29 Feb, 2008
What's your hair style?
Mohawk haircut gets Ohio kindergartner suspended from school
Michelle Barile, the mother of 6-year-old Bryan Ruda, said nothing in the Parma Community School handbook prohibits the haircut, characterized by closely shaved sides with a strip of prominent hair on top. The school said the hair was a distraction for other students.
"I understand they have a dress code. I understand he has a uniform. But this is total discrimination," she told The Plain Dealer. "They can't tell me how I can cut his hair."
An administrator at the suburban Cleveland charter school first warned Barile last fall that the haircut wasn't acceptable. The school later sent another warning to her reiterating the ban.
Mohawks violate the school's policy on being properly groomed, school Principal Linda Geyer said. Also, the school district's dress code allows school officials to forbid anything that interferes with the conduct of education.
Ruda's hair became a disruption last week when Ruda arrived freshly shorn, Geyer said. Administrators called Barile on Friday telling her to pick Ruda up from school.
"This was his third infraction," Geyer said yesterday. "We felt that we were being extremely patient."
Rather than request a hearing to appeal the suspension, Barile said she'll enroll him at another school. Changing the hairstyle is not an option, she said.
"It's something that he really likes," Barile said. "When people hear Mohawk, they think it's long, it's spiked, it's crazy looking, and it's really not."
photo & story courtesy dispatch.com, 2/27/08
Luke 12:7 (NLT)
7
Why should the truth of today's God's Story scripture help us live each day with confidence?
Here's the answer found in Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes:
Luke 12:7 Our true value is God's estimate of our worth, not our peers'. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us, as He does for all of His creatures, because we belong to Him. So we can face life without fear.
Want to learn something that makes this scripture even more exciting? When Jesus said that the hairs on our head are "numbered", He was telling us that not only does God, our Heavenly Father, know how many hairs we have, but each hair has been assigned a number!
So, even though 6-year-old Bryan Ruda has the Mohawk style going, God is not confused by some of his hair being shorter than the rest. Each one has been assigned a number!
Go ahead and pull one of your hairs right now. Only God knows for sure, but maybe it is:
#76894857364520968574635127374859607968574645626737486...
- Praise your Heavenly Father for being all-powerful, all-knowing and all-caring! Thank Him for knowing and watching over every detail of your life. Ask His Spirit to let the truth of today's scripture give you confidence knowing that you are of limitless value to Him.
- Tape one of your hairs (pull it first) to the edge of your computer screen as a reminder of how valuable you are to God!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for bald men! Seriously, pray for your friends and family who need to recognize that their value comes from knowing that God loves them, not from how they perform in life or how they look or wear their hair.
- Use the story about the little boy getting suspended from school because of his haircut as a conversation starter with your friends who need Jesus. Ask them what they think of the controversy over the Mohawk? Have fun with this by talking about what you learned in today's God's Story scripture - that God loves us and values us more than we can imagine! Talk about the fact that God has assigned a number to every one of our hairs and that He knows every landing and takeoff that every bird ever makes!
28 Feb, 2008
Power outage?
Florida power blackout remains a puzzle
The Turkey Point nuclear plant, south of Miami, shut down after problems with the electricity grid on Tuesday.
MIAMI - Power executives were still in the dark Wednesday about how a glitch at a substation triggered a blackout that cut power to millions across south Florida. The outage snarled traffic when traffic signals went dead, forced hospitals to scramble for generators and cut off air conditioners in the afternoon heat.
The sporadic outages Tuesday spanned 300 miles of the peninsula but appeared to be concentrated in the southeast portion of the state. Communities along the southwest coast, in the Florida Keys and as far north as Daytona Beach reported interruptions.
While the outages cut power to 2 million to 3 million people at its peak, power was quickly restored to most parts of the state and authorities said no injuries were reported. Only about 20,000 people lacked electricity during the evening commute home.
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 2/27/08
Psalm 29:10-11 (NLT)
10 The Lord rules over the flood waters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
11 The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.
In today's God's Story scripture, what is David teaching us about God's power?
If you think about what David went through in his life, it's no wonder he had something to say about God's power. Going from lowly shepherd hood to becoming the King of God's chosen people, one of his life-lessons was learning to surrender his own strength and rely on God's power. David didn't need an "nuclear power plant". He just needed to trust God.
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
29:10-11 Throughout history, God has revealed his power through mighty miracles over nature, such as the great Flood (Genesis 6-9). He promises to continue to reveal his power. Paul urges us to understand how great God's power is (Ephesians 1:18-23). The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems. When you feel weak and limited, don't despair. Remember that God can give you strength. The same power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you.
Power produced by humans is really amazing, but it can stop without notice. With God's power, there's never a brownout or a blackout...in fact we never have to go without!
- Praise God for His power over creation and death! Thank Him that in Christ, it is yours. Confess your struggle in trying to live life independent of His power. Ask Jesus to give you the faith you need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power in you, every day.
- Pray every day for the discipline you need to rely on God's power, not your own.
- Whenever you see or experience God's power at work, write it down in your journal. At the end of every week, or month, review God's power on display.
- The next time you experience any kind of power outage, let God remind you of where your real power comes from.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use this DAILYBIDE to discuss God's power with your youth group or small group.
- Think of someone in your storysphere who is really interested in your story and God's Story. Talk about he power outage in Florida and what it must have been like for those stuck in traffic or in an elevator or in need of treatment in a hospital. Share more of your story by talking about God's power being available and guaranteed every moment...but be honest about your struggle in using it consistently in every part of your life.
27 Feb, 2008
Will this fill you up?
Restaurant Owner Claims Record With 134-Pound Burger
SOUTHGATE, Mich. — A Detroit area restaurant owner believes he broke the Guiness World Record for "largest hamburger commercially available."
After 12 hours of preparation and baking, the 134-pound burger emerged at Mallie's Sports Bar and Grill on Saturday.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report the "Absolutely Ridiculous Burger" made with beef, bacon and cheese was delivered on a 50-pound bun. It sells for $350. Orders require 24 hours notice.
Flipping the burger required three men using two steel sheets.
Owner Steve Mallie tells The News he wanted to show he has the biggest and best burgers.
Mallie's unofficial record outweighs the 123-pound burger made last year by Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, of Clearfield, Pa. Authenticating Mallie's claim could take a few weeks.
photo & story courtesy foxnews.com, 2/24/08
Proverbs 23:19-21
19 Hear, my son, and be wise,
and direct your heart in the way.
20 Be not among drunkards
or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
and slumber will clothe them with rags.
Ephesians 5:17-18
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about overeating? Is anything in excess a problem?
