11 Mar, 2010
Cutting In
CUTTING IN
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Apolo Anton Ohno was disqualified in the 500-meter short track speedskating final, apparently for causing a crash in the last turn.
Ohno crossed the finish line second behind Canada's Charles Hamelin, whose momentum spun him into the middle of the ice as the race ended.
Ohno was in last place when he tried to go inside of Canadian Francois-Louis Tremblay to move up on the final turn. The American's right leg appeared to hit Tremblay and sent him crashing into the padding.
South Korea's Sung Si-bak also went down, although it appeared he lost his balance.
After several minutes of discussion, during which Ohno skated calmly around the ice, the referees DQ'd him. He threw up his arms as if to say, "What can you do?" and smiled before leaving.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. www.espn.com
Galatians 5:7
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
What does today's story and God's Story Scripture say about getting "cut in" on?
I know, you are probably thinking, not another Olympic story in the daily bide. Two reasons I take you back to the Vancouver Olympic games, first, I keep hearing people say how much they miss watching it every night and second, the Olympics helped this verse in Galatians come alive for me recently.
I was reading it and the phrase “cut in on you” jumped out. I could picture the Olympic short track skating races I had been watching. Multiple times I saw racers “cut in on” each other to better position themselves and pull ahead. A certain degree of cutting in is expected in the sport, but go too far, as Apollo Ohno and others found out and you can be disqualified.
Close your eyes and picture one of those short track races you watched in the Olympics. Got the image? Now imagine one or more of the skaters as they cut in to the inside of the track. As they do it, they cut off someone who was up until then skating a good race. The act of cutting in has at least slowed down the other racer if not totally thrown them off their pace all together. The act of being cut in on has distracted them and ended their race.
This act of becoming distracted and losing the race is what Paul is referring to in Galatians 5. He is asking the church in Galatia how they could have let themselves be “cut in on” and thrown off pace and kept from following Jesus.
Who do you think might be cutting in on us as we seek to stay on track with Jesus?
What does today's story & God's Story say about my story?
Picture your own race of being a follower of Christ. You are running a good race and then out of nowhere someone or something cuts in your lane and suddenly you are derailed.
Who are the people or things that cut in on you and keep you from obedience to God? Its easy to see that Satan could cut in on you, but what other more subtle ways are you thrown off course?
Perhaps friends that want you to do stuff you know Jesus doesn’t want for you. Maybe a behavior that you can’t let go of. Maybe a temptation or desire that is so strong you can be running well and suddenly an opportunity cuts in and you stop following Jesus and start following that temptation.
Take a minute and think about what you allow to cut in and get your eyes off Jesus. Ask God to help you stay focused and on pace with Him.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and my story to our friends story?
• Even though the Olympics are over, talk about the speed skating races you saw with your friends. Explain how that picture of cutting in as described in Galatians is more understandable to you now since watching the Olympics.
• Once you identify what or who it is that “cuts in” on you and keeps you from following Jesus, share it with a friend. Tell them how you hope to be less distracted. Ask your friend to watch and remind you of this when you need it. Your friend will be impacted by you admitting that you aren’t perfect and that you need Jesus everyday.
10 Mar, 2010
A Little Mustard Goes a Long Way.
By Elena Ferretti
Caterer hits the big time with miniature meals.
In the movie “Fantastic Voyage,” Raquel Welch and her crew board a submarine which is miniaturized and injected into a Russian scientist who was shot by his comrades while trying to defect. In the story, both the US and the USSR possess technology that can miniaturize anything - rockets, nuclear bombs - but the American version lasts only for an hour. The defector has figured out how to extend it indefinitely, but is suffering from an inoperable blood clot, and the clock is ticking as Welch and company try to destroy it before they return to full size while still inside of him. What delicious irony.
You’d think Peter Callahan would love this movie, but he hasn’t even seen it. He’s the Philadelphia and New York-based caterer who single-handedly sparked a national trend by miniaturizing comfort food, which people happily inject into their own mouths.
“I didn’t consciously think, ‘I’m going to shrink everything in sight.’ It just happened,” says Callahan of the mini ground sirloin burger hors d’oeuvre with hand-made seeded buns that started it all. He then filled mini-cones with mini frites and turned mac and cheese into bite-size jewels. He went on to shrink the entire canon of breakfast food, even designing mini-bread pans to bake bread for tiny French toast.
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.”
6 The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!
When I was a high school student, I was given a little card with this scripture printed on it and a mustard seed glued above the scripture. I would stare at the mustard seed and get irritated with myself because the seed was so small. It was small enough it was hard to focus on. It bothered me most of all because it appeared that I had not much faith.
Just before Jesus points to the mustard seed he talks about forgiveness (not forgiving once, but numerous times). He seems to piece the two, faith and forgiveness, together. Forgiveness will be hard for you until you have enough faith to believe that God will heal the situation.
It takes faith to offer forgiveness, especially if you know you might be hurt again.
There is a question here for us. Do you have enough faith to forgive? With a little faith it is no big deal to toss a tree in a lake, yet we struggle with three words – "I forgive you."
Here are three things you can do to grow your forgiveness faith...
1. Find every instance in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of Jesus talking about forgiveness. Read them and memorize your favorite.
2. Practice saying out loud the words "I forgive you." That way your mouth knows how to say them when they are needed.
3. Ask people to forgive you when you mess up. Don't let them just say "It's alright." Let them know you need them to say those three powerful words - "I forgive you."
If you have a mustard seed to show, this is one of those parts of God's story where you can say "Hey listen to this," and people will listen because it is just wacky enough. With everyone looking at the seed, or thinking about it, you get to ask about forgiveness and how hard it can be to forgive people, as well as how much harder it gets each time they do wrong to us.
You can also talk about how much Jesus has forgiven us. You can share how Jesus said "Father forgive them" while he was hanging on the cross.
From the moment you get the mustard seed, say a prayer that Jesus will use it to open up a discussion in the future.
9 Mar, 2010
No More Pretending
Pilot with fake license arrested at airport
(Reuters) - A Swedish pilot with a fake commercial license was arrested in his cockpit at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport as he prepared to fly 101 passengers on a Boeing 737 to Turkey, Dutch police said Wednesday.The 41 year-old Swede, who was at the helm of a jet bound for Ankara, had been flying for 13 years and logged more than 10,000 flight hours using forged documents for airlines in Belgium, Britain and Italy, authorities said.
The pilot, whose name was not disclosed, was said to have expressed relief when confronted and taken off his pilot's stripes.
Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV)
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about pretending?
Jesus is talking here to the religious people of his day, and he is obviously not happy with them. They are supposed to be the ones who are providing spiritual care for those around them, but they have forgotten this and begun to focus on themselves. They begin to use religion just to make themselves look good, pretending that they have it all together.
We are reminded here that Jesus is not happy with pretenders. People who talk and act religious, while secretly holding onto their old way of life, are confused about who Jesus is and what he is all about. Instead of pretending, Jesus wants us to be open and honest about who we are, first before him, then before others.
How can we connect today’s God Story scripture to our lives?
The liberating message of the gospel is that Jesus offers us not only forgiveness of our sin but also brings us a whole new way of life. What part of your old life have you not yet surrendered to Jesus? Find freedom by releasing it to him today.
Do you find it hard to confess your sin when you mess up spiritually? Does this make you want to cover it up, pretend like you have no struggles? Remember that sin is still a part of our lives, and Jesus desires for us to be honest about it. Following Jesus is not as much about being perfect as much as it is about how we recover when we do mess up.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
As followers of Jesus, we should be concerned about the spiritual needs of others. Jesus calls us to share his message of love and forgiveness through our words and actions. Ask Jesus to help you take your eyes off yourself in order to reach out to those around you.
One of the biggest steps in leading someone to trust Jesus with their life is assuring them that they can trust you. If you have been dishonest with someone about your life, then make it right today. Your honest vulnerability will have far more impact than your efforts to pretend like you’re perfect and have it all together.
8 Mar, 2010
A Matter of Influence
JERUSALEM — Six years ago, when violence was the order of the day here, Elias Khoury’s 20-year-old son, George, was killed in a Palestinian terrorist attack. The Khourys are Palestinian, so the murder of George — who was out for a jog and shot from behind by gunmen in a car — produced an apology. Sorry, the killers said, we assumed the jogger was a Jew.
Mr. Khoury was not only disconsolate, he was appalled. A prominent Jerusalem lawyer who often fights Israeli confiscations of land from Palestinians, he considered violence a toxin corroding his nation’s core.
So in memory of George, a charismatic law student and musician, Mr. Khoury did something that shocked many in his community. He paid for the translation into Arabic of the autobiography of Israel’s most prominent author and dove, Amos Oz.
The Arabic version of the book, “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” went on sale late last month in Beirut, Lebanon, where it has received positive commentary — notably by Abdo Wazen, cultural editor of the pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat — as well as some angry reaction.
In explaining his decision, Mr. Khoury said that literature was an important bridge and that he had a specific goal in mind with this book, a point he includes in a preface to the translation.
“This book tells the history of the rebirth of the Jewish people,” he said as he sat in his law office. “We can learn from it how a people like the Jewish people emerged from the tragedy of the Holocaust and were able to reorganize themselves and build their country and become an independent people. If we can’t learn from that, we will not be able to do anything for our independence.”
Mr. Khoury is hardly a Zionist. His family’s land near Nazareth, about 750 acres, was seized by Israel “for security purposes,” he said, shortly after the creation of the state, bankrupting his family. Then, in 1975, [his father] was killed in a Palestinian terrorist attack in downtown Jerusalem when a bomb placed in a refrigerator killed 13 people. Elias Khoury was only feet away at the time.
Having lost his land to Israel and his father and son to Palestinians, Mr. Khoury is in a rare position to petition both sides to re-examine themselves. A Palestinian nationalist, fluent in Hebrew and English, Mr. Khoury said he believed that the Oz autobiography could be a vehicle to help Palestinians and other Arabs see the Jews in a different light.
