28 Dec, 2006
Light the way
MADD Gives Boot to Miss Teen USA
Donald Trump may be in a forgiving mood this holiday season, but Mothers Against Drunk Driving is not.
The group announced it is severing ties with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair after news reports that she was allegedly observed partying in New York clubs with Miss USA Tara Conner.
"MADD was disappointed to hear news reports of Miss Teen USA Katie Blair illegally drinking underage," spokeswoman Heidi Castle said in a statement posted on the MADD Web site Wednesday.
"In the past," the statement continued, "MADD has teamed with Miss Teen USA to raise awareness about the serious and often deadly consequences of underage drinking. However, we do not feel, at this time, that Ms. Blair can be an effective spokesperson on underage drinking and will not ask her to represent MADD in future initiatives."
Blair, 18, of Billings, Mont., will also keep her crown, according to Miss Universe Organization spokeswoman Lark-Marie Anton, adding that the organization respects "MADD's decision as much as we respect their work. We look forward to working with them in the future," the Associated Press reports.
Castle's statement concludes with, "We wish Ms. Blair the best as she fulfills her role as Miss Teen USA, and we hope to work with the Miss Teen organization in the future."
photo courtesy images.google.com & story people.com, 12/23/06
Luke 1:76-80
76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being a light that prepares the way for others?
Today's scripture was given by the Holy Spirit to Luke the author. Luke is giving us the prophecy that the Holy Spirit gave to Zechariah concerning his son, John. Zechariah has just reviewed God's work through history, beginning with Abraham and projecting all the way into eternity in Heaven. Now he gets real personal starting in verse 76, because he is a grateful father telling of how his son, John, would be chosen to "prepare the way of the Lord".
Our God has unlimited power and a perfect plan for building His Kingdom. He chooses to use ordinary people who begin as helpless babies. John the Baptist would grow up to fulfill the prophecy given by the Holy Spirit. He would point people to God's light. John was a humble servant but sort of a Biblical celebrity!
Miss Teen USA has something in common with "JB". Katie Blair also points people (especially young girls) down a path. The difference is that "JB" walked in Christ's light. Katie Blair is in the limelight, but she is currently walking in darkness.
Don't underestimate what God can do through anyone who is faithful to Him. It's better to be ordinary in the light than famous in the dark.
- Thank God for sending Jesus, to light God's way out of our darkness! Confess any way in which you may be walking down a path that leads to darkness. Ask God to use you this coming year to help prepare others to find the path of Christ's light.
- As you continue to see Christmas lights, let it remind you to let God's Spirit constantly help you evaluate your own path.
- If the prophecy fulfilled about John the Baptist gets you interested in further study about prophecy, talk to your youth leader or pastor for suggestions about resources.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
- Pray for Katie Blair, Miss Teen USA, to be able to come in contact with a follower of Jesus who can learn her story and help her connect to God's Story.
- Pray for Jesus to show you the people whose stories you should focus on learning in 2007. It might be friends at school, family members, co-workers.....
- Write down specific ways you can help light the way for these friends and family.....
15 Dec, 2006
A baby is rescued!
Man recognized as hero for catching falling toddler
ARLINGTON, Virginia: It took a second or two for Jaimen Ortiz to fully comprehend what he was seeing: two toddlers playing in an open second-floor window, and one of them hanging from the window sill.
So Ortiz hopped a fence and ran to the apartment building. Just as he got there, the 2-year-old girl fell, screaming. Ortiz put out his arms and caught her cleanly, perhaps saving her life and certainly preventing serious injury.
"If I had delayed one more second, she would have fallen to the ground," Ortiz said through a Spanish interpreter, recalling the Oct. 13 incident.
Ortiz's quick thinking was honored Tuesday in Arlington, where the County Board presented him a certificate of recognition for his heroism.
Arlington Police Chief Doug Scott said it was unusual for a citizen to react so quickly to an out-of-the-ordinary situation.
Ortiz, 29, seemed slightly overwhelmed by the attention he received Tuesday as he fielded multiple interview requests.
"I have a 5-year-old child, and you never know. Maybe someday he might need help like I was able to give to this girl," he said.