It's a problem that can have serious consequences. It leads us down a path of more problems, including poverty, or finding ourselves in great need.
Anything in excess that gives us a "high" is only temporary and leads to more actions that are out of control. It might be drinking, eating, sleeping, or (you fill in the ________).
What does Paul say is the better way to live?
Paul makes it clear that we are to be under the control of God's Holy Spirit rather than alcohol or anything else (food) that is only a temporary "high". Being "full" of the Holy Spirit brings self-control and lasting joy to our lives!
We need the Holy Spirit, not the whole cow!
- Thank God for His Spirit at work within you. Confess any way in which you have been "filling up" with anything that produces a temporary "high", whether that be food, alcohol, or something else in excess. Thank Him for His forgiveness and ask His Spirit to fill you and control you every minute of every day.
- Pray this week for God to show you anything in your life that could be described as gluttony and let His Spirit change this habit in your life.
- Memorize Ephesians 5:18 as a reminder for you to live a life full of God's Spirit.
- The next time you eat a burger, thank God's Spirit for working to bring about self-control in your life.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use today's crazy record-setting burger story to talk to your friends about what gives us fulfillment in life. Be ready to listen and share your own story of your attempts to fill your life with things that don't last. Let Jesus lead you to sense the right moment to share how His presence in your life fills you and will last forever.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a resource for your next small group or youth group meeting. Have some fun by making your own version of your biggest burger....remember to share!
26 Feb, 2008
Godly or just acting?
Oscar night in Hollywood!
Do you think the best actor won at the academy awards?
"No Country for Old Men" lived up to its front-runner status at the Academy Awards Sunday night, winning Best Picture and getting nods for adapted screenplay and director for the Coen brothers, and supporting actor for Javier Bardem.
Daniel Day-Lewis won his second best-actor Academy Award for "There Will Be Blood."
Marion Cotillard rode the spirit of Edith Piaf to Oscar triumph, winning the best-actress prize as the French singer in "La Vie En Rose" over favorite Julie Christie, who had been expected to a second Oscar for "Away From Her."
Cotillard tearfully thanked her director, Olivier Dahan.
"Maestro Olivier, you rocked my life. You have truly rocked my life," said Cotillard, a French beauty who is a dynamo as Piaf, playing the warbling chanteuse through three decades, from raw late teens as a singer rising from the gutter through international stardom and her final days in her frail 40s.
"Thank you life, thank you love. And it is true that there are some angels in this city."
photo & story courtesy movies/msn.com, 2/24/08
Matthew 23:25-28
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
27 “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. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (ESV)
In today's God's Story scripture, what is Jesus condemning?
You might say that Jesus did not like actors! Now don't misunderstand. Look at the following definition:
HYPOCRISY, HYPOCRITE(S) acting a part in a play; pretense of piety; pretender; false or godless; feigning to be what one is not
Jesus loved stories. He was the greatest story teller ever! But, Jesus condemned anyone who made a habit out of acting like they were Godly on the outside, but were full of corruption, selfishness and worldliness on the inside.
He used the illustration of a cup. If you and I are living our Christian faith only as a show for others, we're like a new clean mug on the outside while the inside is full of a lifetime of Starbucks' stains.
We need His forgiveness to get cleaned up on the inside. Then our faith in Christ will be genuine.
Marion Cotillard and Daniel Day-Lewis won awards for acting like other characters.
Jesus will not give us any awards for acting, but He will give us Heavenly rewards for living out His character in a sinful world.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for giving us His Holy Word. Thank Him for the practical teaching that the words of Jesus provide you. Take a couple of minutes to let His Holy Spirit point out to you any ways in which you have be guilty of "acting" like you are a sincere follower of Jesus, while there is sin inside your heart and mind that need God's forgiveness. Right now, admit them to God and thank Him that the blood that Jesus shed on His cross will forgive you completely! Ask His Spirit to help you be devoted to Christ, both inwardly and outwardly, every day.
- Every day this week, pray for the strength to live as a genuine follower of Jesus, not a religious actor (hypocrite).
- Write in your journal a list of ways you tend to be a hypocrite some times. Review it regularly to let God's Spirit remind you to be real.
- Whenever you watch a movie, let it be a reminder to never be an "actor" in your faith. Remember, it's not about religion - it's a relationship with Jesus!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- When you see others "acting" like they are Christians, be careful not to judge, but rather pray for them and let Jesus remind you to be authentic yourself.
- When you see others who truly are acting out a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, affirm them.
- When you encounter people without Christ who are turned off by the hypocrisy of people who call themselves Christians, don't get defensive. Rather, admit the fact that followers of Jesus blow it often and need forgiveness. Ask if you can tell him or her a little bit of your story.
25 Feb, 2008
How much can you give?
Madonna And Friends Shine A Light On Malawi
If you were to look on a map, you could be excused for missing Malawi completely. Bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique in South East Africa, the nation of Malawi is shaped like a lightning bolt, with much of its land area covered by a massive lake. But it a country that is in dire need of help, and a host of celebrities turned out to a dazzling evening of fun on Wednesday, February 6, to raise awareness for what is one of the poorest countries in the world.
The gala event was hosted by Madonna on the lawns of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the $3.7 million raised going to UNICEF and her own Raising Malawi organization. “I want to put Raising Malawi on the map,” said Madonna. “I want credibility as a philanthropic organisation. I want to inspire people. I don’t want them to just write me a cheque: I want them to give me a piece of their heart.”
Comedian Christ Rock hosted an auction during the evening, which featured some exciting items donated by celebrity guests. Priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities were up for grabs, such as a dance class with Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow (which sold for $600,000), and a trip to Château Latour – including lunch with Salma Hayek – which was sold to Donald Trump for $120,000.
Saving Malawi was co-founded by Madonna in 2006, after she witnessed the plight of the country firsthand. And it is a plight she hopes to make more people aware of.
Recent UNICEF figures state that almost 1 million people in Malawi (whose total population is 13 million) suffer from HIV/AIDS, including 83,000 children. 267 people are infected with the virus every day, and half of the country’s 1 million orphans have lost their parents to the disease.
“I’ve earned a reputation for many things,” said Madonna during Wednesday’s gala evening. “For pushing the envelope, for being a provocateur, for never taking no for an answer, for endlessly reinventing myself, for being a cult member, a kidnapper, for being ambitious, outrageous, and irreverent. And for never settling for second best. I don’t just want you to write me a check. I’m more interested in your heart. I want to take you on that journey with me tonight. I want you to feel as inspired as I do right now.