Mr. Oz, who has come to know the Khoury family — Elias, his wife, Rima, and their two other children — through this project, said by telephone that their sponsorship of an Arabic translation of his book made him very emotional.“This is the right book to travel into Arabic because it contains a non-heroic rendering of the birth of Israel and a description of Israel as a Jewish refugee camp,” he said. “Elias wants to build emotional bridges between our nations, and to do that you need to let each read the narrative of the other. Reading literature is like taking you into the bedroom of the other.”
Mr. Oz noted that in the book his father recalled how, as a youth in Europe, the walls were covered in graffiti saying “Jews, go to Palestine.” Then when he got here some years later, the walls carried the message “Jews, get out of Palestine.”
Mr. Oz added, “I am very eager for Arabs to read this to realize that Israel, just like Palestine, is a refugee camp.”
Read the full text of this story at nytimes.com.
Daniel 1:8 (ESV)
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank...
Daniel 1:17-20 (ESV)
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
Daniel 2:46-48 (ESV)
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. The king answered and said to Daniel, "Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery." Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.
How should we use our influence?
In today's story above, we see a very real example of someone who is trying to "turn tragedy into triumph" by using his sorrow at the loss of his son and his influence as a wealthy lawyer to begin to bring about change in the world around him. Having lived all of his life surrounded by the violence and hatred of the conflict between Palestine and Jeruselem, losing pieces of himself to both parties in the conflict, Mr. Khoury has a unique perspective to the ongoing battle. Has he let any of this turn him into an angry, bitter militant for either side? No, instead he is using his own money and influence to try to get both sides talking to realize that they have much more in common than either party is willing to admit.
Like Mr. Khoury, Daniel and his friends refused to let themselves be defiled by their situation. They actively chose to do the work that was requested of them to the best of their ability not so that they would gain from it but so that God's glory could be revealed. It was their truthful nature, God-given wisdom and hard-working effort that got them promoted in King Nebuchadnezzar's staff, giving them great influence over the king and his kingdom. They remained faithful to God and He remained faithful to reveal Himself through them to the point that Nebuchadnezzar, the evil king of Babylon, fell on his face and declared their God to be the "God of gods and Lord of Kings."
Connecting My Story to God's Story
- What kind of influence do you have in the lives of your friends? How much do they trust you and the insights you might have into their lives?
- How do you use that influence to show your friends God's grace and mercy?
- Have you thought about your "first impressions" that you make upon people — do they speak to God's influence in your life or could it use a little work like my own does?
Connecting Today's Story, My Story and God's Story With Others
- Pray that God would help you find ways to positively influence your friends in your daily interactions.
- Look for ways to serve your friends whether that be listening (not talking) in times of crisis or surprising them with their favorite Starbucks drink during first period.
- Try to pull together a group of your friends for a community service project like serving in a soup kitchen or visiting a nursing home. Not only will they see Christ's influence in your life but it will give all of you a new perspective to a social problem plaguing our world.
5 Mar, 2010
Trophies and Medals
To one little boy in Indiana, a trophy given to him on a cold Saturday morning after a basketball game was as valuable as a Gold Medal at the Olympics. As we drove to a local church where our son, Caleb, was playing his last game of the season, he began to look forward to playing again next year. Then he proceeded to tell me that he was going to play every year until he was too old for this particular league. Not so much because he loves basketball that much, although he does like it a lot. His main motivation ... the Trophy! Which every player gets just for participating!Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
What Does God's Story Say About Going for the Prize?
We should not let anything take our eyes of the goal of our relationship with Jesus. That goal, that prize, is to know Jesus and to become like him. It's not to DO more things for him, although that comes from knowing more. We should also be deteremined, that this journey with Jesus isn't just something we are checking out. We should keep going after that prize, year after year after year. It is a life-long journery of ABIDING afterall!
Connecting My Story To God's Story
- What is taking your eyes off of the prize? Ask God to be your strength in removing those obstacles.
- Are you "just checking out" this relationship with Jesus stuff? Make a commitment to follow him all the days of your life today!
- Just as athletes have to train to go for the gold, we too must train ourselves in a lifestyle of becoming more like Jesus. Read Hebrews 12 this weekend for a great start on a training plan.
Connecting Today's Story, My Story and God's Story With Others
Do you know someone who has taken their eyes off of the prize?
- Pray for them today.
- Get in touch with them and give them some encouragement this weekend.
- Ask them how you can help them regain their focus on Jesus.
4 Mar, 2010
The Stories We Can Tell...
By LISA OLLIGES
DUQUESNE, MO. - It is a fundamental part of learning and kids spent Tuesday celebrating reading with a birthday party for Dr. Seuss, complete with special homemade party hats.
At Duquesne Elementary School there were cookies and punch for the kids, and reading done by the Cat in the Hat.
It is part of Read Across America, which is held on the birthday of Theodore Geisl, better known as Dr. Seuss.
Teachers say kids find Dr. Seuss books easy to read because of rhymes but more importantly, fun.
(Story provided by: http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12072609 )
(Picture provided by: http://mrsdereksclass.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/dr_seuss_final.jpg )
8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."
Israel has justcompleted their time of wandering through the desert. They have defeated twogreat kings and are preparing to enter the Promised Land. Before they can enterGod has them pause for a moment, for a change in leadership, anda few reminders before they enter their new home.
God tells the wholenation, "You forgot me once before. That's why you spent so much time walking around. Don't do it again." Here in this little section of Deuteronomy, God is telling hispeople remembering His law is so important you need to teach it to yourchildren and your grandchildren, then they should do the same. This message wasso important that it needed passed down. They needed to share God's law as a family.
It is doubtful thatyou are wrapping up your time wandering through a desert, but the importancethis puts on God's Story should tell us something. God wanted Israel to learnHis law and think about it, because it told the Israelites about Him. It showedthem His character and that He was a personal God who desired to connect withthem and provide for them a good life in the Promised Land.
The Bible serves thesame purpose for us. It is the best way to learn how much God loves us and howspecial we are to Him. God, through scripture, invites us into relationshipwith Him and teaches us how to love Him and other people.
The chance to know God should motivate us to not only read the Bible butto really know God's Story.
A lot ofus learned how to read using Dr. Seuss books. As a kid, I loved "The Catin the Hat." For my siblings and me, the stories, rhymes,and illustrations taught us how to use the imagination that God had givenus. Seuss' stories were the beginning of a love for reading and stories for allof us. They were our introduction into the larger worldof literature.
God'sStory in scripture is an introduction into a something larger as well. It is astarting point for learning about God, and painting vivid pictures that teachus about His love for us. One of my students wanted to start reading the Biblemore, so he started in Joshua. He sent me a message a few days later, saying "Joshuahas really cool stories." My student's imagination was at work as he sawGod's work in Joshua. These stories left the student with a desire to read moreand learn more about Joshua's God. He has been reading every day since.
The Bibleis full of great stories that touch our hearts and engage our minds. As youspend time in God's Story, you will find many stories that engage all thesenses, stories that you can share with friends, that will pique their interestand, in the midst of enjoying those stories, they will meet a very real God wholoves them personally.
3 Mar, 2010
Pretty Camels?
Tribes Show Best Camels at Beauty Pageant
Gulf Arabs from across the region gather in a large sandy plot in Ajman to sit in for a four-hour competition, which will see the selection of the best out of 150 camels every day.
The three-day spectacle should end with the top two finalists bagging luxury cars, while a remaining eight win cash.
In an effort to preserve the Gulf Arab country's cultural legacy, the government encourages camel rearing through funding and festivals where the desert animal is paraded for beauty, and sold in auctions.
The festival also serves as a meeting point for the country's tribes, residing in the rural parts of the United Arab Emirates. Tribesmen are paid by the government to rear camels and preserve a pure lineage of the country's breeds.
"The UAE's heritage is linked to camels and this festival emphasizes this. Traditions and customs lie in maintaining our history," said Saeed al-Aameri, who owns a large camel farm and is a participant in the pageant.
The camels are judged on different criteria, depending on the breed. The body is divided into five sections, with 20 points each, to mark beauty and elegance.
After the prettiest camels are selected, based on the length of neck, curve of the humps, structure of the body, height and general appearance, the camels' owners are sworn in to vouch for purity of lineage and proprietorship.
Story and picture coutesy of reuters.com
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
What does God's Story teach us about valuing others?
Samuel was given a project. It was a project assigned by God himself, and the future of the nation of Israel would depend on its success. What was his project? To locate the next king that God had chosen for his people. Now Samuel had certain ideas in mind about what a king should look like, and yet God’s ideas were different, for he uses different criteria.
Just like the camel owners in this story, who, unlike you and me, are somehow able to find “beauty” in a camel, God looks at people differently than you and me. This was the same lesson that Samuel learned on his journey to find a king: though we tend to judge people by outward criteria, God judges by the inward criteria of the heart.
How can we connect today’s God Story scripture to our lives?
If God looks at the hearts of people, rather than their outward appearance, this is also true of how he looks at each of us. What do we use in our lives to determine our value and worth? Is our view of ourselves determined by what others say or think about us, or does our view of ourselves come from what God says about us?
The Bible says that those who have put their faith in Jesus and trusted in him to forgive their sin have been restored to a relationship with God. When this happens, our hearts are washed clean and we are fully accepted by God. Though there are parts of us that we may not like or wish we could change, and though there may be others who reject us for all kinds of outward reasons, we are always accepted by God.
How can we connect today’s story, God’s Story scripture, and our story to others?
Are there people around us who are rejected by others because they don’t fit in very well or can be annoying? Though others may reject them, we must remember that God loves them just as much as he loves us and desires to be in a relationship with them.
Ask God today to give you the eyes of a camel owner, looking past the outward appearances of those around you in order to love them for who God has made them. In doing this, every day will become another day to crown a camel beauty queen!
