Christ.
- Consider some people you might have had some "unwholesome" conversation toward and ask their forgiveness.
16 Jun, 2009
Don't sleep on it!
How are you investing in your future?
Woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattresssearch for million dollar mattress
JERUSALEM - An Israeli woman mistakenly threw out a mattress with $1 million inside, setting off a frantic search through tons of garbage at a number of landfill sites, Israeli media reported Wednesday.
The woman told Army Radio that she bought her elderly mother a new mattress as a surprise on Monday and threw out the old one, only to discover that her mother had hidden her life savings inside. She was identified only as Anat, a resident of Tel Aviv.
When she went to look for the mattress it had already been taken by garbage men, she said. Subsequent searches at three different landfill sites turned up nothing.
Yitzhak Borba, the dump manager, told the radio station that his staff was helping the woman, saying she appeared "totally desperate." He said the mattress was hard to find among the 2,500 tons of garbage arriving at the site every day.
He said he increased security at the site to keep would-be treasure hunters at bay.
For her part, Anat said it could be worse. "People have to take everything in proportion and thank God for the good and the bad," she said.
photo and story courtesy AP, June 10, 2009
Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT)
The Parable of the Talents
14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about using what we have been given by God?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
25:15 The master divided the money among his servants according to their abilities. No one received more or less than he could handle. If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. Failure would indicate only laziness or hatred toward the master. The bags of silver represent any kind of resource we are given. God gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have.
25:24-30 This last man was thinking only of himself. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard master, but he was judged for his self-centeredness. We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God truly is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities, and money aren't ours in the first place - we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished.
In today's story, the woman who hid $1million in her mattress knows what it means to "use it or lose it"! She is trying to "thank God for the good and the bad", but can you imagine how sick she must really feel?
An even greater loss is when we waste the time, abilities and money that God gives us when we could be investing it to serve God and bring Him glory.
So, don't sleep on it! Let's wake up and use what God gives us!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our story?
- Make a written list of how much time you invest in serving God through serving others every week....how you are using your abilities to serve God every week....how much of your money you are giving directly to God's work every week. Let God's Spirit help you evaluate whether or not you are being obedient to God's instruction for you to invest in His Kingdom rather than yourself. Let Jesus help you make the necessary changes.
- Put a dollar bill under your mattress every day for one month and ask God to show you how to use it to honor Him. After 30 days, (if no one has thrown out your mattress) invest the $30 in whatever way God shows you.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Think of someone in your storysphere who is interested in your story and or God's Story. Show, tell, or send him or her today's story about the woman losing the $1 Million in her junked mattress. Talk about what it must feel like to lose this kind of money. Ask your friend how he or she feels they are investing their "treasures"? Share how you plan to invest yours in God's economy.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for study and discussion with your small group or youth group.
15 Jun, 2009
Fox Steals Shoes!
Many people in the German town of Foehren have been perplexed by the disappearance of their shoes. Over the last few months shoes have suddenly disappeared from the outside steps of their houses.
This remained a mystery until a forest worker stumbled upon some shoes near a foxes den. After further investigation, hundreds of pairs of shoes were found. The forest worker's theory is that the fox stole the shoes for her cubs to play with.
The mother fox didn't discriminate between types of shoes either. There were men's and womens shoes and both young and old styles. Ironically, most of the shoes were in good repair with usually only the laces missing.
There are no plans to retaliate against the fox.
Story and photo taken from: http://mobile.reuters.com
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full
What does God say about stealing?
Unlike the benign story of the fox stealing shoes, we have a thief who wants to steal away our joy in the Lord. The evil one uses many tactics in attempting to take away the abundant life in Christ.
Usually the devil keeps us focused on ourselves when trying to take away our joy. As we look around, we might be constantly reminded of how weak we are or incompetent when compared to others.
