29 Aug, 2008
"I have a dream..."
Do not let your dreams be discouraged just because you are young.
On 28 August, 1963, Martin Luther King delivered his magnificent "I have a dream speech" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Below is part of "the dream"
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.
With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning: "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring." And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true."
photo & story courtesy bbc.com, 08/28/08
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what a young follower of Jesus can do?
Paul was a mentor to Timothy and gave him some great advice that every young believer should apply. Paul's challenge was to encourage Timothy to be a servant leader for God even though he was young. We don't know exactly how old Timothy was, but evidently some people thought he was too young to be a pastor. However, he had a "dream" to share the gospel.
It's pretty normal for older Christians to look down on young people because they are...well you know...YOUNG! If older people are used to seeing immaturity in young people, it's easy for them to hold back on their trust of what young people can do.
Are you ready and willing to give the world a new perspective on young people?
Paul is teaching that younger Christians need to earn the respect of their elders by showing maturity. You can do this by being a Christ-like example in your talk, your love, your faith and through living a life of purity. No matter how old or young you are, God will use you to help build His Kingdom. He is simply waiting for you to live in such a way that the world around you will see Christ in you!
Martin Luther King Jr. had a great dream that seemed imposible to many. However, the way he carried himself and lead others caused many to follow behind him. If you have a dream God has given you do not allow yourself to be discouraged by others. Through your Christ-like actions prove to them the imposible.
You probably won't ever make the news for living for Christ and serving Him at a young age, but God will notice and use you to impact the world forever!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He uses everyone who is faithful to help build His Kingdom. Ask His Spirit to help you be faithful so that you might bring honor and glory to God. Ask His Spirit to help you mature in Christ daily. Offer yourself to be used by God in any way He chooses. Ask God to help you be honest about your maturity level if older believers don't seem to trust you yet. Ask Him to help you be patient as you strive to earn their trust.
- Every day, remember that abiding in Christ means that you focus first on being like Jesus and then serving like Jesus.
- Look for a weekly opportunity to serve Jesus with maturity.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to trust God to use you no matter your age.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Sit down with an older follower of Jesus and ask him or her to tell you their story about what the Lord has taught them about living for Christ. If you're real brave, ask this person to mentor you by holding you accountable in your process of maturing in Christ.
- Encourage your small group or youth group by sharing today's DAILYBIDE with them. It's OK to be young and make a difference!
- See if you can be creative in other ways to connect your story to their stories and to God's Story!
27 Aug, 2008
It makes sense when life doesn't
Jesus Endured The Ultimate Pain And Suffering...
...Because He Is The Ultimate Answer To All Of Our Questions...
C.S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures; speaks in our conscience; but shouts in our pains. It's His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
photos courtesy images.google.com
Romans 8:28 (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.
1 Peter 3:14-16 (NLT)
14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.
As we wrap up this series on "GOOD" OUT OF BAD, let's review:
We found out from Paul that God causes everything to work for our "good". That "good" is that God wants us to glorify Him as we become more like Jesus Christ.
One of those "good" results is that PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN TEACH US. Remember, God's purpose is to make us Holy, not happy.
Another "good" is that PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN GLORIFY GOD THROUGH US. When Christians personally apply the truths of Who God is, in their lives, God is glorified through the pain and suffering of His children.
PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN PURIFY US. The trials that we face in life are part of the process that God uses to refine us by "fire". If we respond to the "fire" by trusting God, our faith is strengthened and we become useful to serve God.
God's discipline proves that He loves us even more than we understand. Another "good" out of bad is that PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN MATURE US. Our loving Father uses it to help us grow up to be more like Jesus Christ.
PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN EQUIP US TO COMFORT OTHERS. God doesn't always remove our troubles, but He always provides comfort as we endure life's hard times. God is equipping us to some day bring His comfort to others.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about another "good" result that can come out of pain and suffering?
PAIN AND SUFFERING CAN REACH US AND OTHERS. Life's trials often cause people to seek answers to difficult questions. Only Jesus Christ offers hope because He died to forgive our sins and rose from the dead to prove that He alone is the answer to the ultimate question about life and death. Can others see your hope in Christ?
Are you ready and willing to tell them what Christ has done in your life?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that though He will not keep you from all pain and suffering, He will never leave you alone with your problems. Praise Him for being in control, infinite in wisdom, and that His love for you is perfect! Ask Him for the faith you need to trust Him when you are tested. Let God know of your desire to let Him teach you about Himself. Ask Jesus to help you glorify Him in tough times. Ask God's Spirit to point out to you any impurities in your life that you need to confess and then thank Jesus for His forgiveness. Thank God that He will use pain and suffering to discipline you to grow in spiritual maturity. Ask God to show you opportunities to bring comfort to someone else who is facing a difficult challenge that you've already faced with God's love and strength. Thank God that His Spirit will use pain and suffering to reach people. Ask for loving courage to be able to share your hope in Christ with others.
- Write down examples of how God gives you the opportunity to learn another person's story of need; to share your story of knowing Christ; and to share God's story of hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Talk to your youth leader, pastor or another Christian friend about what you've written down and ask for their input and prayer. Find a cause you can support through prayer or become involved with in your community.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray regularly for the opportunity to share the answer you have found in Christ with others who are looking for hope in the middle of life's difficult questions.
- Share this DAILYBIDE about "good" out of "bad" with a friend, your small group or your youth group.
26 Aug, 2008
Peace in the middle of...
Russia's parliament has backed a motion urging the president to
recognise the independence of Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Both houses voted unanimously in favour of the non-binding motion, which analysts say could help President Dmitry Medvedev in talks with the West.
The UK, Germany and Italy were among the nations expressing concern that the vote would further raise tensions.
Russia and Georgia fought a brief war this month over the two provinces.
Moscow launched a counter-attack after Tbilisi tried to retake South Ossetia by military force.
The US and a number of Western governments have backed Georgia, sending aid and issuing strongly-worded statements.
On Monday the White House announced Vice-President Dick Cheney would visit Tbilisi next month and hold talks with President Mikhail Saakashvili, in a move analysts say will further irritate the Kremlin.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel led a chorus of disapproval from European governments over the parliamentary vote.
"I presume that the Russian president will not sign this resolution, because that would bring about a very difficult and critical situation in regards to Georgia's territorial security," she said.