“Yes, I want to raise Malawi. But if I can do that – if we can do that – then the sky’s the limit.”
photo & story courtesy looktothestars.org, 2/8/08
Luke 21:1-4
The Widow's Offering
21:1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (ESV)
After reading today's God's Story, who gave more? Madonna and friends or the widow in Luke 21?
The widow! Now don't get me wrong, because the famous celebrities really gave generous gifts! But it's pretty obvious that the widow gave till it hurt and I doubt that Madonna is hurting financially after her generous donations.
It's the widow in today's scripture who has celebrity status in God's Kingdom!
While we often think we're being generous when we give a small % of our income to the Lord, it was the widow who illustrated what it means to give with a Kingdom attitude. Her giving was a sacrifice because she gave all she had to live on.
Do you ever give till it hurts a little?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Thank God for the many ways He has blessed you with the resources you need not only to live, but to have "more" than most of the world. Confess any way in which you have been selfish with what God has given you. Ask God to give you the desire and the willingness to give not only a little of your extra, but sacrificially. Thank Him for the opportunity you have to glorify Him as you help meet the needs of others.
- Give personally to help meet the needs of poor starving children. There are many great options like Compassion International.
- Keep track of your spending habits for one month. Are you giving at least a tithe (10 %) back to the Lord? What luxury items could you give up? Or if you want to try being like the widow in Luke 21 for one month, give at least 90 percent of your income to the Lord. Ouch!
How can you connect today's story, God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- Talk to your youth leader and others in your church about pooling your resources to meet the needs of someone or a group of people.
- Ask your youth leader or pastor to help your group with resources to study the Biblical teaching of tithing and giving sacrificially.
- Reach out to someone in your circle of influence (storysphere) by giving them some money or time in order to help meet a need in his or her life. You'll probably have the opportunity to verbalize part of your story with Jesus when they ask you why you are giving something to them.
22 Feb, 2008
yourspace.God
Can you picture what the astronauts see when they look at earth? What do you think God's view is like? What's yours?
Outer space is really out there....
Image of the Week: Perth, Australia
...and through photos, we can experience what the astronauts see.
The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth hosts the best and most complete online collection of astronaut photographs of the Earth.
Beginning with the Mercury missions in the early 1960s, astronauts have taken photographs of the Earth. Our database tracks the locations, supporting data, and digital images for these photographs. We process images coming down from the International Space Station on a daily basis and add them to the 755,288 views of the Earth already made accessible on our website. These images include 311,685 from the International Space Station.
Go to see for yourself at http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/
photo and text courtesy http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/> 02/15/2008
Psalm 19:1-4
The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun, (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God's creation and how we should view it?
In this psalm, David is meditating on God's power and our limitations. God's ultimate power is displayed all around us through His incredible handiwork! God's creation is all about His Space, not my space!
When you look at the heavens (sun, moon, stars), you are seeing dramatic proof of God's existence, His power, His love, and His care for you and me. Anyone who says that the universe just happened by chance has their head in outer space. God's "gihugic" creation and His attention to design and detail just scream out the truth of a Creator Who is personally involved in our lives.
The astronauts who travel in outer space get to see another perspective of God's creation when they look back at planet Earth. What a view!
God wants us to have this Heavenly perspective - that as we abide in Christ, we will take on His view of life if we take a look at His creation and worship Him. His power and care are undeniable.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Talk to God right now about His power and care in your life. Confess the times that you take His creation for granted. Praise Him for His amazing display of His creative power and personal care in your life. Thank Him that His creation reveals the Truth about Him to you and the world.
- Try to take a walk every day when you talk to Jesus about your walk with Him. Take a couple of minutes to look at God's creation and then listen to His Spirit at work in you.
- In your journal, write a daily example of how you are amazed by God's creative power.
- Let any media coverage about outer space remind you to enjoy God's creation and perspective.
How can we connect the truth of today's story, God's story scripture and our story to others who need to know Jesus?
- Remember, that even though the psalmist is telling us that part of God's Story is being told to the world through His creation, we still need to do our part. God's creative handiwork communicates His existence and power, but His story of salvation through Jesus Christ is found in the Bible. Jesus has told His followers to tell God's Story to "the ends of the earth".
- So....pray, show others Christ's love, and listen to their stories. Look for those moments when you can talk about God's creation with others. Look for those moments when you can share your story of how Jesus gave you a personal relationship with the Creator.
- Go online to the NASA web site with a friend who needs Jesus and look at the photos taken by astronauts from outer space. (There's only more than 755,000 pictures!) Ask your friend questions about what they believe about the origin of the universe? Do they believe in God's involvement in our lives? Why or why not? Be ready to share your perspective based on today's scripture.
20 Feb, 2008
That's a kick in the teeth!
Chew on this story...
Pastor Joseph M. Stowell tells a story about his childhood. “Growing up in Hackensack, N.J., just across the George Washington Bridge from New York City, provided a variety of experiences for me. One was going to school with some of the rough kids from the neighboring town of South Hackensack. I recall one afternoon, playfully sparring with one of the southside guys and having his punch actually land on my face. The blow jarred one of my front teeth loose. Thankfully, the dentist was able to anchor the tooth again, and I didn’t lose it. In fact, I was better off--the tooth had always been crooked, so the dentist straightened it as he worked. Sometimes the blows of life have a way of taking something crooked and making it straight.”
picture courtesy images.google.com & illustration courtesy irsweb.com
Romans 8:28-29 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about seeing the "good" in the bad in our lives?
First of all, please understand that this verse does not mean that everything is going to work out good for followers of Jesus. God doesn't remove all the bad things in life for His children.
It also doesn't mean that everything that happens to us in life is good. We live in a sinful world that is broken, so pain and suffering will often break our hearts.
It does mean that God is in total control of "everything", not just some incidents in life. He will use every circumstance (good or bad from our perspective) to bring about "good" in us (from His perspective). That "good" is all about His purpose for us - to glorify Him as we become more and more like Jesus Christ who created His new life in us! God's ultimate purpose is to make us Holy, not happy.
We can still be full of joy even when we're not happy. Happiness depends on how we feel about circumstances, but joy is the peace in our souls that comes with knowing and believing that God is working to bring about the "good" that He wants for us.
So when life "knocks your tooth out", trust God! He will eventually straighten out what seems crooked in this life.
- Thank God that He has "called you according to His purpose for you". Ask Him to give you the obedient faith you need every day to love Him. Whatever is "crooked" in your life right now - talk to Him about it. Ask Him to give you His perspective and the patience you need to trust Him to straighten it out even if it doesn't make sense until you get to Heaven some day.