2 Mar, 2010
What do you have in common with the Snow Leopard?
Ghana's "Snow Leopard" Makes Olympic Debut
Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong, the first ever Winter Olympian from the African nation of Ghana, is on the start list for Saturday's men's slalom, the final Alpine skiing event of the 2010 Olympics. Having developed an affectionate following within the sport, he has embraced the nickname "The Snow Leopard," and the uniforms of the Ghana Ski Team, of which he is the only member, have a leopard-print motif.
Out of 102 racers, Nkrumah-Acheampong starts 102nd. His goal is finish somewhere better than last.
"My expectations are to put down two good runs and make myself, my coach, and my family and fans proud," said Nkrumah-Acheampong. "Some of the racers who are on the slope who I train with know that I can ski, but for the rest of the world and the general public I need to prove myself again."
To read the full article by Nathaniel Vinton DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Saturday, February 27th 2010, go to nydailynews.com.
I Peter 2:11-12 [NIV]
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Psalm 119:19a [NIV]
I am a stranger on earth
Hebrews 11:13b [NIV]
And they (the heroes of the faith) admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
What does God's Story teach us about standing out in this world?
The simple message is woven throughout the entire Bible... a Christian's home is not of this world. We are to live as aliens and strangers. The world will say, think and do things that are foreign to us who live to please God. We should stand out. As God lives in us, we will stand out. As a result, not only will the world notice, our authentic lives will cause them to praise God.
Connecting today's story, God's Story and my story
So what do you have in common with the Snow Leopard?
- He looks like he does not belong. (His country does not even have snow!) We, too, should look like we don't belong. Your friends may swear, cheat, gossip, lie...etc...but when you simply don't do these things, you stand out...you will look like you don't belong.
- He proudly reps his homeland! He wanted to make everyone back home proud. We should also live in a way that makes our Father proud. Everyone "back home" (in heaven) is cheering us on to live good lives so that they may see our good deeds.
- He is making an impact. No, he didn't medal...but everyone has taken notice and he hopes to lead the way for other athletes from Ghana to be Olympians too. When we live in a way that causes us to stand out, people will take notice and they will Glorify God on the day He visits us.
Connecting today's story, God's Story, my story and their story
Everyone at Whistler knew without a doubt that there was an African from Ghana on the slalom course. Does everyone at your public school, your work place, your athletic team...know without a doubt that there is a Christian in the room? Are you living such good lives among them that they can't help but see your good deeds? If you truly allow God to have control of your life their story will be impacted.
The whole world watched the Olympics and now knows the home of Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong. May the whole world know of our home as well.
1 Mar, 2010
Canadians Praised for Upbeat Olymipcs
"These were excellend and very friendly Games"
VANCOUVER (AP) -- An Olympics that began with the death of a luger ended Sunday with an exuberant celebration of Canada -- reflecting a determined comeback by the host country's organizers and athletes.
A festive crowd of 60,000 jammed into BC Place Stadium for the closing ceremony, many of them Canadians abuzz over the overtime victory by their men's hockey team earlier in the day to give the host nation a Winter Olympics record of 14 gold medals.
The gaiety -- capped by a boisterous rock concert -- contrasted sharply with the moment of silence at the opening ceremony Feb. 12 for Nodar Kumaritashvili, the 21-year-old luger killed in a horrific training-run crash on the sliding track in Whistler just hours before that ceremony.
The speakers of honor on Sunday, chief Vancouver organizer John Furlong and International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, each paid tribute to the young athlete.
"We are so sorry for your loss," Furlong said, addressing himself to the nation of Georgia. "May the legacy of your favorite son never be forgotten and serve to inspire youth everywhere to be champions in life."
Furlong then shifted to a more upbeat tone.
"I believe Canadians tonight are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected to each other than ever before," he said.
I Cor. 9:24-25
“You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.”
It has been a great two weeks of watching some of the greatest athletes in the world compete in the Olympics. We have learned their stories and watched them perform to the best of their abilities. Sometimes their best was enough to win a medal and sometimes their best wasn’t quite medal winning. There is no doubt these athletes train hard, sacrifice much, and compete to get the prize.
The passage above tells us that each of us who follow Jesus are also in a race that requires extensive training. Our race is to live the abundant life that God supplies us with and to help other’s realize how deeply they are loved by God. While a gold medal from the Olympics is very valuable, our prize has infinite value; eternity with Jesus.
Are you living in the joy of knowing Jesus loves you and following His word? Let the reward of living with Jesus forever keep you motivated to stay in the race and share the Gospel with others.
Talk with your friends about the competitions you have seen in the Olympics recently. Ask them if they would ever want to do all the training it takes to be an Olympian.
During your discussions see if there is an opportunity to talk about the most important prize in your life; eternity with God.
26 Feb, 2010
Making Peace!
Kramer, Coach Make Peace After Mistake Cost Them Gold.
Sven Kramer and his coach Gerard Kemkers have talked over their parts in the most embarrassing blunder in Olympic speedskating and agreed to get on with business.
Kemkers took the blame for directing Kramer into the wrong lane in Tuesday night's 10,000 meters, a move that got the world champion and overwhelming favorite disqualified despite finishing with the fastest time.
But Kemkers's job is safe.
"The past years were simply too good to drop someone just like that," Kramer said.
Back at training Wednesday in Richmond, B.C., Kramer was focusing on Kemkers's positive contributions to his career: "Three times world champion, four times European champion, so many World Cups and Olympic gold in the 5,000 meters."
The disqualification was shocking enough for occasional viewers in Vancouver. In the Netherlands, where the sport is like a national institution, the unprecedented mistake from such an experienced and successful combination has dumbfounded fans and critics.
"It happened. It is done with. It is terrible," Kramer said. "The medal is in South Korea and we will never get it back."
Story and Photo http://news.google.com.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT)
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
What does God's Story have to say about Forgiving Others?
Jesus gives a startling warning about forgiveness: If we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Why? Because when we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. It is easy to ask God for forgiveness but difficult to grant it to others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask, Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me? (Life Application Study Bible)
Connecting My Story To God's Story
- Ask God to reveal any area of your life in which you haven't sought His forgiveness.
- Accept the forgiveness that God has offered you.
- Thank God for His forgiveness!
Connecting Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others
- Is there someone you still need to forgive? Communicate that forgiveness to them sometime this weekend.
- If you hear the story of Kramer and his coach while watching the Olympics, ask whoever you are with how they would have reacted.
- Do you have friends who are finding it hard to forgive one another? Talk with each of them about today's God's Story Scripture and walk with them down the path of forgiving one another.
25 Feb, 2010
Finding our way back
Millions of Unemployed Face Years Without Jobs
Even as the American economy shows tentative signs of a rebound, the human toll of the recession continues to mount, with millions of Americans remaining out of work, out of savings and nearing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Economists fear that the nascent recovery will leave more people behind than in past recessions, failing to create jobs in sufficient numbers to absorb the record-setting ranks of the long-term unemployed.
Call them the new poor: people long accustomed to the comforts of middle-class life who are now relying on public assistance for the first time in their lives — potentially for years to come.
Here in Southern California, Jean Eisen has been without work since she lost her job selling beauty salon equipment more than two years ago. In the several months she has endured with neither a paycheck nor an unemployment check, she has relied on local food banks for her groceries.
She has learned to live without the prescription medications she is supposed to take for high blood pressure and cholesterol. She has become effusively religious — an unexpected turn for this onetime standup comic with X-rated material — finding in Christianity her only form of health insurance.
“I pray for healing,” says Ms. Eisen, 57. “When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got to go with what you know.”
Warm, outgoing and prone to the positive, Ms. Eisen has worked much of her life. Now, she is one of 6.3 million Americans who have been unemployed for six months or longer, the largest number since the government began keeping track in 1948.
Twice, Ms. Eisen exhausted her unemployment benefits before her check was restored by a federal extension. Last week, her check ran out again. She and her husband now settle their bills with only his $1,595 monthly disability check. The rent on their apartment is $1,380.
“We’re looking at the very real possibility of being homeless,” she said.
Every downturn pushes some people out of the middle class before the economy resumes expanding. Most recover. Many prosper. But some economists worry that this time could be different. An unusual constellation of forces — some embedded in the modern-day economy, others unique to this wrenching recession — might make it especially difficult for those out of work to find their way back to their middle-class lives.
Story & photo courtesy of — The New York Times.
Micah 6:8 (NASB)
He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Clearly the economic situation in the United States is continuing to look grim for people like Jean Eisen. Certainly there are people just like her in your community, hard working people that have maintained a comfortable middle class lifestyle for years that are now faced with the overwhelming stress of significant, unplanned changes in their lives. It's one thing to prayerfully decide to change your lifestyle to follow a dream or calling, and it's quite another to be a victim of a volatile economic downturn. Can you imagine the stress and feelings of shattered self esteem people like Jean are experiencing?
Maybe our comfort to people like Jean Eisen isn't found in the classified ads, but in the book of Micah. Maybe the most important goal isn't reacquiring the comforts of a middle class lifestyle, maybe it's readjusting where we are "finding our way back" to what really matters most. Maybe God wants us to desire to live humbly more than to live comfortably.
Think about it, is comfort a word you associate with the life of Jesus? Was the church in the book of Acts teaching people to aim their lives in the direction of comfort or the cross?
So may we all commit to thinking more about "finding our way back" to the Kingdom of God, rather than the comforts and conveniences of the "American Dream".
- In what ways do you value the "American Dream" over the values of the Kingdom of God?
- How "humbly" do you think God's people ought to be living? Take a look at your life and think about where your "comforts" are keeping you from serving or following Jesus.
Invite a friend who's been adversely affected by the economic downturn over for dinner and talk with them about how they've been dealing with the changes they've had to make in their lives.
