17 Jan, 2011

MLK Day

MLK Day 25th Anniversary: Early Discord Gave Way to Popular Acceptance and Public Service
 
On Monday, Jan. 17 the U.S. celebrates the 25 th anniversary of the first Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King Day isn't just another federal holiday honoring an influential American. The King holiday is unique in honoring a private citizen. No other private citizen has been so honored throughout U.S. history.

Martin Luther King Day is distinctive in anther respect. Although it is a U.S. holiday, King Day is recognized in two foreign locales- Toronto, Canada and Hiroshima, Japan. The works of the slain civil rights leader and his influential "I have a dream" speech resonate with so many that countries around the world have featured his image on their postage stamps.

With the passage of legislation in 1990, Martin Luther King Day has evolved into a day of national volunteer service to honor King's memory, rather than just another day off.
 
 
Story courtesy of news.yahoo.com.
Image courtesy of google images. 
Philemon 1:10-12, 25 (ESV)
10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. ... 
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the key to experiencing racial reconciliation?

Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide this insight verse 25:

Paul urged Philemon to be reconciled to his slave, receiving him as a brother and fellow member of God's family. Reconciliation means reestablishing relationship. Christ has reconciled us to God and to others. Many barriers come between people - race, social status, sex, personality differences - but Christ can break down these barriers. Jesus Christ changed Onesimus's relationship to Philemon from slave to brother. Christ can transform our most hopeless relationships into deep and loving friendships.

Martin Luther King's dream can become a reality only through the power of Jesus Christ.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
  • Thank God that in Jesus Christ, all of His followers are truly one family. Confess any prejudice you have toward others because of racial, economic, or political differences. Ask Christ to work through you to remove barriers between others.
  • Pray every day to be like Jesus to everyone you know and meet.
  • Write down specific ways you are allowing barriers toward other people to keep you from being like Jesus. 
  • Keep this on your prayer list and let God's Spirit change your heart.
  • Read the book of Philemon to get the whole story.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
  • Get together with friends and/or family members and go online to listen to the "I HAVE A DREAM" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. Afterwards, talk about what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE.
  • Identify someone with whom you need reconciliation. Start today.
  • Ask Jesus to give you His insight in looking for the opportunity to learn the stories of three people with a racial background different than yours.
  • Get together with some friends and dream of some ways you can volunteer your time to serve your community, not just to honor Dr. King's memory, but to glorify the Name of Jesus.
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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