- Memorize Romans 8:28 as a reminder of God's purpose for your life.
- This week, look for illustrations of the truth of today's scripture at school, work and in your relationships. Keep thinking about how God might bring something "good" out of something bad.
- Whenever you see your teeth in a mirror this week, let God remind you that you can trust him even when there seems to be nothing good coming out of the bad in your life.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Watch for the times when the stories of others seem to include a "kick in the teeth".
- Pray for them and look for ways to show them you care.
- Ask Jesus to help you listen to their needs and pain. Trust His Holy Spirit to show you when you can share with them an example from your own story how God can "take the crooked and make it straight".
19 Feb, 2008
Another school shooting
Gunman opens fire on Ill. campus; six dead
DEKALB, Ill. - A former graduate student armed with two handguns and a shotgun opened fire Thursday in a large lecture hall on the campus of Northern Illinois University, killing five students and wounding 16 others before killing himself, authorities said.
University President John G. Peters said six students — four women, the shooter and another man — were killed in what he described as a “very brief, rapid-fire assault.” Sixteen other students were injured by gunfire or flying glass, authorities said.
All of the victims were students, including the shooter and the instructor, a graduate teaching assistant, who survived, Peters said. Two of the survivors were in critical condition last Thursday night.
The gunman, who was not identified, was a former graduate student at NIU but had since enrolled at another college, Peters said. None of the victims were identified pending notification of their families.
The man entered the room from behind the instructor and, without saying a word, began shooting from the stage, Sundstrom and other witnesses said. Firing in the general direction of the students, he emptied a clip of ammunition and calmly reloaded before resuming firing.
“He just walked in and just started shooting at people randomly,” Sundstrom said. “I crawled out to the main aisle, then just got up and ran and turned around and saw him shooting.”
Sundstrom added: “I just don’t know why anybody would want to do anything like this.”
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 2/14/08
Job 42:1-5 (NLT)
Job Responds to the Lord
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.
4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.’
5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what to do even when God's wisdom can not be explained?
The background to Job's story up to this point is that he had asked God "WHY?" sixteen times to explain all the suffering he had endured. After God's speech to him, Job humbled himself and God blessed him with a family and even greater material possessions than he had before.
In today's text, Job is admitting that he had been foolish in questioning God's control and wisdom. He confessed his attitude of demanding God to explain His ways.
As I write this DAILYBIDE, I'm watching news reports of the Northern Illinois University tragedy. The shock is overwhelming - it's happening again...the question of "WHY?" is mentioned in television interviews every few minutes.
Today's statement by the student searching for answers to the shootings at Northern Illinois University leads me to believe that there are many family and friends who are asking God the "WHY?" question.
You and I may be asking the same question as our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and family of all the victims. We wonder why this keeps happening?
The hard reality is that God's wisdom in this event may not be explained in this earthly life. So what do we do?
Job's story gives everyone an example to follow. We must come to the point where we don't demand for God to explain the "WHY" and in humility recognize that our focus must be on the "WHO".
This "WHO" is the almighty, loving God Who uses His wisdom to accomplish His perfect plan. Our response must be absolute TRUST in Him because:
God's wisdom is understood through His Spirit.
God's wisdom and knowledge are infinite.
God's wisdom is part of accomplishing His purposes.
God's wisdom may not be explained in this life, but we must trust Him.
- Praise God for His infinite wisdom, which He reveals to us through His Spirit as He accomplishes His perfect purposes. If you have been angry with God in demanding an explanation for the circumstances in your life, admit that right now - He understands and loves you. If you have been using what you can't understand about God's ways as an excuse for not trusting Him, admit this to God right now and ask His Spirit to give you the faith you need to trust Him in complete humility. Thank Him for the fact that He will continue to use all of His wisdom to help you glorify Him as you become more like Jesus.
- Pray every day for God's Spirit to give you faith to choose to trust Him rather than doubt Him as you face life's unanswered questions.
- Keep a written list of your "WHY" questions in life, but at the top of your list, write:
I'M TRUSTING THE "WHO" AS I WAIT FOR THE "WHY"
How can connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray that the families and friends of those killed and injured in the Northern Illinois University shootings will experience the peace that only Jesus Christ can provide.
- As you hear more in the news about this latest campus shooting, let it remind you to pray for God to use His wisdom and power to reach many people for Christ through this story.
- Use this story as a conversation starter to learn more about the stories of those in your storysphere who need Jesus. Focus on listening rather than feeling the need to answer the questions, especially since we don't know the answers. BUT, this may be an opportunity for you to share more of your story - that you are trusting the "WHO" as you wonder about the "WHY".
18 Feb, 2008
Are you a world changer?
Sally Rymer is a 15-year-old modern day abolitionist...
...you can watch and listen to her amazing story on a youtube link (yes, there's lots of junk on youtube, but that's another cool part about Sally's story...she is being a light for Christ in a cyber world that is often dark...) Go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/rezlifekc
Mark 10:42-45 (NLT)
42 So Jesus called them together and said,
What is today's God's Story scripture teaching us about being a world changer?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide some great insight:
10:42-45 James and John wanted the highest positions in Jesus' Kingdom. But Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Peter, one of the disciples who had heard this message, expands the thought in 1 Peter 5:1-4.
Businesses, organizations, and institutions measure greatness by personal achievement. In Christ's Kingdom, however, service is the way to get ahead. The desire to be on top will hinder, not help. Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others.
Very few of Christ's followers will ever make this world's lists of people who achieve greatness.
But Christ-like servants are always on God's list of those who achieve greatness. From God's perspective, 15-year-old Sally Rymer is great! She's a young servant who is doing her part to change the world.
How about us?
- Thank Jesus for being the essence of greatness through service. Confess any way in which you may have been striving for worldly success rather than greatness in God's Kingdom. Ask Jesus to empower you with the humility needed to be great for God's glory.
- Memorize today's passage as a reminder of how to be a Christ-like servant.
- Read Peter's teaching on this subject in 1 Peter 5:1-4.
- Every day, ask Jesus to show you how He wants you to serve someone.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to the lives of others?
- Send the link to Sally's story to a friend or family member who is interested in learning more about God's Story. Better yet, look at it with them and then watch their reaction and talk about what Sally is doing to help change the world. This should really help you learn more about their story and give you more opportunity to talk about your story and how it's connected to God's Story.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a resource with your small group or youth group to talk about being a servant for Christ and doing what we can to change our part of the world.
15 Feb, 2008
Gong!
Are you a clanging cymbal?
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
The Way of Love
13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the connection between clanging cymbals and real love?