The stealer of joy can also use others to discourage us and take our focus off Christ. The narrow-minded and legalistic people in our lives have a rule for everything. "Don't do this" or "don't do that." This perfectionist lifestyle often robs us of our joy.
The Bible fanatic and holier than thou group of folks also keep us flat. Phrases like "Thank God, I'm not like them" or "Turn or Burn" characterize this group of people.
While many of these groups of people are well-meaning, they have focused more on religion rather than relationship. When we feel our joy being stolen away, often we need to look at ourselves and the people around us and see if we are focusing more the religion of Christianity or our relationship with Christ.
- Assess your relationship with Christ. Has it felt more like a religion lately? If so, ask God to protect you from those that would make it a religion and focus on the relationship aspects of your faith.
- One way to do this is to talk with God throughout the day in small prhases as you would a trusted friend or family member. This takes the duty out of it and makes it more like a relationship you are used to.
- Pray for those who might be robbing you of the joy in Christ. Ask God to help you love them and look for ways to chat about the difference between religion and relationship.
12 Jun, 2009
A Brood of Snakes!
Jesus Calls Them Like He Sees Them
FREETOWN (Reuters) - Police in Sierra Leone have called in the army and fire brigade to try to take back control of a police station which has been overrun by hundreds of venomous snakes.
Snake charmers have tried in vain to lure the beasts, mostly cobras and vipers, out of Gerihun police station in the southern district of Bo. Attempts to smoke them out also failed.
Officers and residents wanting to report crimes have grown too afraid to come to the building.
"Even during work time when statements are being taken, these snakes can come out in dozens. Inhabitants have found it difficult to report cases to the police," station spokesman Brima Kota said.
Soldiers and fire fighters had been dispatched from the capital Freetown and would try to flood out the snakes, believed to number as many as 400, he said.
Story: http://mobile.reuters.com
Photo: www.images.google.com
Matthew 12:33-35 (English Standard Version)
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about a "brood of vipers?"
The phrase "brood of vipers" is used three times in the book of Matthew. Once by John the Baptist (Matt. 3), twice by Jesus (Matt. 12 & 23). Now that's a strong statement toward someone!! In today's scripture we see Jesus using this phrase right in the middle of an interaction with religious leaders accusing him of getting his power from Satan! But Jesus turns the moment toward those leaders, and begins talking about their hearts and calls them a "brood of vipers."
The Life Application Bible puts it well:
Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our heart. What kinds of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what is in your heart. You can't solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- How's your speech? Better yet ... how's your heart? Ask God to show you some areas He wants to change in your heart.
- Ask God to "fill you with new attitudes and motives" today.
- Thank God for those new attitudes and motives.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for someone today who needs God to work on their heart by giving them "new attitudes and motives."
- We need to remember it's more important that we let our friends know how much we need and depend on Jesus, than it is to tell them how much they need Jesus. Tell someone today how you need to depend on Jesus for "new attitudes and motives." Share the ways you stuggle and share the ways you've seen God answer your prayer for a change in your heart and not just your speech.
11 Jun, 2009
Millionth Word Added to English Dictionary
A US monitoring firm has declared Web 2.0 the millionth word in the English dictionary. The firm scans the internet and once a word or phrase is used 25,000 times it recognizes it as an official word in the English language. The term Web 2.0 beat out terms Jai ho, NOOB and slumdog. Traditional dictionary makers are casting doubt as to the methods of the Global Language Monitor but the fact remains that in this modern world new words are popping up all the time. We see and use words in almost every facet of our lives. TV ads, billboard signs on the highway, internet ads, talking and texting to one another, etc...
The list goes on and on. We often just accept the fact that this is the way things are without really questioning the importance of words in our lives. Surely, many words that cross our ears, eyes, or fingertips are more important than others. In a world that doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon (and one that is adding more words every year), I think it is important that we get God's take on the concept of words.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
John 15:26-27 (NIV)
"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
What does God think about Words?