24 Feb, 2010
I'd Like that Surprise
Woman Finds Unclaimed Insurance Check From 1978
An 85-year-old South Florida woman who went looking for a photo of her ex-husband says she found a $17,500 insurance claim check from 1978 instead. Barbara Cosgrove found the check, dated January 23, 1978, in an unopened envelope inside a nightstand drawer at her Lauderhill home. She said she doesn't know why she hadn't found the check sooner and had looked inside the drawer "a thousand times" before the discovery.
Story Provided by: wcbstv.com.
Matthew 13:44-46 (The Message)
"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic – what a find! – and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
"Or God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about the significance of the Kingdom?
This parable (story) that Jesus tells comes in the midst of several other tales. Each story paints a picture of what God's kingdom is like. They give insight into how God is moving in our world and how easy it can be to miss the work He is doing.
These two short parables show us just how important the Kingdom of God should be to our hearts. Is there anything so important to you that you would sell everything to make sure you got it? Or what would you have to find while walking in the woods to convince you to sell all you owned to buy the acres of land? That scratches the surface of how important God's Kingdom should be to us.
How can we connect today's God's Story Scripture to our live?
Recently my students and I watched some clips from the movie Finding Nemo. Of all the clips we watched, the one that stuck out in my mind was the one that takes place in the dentist's office. If you don't remember the scene, this is a good excuse to go watch the movie. In this segment, a Pelican lands on the office window sill. The bird begins telling the exploits of Nemo's father. The look on Nemo's face is what gets me. He is in complete awe of what his father has done to get him back. It paints a visual picture of how we should respond to hearing about what God does for us and how He has sought after you and me.
Just like in today's parables, God and His Kingdom are something to get excited about and that excitement should show to everyone we know. In some ways it should be a look on our face.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
I asked a student if they notice a difference at their lunch table when everyone is in an okay mood, then someone in a bad mood sits down. Does the attitude of everyone at the table change? Yes, it does. It is easy to be drawn into the emotions of the people around us.
The question becomes how would you alter your lunch table if you wore excitement for God in your attitude. Would that be contagious? Would people want to be around you? Yes. We like being around positive people. We like being around people who are genuinely excited.
Can you be that person? Will you ask Jesus to make you that person? Be the difference maker, not the one whose attitude is changed by someone else's bad mood.
23 Feb, 2010
Signs of Heart Trouble
Would you know if your heart was in trouble?
When Eugenie Smith's hands started tingling, she figured her biking gloves needed more padding. When she felt out of breath after a short walk on a treadmill, she assumed it was pneumonia. When her chest hurt, Smith chalked it up to indigestion.
She was wrong, wrong, wrong.
Smith was actually having a heart attack and needed three stents. She was 46 at the time and in otherwise perfect health.
While it may sound odd to miss the signs of something as monumental as a heart attack, cardiologists say they see it quite often.
It happens "ALL THE TIME!!!" Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield, an interventional cardiologist, wrote in an e-mail. "Every week. Seriously."
Rosenfield says a "Hollywood heart attack" — the kind where you collapse to the ground clutching your chest — is the exception, not the rule. "We need to do a better job of letting people know what are all of the types of symptoms that can indicate a heart attack," he says.
Smith couldn't agree more. Looking back at her heart attack eight years ago, she now sees she had symptoms for six months and missed them. "My message to everyone is simple: If your symptoms are frequent do not hesitate. Have them checked before it is too late," she says.
By Elizabeth Cohen, February 18, 201o. To see the full article, go to cnn.com.
Proverbs 4:23 [NIV]
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Matthew 12:34b [NIV]
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Isaiah 65:14a [NIV]
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts
Philippians 4:7a [NIV]
And the peace of God... will guard your hearts...
I Peter 1:22b [NIV]
...love one another deeply, from the heart.
Proverbs 13:12a [NIV]
Hope deferred makes the heart sick...
How does God's Story help us do a thorough check up on our heart?
We are told in God's Story that our hearts are a critical part of our walk with Christ.
Love...
Peace...
Joy...
Hope...
These are just a few of those critical indicators of a healthy heart.
Connecting today's story and God's Story with my story
God's Word also tells us that it is out of the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. Are the words that spill out of your heart loving, joyful and full of peace? If so... GREAT! If not, maybe those are some signs of an unhealthy heart. Are you depressed and without hope right now? That also is a "red flag" that you don't want to ignore.
In today's article, this heart attack victim warns us, "If your symptoms are frequent, do not hesitate. Have them checked before it is too late. This is where the Body of Christ can be so incredible! If you can see some signs of a heart that is at risk, go to a Christian brother or sister and share with them. Have them pray for you and then check on you regularly. Then, seek God on your own and ask the Holy Spirit to minister to you. He will provide the hope, peace, joy and love that have been missing.
Can you see a friend whose heart is in danger?
Think of a brother or sister in Christ who has not been joyful lately or is without hope or has said some unloving words recently. Pray for them. There likely is a reason these "symptoms" are showing themselves. It probably goes back to a heart that is at risk for some reason. After praying, go and talk with them but plan on doing more listening than speaking. Ask God to use you to encourage them and refresh their hearts.
22 Feb, 2010
Give Up Your iPod for Lent?
LONDON (Reuters) — British church leaders are encouraging people to give up their iPods for Lent, instead of more traditional vices such as chocolate, to help save the planet.
The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, are among those calling for a carbon fast for Lent — a period ahead of Easter which Christians traditionally consider a time of penance and reflection — which begins on Wednesday.
As well as spending a day without using technology such as mobile phones or iPods, the 46 daily suggestions also include eating by candlelight, cutting meat and vegetables thinner so they cook faster and flushing the toilet less often.
"Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent, why not fast for justice... to help those suffering from the effects of climate change," said Jones.
Story and photo taken from: reuters.com.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
As those who believe in Christ prepare to celebrate His resurrection, many plan on giving up or stop doing a certain thing they enjoy until Easter(giving something up for lent). While I think this could be a great spiritual discipline, we must ask ourselves why we are doing it?
If we do it because we think we will earn points with God, receive recognition from others or because we feel guilty, we might need to re-think its purpose. Any spiritual discipline that we undertake should be an exercise that helps us to focus more on Christ and less on ourselves. Period. We don't need to broadcast it or celebrate it. Our reward is waiting for the Spirit of God to do His work within us and increase our love for Him.
Are you giving up anything to celebrate Christ's resurrection this season? If so, read the rest of Matthew 6 and humbly focus on what God is doing within you rather than what you are doing for God.
There are many people who participate in Lent and have no idea why they are doing it other than it is something that their families have always done. Pray that God would lead you into a discussion with them on why they do it and what God is teaching you.
19 Feb, 2010
A Secret Trip Up The Mountain
How did Shaun White prepare and perfect his performance that won him back-to-back Olympic Gold Metals? At his very own, private half-pipe, built by one of his sponsors, Red Bull.
Check out the link below for a short video about a trip up the mountain to see this top secret half-pipe. And be sure to catch what he has to say about the project.
FIRST LOOK: Shaun White's private pipe – Red Bull Project X: youtube.com/watch?v=e1Zoh2JC_XA&NR=1.
Photo: images.google.com.
The Transfiguration
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." 6For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." 8And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" 12And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him."
What does God's Story say about going up into the mountains?
Granted, Jesus and Shaun White are quite different. But Today's Story and today's God's Story Scripture do have some similarities. Did you catch some of the statements that Shaun White made about "his mountain" in that video? Statements about "taking the distractions away," and "exploring the boundaries of what I can do"?
Today's God's Story Scripture wasn't the only time Jesus went up the mountain to connect with his Father. It's hard to grasp the fact that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. The man of Jesus still needed to connect with the Father, just like we do. It was on the mountain, with his Father that the distractions of the world around him were dealt with. It's later where he dealt with his human boundaries and asked the Father for His will to be done. But today's passage was a little different from the rest.
In these verses we see that Jesus changed. Right before the eyes of Peter, James, and John. On this mountain they heard the voice of the Father say, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." All in prepartion for the biggest event of Jesus' time on this earth in the not so distant future from that point ... his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. As we move toward the Easter season, remember the words of the Father spoken on that private mountain ... "This is my son ... listen to him."
- Find a private place to spend some time with the Father this weekend.
- Read the rest of Gospel of Mark througout the next week.
- Imagine being one of the disciples there on that mountain with Jesus. Write down how you would have reacted to seeing and hearing all that they saw and heard.
- Talk with a friend about what their family does as we move toward Easter.
- Talk with a friend about Today's Story if Shaun White comes up in the conversation.
- Watch the Olympics with a friend and ask them how they would prepare for one of the events. Bring up Shaun White's halfpipe and talk about today's God's Story Scripture.
18 Feb, 2010
You can’t put a price on them
Estimates of Quake Damage in Haiti Increase by Billions
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last month may have caused billions of dollars more in damage than initially estimated, according to a study released Tuesday by the Inter-American Development Bank.
The study, based on a statistical analysis of data from 2,000 natural disasters over 40 years, estimates that the cost could be $7.2 billion to $13.2 billion, based on a death toll of 200,000 to 250,000.
The authors — Eduardo A. Cavallo, Andrew Powell and Oscar Becerra — note that Haiti’s economy is likely to be stunted by the earthquake for many years, citing an earlier study that shows that “even 10 years after a major disaster, the affected country growth may be some 30 percent below what growth would have been.”
The quake caused five times more deaths per million inhabitants, the bank said, than the second-ranking natural killer, the 1972 earthquake in Nicaragua. The Haiti quake will be vastly more destructive that the Asian tsunami in 2004 and the cyclone that hit Myanmar in 2008.
The astronomical figures were difficult to fathom for Haiti’s traumatized residents, but they certainly agreed that the earthquake’s damage had been profound.
“All those buildings, the cars, the collapsed houses, a lot has been lost,” said Jean Philippe Dorzin, 32, interviewed on the edge of a vast squatter camp in Port-au-Prince’s Champ de Mars, where thousands of displaced people now live within sight of the damaged National Palace and other destroyed government buildings. “One thing we’ll never recover is all the people we’ve lost. You can’t put a price on them.”