While he was unaccustomed to the recognition, it was not the first time he has been a hero. As a teenager growing up in Guatemala, he helped save the wife of a friend from drowning.
photo courtesy AP & story iht.com, 12/12/06
Matthew 1:20-23
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). (ESV)
What does today's God's Story tell us about the ultimate rescue involving a baby?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain it this way:
1:21 Jesus means "the Lord saves." Jesus came to earth to save us because we can't save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can't eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin. Thank Christ for His death on the cross for your sin, and then ask Him to take control of your life. Your new life begins at that moment.
Today's story of the baby being saved by the guy making a great catch is amazing! But the ultimate rescue story involving a baby is when God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth, to save us from our sins! Have you caught His gift of salvation? Are you telling others how to be rescued?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Take a couple of minutes to just listen to the Heavenly Father....now praise Jesus for coming to earth as a baby to rescue you....now ask Him to help you live to tell your rescue story to someone who really needs God's story of salvation!
- Between now and Christmas, take several minutes every day just to reflect on Christ coming as a baby to rescue you.
- If you have never received Christ as your Savior, ask Him to forgive you of your sins and come into your life and take control. Be sure to email us with this good news, so that we can send you some info to help you grow in your faith!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
Use today's story about the young hero who saved the falling baby as a conversation starter to share your "rescue story" with a friend or family member who is not yet a follower of Jesus. You could ask someone in your storysphere if they heard about today's (baby rescue) story? Then you can really get their attention by saying "Did you know that I was rescued by a baby?"
13 Dec, 2006
Small but nasty!
Woman loses 10 lbs of flesh after spider bite
A hobo is small, non-aggressive spider that seldom bites. But when one does, the bite can cause huge problems -- such as losing 10 pounds of flesh and skin.
That's what happened to Hermiston, Ore., resident Cindy Pettey. A few weeks ago Pettey woke up after being bitten on the stomach in the middle of the night. No problem, she thought, until she came down with a fever, felt weak and ached all over and the bite sore grew larger.
Now, Pettey is recovering from surgery that left her stomach covered with stitches and took away 10 pounds of flesh and skin.
"It looks like I was bit in half by a shark," said Pettey.
Rob Hendrickson, a physician and director of the Oregon Poison Control Center, said the hobo bites only when cornered. For example, when someone puts on a shoe with a spider inside.
Hobo spider venom may cause necrosis, or death of the skin. When a spider injects venom below the skin, it reddens, swells, then turns black. But there is some doubt in the medical community about whether venom causes the skin death, Hendrickson said.
Pettey isn't taking any more chances. "I put hobo spider traps all over my house," she said.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story xinhaunet.com, 12/12/06
Isaiah 59:1-5
Evil and Oppression
59:1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
2 but your iniquities have made a separation
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood
and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies;
your tongue mutters wickedness.
4 No one enters suit justly;
no one goes to law honestly;
they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies,
they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
5 They hatch adders' eggs;
they weave the spider's web;
he who eats their eggs dies,
and from one that is crushed a viper is hatched. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the power of sin, even the little ones?
This whole passage is a warning from God through His prophet Isaiah.
Since God is holy, He can not put up with sin, no matter how small it might seem to us. Our sin cuts us off from the relationship that God desires for us to have with Him.
Sin, even if it is tiny from our perspective, is like a powerful poison of a spider bite. It's small, but nasty! One little sin can grow keep growing into many sins that damage our intimacy with God.
That's why Isaiah's long list of sins (not all are included) in verses 1-14 make the holy God angry and force Him to turn away.
But God is so loving that if we are His children (followers of Jesus), and confess our sins, He will forgive us completely and restore our relationship.
The sobering reality is that unless people receive God's forgiveness through Christ's death and resurrection, they remain separated from God for eternity. BUT! Saying yes to God's gift of forgiveness (the most amazing part of His Story) means that a person can be in relationship with God in this earthly life and forever!
Is this part of your story?
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- Talk to God right now about the sins that His Holy Spirit points out in your life...yes, even those little ones...apply 1st John 1:9 and receive God's loving forgiveness....If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- If you have a journal, (start one if you don't have one) for one month, write down those "small but nasty" little sins that Satan uses to catch you in his web. Remember that if you are abiding (staying connected ) in Jesus, He will empower you to "take every thought captive".