We are bombarded with words from every direction. Our parents are constantly talking to us or at us with advice on how to do this or do that. Our friends are chattering in our ear about the latest fashion or cool video on youtube. Our teachers banter on and on about this subject or that subject. Granted, many of the words we hear from these sources are important ones but at times we feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of WORDS. How do we decipher what is important and what is not?
The creator of words is God Himself. We would do well to pause and remember that the source of life is called "the Word." God has given us the Bible to communicate His purpose for us. These words are living and active. In other words, through the Holy Spirit, we are moved to look at life through God's perspective and communicate with Him on a daily basis. Knowledge of the Scriptures is not enough. Remember, historians, athiests, and even Satan himself have a knowledge of the Scriptures. It is "how" we come to the Scriptures that will make all the difference. We should come to the Bible as a child comes to his father asking the Spirit of God to guide us in this process. This simple exercise will often open our minds and heart to begin to walk in godly ways. When we are tempted or unsure what steps to take, a nudging of the Holy Spirit will often remind us of a passage that could very well give us clarity in world full of confusing "words."
- Make an effort to read your Bible everyday this week. Try and focus on a particular section such as the Sermon on the Mount, Romans 1, etc... and ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Memorize a short section (maybe one or two verses) that were particularly meaningful to you.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in sharing with a friend how a passage of scripture has given you guidance or comfort in a particular way (this can often be a non-threatening way to spark the curiosity of a non-believing friend about your faith).
10 Jun, 2009
TORNADO!
Bad weather has dominated the news in many states this week. In Aurora, Co at least 5 tornadoes touched down including one that shutdown a mall. Along with the tornado came baseball size hail and debris sprawled out over an 8-10 mile path. Just the name "tornado" strikes fear in most people. Visions of Dorothy and Toto being swept away in the Wizard of Oz, and the sheer visual image of doom that they possess are terrifyng. Tornadoes can appear instantly and tear through towns leaving them devastated. Many people have lost their lives and those who were lucky to survive often have had to completely start over. Where do tornadoes come from? Tornadoes have been researched for over 140 years but there are still aspects of them that remain a mystery. Because scientists do not know the exact mechanisms of how tornadoes form, they are extremely hard to predict. What is known for sure is that a tornado is extremely dangerous and taking shelter in a basement or under a table or staircase is your best defense. These precautions are helpful but not very comforting when a tornado hits.
story and photo from: http://news.yahoo.com and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado
Matthew 16:3 (NIV)
'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Luke 8:25 (NIV)
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
What does God say about Tornadoes?
Like tornadoes, life can sneak up on us bringing all sorts of worry and fear. Parents who do not understand you. Friends who judge you. Failure at school. You can't find a job. Your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks up with you. And even more serious stuff like the loss of a friend or loved one. or an illness that was not expected. Life comes at us relentlessly sometimes and in all different directions. And in all that, God does not promise us that He will take it all away. He tells us that there will be storms and that often we will not even be able to see them coming. What He does demonstrate for us is that He is in charge of it all. He does have the power to calm the winds and waves of life. The question is: Do we believe He can? Jesus calmed the storm amidst the disciples and then asked them where their faith was. We must be careful in interpreting this as God only acting in our behalf if we have faith. For surely God pursues us and works in our lives even when we have our backs turned to Him. But His desire is for us to always look to Him in the good and the bad that life brings us. It is God's job to take care of us. It is our job to work out our salvation by placing our trust in Him.
- What storm are you in the midst of now?
- In the midst of your storm, acknowlege God as having the power to see you through it. Look to Him for answers before you rely on your methods or the methods of others.
-
Think about 1 or 2 people in your life that a "tornado like" storm is hitting. Pray for them everyday this week (that God would calm their storm and that you might be used in that purpose).
9 Jun, 2009
Beauty Pageant
Over a 10-week period this summer, nearly 200 young Saudi women are auditioning for a beauty pageant, but one called "Miss Beautiful Morals," in which physical attractiveness is irrelevant, replaced by judging of the ladies' observance of traditional Saudi values, especially the honoring of their mothers.