A little historical background of the culture in Paul's day will help us understand the answer. Corinth was the location of the early church to which Paul was writing this letter. In that city, in the first century, there was a big gong or cymbal hanging at the entrance of most pagan temples. When pagan worshippers came, they would clang the cymbals to "wake up" their pagan gods so they would listen to their prayers.
So, Paul is teaching that if we don't love others with Godly love (unconditional), everything else we have and do (even if it is really good and spiritual) makes us nothing. Without real love, the stuff we do is as useless as the ridiculous act of gonging a piece of metal to wake up a god that does not exist!
Our culture confuses real love and selfish lust. Godly love is clear. It is directed toward others without being self-centered.
Let your love for others be a beautiful sound. Let it be a symbol of God's love.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise God that He alone is the only true living God! Thank Him that you don't have to try to get His attention, because His loving eyes are on you constantly. Confess any way in which you have been focusing on our culture's self-centered perspective on love. Ask Jesus to help you remember that God's love must be a priority in your life. Ask Jesus to help you make His kind of noise - the sound of unconditional love for others.
- Read today's passage again. In verses 4-7, how many practical ways to express love do you find? Review it every week for the next month. Write down the names of five people in your life to receive at least one of these expressions of love in 1st Corinthians 13:4-7.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Send today's DAILYBIDE to several of your friends who are followers of Christ. Invite them to get together and talk about forming a band. This will be a different kind of band - a small group of friends who are serious about being more than "clanging cymbals". Ask Jesus to show you how to put a love song together that will connect your stories in Christ to the stories of others who need to know Him.
- If you're a student in a band, go crash the cymbals in front of a couple of your Christian friends and use it as a conversation starter about today's scripture.
- For one month, do a weekly check to make sure you are following through on your "expressions of love" list that you wrote down in the "my story" section above.
14 Feb, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
What does Valentine's Day mean for you?
pictures courtesy evsc.k12.in.us; punchstock.com; lists.w3.org; vegweb.com
John 15:12-13
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (ESV)
In today's God's Story scripture, what is Jesus saying is the evidence of real love?
This one is truly easier said than done. We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and He loved us so much that He gave His life for us.
Lots of people will express love today with cards, candy and flowers. It's what we do on Valentine's Day. So how did this holiday get started? I did some research and found several explanations regarding the history of Valentine's Day. I'm not sure which one is the most accurate, but the following is my favorite because if nothing else, it's a great story that illustrates Biblical love:
St. Valentine was a priest near Rome in about the year 270 A.D. At that time the Roman Emperor was imprisoning Christians for not worshipping the Roman gods. During this persecution Valentine was arrested. Some write that he was arrested because he was performing Christian marriages, but others say it was for helping Christians escape prison.
During the trial they asked Valentine what he thought of the Roman gods Jupiter and Mercury. Valentine said they were false gods and that the God that Jesus called Father was the only true God. So the Romans threw him in prison for insulting the gods.
While in prison Valentine continued to minister. He witnessed to the guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. Because these people had come to know Jesus, Valentine praised God right there in his prison cell. When the emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he had Valentine beheaded.
Valentine knew that he might get caught in his Christian activities. He knew that if he told the court the truth about the Roman gods that he would be thrown in prison. And he knew that if he continued to witness to Christ in the prison he would make his captors angry. But he continued, because he loved the Lord and his fellow humans. He was willing to risk his life to free the prisoners and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who needed to hear it.
The Bible Says: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."(John 15:13) God showed us this love by coming in Christ to die for our sins. And St. Valentine demonstrated this love when he died for his friends. This is the kind of love that Valentine's Day is really about.
story courtesy just4kidsmagazine.com, 02/05/04
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise Jesus for laying down His life for you on the cross. Ask His Spirit to follow His example by being willing to give your all to someone else. Thank Him that even though you may never have to actually die for someone, His Spirit will enable you to practice sacrificial love.
- Memorize John 15:13 as a reminder how to love others like Jesus does.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Think of someone who needs your listening heart, your help, your encouragement, your time, and then give a little more. It might someone at school, at work, or at home. You'll be their Valentine and like Jesus.
- Whenever you give or receive a Valentine's Day "something" today, silently pray for the other person to experience God's love in a new way.
13 Feb, 2008
New queen of "tween"
For "Hannah Montana", it's talent, fame, riches, adoring fans, an amazing future...
Miley Ray Cyrus set to become a billionaire by the time she hits adulthood
Who needs men to drive the box office when you’ve got Miley Ray Cyrus (better known to legions of pint-size fans as Hannah Montana), a multimedia starlet who is on track to be a billionaire by the time she hits 18.
The day after Super Bowl XLII, Cyrus — or Hannah Montana, the character she plays on the hit Disney Channel TV show — stole headlines away from one of the most memorable upsets in the history of the National Football League. Her film, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert, became the No. 1 movie at the box office, earning $31.1 million in three days.
Hannah Montana was shown only at 683 specially-equipped Digital 3-D theatres and moviegoers paid on average $15 per ticket. (The national average is closer to $7. For more on her movie's effect on U2 3D, read "Hannah Montana Vs. U2.")
Cyrus, daughter of ’90s country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus, who co-stars as her on-screen father, wasn’t done: That same Monday, the movie raked in another $3.3 million. And Tuesday, it earned another $2.8 million, leaving Hollywood insiders scratching their heads. “It was unexpected,” said Jeff Bock, a box-office analyst for Los Angeles-based Exhibitor Relations, “especially for a film targeting young females, which the studios usually don’t target.”
Michael Wood, vice president of TRU, a market-research firm based in Northbrook, Illinois, specializing in tween and youth audiences, says he sees Cyrus on her way to billion-dollar status. “At this rate, she’s certainly positioned to,” Wood says. “I don’t see this ending anytime soon. This is not a fluke.”
photo & story courtesy msnbc.msn.com, 2/8/08
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (NIV)
19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
What does today's God's Story scripture, written by Solomon, teach us about being content in life?
When you see Miley Cyrus living this fantasy dream world for real, as a junior high kid, do you find yourself feeling a little jealous? (OK, if you're a girl, maybe totally envious?)
Miley (aka Hannah Montana), a teenage sensation, is about to "have it all" from our culture's perspective. She's talented, famous, and just getting started! Miley is cute, a rich superstar celebrity, and she's just a kid. It's not fair!
You may be wondering "How does she get all this?"
(Hey, I'm a middle-aged man and I'm wondering the same thing!) Let's be honest. We're all human and it's hard not to be jealous.