Moscow has once again stepped up its rhetoric on the issue.
Mr Medvedev said Russia could deal with anything Nato could threaten it with - including the severing of all ties. And Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia would consider scrapping some of the trade deals it had made in trying to gain entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
On the ground, most of Russia's forces pulled out of Georgia last Friday.
But some troops continue to operate near the Black Sea port of Poti, south of Abkhazia, where Russia says it will carry out regular inspections of cargo, fuelling speculation that Moscow is imposing an economic stranglehold on Georgia.
Troops also continue to operate in buffer zones that Russia controversially set up within undisputed Georgian territory.
photo & story courtesy bbc.com, 5/25/07
Psalm 31:21
21 Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was in a besieged city. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God's love and the peace it brings to His children?
David, the psalmist, received his inspired words from God's Spirit. The context of today's verse is that David is expressing his conviction that God is in control no matter how difficult life's circumstances might be.
Does this mean that God always keeps His children from experiencing stress, harm or death? Obviously not. But it does mean that adversity in life is more bearable when we recognize that we have a personal relationship with the sovereign God. Even when it seems that hard times or enemies are winning, don't panic or lose hope. For those of us who know Christ as our Savior, remember....in the end, we win!
Jesus gives us courage today, because our loving Father will save our lives for eternity.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Pray for peace in the Russia & Georgia conflict and for Jesus, the focus of God's Story, to be seen by the world.
- Think about and write down the times when you feel afraid or your life seems out of control. Write out your prayers to God thanking Him for His love and perfect plan. Praise Him because He is in control no matter what happens to you!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Look for the opportunity to have conversations with others about the Russia/Georgia conflict. Ask your friends who need Jesus what they think is going to happen in that part of the world? Ask them how they find peace when their lives seem out of control or when they feel afraid? Ask Jesus to show you the words to talk about the peace that Christ gives you.
25 Aug, 2008
No closing ceremony!
Light it up!
Closing Ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics
photo courtesy images.google.com, 7/24/08
Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)
Worship in Heaven
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said,
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
In today's God's Story scripture, what does John's future glimpse of heaven really mean?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes help us understand:
4:1 Chapters 4 and 5 record glimpses into Christ's glory. Here we see into the throne room of heaven. God is on the throne and orchestrating all the events that John will record. The world is not spinning out of control; the God of creation will carry out his plans as Christ initiates the final battle with the forces of evil. John shows us heaven before showing us earth so that we will not be frightened by future events.
4:11 The point of this chapter is summed up in this verse. All creatures in heaven and earth will praise and honor God because he is the creator and sustainer of everything.
A few days ago, people from different nations and languages came together for a sporting event that had a beginning and an amazing closing ceremony!
Some day, people from different nations and languages will be brought together for an event that will last for eternity.....the worship of Christ The King! Be there!
- Praise God that through your faith in Christ, He has an eternal home in Heaven waiting for you! Thank Him for giving you a glimpse of it through His inspired Holy Scriptures. Ask Jesus to empower you to live out the reality of Heaven by honoring Him with your life here on earth.
- Today's passage of scripture is a little longer and full of many details. Read it over several more times this week.
- Write God a note in your journal about what you are looking forward to about going to Heaven.
- Take an extra thirty minutes some time this week just to worship Christ. Let His Spirit use this time to help you anticipate the incredible glory of Heaven.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Think of those in your "storysphere" who are really interested in connecting their story to God's Story. Send them today's DAILYBIDE and then talk to them about the promise of eternal life in Heaven when a person receives the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Listen to their questions and share your story of faith in Jesus. Can you picture hanging out in Heaven together...forever?
22 Aug, 2008
What are your thoughts about church?
Did you know that church is God's idea?
Young adults aren't sticking with church...
...70% of surveyed Protestants stopped attending by age 23
Protestant churches are losing young adults in "sobering" numbers, a survey finds.
Seven in 10 Protestants ages 18 to 30 -- both evangelical and mainline -- who went to church regularly in high school said they quit attending by age 23, according to the survey by LifeWay Research. And 34% of those said they had not returned, even sporadically, by age 30. That means about one in four Protestant young people have left the church.
"This is sobering news that the church needs to change the way it does ministry," says Ed Stetzer, director of Nashville-based LifeWay Research, which is affiliated with the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention.
"It seems the teen years are like a free trial on a product. By 18, when it's their choice whether to buy in to church life, many don't feel engaged and welcome," says associate director Scott McConnell.
The statistics are based on a survey of 1,023 Protestants ages 18 to 30 who said they had attended church at least twice a month for at least one year during high school. LifeWay did the survey in April and May. Margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Few of those surveyed had kind words for fellow Christians when they reflected on how they saw church life in the four years after high school.
Just over half (51%) of Protestant young people surveyed (both the church dropouts and those who stayed on in church after age 22) saw church members as "caring" or had other positive descriptions, such as "welcoming" (48%) or "authentic" (42%).
Among dropouts, nearly all (97%) cited life changes, such as a move. Most (58%) were unhappy with the people or pastor at church. More than half (52%) had religious, ethical or political reasons for quitting.
Dropouts were more than twice as likely than those who continued attending church to describe church members as judgmental (51% for dropouts, 24% for those who stayed), hypocritical (44% vs. 20%) or insincere (41% vs. 19%)
The news was not all bad: 35% of dropouts said they had resumed attending church regularly by age 30. An additional 30% attended sporadically. Twenty-eight percent said "God was calling me to return to the church."
The survey found that those who stayed with or returned to church grew up with both parents committed to the church, pastors whose sermons were relevant and engaging, and church members who invested in their spiritual development.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story usatoday.com, 8/7/07
Acts 2:41-47
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what church was like when it first got started?
It was a pretty amazing story! Can you imagine the excitement of being involved in the early church? These believers knew their purpose and they were firmly commited to trusting the Holy Spirit to lead them to glorify God and build His Kingdom through the Church.
We can use the model found in Acts 2 as God's instructions on how to have an effective church:
WORSHIP: The early believers praised God every day, met for prayer, shared in the Lord's Supper and experienced a deep sense of awe. DO YOU STRIVE TO PRAISE GOD IN YOUR WORSHIP AT YOUR CHURCH, NO MATTER WHAT THE STYLE OF MUSIC MIGHT BE?