Saudi Arabia does have pageants devoted to physical beauty, as reported in News of the Weird in 2007 and 2008, but those are contests for camels and goats, based on such criteria as (according to one camel breeder) "big eyes, long lashes and a long neck."
[Indianapolis Star-AP, 5-7-09]
Proverbs 31:10,30 [NIV]
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
What does God's Story teach us about women of true beauty?
Today's story is refreshing to see in a world that pushes young women to always look their best, be slimmer and wear all of the right styles...which don't exactly fall into the "modest" category.
God's Word supports such a "beauty pageant". Proverbs 31 focuses on a woman of noble character. If you read it in its entirety, you will find what God defines as a beautiful woman. A few of the "criteria" for judging in His pageant would be:
- Hard working from early in the morning until late at night
- Strength
- Concern for the poor and the needy
- Prepared
- Dignified
- Wise
- Good advisor
- Respected
- Noble
- Godly
Wow...who wouldn't want a friend, a wife or a mom like that!?! Yet, we so easily find ourselves honoring those who are beautiful on the outside...and striving to be beautiful on the outside ourselves.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story?
- If you are a female in today's world...concentrate on the list that Proverbs 31 teaches us. This doesn't mean that it is wrong to dress nice and look pretty. It just means that this is not your main concern. Instead your main concern becomes modesty, integrity, Godliness, wisdom, honesty, kindness, compassion...and then you trust that God (IF His will is for you to be married) will bring the right man into your life...not because you were skinny, wore revealing clothes or had just the right make up...but because he saw that you were a beautiful person.
- If you are a young man growing up in today's world...God's Word call you to resist the temptations of this world, seek purity and not look lustfully at your sisters. If you will commit to honoring God's definition of a beautiful woman, it will help the ladies around you be just that. And remember, God tells us that finding such a young woman is worth more than rubies!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story?
- Share today's story with a female friend of yours...ask her if she would rather be judged by what's on the outside or what's on the inside. This ought to start an interesting conversation!
- Ask her if she feels pressure to look just a certain way...and then share with her what you are pursuing and why.
- Be sure to let her know that there is a heavenly Father who loves her and thinks she is the most beautiful daughter in the world just the way she is...and that any of the "ugly" stuff can be forgiven just by asking Him.
8 Jun, 2009
90 Year Old Woman Finally Earns High School Diploma!
It is that time of the year again - Graduation! High school and college students all over the country are walking on stage to accept their diploma's after 16 or so years of sitting in class and taking tests. It is their ticket to explore the world before them and figure out what direction their future will take.
Well, how about walking that stage at ripe old age of 90! That's exactly what happended to Eleanor Benz from Lakeview, Illinois. Eleanor left high school in 1936 during her senior year to a job to help make ends meet for her family during the Gread Depression.
Over the course of the next few decades, Eleanor attended night school for typing and bookeeping, raised 15 children, 54 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. A life well lived, in my humble opinion.
Even after raising and nuturing so many children and grandchildren, Eleanor always felt disappointed that she never finished high school. She contacted her former high school and after reviewing the classes she had taken and the quality of her life, awarded her a high school diploma. At her 90th birthday party, friends and relatives presented her a cap and gown with the year 1936 engraved on the tassel.
What does God say about perseverance?
Read: Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
As Christians, life will not always be easy. We will not always get the best job, go to the best schools, or be liked by everyone around us. But God will always be with us and desires that we be near to Him. God has given us the Holy Spirit who will comfort and guide us that we might grow in patience, persevereance and love. These are vital qualities of the Christian.
As we see in Eleanor's life, it is never too late to accomplish important things in life. We also learn that our lives may not take the exact path that we intended. It is never too late to persevere. It is never too late to trust God. And it is never to late to love. How endearing it is to see a 90 year old woman persevere with all her children and grandchildren during tough times and then finally receive here diploma much later in life. God is never predictable.