That's why once again, God's Word is so practical about issues we all face! Check out this insight on today's scripture from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes:
5:19, 20 God wants us to view what we have (whether it is much or little) with the right perspective - our possessions are a gift from God. Although they are not the source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice because every good thing comes from God. We should focus more on the Giver than the gift. We can be content with what we have when we realize that in God we have everything we need.
- Thank God first of all for who He is.....now spend a couple of minutes letting His Spirit remind you of what He's given you, starting with His Son Jesus.....now confess any struggle you may have in being content with what you have or don't have in life...ask Him to teach you to always be grateful in everything....
- Make it a daily discipline in your life to thank God for every good thing He does in your life and for every gift He provides for you - big or small.
- Keep a written record of the good "gifts" that God gives you. You may be surprised at how "rich" you really are.
- Whenever you see stories about Miley "Hannah Montana" Cyrus, let it remind you to let God help you be content.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- There will be lots of talk about Miley Cyrus in the coming weeks. Use it as an opportunity to encourage others in their abilities and talents.
- If you have someone in your storysphere who is pretty interested in God's Story and your story, use conversation about Miley Cyrus to continue to connect their story to God's Story. You can be honest about feeling jealous of others who seem to have everything. Explain how God is challenging you to live a life of contentment because you belong to Him. Continue to talk naturally about your relationship with Jesus.
- Pray for Miley Cyrus to experience God at work in her life during this incredible experience and opportunity.
12 Feb, 2008
Are you telling the truth?
Nevada football player made up recruiting story
Exodus 20:16 (NLT)
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor."
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the value that God places on telling the truth?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide the insight:
20:16 To testify falsely means lying in court. God knew that Israel could not survive unless its system of justice was incorruptible. We should be honest in our private dealings as well as in our public statements. In either situation, we "testify falsely" by leaving something out of a story, telling a half-truth, twisting the facts, or inventing a falsehood. God warns us against deception. Even though deception is a way of life for many people, God's people must not give in to it!
Kevin Hart is in trouble for making up a story to make himself look like someone he is not - a Division I football recruit.
This is a great lesson for all of us. How often do we just twist the facts a little bit in order to make ourselves look better? But lies will mess up our story and the idea of connecting others to God's Story. People don't need us to look better...just normal...someone who is honest about our need to totally depend on Jesus.
God always gives us commands to obey because He has our best in mind! He wants us to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, all the time.
- Thank God for giving us His commands in His Holy Word. Confess any way in which you have been telling anything less the the whole truth. Thank Him for His forgiveness made possible through Christ's death on the cross. Ask His Spirit to help you continually seek the Truth about God and be empowered to live and tell His truth.
- Memorize today's verse to keep the importance of telling the truth always on your mind.
- For one week, keep a written daily journal of how you did at telling the truth in every situation and conversation. At the end of the week, look it over and ask God to help you evaluate your pattern of truth telling (or lack of) and to make any needed changes.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- During the next several days, notice how often the subject of truth telling comes up in the news around the world. Let it remind you to continually ask Christ to help you be truthful with others.
- Ask those in your storysphere if they heard the story about the student lying about being recruited to play college football? If not, tell them the story and get their reaction. Use it to have a conversation about being less than truthful in order to make ourselves look better. Rather than putting them on the spot, be vulnerable about ways you have done this and express your desire to change. This is a great way for you to share the connection between your story and God's Story.
11 Feb, 2008
Did your faves win a Grammy?
Winehouse dominates Grammys from afar
By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer
LOS ANGELES - Trapped half a world away by the place she promised to never "go, go, go," a vibrant, exuberant Amy Winehouse dominated the Grammys on Sunday night, winning five awards and delivering a defiant performance of her autobiographical hit "Rehab" via satellite from London.
For a while it seemed impossible that Winehouse would perform at all. She recently entered a drug rehabilitation center after months of erratic behavior and canceled performances, not to mention the anthemic "no, no, no" resistance of her hit song.
Winehouse's performance was not the only dramatic moment of the night. Kanye West, who had a leading eight nominations and won four trophies, delivered an electric, glow-in-the-dark rendition of "Stronger," then segued into a stirring tribute to his mother, Donda West, who died unexpectedly last year at age 58 after undergoing plastic surgery.
While West was accepting the best rap album trophy, the orchestra tried to play him off the stage as he began speaking about his mother.
"It would be in good taste to stop the music," West said — and the music stopped.
The Grammys, celebrating its 50th year, emphasized its history from the first performance. Alicia Keys, glammed-up with a '50s style, sat at the piano and sang "Learnin' the Blues" along with a black-and-white video performance from the late Frank Sinatra.
photo & story courtesy yahoonews.com, 2/10/08
1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (NLT)
David Organizes the Musicians
David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. Here is a list of their names and their work:
2 From the sons of Asaph, there were Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. They worked under the direction of their father, Asaph, who proclaimed God’s messages by the king’s orders.
3 From the sons of Jeduthun, there were Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six in all. They worked under the direction of their father, Jeduthun, who proclaimed God’s messages to the accompaniment of the lyre, offering thanks and praise to the Lord.
4 From the sons of Heman, there were Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 5 All these were the sons of Heman, the king’s seer, for God had honored him with fourteen sons and three daughters.
6 All these men were under the direction of their fathers as they made music at the house of the Lord. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals, harps, and lyres at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman reported directly to the king. 7 They and their families were all trained in making music before the Lord, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician.
Today's God's Story scripture tells us about the duties of the musicians during King David's time. What can we learn from these verses?
Now be honest. Did you kind of speed read your way through the list of names in today's OT passage? Does it help if you sort of think of it as God's list of "Grammy winners"? The difference is that these people were not about winning awards or the attention of the masses. They were all about offering their music in worship of God.
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes provide this insight:
25:1-7 There were many ways to contribute to the worship in the Tabernacle. Some proclaimed God's messages, some offered thanks and praise, and others played instruments. God wants all his people to participate in worship. You may not be a master musician...but God appreciates whatever you have to offer. Develop your special gifts to offer in service to God.
Music is a pretty big deal in the Bible. But the bottom line is that music was God's idea and can be given back to him in praise. And you don't have to be a good musician to worship Him. Make a joyful noise to the Lord!
Does the music you play or listen to have a negative or positive impact on your relationship with God?
- Thank God for creating the idea of music. Thank Him for giving so many people a special gift to be able to communicate through music. Thank Him for the way music is such a vital part of worshipping Him in Spirit and truth. Thank Him that you don't have to be a good musician to praise Him. Ask Jesus to help you learn to worship Him from the depths of your heart, with or without music.