Story & photo courtesy of The New York Times.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
When God created male and female they were created "in the image of God". Of all the beauty in the universe, snow covered mountains, majestic animals, breathtaking wilderness, out of all the created order only human beings are said to be stamped with the very image of God. That's why, in the face of all the damage to the essential infrastructure in Haiti, the biggest and most costly losses are the human ones. That's also why we must make time to pray for those who are mourning in Haiti. Nothing is more difficult than grieving the loss of a loved one, a friend, a family member, someone in whom the grace, love, and image of God are most tangible. The amount of loss is historic, it has impacted more people per population size than almost any other natural disaster ever, that means that almost everyone in the country of Haiti is dealing with the loss of someone close to them.
Other than praying for those in mourning in Haiti how else can we respond? Well if there are any churches or service agencies going to do relief work in Haiti, go with them. While that's not reasonable or possible for all of us to do, we can all respond in some way. We can all do our best to see the image of God alive in our friends, family, and the people we meet. In doing so we'll truly be empowered to love our enemies, think of others before ourselves, and make known the radical love of Jesus to everyone we meet.
- How is the "image of God" visible in your life?
- Pray for those who are mourning in Haiti.
- Ask a friend how they would describe your image... you might be surprised what they say.
- Think about someone you're in a fight or feud with, what "image of God" can you see in their life? Allow that image to move you closer to reconciliation.
17 Feb, 2010
That Only Happens in Movies
Police officer saved from bullet by badge
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A police officer's badge may have saved his life when it stopped a bullet during an exchange of gunfire in North Las Vegas.
Police say the 31-year-old officer was patrolling just before 10 p.m. Saturday when he heard shots being fired in an apartment complex.
While investigating, the officer came upon a person with a gun and opened fire. The officer returned fire and was hit. But the bullet hit the badge, and the officer suffered only minor injuries.
Story provided by: komonews.com.
Ephesians 6:13-17 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about how to be ready?
Today's scripture comes out of a letter Paul writes to the church at Ephesus. Paul was writing to encourage this portion of the church. The city where this church existed was a curtain for forms of pagan worship. Paul was giving instruction to help them stay the course as they lived in the midst of a society that was doing anything but worshiping God. The people around this church had no interest in Jesus, but lots of material desires. This letter reminded them they weren't alone and that God was providing help to them.
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
Ephesus doesn't sound anything like the world we live in does it? The people around us aren't consumed by material desires? Everyone wants to know all they can about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, right? No, of course not. To make it that much more heartbreaking, they want us to chase after "material things" as well.
The world seems to desire us to be wrapped up in anything but God. That makes Paul's words important to us as well. We have to stand strong, and we have to stand our ground and take some hits, but in the end we will still be standing.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Ephesus was part of the Roman Empire, so I'm sure that as people heard these words read, they pictured the legions of Roman soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, guarding each other from attack. Sometimes our shield and our sword isn't just for us; once in a while we have to stand up and defend our friends, maybe even to battle on the spiritual front for them. Are you ready to cover a friend? Are you willing to stand firm and wield the sword of the spirit for them?
16 Feb, 2010
Torch Trivia
5 Question Quiz — Good Luck!
- Where is the torch first lit every 4 years when the torch relay begins?
- Greece
- Olympia
- The pervious host city
- At the Zippo Headquarters in Bradford, Pennsylvania
- When the torch is first lit, it is ignited by...
- an open flame that always stays lit
- a match made of a special Greek wood
- the sun
- a really sweet flame thrower
- The athlete who had the privilege of lighting the torch in the 1996 Olympics was
- Shaquille O'Neal
- Muhammad Ali
- Michael Phelps
- Drew Brees
- The youngest person to ever light the torch was
- 12
- 16
- 20
- 50
- The mode of transportation that has NOT been used for transporting the flame is
- riding on a camel
- underwater divers
- sling shot
- radio signals and laser beams
You can find all of these answers and more by searching "Olympic torch" on wikipedia.com or you can scroll down and get the answers... you may be surprised by some of them!
ANSWERS BELOW:
- B
- C (a parabolic mirror concentrates the sun rays to ignite the flame!)
- B
- A (In 1988, this figure skater lit the flame at Calgary!)
- C (But I bet ya picked D! In 1976, the flame in Greece was transformed into a radio signal, which was sent to Canada via satellite, which triggered a laser beam which re-lit the torch!)
II Timothy 2:1-2 [The Message]
So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me — the whole congregation saying Amen! — to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.
Mark 16:15 [NIV]
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."
What does God's Story teach us about passing the torch?
- Over 2,000 years ago Jesus invested Himself into 12 men and then told them to carry His message into all the world.
- Those men were faithful to do just that and passed the torch to thousands in the early church.
- That message has been passed down through generations and has finally reached you and me.
- It is now our turn to "pass on what we have heard" — and not only pass it on, but pass it on and teach this message so well that they will be able to pass it on to others who will then be able to pass it on...
Connecting today's story and God's Story with my story
- Who was it that passed on the torch of Jesus' message to you? Call or write them today and thank them for sharing the best news known to humankind.
- Now, who is it that God wants you to share with? You are carrying the torch. Who will you hand it to?
- Part of being able to fully pass on what you have learned means that we need to be serious learners, devoted disciples. Are you in a Bible study or in a one-on-one mentoring relationship where you can be discipled? If not, pray and ask God to direct you into a discipleship opportunity.
Connecting today's story, God's Story and my story with their story
Jesus gave us clear directions. Our torches have been lit. Our friends are waiting. It's time to pass it on.
15 Feb, 2010
Olympic Ambassadors
VANCOUVER (Reuters) — A snowboarder soared through the Olympic rings and skiers schussed down mountains in the unlikely confines of a stadium as Canada whipped up a wintry wilderness for Friday's opening of the 2010 Winter Games.
Vancouver staged the first indoor opening ceremony in the 86-year history of the Winter Games, an ironic choice for a nation with more outdoors than almost any other place as the world's second largest country.
On the big white canvas of BC Place, Canada painted starry skies, polar bears, blue ice and indigenous icons, with the participation of 60,000 "pixels" (spectators and athletes) to welcome the world to its cold yet coveted paradise.
In what appeared to be the sole glitch of the night, only three of the four giant icicles supporting an Olympic cauldron emerged from the floor.
Famous Canadian athletes lit the incomplete indoor cauldron before ice hockey's "Great One" Wayne Gretzky took the torch outside to ignite the external flame near Vancouver's water front by the Games broadcasting center.
Casting a pall over the start of the February 12-28 Games, however, was the death of a Georgian luge competitor in a horrific training crash on Friday.
In their grief, 21-year-old Nodar Kumaritashvili's team mates marched into the stadium wearing black scarves and armbands to a standing ovation from the crowd. Olympic and Canadian flags were later lowered to half mast.
"May you carry his Olympic dream on your shoulders and compete with his spirit in your hearts," said John Furlong, chief executive of the Vancouver Organizing Committee, flanked by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.
After their somber speeches, the Haiti-born Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean declared the Vancouver Games open.
Story taken from reuters.com.
Image from images.google.com.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
The Winter Olympics opened in grand fashion. Technology, music, and dance were woven together in an imaginative and festive celebration marking the beginning of the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
After the festivities, hundreds of athletes marched into the stadium. What I found fascinating is how a few athletes represent their entire country. There were many countries that had millions in population but were only represented by one athlete. WOW! The announcers would comment on how these athletes are ambassadors of their country to the rest of the world.
The dictionary defines ambassador as a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another; or an informal representative; "an ambassador of good will". Even though we don't know much about the many countries in our world, we often do draw conclusions about that country from those who represent it.
This got me thinking. Although many do not know God, they do come in contact with God's ambassadors. Those who represent Christ. Us. God has chosen ordinary people like us to represent Him to the world. Even though we are weak and sinful, God uses us to display His wonder in the world. May we humbly take the charge of God to become ambassadors of his goodness and grace.
- Have you ever considered the fact that Christ lives within you and you represent Him to the world? How does this make you feel?
- Thank God now that He has chosen you to represent His work in the world. Humbly ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to be a good ambassador for God.
- As you talk about the Olympics with friends or family look for ways to talk about the differences of nations and how these athletes represent their country. Maybe you could talk about how some do it well while others do not.
- Pray for an opportunity to talk about how Christ is represented (both good and bad) to the world. Share your story.
12 Feb, 2010
A Formula For Love
There really is a formula for love
SYDNEY, Feb 11 (Reuters) — Romantics looking for everlasting love will swoon over a new love equation released just in time for Valentine's Day and which can calculate the right age to fall in love.
The equation nicknamed the "Fiancee Formula" was created by an Australian mathematics professor and works by factoring in the age at which you start looking for a long-term partner and the absolute oldest age you would consider getting married.
"Although probability isn't the most romantic basis for a marriage, the formula does seem to fit a lot of couples — whether through accident or design," said the equation's creator, Professor Tony Dooley at the University of New South Wales.
"There's no reason why the science can't be extended to calculate the best moment to marry," Dooley said in a statement.
However, love birds take note, the mathematical equation for love only has a 37 percent success rate.
The formula is helpful as a guide for the right moment to start getting serious, but could also be used by nervous men to calculate when to avoid the ultimate commitment, said Dooley.
Story found at news.yahoo.com.
Photo found at images.google.com.
1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
What does God's Story teach us about a Formula For Love?
In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today, people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself. 1 John 4:8 says, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. (Life Application Study Bible)
Unfortunately, we get it mixed up with "feelings" and "emotions." Don't get me wrong, there are "feelings" that accompany love, but love is an action. It's a commitment. It is unselfish service. As for a formula for knowing when you are in love, it's simple — God's Story tells us that love is a decision we make and not just a feeling that comes over us. Remember that the next time you say or hear someone say something about "falling in love."