FELLOWSHIP: The Acts believers met together constantly and shared their meals and enjoyed each other. ARE YOU INVOLVED ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH A SMALL GROUP IN YOUR CHURCH THAT REALLY CARES FOR EACH OTHER?
DISCIPLESHIP: These early Christians were devoted to the apostles' teaching. ARE YOU INVOLVED IN A CHURCH THAT BELIEVES THE BIBLE IS OUR AUTHORITY AND ARE YOU REGULARLY PARTICIPATING WITH A GROUP THAT STUDIES GOD'S WORD?
MINISTRY: The early church people were committed to praying together and meeting the needs of others, even if they had to sell their possessions. ARE YOU GIVING YOUR TIME, TALENTS AND MONEY TO HELP YOUR YOUTH GROUP AND/OR YOUR CHURCH MEET THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE?
EVANGELISM: The news spread about what God was doing in and through this Acts church! More and more people were becoming followers of Jesus and being added to this church! ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART TO HELP YOUR CHURCH MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? IS YOUR CHURCH SO IN LOVE WITH JESUS THAT IT'S CONTAGIOUS TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU?
Let's be honest about the local church. None are perfect. They never will be because the church is made up of imperfect people like us. Churches are very different in style and size. Some are old and maybe not very exciting. Others are new and sort of struggling. But here's the deal: God uses the local church to build His Kingdom and He sees you as a vital part of your church!
- Thank God for your church and for the people in your church. Confess any wrong or critical attitude you may have toward your church. Ask God to help your church leadership follow the instructions in Scripture to be as effective as possible. Ask God's Spirit to show you how to do your part in serving Him by serving your church.
- If you are not currently involved in a church that believes Jesus is the only way to Heaven and that the Bible is completely true, pray for God to show you the church where you should get plugged in! If you are a young person at home, remember to obey your parents regarding where you can attend church. Even if they go to a church that does not believe Christ is the only way to Heaven or that the Bible is completely true, they may let you get involved in another church youth group that does believe these important truths.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Before you attend your church services and youth group meetings this weekend, pray for those who will lead and for Jesus to help everyone understand what the Bible teaches about church.
- Write a thank you note to your Pastor and youth leaders for serving at your church.
- Invite someone with whom you are trying to connect the stories to come to church with you. Afterwards, ask them to give you honest feedback about what they liked and didn't like. Listen and be honest about the fact that churches are not perfect because people are far from perfect and in need of Jesus every day.
21 Aug, 2008
Life is but a breath!
More than 150 people are feared dead after a passenger plane swerved off the runway at Madrid's Barajas airport.
Nineteen people survived the crash but some are in critical condition, said Development Minister Magdalena Alvarez.
The Spanair flight had just taken off for the Canary Islands at about 2:20pm local time with 172 people on board. It is thought the left engine caught fire.
Helicopters were called in to dump water onto the burning plane, and more than 70 ambulances attended the scene.TV footage showed several people being carried away on stretchers.
The BBC's Steve Kingstone, in Madrid, said a grim line of emergency vehicles obscured the view of the crash scene.
photo & story courtesy bbc.com, 08/20/08
Psalm 39:4-5
4 “O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about the length of our lives?
It sure seems that David, the writer, was going through an emotional time in his life when he wrote this psalm. Only God knew what was really going on inside David's heart, but we do know this:
- God's Spirit was directing King David to write these holy scriptures for God's glory and for the benefit of all future readers.
- David lived a life of both mountain top and deep valley experiences. He knew first hand the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. God brought him to the place where he understood the temporary in light of the eternal - the earthly in comparison to the heavenly.
Compared to eternity, life is short no matter how long we live. It was especially short for some of the passengers who have died as a result of that horrible plane crash in Madrid.
You're either a student or someone who is pretty young at heart. If you died tomorrow, others would say your life was too short. When an 85-year-old person dies, his or her life doesn't seem short, but compared to eternity, even their life was but a breath.
If you knew that your 'hourglass' of time would run out in six months, what would you do?
If there is something important you want to do, don't wait. If there is someone who needs to hear that you forgive them or love them, don't put it off. If there is a change that is needed in your spiritual life, trust God now. If there is someone you need to talk to about Jesus, do you really want to wait for a better day?
Life is short - do what is really important in light of eternity!
- Thank God for having the perfect plan for your life, no matter how long or short it may be from an earthly human perspective. Ask His Spirit to give you God's eternal perspective every day. Ask His Spirit to give you the discipline you need to do what is really important.
- Memorize Psalm 39:4 as a reminder to see life from God's perspective.
- For one month, make a "to do" list at the beginning of every week. Then prioritize it as you ask God to show you what is really important.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Pray for comfort for the family and friends of the passenger killed in the plane crash and for people to be drawn to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Do you have someone in your 'storysphere' who is close to understanding that the greatest part of God's Story is that He sent Jesus to be our Savior? Invite them over to talk. Tell your friend about how the Madrid plane crash has impacted you. Ask your friend to share his or her perspective on life after death. Share today's scripture found in Psalm 39:4-5 and what it means to you. Take out an old board game that has an hourglass as a timer. Turn it over and watch the sand (time) run out. Ask your friend how they think the two of you can apply what you are seeing?
20 Aug, 2008
Who is really in control?
American Dawn Harper took advantage of a mistake from favourite Lolo Jones to win the women's 100m hurdles final.
Jones, also from the US, was clearly leading after 80m but clipped the penultimate barrier to let in Harper who claimed victory in 12.54 seconds.
Australia's Sally McLellan, who had a great start, took silver and Canada's Priscilla Lopes-Schliep claimed bronze.
Britain's Sarah Claxton finished eighth, while Jones collapsed to the floor in disappointment ending seventh.
Jones described the moment it went wrong for her in the race.
"At the middle part of the race the hurdles came up very fast," the American said.
"I wanted to keep things tight. It was like racing a car at high velocity. When you hit a curve, you either maintain control of it or you crash and burn. Today I crashed and burned."
She added: "Today is hard. Tomorrow will be harder. I just have to get myself back up."
story & photo courtesy bbc.com 8/19/08
2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (NLT)
6 If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
What does todays God's Story scripture teach us about where our real power comes from?