- For the next month, spend one hour a week alone with God in musical worship. This is in addition to any worship you do in your church. Grab your iPod and sit in your room, go for a walk....
- Go through your stack of Cd's, or your iPod (this may take awhile) and answer the question: DOES THE MUSIC YOU PLAY OR LISTEN TO HAVE A NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE IMPACT UPON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- With your youth group or small group, discuss the role that music plays in your personal view of God and worship of Him.
- With your friends and family who need Jesus, ask them if they watched The Grammys and talk about the winners and losers. Just finding out more about their favorite and not-so-favorite artists and songs will you help you learn more about their stories.
- If you're full of courage, be willing to not indulge in music that is immoral when you're with friends who need Jesus. Be ready for some interesting conversation, but remember to talk about your values without judging your friends.
8 Feb, 2008
114 years old!
The Oldest Person In The World?
Edna Parker was born on the same day as silent movie star Harold Lloyd. She had became the oldest living American in February 2007 after the death of Corinne Dixon Taylor who lived in Washington D.C.
Born in Morgan County, Indiana, Parker got a teaching certificate at Franklin College in 1911. She married her husband, Earl Parker, in 1913. She has outlived her husband (who died in 1938) and her two sons, and she has 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren.
Currently, she lives in a retirement community in Shelbyville, Indiana, and still has a good health and can walk. In the same retirement center lives Sandy Allen, the tallest woman in the world.
Still, Japan detains the world record of average longevity, with about 28,000 persons aged over 100. This is put on the healthy alimentation and quality medical care. Japan possesses one of the longest average life spans, 85.3 years for women and 78.3 for men.
The world's absolute longevity record is detained by the French woman Jeanne Calment, which died in 1997, aged 122.
photo & story courtesy news.softpedia.com, 2/7/08
Leviticus 19:32 (NLT)
32 “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about how we should treat the elderly?
God gave the Israelites a direct command to show respect for the elderly, because this brings honor to them and to God. This instruction is timeless, meaning we must also apply it today.
A lot of jokes are made about the elderly in our culture. It's often easy to ignore them and not spend time with them. When their memory fades, their hearing goes, their eyes fail, and their ideas are different than ours - we often disregard their opinios and God's command to give them honor.
Every old person is precious in God's sight. If we spend time with them, we will learn from their life experience and wisdom. And it will make their day!
Think of the stories Edna Parker could tell. Wouldn't you love to hear her story and how it connects to God's story and the stories of others?
How can you connect today's God's Story scripture to your life?
- First of all, be very honest. How about you and your friends? Do you show respect for the elderly like God's Word teaches?
- Talk to God through prayer right now. Thank Him for His instruction for us to care for and respect the elderly. Pray for one elderly person (other than a relative) you know. Ask God to show you how to encourage this person. Now thank God for your grandparents and remember to pray for them every day.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- This weekend and once a month, help out an elderly person in your neighborhood.
- Write a letter of appreciation and love to your grandparents, even if they live nearby or you see them quite often. They love letters and email. If you don't have living grandparents, do this for another older couple or single.
- In your small group or youth group, develop a plan to reach out and honor the elderly in your community. It might involve visits to a nursing home or the homes of some older folks in your church or community.
- Use today's story about 114-year-old Edna Parker to start a conversation with someone you know who needs Jesus. You could ask, "If you lived to be 114-years-old, what would you hope to know about God by that age?"
7 Feb, 2008
Have you taken out the trash?
Inside the Lives of Hoarders
Oprah demonstrates what five tons of garbage looks like - From The Oprah Winfrey Show "Inside the Lives of Hoarders"
From closets overflowing with unworn clothes to boxes brimming with crafts and knickknacks, experts estimate that nearly 6 million Americans have a hoarding problem that affects their quality of life. But what if you had so much stuff, just the trash weighed 75 tons? To put it in perspective, it would take 15 huge dumpsters to hold that much trash. Imagine this amount of junk taking up every room, every hallway and every inch of space in your home. It seems impossible to live this way, but a heartbreaking home video introduced us to a husband and wife nearly buried alive by clutter.
From the outside, Sharyn and Marvin's 3,000-square-foot house looks like a typical American home. Step inside, however, and the foyer has become a narrow passage walled by stockpiles of possessions. The kitchen is drowning in bags and boxes filled with unused items. The family room is unrecognizable, with every piece of furniture covered in heaps of miscellaneous belongings.
Sharyn blames herself for the clutter. "I'm a shopaholic, and I just buy and buy and buy." She describes her home as terrible, uncomfortable and suffocating. Breaking down into tears, Sharyn admits she needs help. "I don't know how I've done this to myself, to my husband, to my family. I don't want them to hate me. If I were to die tomorrow and they were left having to contend with all this stuff, I think they would end up hating me the rest of their lives. I want to be free of the clutter that's taking over my life."
photo & story courtesy lifestyle/msn.com, 2/6/08
Proverbs 15:14 (NLT)
14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
while the fool feeds on trash.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the importance of what we store in our minds?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
15:14 What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. The kinds of books we read, the people we talk with, the music we listen to, and the films we watch are all part of our mental diet. Be discerning because what you feed your mind influences your total health and well-being. A strong desire to discover knowledge is a mark of wisdom.
Oprah's guests admit that they have a problem - a big problem - about 75 tons of clutter in their house!
Do we have a similar problem? Are the "things" of this world cluttering our minds? Is our head full of "trash" or are we storing Godly knowledge?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Let God's Spirit help you take inventory of your house. Get rid of anything that is "trashing" your relationship with God.
- Let God's Spirit help you clean our your mind and heart of any "garbage" that is messing up your intimacy with Christ.
- Make a list of 5 ways you can consistently fill your mind and heart with Godly knowledge and wisdom and then try it for 30 days to see the changes that God brings into your life.
- Whenever you clean up your room or home, or take out the trash, let Jesus remind you to do the same from a spiritual perspective.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- With your friends and family who need Jesus, use the story about the couple with 75 tons of trash in their home as a conversation starter about getting rid of things we don't need any more. Tell a little bit of your story of life in Christ, by talking about how God has been teaching you to try to get rid of the "clutter" in your life and to focus on what's really important.
- With your friends and family who know Jesus, talk about the need to hold each other accountable to keep the world's "trash" out of your lives.
- As a way to connect with the stories of your neighbors, offer to help them take out the trash if they are elderly or you know they could use a hand.
5 Feb, 2008
Time with The One and Only God!
Would you kneel down and pray in a cement parking lot when the wind chill temperature is twenty degrees below zero?