Connecting My Story To God's Story
- During this Valentine's Day weekend, write a love letter to God thanking him for his unconditional love.
- Spend some time writing down all the ways that God has shown you his love, even when you didn't "feel" it.
- Are you planning to get married someday? Spend some time this weekend praying for your future spouse — no matter what age you are now. Pray for God to guide and direct their steps through this life.
Connecing Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to My Friend's Story
- Do you have a friend who is "in love"? Talk with them about their beliefs about love. Share God's idea of love with them.
- Share Today's Story with some of your friends. Get their thoughts on the "Fiancee Formula." Talk with them about God's plan for love.
- Do you know someone who might "feel" unloved this weekend? Allow God to love them through you in some practical way this weekend.
- Who do you know that models God's Love in their marriage? Write a letter to them to thank them for setting an example for you and many others.
11 Feb, 2010
Abandoned in prison
For Detained Youths, No Mental Health Overseer
Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson has been the administrative judge of the New York City Family Courts for nine months, in charge of the judges responsible for the detention of dozens of young people charged with crimes, the vast majority of whom suffer from some form of mental illness.
But it was not until last September that she was informed of what struck her as a startling fact: The State of New York does not have a single full-time staff psychiatrist charged with overseeing the treatment of the 800 or so young people who are detained in state facilities at any given time.
“There wasn’t one human being on-site overseeing all the mental health needs of the population,” Judge Richardson-Mendelson said in an interview. “When we place these children in these facilities, we expect their needs to be met, especially their mental health needs.”
Yet all 17 psychiatrists at the detention facilities in the state’s deeply troubled juvenile justice system work on contract and part time. Weeks often pass between their visits with each troubled youth, and state officials say their turnover rate is very high.
“Those people turn over so quickly that there are often huge chunks of time when there is not even a contracted psychiatrist available to evaluate the youngster or provide needed follow-up services,” said Judge Monica Drinane, the supervising judge in Family Court in the Bronx.
Aspects of the lack of mental health services throughout New York’s juvenile prison system were described last August in a withering report from the federal Department of Justice that examined conditions at four notorious state juvenile prisons.
The report criticized the state for failing to properly diagnose juveniles’ mental health problems, administering medication inappropriately and making inadequate treatment plans. Young people are frequently assigned several different diagnoses at the same institution, resulting in confused and ineffective treatment.
“One psychiatrist described his role as ‘an outsider’ and expressed frustration because, ‘I have to beg, borrow and steal information,’ ” the report said.
Story courtesy of — The New York Times.
Photo courtesy of — Google Images.
Psalm 146:7-9 (Niv)
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
The LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Today's God Story scripture from Psalm 146 reminds us that God's heart overflows with love and compassion for the oppressed, the prisoner, and the hungry. It reminds us that human beings often neglect these same people.
It would be great if we could look at today's news story and disregard the actions of the New York State prison system as a rare and uncommon lack of care for people in need, but it seems like almost everywhere we look there are vulnerable people suffering from the most inhumane forms of oppression, injustice, and neglect.
What does this say about the human condition?
I think it is a reminder that we should crawl back to the Psalms whenever we get a chance, and remind ourselves about the things that really matter, the issues that God holds dear, the people that Jesus came to set free. In a world full of stories like today's, stories of broken and hurting people suffering in broken and hurting systems, the story of Jesus is needed now more than ever before.
Will you raise your voice to drown out the cries of sorrow with cries of hope?
- How are you telling the good news with your life? In what ways are you "being the good news while telling stories of the good news"?
- Educate yourself about how your local prison system is taking care of, (or not taking care of), the mentally ill.
- Tell someone how the "good news" has changed your life.
- Ask a friend what they think about the situation in the New York state prisons.
10 Feb, 2010
I Have Seen the Promised Land?
Tracking Your Taxes: Park Pork?
If you are hoping to visit the newest crown jewel in America's park system chosen by Congress, throw away the car keys and open up your wallet. The 2,900 pristine acres of beachfront property were not cheap — or even in the United States.
The property soliciting accusations of "pork" from critics is the Castle Nugent National Historic Park. It's in the U.S. Virgin Islands, about a thousand miles from Miami and an expensive jet ride to get there.
Story provided by: liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com.
Hebrews 11:13 (New International Version)
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about pressing on?
At first glance both of these scriptures can leave you with a sinking feeling. With closer inspection you find they are meant to be an encouragement to us.
The writer of Hebrews paints a picture of our God-following predecessors, who trusted that the promise would be fulfilled even if they didn't get to see the end result.
Paul, as he writes his letter to the Philippians, is sitting in a prison waiting the judgment that would lead to his death. Even in that dark place he says to us: "I press on toward the goal, I will keep going to the end."
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
We are left with an encouragement and challenge by both of these scriptures — not to give up. We can't give up on our friends; we can't give up in the hard points in life. We can't give up!
Over the years I have sat with lots of people who wanted to give up. Maybe you are at the place where you just want to throw in the towel. Remember like our forefathers in the faith, God has brought us to the point where we are, and He will bring us through to the end.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Just like for ourselves, we can't give up on our friends. People have asked me: "Why do you keep trying to reach that kid?" Answer: because God hasn't given up on me. I see a promised land in their life, and I won't give up on it.
A missionary friend shared with me one of the most stretching stories I've ever heard in my life. He told about a friend he had in high school that didn't know Jesus, with whom he shared Jesus regularly. The missionary's friend never responded in their high school years and he still hasn't, yet the missionary told me he has prayed for his friend everyday for 30 years. His eye is on the promised land. Will you be that faithful?
9 Feb, 2010
"They will hate you."
Tebow Criticized Heavily for Super Bowl Ad
"Speaking as a former fetus, I'm against abortion."
Is that controversial?
Last week, one of Google’s top 10 searched topics was Tim Tebow’s upcoming pro-life commercial set to air during Sunday’s Super Bowl. Meanwhile, double-digit advocacy groups are calling on CBS to pull the ad.
Controversy.
Welcome to the big leagues, Tim. You're not in Gainesville anymore, preaching from the pulpit that is Florida Gator football. The haters aren't other Southeastern Conference schools or in-state rivals. This is for real.
By now, we all know the Tim Tebow story. It's been retold and recounted ad nauseam. For those of you joining us in progress, here's a quick recap:
Bob and Pam Tebow were Philippine missionaries in the mid-80s when Pam became pregnant. She contracted amoebic dysentery via contaminated drinking water and fell into a coma. Doctors advised abortion after telling her that medications she received damaged the fetus. The Tebows refused. On Aug. 14, 1987, Tim Tebow was born. Healthy. A miracle birth the Tebows said, and continue to say.
To see the full article by Pete Kerasotis go to floridatoday.com.
Mark 13:13 [NIV]
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Matthew 10:21-23 [The Message]
"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived."
Matthew 5:10 [NIV]
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I Cor.4:12b-13a [NIV]
When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.
What does God's Story tell us about the results of taking a stand for Him?
- Okay... so this may not be the best news that Jesus had to share with us but at least He gave us fair warning. When we stand up for Him and the truth that He shared, He tells us that the world will hate us and even go so far as to persecute us.
- So what are we to do about that? Endure it and do so with love, patience, gentleness and kindness.
- And what will happen in the end? We will be blessed for sharing in His sufferings, which is a small price to pay when we know the glory that is yet ahead of us!
Connecting today's story, God's story and my story
Regardless of how you feel about Tim Tebow's controversial commercial, we can all agree that he has been under heavy criticism these past few weeks. As I write this before the Super Bowl, knowing that you will be reading this after the big event, I am curious to see how all of this plays out. Regardless of how it is received Sunday night, our brother in Christ, Tim, has been persecuted a great deal already. Why? Because he and his mom want to celebrate life... just as His Father in heaven has done from the beginning.
We too, when speaking truth found in God's Word, will be ridiculed more and more. The question is, "Are we willing to take that stand and all of the persecution that will come with it?" If we truly understand and are grateful for all that Jesus went through for us, the answer will be a firm "Yes!"
The other questions we have to ask ourselves are, Can I speak truth with love? Can I bless when cursed? Can I answer kindly when slandered? This will take the Holy Spirit in us for this to happen.
Connecting today's story, God's Story and my story with their story
- Remember, the world needs to hear loving truth...don't stop sharing it. And when you share it, don't do it for any other reason than that you truly care. If they know you care...they will listen.
- Remember also that Jesus guaranteed that we would be persecuted and hated. Don't retaliate when it happens. WE are the ones who have His love in us...they don't...of course this is how they will respond! Just keep showing them love.
- Pray that God will open their eyes to His truth. He is the only one who can help them see it.
- Pray also for Tim Tebow...that God will help him to endure and maintain a strong witness to the world.
5 Feb, 2010
Who Will Win?
Madden NFL popped into headlines today, predicting a sunny Super Bowl win for the New Orleans Saints, and eight months of winter for the Indianapolis Colts.
Every year, Electronic Arts runs a Super Bowl simulation within their video game, Madden NFL. And five out of the last six years, the game's results have predicted the Super Bowl winner correctly. The simulation's only miss was the Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory over the Patriots, and even Nostradamus couldn't have seen that one coming.
This year, Madden NFL predicts a close Saints victory, with a final score of 35 - 31 over the Colts. According to the game, Drew Brees will be named the MVP after passing for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Reggie Bush will account for two more touchdowns, one rushing, and one on a punt return.
On the other side of the football, Colts' QB Peyton Manning will throw for 322 yards and three touchdowns in a great-but-not-good-enough performance.
But before Saints fans start celebrating and Colts fans call for a new coach, it's important to note that the Madden simulation only takes into account the perceived skill levels of each player on the field. Intangibles such as nerves and inexperience are not reflected. And according to this G4 video of the simulation, neither is Dwight Freeney's questionable ankle, as the Colts' defensive superstar can clearly be seen running and jumping down the tunnel at the head of his team before the game.