- Whenever you see a spider's web, let it remind you to let Jesus guard you from those little sins that "bite".
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
The next time you see a spider when you're with someone in your storysphere, use it as a conversation starter about today's "hobo spider bite" story. Remember to use it as a way to talk about your own struggles and not judge your friend or family member for their struggles. This will allow you to learn more of their story and share more of yours and God's story.
6 Dec, 2006
Don't gamble with your life!
Man claims $47 million Powerball jackpot
For more than a month, Michael Hawes was a multi-millionaire and didn't know it.
The Lakeville accountant unknowingly was carrying a winning Powerball ticket worth $47 million in his wallet.
On Monday, he finally remembered to have a clerk run several old tickets through a machine. One of them turned out to be the mystery winner from the Nov. 1 drawing. He claimed his prize today.
Hawes, 46, bought the winning ticket at a Cub Foots on Lyndale Avenue South in Bloomington. He's splitting the $94 million jackpot with a group of Arizona winners that stepped forward the day after the drawing.
Asked what he plans to do now, Hawes said, "Just go home. Probably sleep. But I think that will be kind of hard."
Hawes has a girlfriend and two sons, including a boy named, "Lucky." Hawes has until Feb. 5 to decide whether he wants $22 million in cash or a $47 million annuity that would pay out over 29 years.
In the past, other winners have waited before claiming their ticket, using the time to seek counsel from lawyers and financial planners. But never this long.
photo & story courtesy twincities.com, 12/05/06
Romans 1:16-17
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Ephesians 2:7
7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
Today's God's Story is about His power making those who receive His forgiveness very rich! What are you doing with this good news?
The apostle Paul knew exactly what to do with the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. He would tell others about it. He was not ashamed to tell everyone, because it is only the POWER OF GOD that can forgive sins and make a person right before God.
Did you notice in the story about the Powerball winner, that the guy didn't know he was incredibly rich for over a month?
What's really sad is how many people don't realize that God is waiting to make them rich with His grace and mercy. And His wealth lasts forever!
Don't you want others to know about the best thing that's ever happened to you?
Nobody has to gamble their eternal soul. The POWER OF GOD always wins!
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
Take a couple of minutes to meditate on what God has done for you through His Son, Jesus Christ....thank Him for His power to save you....to help you live each day....to give you the courage to be identified as a follower of Jesus....to lovingly learn the stories of others...and to make the connection with your story and God's Story.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
Every time you hear the Powerball reports on the news, do something the next day that will communicate the love of Christ to someone who needs to understand that Heaven is not for the lucky, but for the forgiven.
5 Dec, 2006
Would you like fries with that?
Losing pounds while eating quarter-pounders!
McDonald's tries to shape up health image with high-tech mini-gyms
McDonald's, often blamed for childhood obesity, is testing high-tech mini-gyms for kids at seven stores in California, Illinois, Colorado and Oklahoma. The gyms have gizmos for kids ages 4 to 12, from stationary bikes with kid-friendly video screens to hoops courts that electronically cheer players.
If R Gyms — named for Ronald McDonald, of course — are a hit, McDonald's could roll out "a significant number" over the next year, says William Whitman, a McDonald's spokesman. The mini-gyms would replace PlayPlaces — of which there are 5,500 nationwide.
Not everyone is a fan of the new R Gyms. Critics say they're just an image-bolstering bid by Mickey D's — or an attempt to dodge obesity lawsuits or legislation.
Parents may overestimate the benefit of R Gyms and presume kids can eat more junk food, says Kelly Brownell of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University. "A kid can burn 20 calories from the exercise but take in 200 calories from a milkshake."
Whitman says McDonald's is doing the right thing. "Those who criticize McDonald's and the sincerity of our efforts have not been paying attention," he says. Improvements in its menu and nutritional information are "compelling evidence that McDonald's is serious."
The mini-gyms reward kids with flashy videos and electronic messages — but only while kids exercise.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story usatoday.com, 12/04/06
1 Timothy 4:1-10
Some Will Depart from the Faith
4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about shaping up?