MANY OF US PROBABLY THINK OF THE APOSTLE PAUL AS THE "OLYMPIAN" OF OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH. ACCORDING TO TODAY'S SCRIPTURE, HOW DID PAUL GET HIS POWER?
Paul is simply telling us that God's supernatural power shows up in weak people! Though we don't know exactly what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was, it probably was some sort of disease of the eyes, or perhaps epilepsy. Whatever it was, it was serious enough to keep him from working in his ministry at times. Even though Paul asked God to remove his problem, God allowed it to continue so that Paul would remain humble and rely on God for his strength. The Lord promised to display His power in Paul's weakness!
Let's be honest. Haven't we noticed that when we're feeling strong in our own abilities, we often tend to forget about relying on God's Holy Spirit to give us strength? When we're weak, we turn to God and allow Him to fill us with power.
Then in Christ's strength, we're faster than a world speeding out of control...more powerful than Satan's attacks against us...able to leap over times of trial and discouragment. This happens only if we allow God to be in control and don't try to do it all on our own.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Read today's passage every day for one week so that this Truth becomes a discipline that you apply daily.
- Memorize 2nd Corinthians 12:10 to remind you to allow God to be in control and give you true power in your weakness.
Thank God for giving Paul the words to write down His Truth! Confess any way in which you have been getting "puffed up" in your own strength. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness for the times you attempt to be "superchristian". Ask His Spirit to help you simply recognize every day that in your weakness, Jesus provides His supernatual strength.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- Have some non-Christian friends or family over to watch some of the Olympics. It will be a fun way to build your relationships and maybe give you an opportunity to share how God has given you His "supernatural" strength!
- Remember when talking with your friends or family about Christ it is not you who does the work, it is His Spirit. Do not get "puffed up" about sharing Christ with them. Instead share some of your weaknesses and how it draws you closer to God.
19 Aug, 2008
Do You Have a Hero?
Even Michael Phelps had a hero growing up.
Record-breaking American swimmer Michael Phelps has told the BBC he has been left "speechless" by the reaction to his eight gold medals in Beijing.
He broke Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at one Games to become the most successful Olympian of all time.
"I spoke to the President who said the country was behind me, and said 'give your mum a hug and tell her the President said to'," said Phelps, 23.
"It's unreal having this feedback, you never realise it could happen."Phelps's success has been announced at baseball games and even rock concerts and shown on big screens.
"Having Bruce Springsteen come out at a concert and say I'd just won my seventh gold medal and then sing 'Born in the USA' - it's incredible, you never realise it could happen - you're speechless."
When he was growing up, one of Phelps's heroes was basketball legend Michael Jordan, and he said he hoped he could follow in his footsteps.
"Growing up, I always remember the 'I want to be like Mike' ads with Jordan," he said.
"He's one of the people I've always wanted to meet. I've never met him.
"What he did in the sport of basketball is what I am trying to do in the sport of swimming. He completely changed the sport of basketball."
story courtesy of bbc.com
Hebrews 11:1
By Faith
11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:32-40
32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the quality of a Godly Hero?
Hebrews 11 has often been called the Bible's "Hall Of Fame". The names listed have one quality in common - FAITH IN GOD! These heroes were not super in their own right, but only because they trusted the supernatual God to lead them and empower them!
Basically they were ordinary people doing extraordinary acts because their faith pointed to the Almighty God! Our world today is looking for superheroes. It needs to see ordinary people letting God do something extraordinary through them.
IF SOMEONE DID AN INVENTORY OF YOUR LIFE, WOULD YOUR FAITH GET A "GOLD MEDAL"? WHY OR WHY NOT?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
It starts with faith. Within ourselves, we don't have what it takes. We must ask God to give us the faith we need to be able to believe Him for Who He is and what He wants to do in our lives and through our lives. You don't have to be an Olympic hero! Just let God do His thing in you. And you can apply God's Story by:
- Reading Hebrews 11:1-31 for more stories of God's "heroes".
- Praying every day for God to help you live by faith.
- Looking for a weekly opportunity to be a "hero" in someone's life by helping them in some way that seems very ordinary to you. Your faith in God may seem quite extraordinary to them!
Spend a couple of minutes in prayer.... Thank God for the stories of faith He has provided in His Word. Ask Him to use these examples to show you how to live by faith. Thank Him and praise Him for the extraordinary ways He has worked in your life. Let Him know that you're willing to honor Him by serving Him even in the "ordinary" details of life.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
This whole 3Story way of living will become more and more natural for you as you consistently make yourself available to our extraordinary God. He will lead you into opportunities to build relationships with people who need to know Jesus. Focus on knowing Jesus and you'll get to know Their Story.
- When the story of Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals comes up, share with your friends how he had a hero growing up. If the timing is right share one of your heros from God's Story.
- Let others know they don't have to be an Olympic hero to be used by God as a hero.
18 Aug, 2008
Going for God's Gold
For this athlete bronze was not good enough.
The Swede, who won the silver in the Athens Olympics, grudgingly climbed the podium but stormed off in a huff after receiving his prize, which he left at the centre of the competition mat before stalking off the stage with a raised clenched right fist.
Abrahamian thought he had beaten Andrea Minguzzi, the eventual gold medallist in the 84kg division in the semi-finals, which would have earned him the right to compete for gold.
But the match was awarded to the Italian and Abrahamian came back strongly in the repechages to claim one of the two bronzes alongside Turkey's Nazmi Avluca.
The rejected medal was returned to the sport's governing body.
story & picture courtesy news.com 8/14/08
Philippians 3:8-14 (NLT)
8Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ 9and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!
Pressing toward the Goal 12I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. 13No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about living like Christ?
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN PAUL'S LIFE?
Paul wrote that he wanted to know Christ more than anything else! This is the passion that God gave him - so that he would become more like Jesus Christ!
WHAT DOES PAUL SAY IS THE WAY TO REACH THIS GOAL?
FAITH! Paul says that the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, is what energized him to live his life with the goal of knowing Him!
HOW MOTIVATED ARE YOU TO KNOW CHRIST AND BECOME LIKE HIM?
This goal sounds impossible because we know how often we fall down as we run toward the finish line. But, we can experience Christ's resurrection power to get us through the suffering of this earthly "run".