But whether he plays in the real Super Bowl or not, Madden NFL sees the Colts limping home on Sunday, and all of New Orleans jumping for joy.
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
Jeremiah 29:10-14 (English Standard Version)
"For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
What does God's Story say about knowing the future?
There will be a lot of predictions about the outcome of the big game this weekend. Some peolple will even go so far as placing bets on one team or another. Truth is, though, no one knows. Coaches of both teams will be telling their players to ignore the predictions so that it doesn't influence their play!
But what does God say? He says that he knows our future because he has a plan! Regardless of or circumstance, he has a plan for us. Whether we feel like we are winning or losing, he is in control. He will give us a future and a hope!
Connecting My Story to God's Story
- Thank God for the future He has planned for you.
- Ask God to give you a peace about your future.
- Listen to God for the next step toward the future and hope that He has planned for you.
- Read some more of Jeremiah this weekend to connect with even more of God's Story.
Connecting Their Story to God's Story
- When conversations happen about the Super Bowl, start a conversation about knowing the future.
- Do you have friend who is fearful of the future? Share with them the Hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus.
- Are you watching the Super Bowl this weekend? Use the time to get to know more of a friend's story.
4 Feb, 2010
Living as the body of Christ
Abstract Thoughts? The Body Takes Them Literally
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen found that when people were asked to engage in a bit of mental time travel, and to recall past events or imagine future ones, participants’ bodies subliminally acted out the metaphors embedded in how we commonly conceptualized the flow of time.
As they thought about years gone by, participants leaned slightly backward, while in fantasizing about the future, they listed to the fore. The deviations were not exactly Tower of Pisa leanings, amounting to some two or three millimeters’ shift one way or the other. Nevertheless, the directionality was clear and consistent.
“When we talk about time, we often use spatial metaphors like ‘I’m looking forward to seeing you’ or ‘I’m reflecting back on the past,’ ” said Lynden K. Miles, who conducted the study with his colleagues Louise K. Nind and C. Neil Macrae. “It was pleasing to us that we could take an abstract concept such as time and show that it was manifested in body movements.”
The new study, published in January in the journal Psychological Science, is part of the immensely popular field called embodied cognition, the idea that the brain is not the only part of us with a mind of its own.
“How we process information is related not just to our brains but to our entire body,” said Nils B. Jostmann of the University of Amsterdam. “We use every system available to us to come to a conclusion and make sense of what’s going on.”
Research in embodied cognition has revealed that the body takes language to heart and can be awfully literal-minded.
In one recent study at Yale, researchers divided 41 college students into two groups and casually asked the members of Group A to hold a cup of hot coffee, those in Group B to hold iced coffee. The students were then ushered into a testing room and asked to evaluate the personality of an imaginary individual based on a packet of information.
Students who had recently been cradling the warm beverage were far likelier to judge the fictitious character as warm and friendly than were those who had held the iced coffee.
Or maybe you are feeling the chill wind of social opprobrium. When researchers at the University of Toronto instructed a group of 65 students to remember a time when they had felt either socially accepted or socially snubbed, those who conjured up memories of a rejection judged the temperature of the room to be an average of five degrees colder than those who had been wrapped in warm and fuzzy thoughts of peer approval.
Story & photo courtesy of — The New York Times.
Acts 2:44-47 (NIV)
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
In today's news story we've learned how our minds and our bodies work together to embody our thoughts and emotions. In a very real way the intricate and delicate complexity of the natural ecosystems in which we live is replicated in the daily interactions between our body and brain. Just as the rains and winds impact the lives of thousands of plants and animals, so to does our brain activity impact even the smallest movement of our bodies. We truly are complex, mysterious creations.
In the New Testament the church is often referred to as "the body", and given today's news story the depth and color of this metaphor comes to a new and even more beautiful light.
No more clearly are the powerful and mysterious workings of the body of Christ visible than in the activities of the early church recorded in Acts. Luke writes that within the early Christian community generosity wiped out poverty, unity erased discord, gladness overshadowed depression, and the church grew and multiplied "daily". It truly is a beautiful thing when the "body" works together in harmony to embody the radical love of Jesus!
- How are you helping the body of Christ embody the gospel in your community?
- Take some time to reflect on Acts 2 today. Take note of how the church worked in the world and compare that with how the church works today.
- Identify when a friend is using expressive body language and talk with them about today's news story.
- Ask a friend what communities they are a part of that take good care of each other. Share with them about yours.
3 Feb, 2010
Heart Issues
Healthy Heart
Heart disease does not discriminate — it's the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S.
A doctor can tell you if you have coronary artery disease by discussing your symptoms, especially shortness of breath, taking your medical history, and looking at your risk factors, in particular, smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar control, said Dr. Manny Alvarez, managing editor of FoxNewsHealth.com.
Story Provided by: foxnews.com.
Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
What does God's Story scripture teach us about the importance of guarding out hearts?
The author of these words was the wisest man to live. Yet when we exam his life he didn't take his own advice. He told us to guard our hearts, but in the end he did the very opposite. He didn't protect his heart and he ended lead astray to follow other gods.
There are many points were we get distracted from God, because little things get in our way. They pull us away from where our focus should be.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our live?
Like this article takes us through there are ways for us to protect our physical heart. We are also able to protect our spiritual heart.
- Search the bible and find ways you can protect your heart.
- Ask an older Christian to help you look for ways to guard you heart.
- Spending talk to Jesus about He wants to protect you.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
Everyday the news is filled with the stories of people who are faking character. We are regularly confronted with people who aren't gurading there hearts. A simple question to challenge us today... How would the lives of our friends change if everyday they saw at least one person, you, living faithfully and guarding their hearts?
2 Feb, 2010
Can I or Can't I?
Just as important as what iPad can do: What it can't
Many are impressed by the new iPad. Many are not. Though it is impressive in many ways, others are criticizing the new device for some of its shortcomings. Some of the complaints include the fact that it is without a USB port, that it is unable to play on line video or animation and that users can not use more than one application at a time. To view the entire article about the iPad, go to usatoday.com.
When it comes to Christians, the same question seems to come up... what can I and what can't I do? Of course, the real question is not "what can I do?", but rather "what should I do?" Some examples of those questions are...
Should Christians (who are of age) drink?
Should Christians listen to secular (non-Christian) music?
Should Christians watch R rated movies? ...PG-13 movies?
Should Christians gamble?
These questions have been asked for a long time...and the heart of these questions hasn't changed..."what can I do and still be okay as a Christian?"
In today's passage from God's Story, the apostle Paul tells us the answer to all of these questions...read on!
I Corinthians 10:23,24, 31-33 [NIV]
Everything is permissible — but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible — but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
What does God's Story teach us about what we should and shouldn't do?
When Paul wrote this, the first Christians were trying to figure out what they could and couldn't do now that Christ had set them free from all sorts of legalism. For generations, they had lived according to rules about what was okay to eat, what was "clean or unclean", what they could and couldn't do on the Sabbath, etc. There were over 600 rules altogether by which they had to live!
So as these new Christians started to live in this new freedom, they found themselves abusing it and doing things that ultimately weren't good for them... and deep down, they knew it.
Finally, Paul comes along and clears it all up. In verses 23 and 24 of today's passage he tells the Corinthians that they can certainly do more now — it is permissible — but just because they can do something doesn't mean that they should. If it wasn't beneficial for them and for others around them, Paul was encouraging them to NOT take advantage of their new found freedoms.
Connecting today's story and God's Story with my story
So, rather than asking the age old question "Is this okay to do?", let's start asking some better questions like...
- Is this beneficial for me spiritually (does it help or hurt my walk with God)?
- Is this beneficial for me physically (since God referred to our bodies as His temple)?
- Is this beneficial for my witness (since others are always watching)?
- If Jesus was right here with me (and He is), is this something we would do?
If you ever find yourself asking "Can I or can't I?" — whatever the situation may be — just ask these questions. Don't do this in an attempt to return to the legalistic rules that Jesus got rid of, do it to live in the freedom that is most beneficial for our walk with Him!
Connecting today's story, God's Story and my story with my friend's story
- When you are considering whether or not you should be doing, saying, or watching something, remember how this affects those around you. How we live can either have a very positive or negative affect on those who don't yet know Christ. When we live in a way that honors God, it is incredibly attractive. When we live outside of the way He has called us to live, it can be very confusing for them. Let's shoot for the "good of many" rather than our own good.
- Many of our unbelieving friends are pushed away by the "rules" of Christianity. Ask them if this is a concern for them. If it is, help them know how amazing it is to live in freedom, joy and peace as we follow God's outline for life!
1 Feb, 2010
Restaurant Treats Army Reserve Unit to Steak Dinner
LAVALE — Chefs at Western Sizzlin’ grilled enough steaks to feed an Army Sunday. Literally.
A line of camouflage-wearing men and women stretched 20 yards outside the restaurant’s doors late Sunday morning as members of the 372nd Military Police Company of the U.S. Army Reserve gathered for lunch on the final day of their annual two-week training mission.
The unit, which has been eating lunch at Western Sizzlin’ every day since training began earlier this month, has received a “warning order” for possible deployment overseas in the months ahead.
“We decided we wanted to do something nice for them,” said Western Sizzlin’ owner Bruce Snyder, who fed the soldiers steaks on Sunday instead of just the buffet.
Inside the restaurant, a “We Support 372nd MP” banner included personal messages from Western Sizzlin’ employees. “Take care and come home safe,” one said. “Thank you for serving our country.” Red, white and blue balloons and ribbons filled the dining area.
“We wanted them to have something real nice to remember,” Snyder said.