In today's passage, the apostle Paul is giving a warning about false teachers. He makes it clear that if we're going to be able to face false teachers, we must be spiritually fit.
If you are a student, you have lots of opportunity for exercise at school or through summer sports. You might be someone whose job involves lots of physical activity. Perhaps you like to visit a health club or maybe you just hit the pavement! Are you in shape both physically and spiritually?
It's important to get physical exercise, but it's even more important to get spiritual training. As we allow God's Spirit to make us more like Jesus, we will not only be growing in intimacy with God, but we will be strong enough to withstand the temptation to give in to what is "politically correct" rather than Biblically true. Plus, God will use us to accomplish some serious "body" building as we do our part to help build His Kingdom!
How's your spiritual muscle tone?
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- Thank God for the fact that in He is strong in our weakness. Confess any way in which you may have become a spiritual couch potato. Ask His Holy Spirit to give you the discipline you need to get spiritually fit. Thank Jesus that He will stretch you to the point that you develop some muscle to add to His "body". Praise Him for the privilege you have to help build up His Kingdom!
- Ask another follower of Jesus who you think is spiritually fit to suggest to you how to train in Godliness.
- Try an exercise like running or biking where you can pray while you work out. Do this for 15 minutes a day for two weeks and see what happens physically and spiritually!
- Memorize 1st Timothy 4:8 as a reminder to get in shape both physically and spiritually.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Exercise or work out regularly with at least one person you are trying to introduce to Jesus. Use this time to learn his or her story and be ready to share how Christ has changed your story.
- Getting a good spiritual muscle tone will help you recognize false teaching. Ask Jesus for the strength to help others who are being sucked into unbiblical views of God's Story.
- Take a friend out to McDonald's and talk about what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE.
1 Dec, 2006
"Come on...don't you love me?"
Teenagers who follow Jesus face the same sexual presssures as those who are not Christians. What's your respone?
A high school girl went to visit her pastor and explained that her boyfriend was pressuring her to have sex. She said that both of them were Christians and that they shouldn't have sex, but it was getting to the point that she did not know what to say to her boyfriend.
Her pastor offered the following advice: "The next time that you feel pressured, take him by the hands, look him in the eyes and say to him 'Let's pray right now about having sex. If we can sincerely pray about this in Jesus' name and ask God to bless it, I am sure that it will be okay with Him to do it.'
What do you think? Would this cool down "lover boy"?
photo courtesy images.google.com
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
A Life Pleasing to God
4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. (ESV)
Today's God's Story is about sexual sin. Paul, God's writer of this scripture, teaches us to fight against immorality. Why?
Because God wants us to be holy. Sexual desires and activities must be placed under Christ's control in our lives. God came up with the idea of sex. He has given it as a gift to be enjoyed for pleasure and to make babies - but only as an expression of love between a husband and wife.
Because sexual sin causes so much hurt and damage. When sex takes place outside a marriage relationship, people get hurt, relationships are ruined, girls get pregnant (and often have abortions), guys abandon the young moms, diseases are passed around, the witness for Christ's cause suffers, people are full of guilt, dignity is lost......
Because of God's judgment and punishment. Since God is holy and just, He brings and allows consequences for our sins.
BUT GOD HAS AMAZING GRACE AND LOVINGLY OFFERS HIS FORGIVENESS!
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- Thank God for coming up with the beautiful gift of sex. Confess any sinful desires and/or sensual activities you've been struggling with in your life. Ask His Spirit to give you the faith you need, the power you need to say no to pressure, the patience you need to wait for the Chrisitan spouse He has in mind for you.
- Read Paul's words in 1st Corinthians 6:18-20 about our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit. Every day, as you face sexual pressure in our sensual culture, remember that the Holy Spirit is in you. This is key to keep abiding in Christ consistently.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Share this DAILYBIDE with others who are followers of Jesus. It might be your youth group or a small group.
- If you are not already in a small group of friends who are serious about following Jesus, start one. Pray for each other and hold each other accountable in the challenge of living a life of sexual purity in obedience to Christ.
- Be ready to share some of your story about your life in Christ, because your peers will notice you living a life of sexual purity and will be curious as to why?