And look at God's gold medal that awaits us! We become like Jesus and live with Him forever in Heaven!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Thank God for sending Jesus to die for your sins and rise from the dead so that you can experience hope now and forever! Ask His Holy Spirit to remind you every day of the goal to become more like Jesus Christ. Pray for the Spirit to energize you with the same daily passion that Paul had for running God's race.
- Memorize Philippians 3:12 as a reminder of your goal in the Christian life.
- Write down a "Top Ten" list of what in your world gets you off track in becoming more like Jesus. Place this in your Bible or on your mirror as a reminder to depend on Christ's resurrection power to leave these distractions behind as you pursue the goal of becoming like Jesus.
- Sit down with an older believer and ask their advice on staying motivated to run toward the goal of being like Jesus.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- Pray for friends and family who need Jesus to see His Truth lived out in your life.
- Use today's DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion in your youth group or small group.
- Use today's Olympic story to share the race you are running, being open with how you may fall but still get up.
14 Aug, 2008
He Just Won't Stop
The greatest Olympian of all time!
American swimming star Michael Phelps insists he is beatable despite winning an 11th gold medal to become the most successful Olympian ever.
The 23-year-old has won five golds in Beijing so far, to surpass nine-time gold medal winners Larysa Latynina, Paavo Nurmi, Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz.
And he remains on target to top Spitz's record of winning seven at one Games.
But he said: "It's not over yet - I am not unbeatable and anything can happen in the next three events."
Phelps won his record-breaking 10th gold medal in the 200m butterfly in another world record time of 1:52.03 seconds despite his goggles filling with water.
And one hour later he lead the United States team to the 4x200m relay gold and his fifth world record of the Games."To be the most decorated Olympian of all time, it just sounds weird. I am speechless," Phelps said.
"It started to sink in a little after the butterfly. I was trying to focus on my next race but I kept thinking 'Wow. Greatest Olympian of all time'.
"It's a pretty neat title and I'm definitely honoured.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy bbc.com, 8/13/08
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NLT)
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about His strength?
Think of all the hours of training Michael Phelps has had to go through to make winning even one gold medal possible. On several occasions after winning a gold medal he has had only 50 minutes until his next race. This time is packed full of cerimonies, cool downs, drug tests, and then warming up for the next race. It has to be exhausting and feel endless at moments.
Isn't this how life often feels? We feel like we can't possibly go on. We are so tired of trying to keep our spiritual lives together in the middle of every other life challenge, we want to quit...and then life gets even more difficult!
No matter how tired and weak we feel, God's strength and power never change. God is always the ultimate and perfect source for the strength we need.
How do we get this strength? Trust the Lord. If you believe that God loves you and has your best in mind, then be confident in His promises to strengthen you to keep going, one step at a time. Even when our faith is weak and our feelings are unreliable, remember that God is in control and His power and grace will be enough for us, according to His time and plans, which are always perfect.
If you have ever seen an eagle fly, it's no wonder that Isaiah uses this incredible picture to help us understand what it means to regroup with God.
He promises to make us strong again and give us His perspective and direction!
How do we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Call a "timeout" right now and pray. Talk to Jesus about whatever is making you wonder if you can keep going. Reflect on the words of Isaiah......now just wait on the Lord.....be quiet in His Spirit and listen.....thank Jesus for God's strength and direction.
- Besides your time in DAILYBIDE, take at least two other "timeouts" every day, just to spend time talking with Jesus.
- Remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint. So keep a written journal about what Jesus is teaching you as you let Him pace you every day.
- To help you "wait" on the Lord, memorize today's scripture.
- Use a picture of an eagle for your computer screen or place one in your room as a reminder of how God will renew your strength.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Every day, pray for Jesus to help you recognize when your friends and family are "tired", so that you can encourage them with God's strength.
- Ask questions. Get beyond "How ya doing?" If they sense that you are really interested and care, they may talk about being tired of work, stress, relationships, a bad habit, feeling confused about the future...
- In that moment, trust Jesus to lead you to share just the right amount of your story which includes how God gives you strength.
- Whenever you hear someone use the words "run" or "running", use today's story about the "greatest Olympian of all time" as a conversation starter to learn more about their story.
13 Aug, 2008
Is there a God?
Study Sizes Up Gaps Between Christians, Atheists and Agnostics
A study on America's atheists and agnostics compared the no-faith audience to those who actively participate in the Christian faith.
As more books asserting the absence of God are being published and listed as bestsellers, the Barna Group study found a significant gap between the atheist and agnostic group and the believers as well as some commonalities.
Those who openly identified themselves as an atheist, an agnostic or said they have "no faith" make up only 9 percent of the American adult population. Although only about 1 out of every 11 Americans, the no-faith group numbers roughly 20 million people in a nation of more than 220 million adults, the study noted.
Only about 5 million adults unequivocally use the label "atheist" and staunchly reject the existence of God. The rest have doubts of God's existence but do not outright reject a supreme being.
Most atheists and agnostics (56 percent) agree with the idea that radical Christianity is just as threatening in America as is radical Islam. Two-thirds of active-faith Americans (63 percent) perceive that the nation is becoming more hostile and negative toward Christianity.
"It is important for Christians to understand the environment and the perspectives of people who are different from them, especially among young generations whose culture is moving rapidly away from Christianity," said Kinnaman. "Believers have the options of ignoring, rejecting or dealing with the aggressiveness of atheists and those hostile to the Christian faith. By their own admission, Christians have difficulty handling change, admitting when they are uncertain of something, and responding effectively to divergent perspectives. These characteristics make the new challenges facing Christianity even more daunting."
The Barna study is based upon a series of nationwide telephone surveys conducted from January 2005 through January 2007 on 1,055 adults who identified themselves as atheists or agnostics and 3,011 active-faith adults aged 18 and older. Each study included at least 250 active-faith adults and 100 atheists and agnostics.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story christianpost.com, 6/12/07
Psalm 14:1-2
The Fool Says, There Is No God
To the choirmaster. Of David.
14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about believing His existence?
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
I think this is pretty clear. What do you think?
Today's story about the study done by the Barna Group reveals some interesting data about the views of atheists and people who claim to be Christians.
A real atheist is either a fool or wicked - and sometimes both! An atheist is a fool because he is denying the proof that God exists. Wicked? Yes, because he or she is not only refusing to live according to God's truths, but leading others away from the truth of God. BUT, God loves fools so much that He wants them to become Christ's followers!