Story taken from: times-news.com. Image taken from: images.google.com.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Serving Others as God Served Us
Today's story is very simple. Serve. Our example is Jesus Himself who gave up heaven to serve us and give us life. Because of His love for us we can serve Him by loving others. Notice the word 'love.' It was because of His 'love' for us. It is not just our duty to do good but it should be because of our love of God. Our problems and insecurities often suffocate us and we can't make out heads or tails. The remedy for our problems is often to serve others. The act of serving takes the focus of ourselves and our spirits are somehow refreshed. Of course, the opposite could also be true. We could serve and serve to the point of exhaustion. Again, the focus is on ourselves and what we can accomplish. The key is our motivation. We love God. We trust God. We depend on God for all that is required in doing good. Like the folks at Western Sizzlin', let's give someone a steak today!
- Why is it important to understand our motivations when doing good things for others?
- What is your motivation when you do good things for others? Is it recognition? Their benefit? The love of God?
- Ask God to give you pure motives and the strength to good works with love.
Pray for opportunities to serve others today. This first step may seem trivial but is often the most important. When we go out in our own strength our motives tend to be other than the love of God. Thank God for His love for us and the opportunity to do good in His name.
29 Jan, 2010
Let the Wind Blow!
231-mph NH wind gust is no longer world's fastest
CONCORD, N.H. – First the Old Man, now the Big Wind. New Hampshire's Mount Washington has lost its distinction as the site of the fastest wind gust ever recorded on Earth, officials at the Mount Washington Observatory said Tuesday.
The concession came three days after the World Meteorological Organization posted a snippet on its Web site saying a panel of experts reviewing extreme weather and climate data turned up a 253 mph gust on Australia's Barrow Island during Cyclone Olivia in 1996.
That tops the 231 mph record set atop Mount Washington on April 12, 1934.
"It's obviously a big disappointment. Having the world record for over six decades was such a part of the soul of this organization and for fans of Mount Washington around the country," said Scot Henley, the observatory's executive director.
The official title at issue is "highest wind gust ever recorded on the surface of the Earth by means of an anemometer." But to most people in New Hampshire, it was simply "the Big Wind," a source of pride in a state that also revered its Old Man of the Mountain, a rock outcropping that appeared to be a man's profile and was featured on the state's quarter.
The Old Man crumbled to bits in 2003, seven years after the wind record apparently toppled.
Henley stressed that Mount Washington still holds the record for the Northern and Western hemispheres, and said it still can claim to be home to some of the world's worst weather given the combination of bitter cold, snow, wind and freezing fog it frequently experiences.
"So the work continues up there, and we'll be ready for the next one," he said.
No one noticed the new record gust at the time, Henley said.
"Somehow it fell through the cracks and the Australians didn't think it was a big deal," he said. "We hear that, and it kinds of blows our minds, but of course, we're weather fans and we're tuned into that sort of thing."
Henley first heard about the meteorological organization's conclusion Monday, when someone posted a link to the item on the observatory's forum. He contacted the organization and learned that the information was part of a report being presented at an international conference in Turkey next month.
The panel of experts has shared its research with observatory officials, who plan to review it in the coming weeks.
"There's no reason to believe it's not accurate, but we owe it to this institution and to our state and really to weather fans all over the world to make sure it is indeed accurate," he said.
The Mount Washington Observatory is a private, non-profit organization that maintains a weather station at the summit of the 6,288-foot mountain. On April 12, 1934, there were three crew members, two guests, three cats and five kittens at the observatory, according to observer Alex McKenzie, who later wrote a book about the Big Wind.
According to his account, April 11 started with a brilliant sunrise, but the weather soon turned cloudy. By evening, fog obscured the summit and rime ice formed up to a foot thick. Early the next morning, when observer Wendell Stephenson headed outside to clear ice from the anemometer, the wind knocked him flat on his back as he opened the door. When he accidentally dropped the club he was using to break up the ice, it went flying off into the fog. Gusts were at 150 mph.
"I dropped all other activities and concentrated on observations. Everyone in the house was 'mobilized' as during a war attack and assigned a job," observer Sal Pagliuca wrote in a log book.
Gusts grew stronger through the afternoon, until 1:21 p.m., when the 231 mph gust was recorded.
"Many people have wanted to know what we did after that," McKenzie wrote. "Did we cheer or open a bottle of champagne, or what? Well, we didn't do anything special for a while, except make more measurements."
Mary Stampone, assistant professor of geography at the University of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire State Climatologist, said she had long expected the record to fall.
"As we improve our technology in terms of instrumentation, and we're observing in more locations, we were bound to pick up on something," she said.
Story and Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
John 3:5-8 (New International Version)
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
What does God's story teach us about the wind?
Have you ever experienced high winds? Probably not like the ones in today's story! Can you imagine wind over 200mph?! Wind is a powerful thing! And it is unpredictable.
Think back to when you started getting to know Jesus. Did you expect him to work in your life like he did? Most likely the Holy Spirit surprised you as he began to work in areas of your life.
Jesus explained that we cannot control the work of the Holy Spirit. He works in ways we cannot predict or understand. Just as you did not control your physical birth, so you cannot control your spiritual birth. It is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. (Life Application Study Bible)
Connecting My Story to God's Story
- Thank God for sending His Holy Spirit to work in your life.
- Ask God for a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit this weekend.
- Read these other passages from God's Story for more about the Holy Sprit: Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6.
Connecting Their Story to God's Story
- Do you have a friend with whom you've been sharing God's Story? Ask them for ways that they have been surprised by God's Story.
- Ask them what areas of their life have been most surprising.
- Talk with them about the parallels between the wind in Today's Story and the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
28 Jan, 2010
Broken people in Haiti
Haiti’s Children Adrift in World of Chaos
Not long after 14-year-old Daphne Joseph escaped her collapsed house on the day of the earthquake, she boarded a crowded jitney with her uncle and crawled in traffic toward the capital, where her single mother sold beauty products in the Tête Boeuf marketplace. “Mama,” she said she repeated to herself. “Mama, I’m coming.”
Abandoning the slow-moving jitney, Daphne, petite and delicate, got separated from her uncle and jumped onto a motorcycle-for-hire. She arrived alone at a marketplace in ruins and ran, in her dusty purple sandals, toward a pile of debris laced with “broken people” she said.
Growing closer, she saw her mother, lifeless. She froze, she said, eventually watching as her mother’s body was dumped in a wheelbarrow and her only parent vanished into the chaos.
“I wanted to kill myself,” Daphne said in a whisper.
Haiti’s children, 45 percent of the population, are among the most disoriented and vulnerable of the survivors of the earthquake. By the many tens of thousands, they have lost their parents, their homes, their schools and their bearings. They have sustained head injuries and undergone amputations. They have slept on the street, foraged for food and suffered nightmares.
Two weeks after the earthquake, with the smell of death still fouling the air, children can be seen in every devastated corner resiliently kicking soccer balls, flying handmade kites, singing pop songs and ferreting out textbooks from the rubble of their schools. But as Haitian and international groups begin tending to the neediest among them, many children are clearly traumatized and at risk.
Story & photo courtesy of — The New York Times.
James 1:27 (NIV)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
While "religious people" in the media spotlight lecture and argue about "why" the earthquakes in Haiti happened, James reminds us that the most important thing that followers of Jesus can be doing is to "look after orphans and widows in their distress." In a time of great suffering and trial it's nice to have things broken down to the basics, and in today's God Story scripture James does exactly that. James even goes so far as to say that looking after orphans and widows in their distress is a pure a faultless act of devotion to God!
Jesus was also notorious for breaking things down to the basics; he was a master of getting to the root of things. At one point in his life Jesus said that "all the law and prophets" hang on the commandment to love your God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22). It doesn't get much simpler than that!
Unfortunately, we live in a world that typically places the self above and beyond all other values, and as Christians we are constantly tempted to reject the words of Jesus to put others and God first in favor of ourselves. At a time like this, when thousands of orphans are in dire need in Haiti, I can think of no better time than to recommit our allegiance to the greatest commandment.
- How can you "look after orphans" in Haiti?
- How have you been "polluted by the world"? Take some time to reflect on all of the ways you are being tempted to love yourself more than God and your neighbor.
Ask a friend what the "most important law" in their life is? Tell a friend about yours.
26 Jan, 2010
That's Crazy Beesiness!
Polish beekeeper Josef Guzy found still alive in coffin
As the lid of his coffin was about to be sealed, Josef Guzy’s grieving widow made one last request for her late husband’s necklace.
The 76-year-old Polish beekeeper had collapsed earlier in the day and been pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.
When the undertaker reached into the coffin for the last time, he thought that he detected a faint pulse. On closer inspection, Mr Guzy was still breathing.
The same ambulance that had been called to the pensioner’s home near the southern city of Katowice and found no sign of life now raced to the undertakers to discover that their patient was still alive.
For the full story check: www.timesonline.co.uk.
Picture provided by: pacificmobilesolutions.com.
Romans 6:1-3 (The Message)
So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!
What does God's Story Scripture teach us about new life in Him?
Paul has a way of sliding in these exciting truths throughout his letters. This is another one of those places. This piece of his letter to the Romans is another affirmation that God loves us enough to give us new life — eternal life.
The beekeeper from our story seems like he has a new lease on life. He gets to keep going, but even he understands that eventually his heart will wear out and there won't be another back-from-the-dead miracle. Paul tells us though that with Jesus we are reborn into an eternal life, that we get to keep going in the presence of God. Wow!
How can we connect today's God's Story Scripture to our lives?
If nothing else we can be encouraged by this part of scripture... Despite how bad things seem, no matter how dark and unforgiving our world might seem, we can have hope. We can live each day with joy because our focus is on the eternal life that we share with Jesus. This gift is a huge "I love you" from God!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and out story to others?
In a hard world, one of the best things we can show our friends is a new life. To share with them that our joy stems from a God that loves us enough to give us eternal life with Him. We can survive because new life is offered us in Jesus. Share your joy with your friends because they might need it right now. Share with them the joy of the miracle in today's story; celebrate life together.