This picture is not of the actual event I describe below, but it's a vivid reminder for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus to evaluate our prayer lives:
The recent bone-chilling cold weather that has affected much of America reminded me of an experience I had about a year ago. My wife and I stopped at a Target Store to do some shopping. We were moving quickly through the lot because we live in Minnesota in January. But this 20 degrees below zero was something that even us macho weather people don't like!
Suddenly, I was stopped cold...so to speak! There was a man beside his car with his face on the ground. Was he hurt? No, he was a Muslim taxi driver kneeling on his prayer rug doing his afternoon prayer chats.
As I ran inside the store, two thoughts ran though my head:
How sad....this poor guy has been deceived by Satan to believe that if he does these prayer rituals, he has a better chance of making it to paradise.
How sad....I'm not this dedicated to praying and I know the One and Only True Living God!
picture courtesy images.google.com
Matthew 6:7-8 (NLT)
7
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about prayer?
Jesus makes it clear that we're not to pray the same words over and over as if we're reciting some magic formula that requires God to come through for us. God is a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to come to Him with our needs, but He wants us to come with trusting, sincere hearts.
Think about it. The Only True Living God knows our needs and loves as as His own when we have received Jesus Christ into our lives as our Savior.
There's no need to "babble", because we belong to the Father!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Spend a few minutes being honest with yourself and God about your own prayer life or lack of one.
- Thank God that He is your loving Heavenly Father who knows your needs and wants to listen to you as you talk to Him. Thank Him that you can talk to him without having to use some sort of ritual. Praise Him for the truth that He never changes - that you can depend on Him, no matter what! Ask His Spirit to keep teaching you how to pray.
- For the next several days, spend at least five minutes in worship of God before you talk to Him about your needs and requests. Try listening to a worship CD or go for a walk in silence. After giving Him praise and glory, tell your Father your needs.
- Write out your needs and requests. It might be for strength, wisdom, courage, physical healing for yourself or someone else, a mending of a broken relationship, a need at school, or home, or ____________________________? Keep track of God's answers and what He teaches you while you wait for His answers.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Whenever you see people of false religions praying, rather than judging them, stop and pray that followers of Jesus will be able to learn their stories and connect them to God's Story.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE to enourage other followers of Christ to evaluate their own prayer lives. Remember to start by being honest about yourself.
4 Feb, 2008
Super Bowl Champs!
Giants win Super Bowl thriller!
A day that was supposed to be reserved for 19-0 turned into a Giant upset, as New York stunned New England to win Super Bowl XLII.
Trailing late into the fourth quarter, Eli Manning drove the Giants 83 yards down the field, and tossed the game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds left in the Super Bowl. Manning was named MVP of the game after going 19-of-34 for 255 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Tom Brady was sacked five times, and hit throughout the game by the Giants defense. He finished 29-of-48 for 266 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots finished the season 18-1, failing to become just the second team to cap an undefeated season with a Super Bowl win.
photo & story courtesy foxsports.com, 2/3/08
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NLT)
19 After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy.
What does today’s God's Story scripture teach us about an achievement that lasts forever?
Paul is writing the believers in Thessalonica to let them know how much he wants to see them again! Why? Because they represent the biggest crown (trophy) in his ministry. They are some of the people he helped come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
God has given each of us a ministry. The specifics are different but we have this in common - we are to glorify God as we serve Him in being part of His process of seeing people's lives changed now and forever.
Winning the Super Bowl is a tremedous achievement but helping others receive Christ's gift of salvation is an eternal achievement that comes with being part of Christ's championship team!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Be honest with God. How motivated are you to know Christ more deeply and to help others know Him?
- Save the picture in today's story - the one of Manning with the sign "We Wanted It More", as a reminder to examine your priorities in your daily life. Are they about you or serving and glorifying God?
- As you think about the opportunities you might have for earthly achievements, commit them to God for Him to use in a way that brings honor and glory to His name.
- Read the entire book of 1st Thessalonians to learn more about Paul's story.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Use today's story about the underdog Giants winning the Super Bowl as a way to talk about how people doubted Christ's "come from behind victory" over death and sin, but He won!
- Think about your family and friends who need Jesus. Make a list of their names.
- Start praying regularly for these people to see the love of Christ in you and to recognize their need for Christ and His forgivenss and eternal life. Be ready to talk to them about their story and your story and God’s Story.
1 Feb, 2008
Do you see His shadow?
Punxsutawney Phil is king of the hill.
Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog in the world. He will be the star tomorrow with the media in Punxsutawney, Penn. As is traditional on Groundhog Day, the furry little weather forecaster comes out of his burrow, looks for his shadow and utters his prediction on how much longer winter will last in "groundhogese."
Starting at 3 a.m. and then waiting until dawn for Phil to emerge and check for his shadow, crowds will find out if there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. (You believe this right?)
Punxsutawney has celebrated Groundhog Day since 1887, as depicted in the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray.
photo courtesy groundhog.org & text cnet.news.com, 02/01/08
Psalm 91:1-2
My Refuge and My Fortress
91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” (ESV)
Why is today's God's Story scripture such a great encouragement to each of us who claim to follow Jesus?
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, Psalm 91:1-2 is God's promise to you! Our loving Heavenly Father is our safe place in all of life's fears and struggles. The "shadow of the Almighty" is a picture of God's power and protection. Just to be in the presence of His "shadow" is all we need to have enough faith to take refuge in Him and trust Him with every part of our life.
"Groundhog Day" is a celebration that is rooted in a German superstition. Some Germans believed that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow Feb. 2 - the Christian holiday of Candlemas - winter will last another six weeks. The groundhog can go "rest" for awhile. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.
Isn't it great to rely on truth rather than superstition?
When we see God's "shadow", we can keep resting in Him...all over again...all over again...
- Praise God for His power and protection! If you have strayed from His "shadow", confess it and jump back in! Thank God that you can rest in Him knowing that He has a perfect plan and purpose for you. Tell Him any fears you have right now and allow Jesus to strengthen you. He's always ready and willing.
- Memorize today's scripture. God will use it to keep you in His "shadow".
- Whenever you find yourself in a shadow this next week, let it remind you to take shelter in the Father for all of your needs and fears.
- In your journal, write down your five main needs and fears. Keep praying about them for the next six weeks. See if God changes your heart from winter to spring?
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
This one is pretty obvious! Think of one person with whom you have been in the process of connecting the 3 stories. Ask this friend if they are familiar with "Groundhog Day"? Use the shadow part of the story to talk about how you hang out in the "shadow of the Almighty".
If you need to work on building the friendship more before you talk about your story and God's Story, start by watching the old Bill Murry movie together.