Is it possible that sometimes we live as though we are atheists? We may never say that there is no God, but David is writing about people who "say" this in their hearts.
As followers of Jesus, we live as atheists when we rely on ourselves rather than depending on Jesus. Some people practice atheism all week, except for one hour at a church on Sunday morning.
- Thank God that He has given all the evidence needed to prove His existence and love for you by coming to earth in the form of a human being - Jesus Christ! Confess any way in which you have been living as an atheist lately. Thank Jesus for His forgiveness and ask Him to help you rely on Him minute by minute. Ask Him to give you the daily desire to seek God for who He is and in all that you do.
- Every day, for at least one week (or for one month!) write down one bit of evidence you see for God's existence.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for anyone you know who might be an atheist or at least trying to talk like one. Pray that he or she will recognize God's existence and become a follower of Jesus.
- Use the challenge to journal (see above) to be ready with lots of examples of how God's Story and your story have connected as you learn the stories of others. But remember, relationships are more effective than debates. Someone who does not believe in God's existence may have their eyes opened as they notice something unique about your "story".
12 Aug, 2008
Going for God's Gold
Are you worshiping the true Hero?
At-a-glance medals table
Monday, 11 August 2008 14:31 UK (courtesy bbc.com)| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 9 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
| 2 | South Korea | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| 3 | USA | 3 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| 4 | Italy | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| 5 | Australia | 2 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | Japan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 7 | Great Britain | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | Czech Republic | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 9 | Netherlands | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 10 | Finland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Do you have an Olympic hero you are rooting for? Is there one event you have been waiting to watch and cheer on your favorite Olympian to gold?
The Most Important Commandment34But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they thought up a fresh question of their own to ask him. 35One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" 37Jesus replied, "`You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'
Ephesians 1:3 - (NLT)
Spiritual Blessings
3How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.
What does Jesus teach us about true worship in today's God's Story scripture?
When Jesus was asked to come up with His answer for the most important commandment to follow, He made it very simple! Simple to remember, but hard to do, right?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN ON A DAILY PRACTICAL BASIS TO "LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF OUR HEART, SOUL AND MIND"?
Way too often, we view worship as something we do on Sunday morning in church or at a Christian concert. But worship is so much more than songs of celebration or reflection. It is so much more than prayers and being with Christ's body once or twice a week. Worship is following God's greatest commandment - to love Him with all we got! This means that our values, our thoughts, our attitude, our actions - are all about God - not about us!
And when we think about who He is and what He has done for us and promises us - Who else could be our HERO?
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE SOME OF THE "SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS" THAT OUR "HERO" IS BLESSING US WITH?
As His children, we must use them and enjoy them! We must worship our "HERO"!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Take a couple of minutes to let Jesus lovingly show you ways you have not been loving Him with all of your heart, soul and mind...ask Him to forgive you. He will do it gladly for He loves you and wants to help you run for God's gold!
Take a couple of minutes to meditate on His blessings in your life....now worship Him with celebration!
- Memorize today's passages.
- Pray every day for God to show you how to worship Him by loving Him with all you got!
- Make a written list of the "spiritual blessings" you have experienced from God. Place it where you will see it regularly as a reminder to worship Him with your attitude and actions.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- While talking to your friends about your favorite Olympic event or hero, tell them about your true "Hero."
- When you are astonished at the skills and abilities that the Olympic athletes have, remind those around you of the "spiritual blessings" you have been given.
- Pray for those at the games who do not know Christ, that they would have the opportunity to hear about God's Story.
11 Aug, 2008
Are you a meteor messenger?
The 2008 Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12th and it should be a good show.
"The time to look is during the dark hours before dawn on Tuesday, August 12th," says Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center. "There should be plenty of meteors--perhaps one or two every minute."The source of the shower is Comet Swift-Tuttle. Although the comet is far away, currently located beyond the orbit of Uranus, a trail of debris from the comet stretches all the way back to Earth. Crossing the trail in August, Earth will be pelted by specks of comet dust hitting the atmosphere at 132,000 mph. At that speed, even a flimsy speck of dust makes a vivid streak of light when it disintegrates--a meteor! Because, Swift-Tuttle's meteors streak out of the constellation Perseus, they are called "Perseids."
Jupiter and the gibbous Moon converge on August 11th and 12th for a close encounter in the constellation Sagittarius: sky map. It's a grand sight visible even from light-polluted cities.
For a while the beautiful Moon will interfere with the Perseids, lunar glare wiping out all but the brightest meteors. Yin-yang. The situation reverses itself at 2 am on Tuesday morning, August 12th, when the Moon sets and leaves behind a dark sky for the Perseids. The shower will surge into the darkness, peppering the sky with dozens and perhaps hundreds of meteors until dawn.
For maximum effect, "get away from city lights," Cooke advises. The brightest Perseids can be seen from cities, he allows, but the greater flurry of faint, delicate meteors is visible only from the countryside.
photo courtesy nationalledger.com, 8/14/07 & story nasa.gov 8/10/08
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
What does Jesus teach us about being His "light" in today's God's Story scripture?
I can't say it any better than the study notes in Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible notes:
If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying the light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a becaon of truth - don't shut your light off from the rest of the world.
Did you notice in today's story that the meteor show (which happens once a year) is great, but not always visable due to city lights?
This reminds me of the way many of us as followers of Jesus often live. Either we get serious spiritually annually (like at Easter time) or our witness to Christ's truth is covered up by other things in our life that we allow to out shine Jesus.
But Jesus calls each of us to put on His "light show" all the time.
No doubt most scientists would want us to believe that these meteors evolved from some monkey-shaped dust particles or something...but we know that ultimately this burning light comes from the the one Who created the dust - Jesus!
In the same way, the power that it takes to be Christ's light in this dark world comes from the One Who created us - Jesus!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise your Heavenly Father for shining the light of Christ into your life. Confess any way in which you have been hiding the light of Christ in your life. Ask His Spirit to make you willing to humble yourself so that your life will draw only on the power of the Son in you.
- Review the LAB study notes and be honest about one way you tend to hide Christ's light. Pray about this every day until you see this part of your life light up!
- Using a Bible study guide, look up five verses that use light as an analogy for living the Christian life.