-
What circumstances in your life have not worked out the way you thought they would?
-
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you perseverance and a fresh perspective on your situation.
-
Encourage a friend or family member who has been dealt a bad hand and pray for them.
-
Ask God to identify some positive and specific steps to help them and their situation.
5 Jun, 2009
"One Who Is Wise Is Cautious ..."
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A miniature train that derailed and injured 22 people at the Louisville Zoo underwent daily inspections and passed a state examination in January, safety officials said Tuesday.
The zoo reopened at its normal time Tuesday morning while state investigators in charge of amusement rides worked to figure out why the train derailed Monday on ground-level tracks in a bend behind the gorilla exhibit. The train ride, which loops two miles around the zoo, remained closed.
One child, a 21-month-old girl, was critically injured when three open-air cars and the engine fell off the tracks. She was upgraded to serious condition on Tuesday, said Brian Rublein, a spokesman for Kosair Children's Hospital.
A 2-month-old boy remained hospitalized in good condition Tuesday evening, Rublein said.
Ted Sloan, a spokesman for the Kentucky Agriculture Department, told WLKY-TV the driver of the train was 18 years old, which is the minimum age for ride operators under a new state law governing amusement rides.
Two recent zoo visitors said they believe the train travels too fast.
Adam Galasso, 25, told The Courier-Journal that he, his wife and their 2-year-old rode the train Sunday for the first time. He said his wife almost lost her balance on one of the curves and came close to falling out of the train's open sides because the train was going so fast.
Zoo member Rod Mitchell said his 4-year-old daughter loves the zoo and the train ride. But he told the newspaper that he's noticed the train going at speeds he felt were too fast several times during the past few months and has complained.
"This could have definitely been avoided," Mitchell said. "It scared me to death."
The zoo said Monday that the train travels at an average speed of 12 miles per hour.
Inspectors from the Agriculture Department returned to the zoo Tuesday to continue investigating, Sloan said.
Zoo officials allowed the media to take photos and video about 20 feet from the derailment site Tuesday, but officials did not answer any questions.
Sloan said the ride operator must test and inspect the ride daily and that an inspection took place on Monday before the zoo opened for the day. The ride also passed an inspection on Jan. 22, before opening for the season and had received no prior complaints, Sloan said.
Bussabarger said in an e-mail Tuesday night that drivers use a 35-point pre-trip checklist to inspect the train daily, including a check of items such as the wheels, brake pads, cables between cars, brake controls and any fluid leak. Each week, the zoo's maintenance staff goes over an 18-point checklist on the train, she said.
Maintenance staffers also inspect the track at least once a month, and under state law, the Agriculture Department must inspect annually, with random inspections authorized, Bussabarger said. She said the zoo uses an internal certification process for train drivers.
The zoo said the attraction has been around for about 40 years, but the train that derailed was bought in 2000.
Officials said there were about 30 people on board when the train derailed.
Story and Photo found at www.news.yahoo.com.
15 The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil,
but a fool is reckless and careless.
17A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
and a man of evil devices is hated.
What does today's God's Story Scripture teach us about being reckless and careless?
Have you ever felt like your life was out of control? In those times who was "driving the train?" Were you taking control or letting your Heavenly Father be at the wheel? In our walk with Christ, if our regular times alone with the Father are "reduced" to daily inspections, and we are still trying to drive the train our own way ... life can get pretty reckless. No inspection can determine how the person at the wheel will drive the train. We must give up control and let God direct our steps.
- Do a daily inspection of your time alone with the Father. Ask yourself if those times are just "going through the motions" or if they are sincere expressions of your love for one another.
- Be prudent in your decisions this weekend.
- Show wisdom by being cautious and turn away from any appearance of evil.
- Beware of having a quick temper when something happens that would normally make you angry.