- For one week, write down at least one daily opportunity Jesus gave you to be a light to someone. At the end of the week, evaluate what you have learned.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- Make it your daily goal to shine Christ's light toward one person who is in spiritual darkness...this might be a friend at school, at work, or a family member.
- Ask your friends and family if they heard about the meteor light show this week? Use it as a conversation starter to find out what they believe to be the ultimate source of the meteors? Trust Jesus to show you if this is the time to talk about how He has brought you from darkness into His light.
- Write a note of appreciation to another follower of Jesus who has been "letting a little bit of light into the world".
8 Aug, 2008
Brett Favre's New Jersey
Have you put on something new?
Former Packers QB Brett Favre has returned to the NFL, announcing his retirement from retirement and throwing a wrench into EA's plans to have him as cover boy for Madden NFL 09. Favre, photographed in his Packers uniform, is now playing for the Jets, leading to a very important, last minute roster change. That change won't, however, affect his appearance on the cover of this year's Madden.
That said, fanatical football fans with a desire for accuracy will be able to download a Jets uniformed Favre next week, according to MTV Multiplayer. It's due to hit EAsports.com sometime next week, just begging to be printed and inserted into a clear plastic sleeve. Ready the inkjets!
Story courtesy kotaku.com & picture images.google.com 08/07/08
Colossians 3:10-14
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (ESV)
Brett Favre will be wearing a new jersy this season, how about you?
What does today's God's Story teach us about making a fashion statement for Christ?
Even if you're not into sports or don't have a favorite jersey, if you are a follower of Jesus, you need to know that God, our designer, has a special "jersey" for us to wear. Don't worry. Christ's fashion is not seasonal or trendy. Just holy.
What do you think Paul means when he talks about putting on the new self?
Basically, Paul is challenging us to wear our brand new nature which is what Christ gives us when we receive His gift of salvation for our sins. It means that our actions should match our faith. If we claim to follow Christ, our "look" should be like Jesus. Christ-like clothing will not match the world's "look", but Jesus calls us to make a "fashion statement". Besides, wouldn't it be fun to start a new trend?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Thank God for the new nature He has given you through your faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God's Spirit to daily help you clothe yourself with Christ's holy wardrobe.
- Memorize Colossians 3:10 as a reminder of what to wear every day.
- Paul mentions 7 items of Christ-like clothing. Pick out the one you have trouble "fitting into" right now and make it a daily prayer focus until you look Godly in it.
How can you connect God's Story and your story to others?
- This next week, every time you stand in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear, briefly pray for Christ-like character and for others to see Jesus in your style.
- If you have conversations about this story of Brett Favre getting a new jersey or even friends talking about clothes, share with them the "jersey" you have been given.
7 Aug, 2008
Hot gossip!
Nine feared dead in US air crash
Nine people are missing feared dead after a helicopter carrying 
firefighters crashed on its way to a forest fire in northern California.
The helicopter went down on Tuesday night about 35 miles (56km) north-west of Redding in a remote area.
The cause of the crash of the Sikorsky S-61 was not immediately known.
The helicopter was carrying 11 firefighters and two crewmen. Four people are being treated in hospital for burns.
Two are said to be in critical condition and two serious.
Ian Gregor, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the helicopter was destroyed in the crash.
The firefighters had been tackling a blaze that was covering 27 sq miles (70sq km) of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
story courtesy bbc.com, 8/06/08 & photo mediacomtoday.com 9/29/06
James 3:5-10
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story teach us about our speech problem?
Interesting. James compares the damage our tongues can do to a raging forest fire! Maybe this is the basis for "hot gossip or the hot talk"?
Perhaps James uses the fire metaphor because he says that hell is the source of the tongue's wickedness.
When our tongue/mouth/words are not under God's control, Satan uses them to get people upset and hurt. Gossip behind the back or verbal put downs to the face spread hate and destruction very quickly. When we're careless with our words, we can destroy a friendship. When we speak what is not true about someone, we can destroy reputations and lives. Even if we apologize later, the effects have spread like a forest fire out of control.
Our speech can be a problem or it can be pleasing to God. What's it going to be for you?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Talk to God right now. Confess the ways that your words have been so not like Jesus. Ask God's Spirit to give you the faith and discipline you need to abide in Jesus every hour of every day. Thank Jesus that He will help your mouth to be a tool of praise and love rather than a weapon of pain and destruction.
- Keep a written journal every day for thirty days that records the good and the bad use of your mouth. This exercise may seem like too much work, but Jesus will use it to change your speech patterns for the better - guaranteed!
- Whenever you see a fire in the next month, let Jesus remind you to let His power control your tongue.
- Pray for the firefighters who were injured and the families of those who may have died.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Ask Jesus to help you recognize situations in which you have hurt someone with your words. It might be a friend, someone at school, a co-worker, a family member. Go to them and apologize and ask for forgiveness. Their response might be anger, pain, or it may be forgiveness, or a combination! No matter what, you will have done the right thing and you may have the opportunity to communicate your story and God's Story without using more words.
- This one may be just as hard or harder to do. When someone hurts you with words or gossip, don't fight "fire" with "fire". Let Jesus douse your anger, calm your spirit, and speak only Christ-like words, which can include no words at all. You will be communicating love rather loudly.
6 Aug, 2008
Go to sleep
Are you catching enough zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ?
Sleep pattern affects teen behavior
Those who prefer later bedtimes appear to exhibit more antisocial behavior than those who like to wake early and participate in daytime recreational activities, researchers report.
Staying up late "contributes to lack of sleep and this, in turn, causes problems such as lack of control and attention regulation, which are associated with antisocial behavior and substance use," study co-author Dr. Elizabeth J. Susman, of Pennsylvania State University told.
The researchers found a number of factors were related to antisocial behaviors in the study group, particularly in the boys who tended to exhibit more rule-breaking behaviors than did their peers.
For girls, a preference for evening activities was associated with a higher incidence of relational aggression or aggressive behavior towards their peers.
Boys who experienced prolonged high levels of cortisol -- smaller decreases in cortisol levels from the time of awakening until 4 pm -- tended to have more behavior problems than did their peers, the report indicates. The association was not true for girls, however.
Normally, levels of cortisol, the stress hormone associated with circadian rhythms, peak in the morning upon awakening and plateau during the afternoon and evening hours.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story presstv.ir.com, 7/22/07
Psalm 3:1-5 (NLT)
A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.
1 O Lord, I have so many enemies;
so many are against me.
2 So many are saying,
“God will never rescue him!”
Interlude
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
4 I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
Interlude
5 I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about getting enough sleep?
Do you sleep well at night? Maybe you're blessed with the ability to sleep anytime, anywhere, even in class or at work? All of us have to admit that we get kinda cranky when we don't get enough sleep.
I often have trouble sleeping at night. Sometimes it's having coffee too late. Sometimes it's pizza too late. Sometimes it's because I get my best ideas at night! Sometimes it's because even though I know that God is in control, I think He needs my help worrying about life. So, today's DAILYBIDE may help me more than anyone, but just in case you are like me once in awhile, read these study notes from Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE:
3:5 Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. But he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. The assurance of answered prayer brings peace. It is easier to sleep well when we have full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night worrying about what you can't change, pour out your heart to God, and thank him that he is in control. Then sleep will come.
Sweet dreams...
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Read aloud from Psalm 121. Let it be a prayer of praise to God and a prayer of trust in your Heavenly Father:
I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! ... The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Amen.
- Save the Psalm 121 prayer above as God's truth and promise to you on those nights when you have trouble sleeping.
- Write down a list of what seems to keep you awake at night. Change what you can control (caffeine, exercise, eating right, etc.). Whatever you can't control and seems to worry you, write it on a list and place it under your pillow or on your night stand. In prayer, thank God that he will take your list (because he never sleeps) and let you get the sleep you need.
- Share your worries and sleep struggles with a friend and ask him or her to hold you accountable, encourage you and pray for you.
- If you never have trouble sleeping, thank God. Also, could you leave some lights on for those of us who can't sleep. Since we're up, we may as well get some work done! We'll try to be quiet.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
This connection is really obvious, but just in case you're feeling sleepy as you read this, here it is - the next time you're talking with others who need Jesus and the subject of feeling tired and needing sleep comes up - share what today's God's Story scripture has taught you about sleeping.
5 Aug, 2008
Two Minutes of Darkness
Total Solar Eclipse of 2008 August 1st in Siberia 
A very unique astronomical phenomenon took place on the territory of Russia on the 1st August 2008. The total eclipse with a width of about 250 km crossed the Western Siberia from the north to the south, then the Altai Mountains and then further to the difficult to access regions of China and Mongolia. The total phase lasted just under 2:27 minutes in Nizhnevartovsk.
The next total solar eclipses will occur in Northern America in 2017, in Europe - in 2026, and in Russia - in 2030!
Story courtesy www.total-eclipse-2008.com & photo images.google.com 08/04/08
Psalm 19:1-4 (NLT)
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
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 was done by His Son, the spotless Lamb of God.
When you look at the sun (you can only glance, because of the brightness), you are seeing dramatic proof of God's existence, His power, His love, and His care for you and me. God's creation and His attention to design and detail just scream out the truth of a Creator who is personally involved in our lives.
In Siberia there was two minutes of darkness, but thanks to God we don't have to live in darkness.
The Son, Jesus Christ, was and is spotless (always perfect, without sin), which is more proof that God, our Creator, loves us so much that he provided the only Sacrifice that could pay the penalty for our sins.
It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:19 NLT)
God wants us to make this discovery - that as we abide in Christ, we will take on His perspective if we take a look at His creation and worship Him. His power and forgiveness is 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 for providing His Son, the spotless One, Who can forgive us and keep us in right relationship with our Creator.
- 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 and His Son living in you.
- Let any media coverage about the sun remind you to enjoy God's creation and unconditional love in your life.
How can we connect the truth of today's story and God's story 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.
- Ask them how long they think you can look at the sun without damaging your eyes? Ask them how they think the sun came into existence? Share your story of how The Son came into your life and that someday you will be able to see the creator of the sun face to face in Heaven.
4 Aug, 2008
A bridge of death
We can have a bridge to life.
Minn. mourns bridge collapse anniversaryFri Aug 1st, 2008, 9:42 PM ET
It was another perfect summer day so similar to and yet so different from that day a year ago when the Minneapolis freeway bridge fell.
On Aug. 1, 2007, there was crashing and panic and disbelief and horror. On Friday, there were songs and doves and tears and hugs. And then silence, to remember the moment a year ago when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during the evening rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring more than 140.
Minnesotans came together for two memorial ceremonies in Minneapolis to mark the anniversary. Hundreds gathered in Gold Medal Park and marched to the whine of bagpipes to the Stone Arch Bridge, just up the Mississippi from the bridge that fell. A new bridge, still under construction, already stands in its place. The red fire truck from Fire Station 11 the first rescuer on the collapse scene led the procession.
Shortly before 6:05 p.m., the time of the collapse, Minneapolis Police Inspector Mike Martin read the names of those who died: Julia Blackhawk. Richard Chit. Paul Eickstadt. Sherry Engebretsen. Peter Hausmann. Patrick Holmes. Greg Jolstad. Vera Peck. Christine Sacorafas. Hana Sahal. Sadiya Sahal. Scott Sathers. Artemio Trinidad-Mena.
Their relatives watched from a riverboat below, hugging and grieving. The Minneapolis Queen sounded its horn for each name. And then the crowd fell silent to honor them. Construction workers on the new bridge unfurled a large American flag, which fluttered in a stiff breeze.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy mini.mobileplay.com, 8/2/08
1 Timothy 2:5 (CEV)
5There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.
1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about our need for Jesus to be our bridge to God?
pictures courtesy time4god.com
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
We don't have to wonder if Jesus' death and resurrection will ever collapse when it comes to providing us forgiveness and bringing us safely to God. Jesus is the Bridge to Life - eternal life!
If you have never become a follower of Jesus, you can do so right now by praying to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your life. The following prayer may help you know what to say..
Dear Jesus,
I have sinned against God and I know that my sin keeps me from a relationship with you in this life and in the life after death. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and for rising from the dead to prove that you are the Savior. Please forgive me and come into my life to be my Savior. Take over and lead my life. Thank you for restoring my relationship with God. Thank you for your promise to take me to Heaven some day and live with you and all of God's family forever!
Amen.
Note: If you have become a follower of Jesus, please email us so that we can encourage you and send you some m