- Do you know a follower of Christ who is living out of control? Find some time to meet with them to talk about today's story.
- Ask others in your life to keep reminding you to give up your control and to allow Jesus to drive the train.
4 Jun, 2009
Bigger Does Not Mean Better
I love roller coasters! The rush of the wind in your face as you descend 70 mph is thrilling. Many people rush all over the country trying to find the biggest and fastest roller coaster to satisy their need for speed.
According to Brendan Walker, who actually works for a Thrill Laboratory, "roller coaster one-upmanship is something of a tradition in the amusement park industry, with rides sometimes designed seemingly with headlines as much in mind as effective frights and thrills."
These roller coaster rides are also metaphors for our lives that are often filled with many ups and downs and unexpected turns in the road. We continually seek something that will top the next thrill and hopefully deaden the pain of the realities of life.
"A release from that metaphoriacal roller coaster, is, of course, a fundamental part of the appeal of the real thing" says Mr. Walker.
But he adds: "When you get into these coaster wars, you don't always end up with a good ride."
story taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/
However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
What does God think about Thrill Rides?
Although the disciples didn't have roller coasters to get their thrills, Christ provided many opportunities for an adrenaline rush. It must have been thrilling to watch Christ teach and heal the sick. Add to that the fact that Christ gave the disciples the power to cast out demons and heal the sick.
Along with this rush of power it was easy for the disciples to lose perspective. Christ quickly settles that by acknowledging the power He gave them but telling them to be more excited about being a child of God.
How easy it is for any of us to seek one thrill after another so we can combat the ups and downs of life and avoid being bored. Christ says the ultimate thrill is to have our names written in heaven and that should be way more exciting than anything here on earth.
- What are the activities in your life that you seek thrills?
- Do you find yourself addicted more to the thrill of the next best thing?
- Thank God that your name is written in heaven each day this week and ask the Holy Spirit to make Christ the ultimate adrenaline rush.
- Think about some friends or family members who appear to be always looking for that next exciting moment (concert, movie, event, etc...) to fill that void, and look for ways to share Christ and life in Him as the ultimate ride!
3 Jun, 2009
Talk to the Hand!
The greatest basketball player of today's generation walked off the court dejected after his teams loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. That loss knocked Lebron's Cavaliers out of the playoffs. Although it was a little shocking that the team with the leagues best record lost the series, it was even more shocking how its 'bigger than life star' handled defeat. King James looked more like a pouting Prince after the loss. It is customary that players will shake hands at the end of a contest in a display of good sportsmanship. Lebron James walked off the court in silence.
“It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them,” James said Sunday after the team returned to Cleveland. “I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor.”
Lebron stated that he was not being a poor sport but his actions beg the question - "What is sportsmanship?" Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. This way they honor each other and the game they play whether they win or lose. We could easily extend this line of thinking to other areas of life: games, grades, and other activities.
Show proper respect to everyone.
Philippians 2:3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Showing sportsmanship is just one way the Christian honors and respects others. One can compete by the rules and play hard (thus honoring the game) in any athletic endeavor. In fact, it is the only way to play and derive satisfaction out of any game. No one wants to play a game that the other team or players is disinterested in or a game that the other team or players cheats to win. After the contest (and during) it is important to show respect to the other team whether in victory or defeat.
- Think of a time that you were not very sportsmanlike and ask God's forgiveness.
- Think about how you could of acted differently and pray for the strength to do so.
- Find a friend that has beaten you in some competition and congratulate them for their effort.
- If you can't find someone you have competed with, encourage someone who has succeeded where you might not have in any endeavor.
2 Jun, 2009
Dangerous Rescue
Thai 'Spider-Man' to the rescue
The child was persuaded off the ledge by his favorite superhero.
An unusual disguise has helped a Bangkok fireman rescue an eight-year-old boy who had climbed on to a third-floor window ledge, Thai police say.
The firefighter dressed up as the comic book superhero Spider-Man in order to coax the boy, who is autistic, from his dangerous perch.
Police said teachers had alerted the fire station after the boy began crying and climbed out of a classroom window.
It was reportedly his first day at the special needs school.
Efforts by the teachers to persuade the pupil to come back inside had failed.
But a remark by his mother about his passion for comic superheroes prompted fireman Somchai Yoosabai to rush back to the station, where he kept a Spider-Man costume in his locker.
The sight of Mr. Somchai dressed as Spider-Man and holding a glass of juice for him, brought a big smile to the boy's face, and he promptly threw himself into the arms of his "superhero", police said.
(To view this story, go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7961208.stm)
Galatians 1:3-5 (NIV
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Proverbs 24:11 (The Message)
Rescue the perishing;
don't hesitate to step in and help.
What does God's Story teach us about dangerous rescues?
The message for the day is simple...we have been rescued...and as a result we need to be on a mission to see others be rescued as well.
In today's story we see a brave firefighter from Thailand who was willing to go to any length to rescue an autistic boy. This boy was scared and confused. He needed a rescuer. The hero, Somchai Yoosabai, was not only willing to put on a crazy outfit to get his attention; he also volunteered to step out on a dangerous ledge in order to reach him.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story?
Scared, confused, alone and dangerously close to certain death...that was you and me before Jesus went out on a dangerous mission in order to rescue us. Praise be to His name.
As a result, we owe him every breath of every day. Our lives now are to be lived in response to His amazing rescue...so that others may be rescued as well. He has called us and sent us out on the same rescue mission. Are we willing to go to dangerous places in order to see others rescued?
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story?
For a long time Christians have been known for staying safely in their "holy huddles"...not venturing too far out into the world for fear of becoming like the world. It is true that we are not to be of the world, but we must be in the world if God is going to use us to rescue anyone. Here are a few dangerous places that God may call you to consider:
- Befriending someone who is looked at as an outcast
- Serving down at the local homeless shelter and forming relationships with those who have walked some hard journeys
- Going on a summer missions trip to a far away place
- Volunteering to be a mentor to a fatherless or hurting person who is younger than you
- Joining a city league for whatever sport you play in addition to the church league you play in...so that you can be nearer to those who need THE rescuer
- Sharing the hardest part of your story with a lost friend...now that's a dangerous place to go...but it will be worth it if it helps them trust you with their story.
Again I ask, are we willing to go to dangerous places?
1 Jun, 2009
'Leap of Faith'
Banker Joel Armstrong started his day on May 19, 2009 in a very unusual way. Atop his two-story bank building were 12 recently hatched ducklings. Their mother was on the ground beckoning them to come down so they could make their first trip to water. Sensing the imminent peril of the ducklings if they jumped, Mr. Armstrong positioned himself like a baseball catcher ready to snatch the little furballs out of the sky. As the mother duck quacked, each duckling made their ‘leap of faith’ into the safe hands of Mr. Armstrong (now known as ‘The Duck Man’). They were then reunited with their mother where they wobbled down the street to the local canal.
story and photos courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink cried out, “Lord, save me?”
Like the ducklings trapped on top of the building we often feel abandoned and/or disillusioned with our circumstances. All we see is a cold and lonely rooftop.
Peter could relate to the ducklings predicament. They both sensed trouble and found no help until they focused their attention on a solution outside their trouble. For the ducklings, it was Mr. Armstrong. For Peter, it was Jesus’ strong and loving arms. At first, Peter was confident and self-assured. But as he took his gaze off of Christ he began to sink. It was only when Peter focused on Christ that his situation became stable.
- Think about some areas in your life that are causing you fear, confusion or lack of security.
- How have you handled these issues on your own strength? To what effect?
- Talk with Christ today about these issues and seek Him for the outcome.
- Think about a few friends who are struggling with the circumstances of their lives and share with them how God has given you a different perspective.
