28 Nov, 2008
115 years old!
SHELBYVILLE, Ind. - Edna Parker, who became the world's oldest person more than a year ago, has died at age 115.
UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles said Parker's great-nephew notified him that Parker died Wednesday at a nursing home in Shelbyville. She was 115 years, 220 days old, said Robert Young, a senior consultant for gerontology for Guinness World Records.
Parker was born April 20, 1893, in central Indiana's Morgan County and had been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person since the 2007 death in Japan of Yone Minagawa, who was four months her senior.
Coles maintains a list of the world's oldest people and said Parker was the 14th oldest validated supercentenarian in history. Maria de Jesus of
Parker had been a widow since her husband, Earl Parker, died in 1939 of a heart attack. She lived alone in their farmhouse until age 100, when she moved into a son's home and later to the Shelbyville nursing home.
Although she never drank alcohol or tried tobacco and led an active life, Parker didn't offer tips for living a long life. Her only advice to those who gathered to celebrate when she became the oldest person was "more education."
Parker outlived her two sons, Clifford and Earl Jr. She also had five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
"We don't know why she's lived so long," Don Parker said before his grandmother's 115th birthday. "But she's never been a worrier and she's always been a thin person, so maybe that has something to do with it."
Parker taught in a two-room school in
But as was the tradition of that era, her teaching career ended with her marriage. Parker traded the schoolhouse for life as a farmer's wife, preparing meals for as many as a dozen men who worked on her husband's farm.
Parker noted with pride last year that she and her husband were one of the first owners of an automobile in their rural area.
Coincidentally, Parker lived in the same nursing home as 7-foot-7 Sandy Allen, whom Guinness recognized as the world's tallest woman until her death in August.
photo & story courtesy www.foxnews.com
Leviticus 19:32 (NLT)
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 opinions 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 have told. Wouldn't you love to have heard her story and how it connected 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.
- Maybe on this Thanksgiving weekend, you are blessed with the chance to spend time with some elderly relatives. If you are, thank them face to face for all that they've done for you.
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, especially as we enter the holiday season. This time of year can be a little extra lonely for the elderly.
- Use today's story about 115-year-old Edna Parker to start a conversation with someone you know who needs Jesus. You could ask, "If you lived to be 115-years-old, what would you hope to know about God by that age?"
27 Nov, 2008
Pardon Me
Bush 'pardons' turkeys for last time
For the president of the United States, the annual 'pardoning' of the Thanksgiving turkey is dangerous ground. Photos of the event have ranged from the adorable to the goofy to the vaguely horrific, so it's always an event best approached carefully by any White House.
Bush said he had "many reasons to be thankful" as he approached his final Thanksgiving in the White House. He specifically mentioned his thankfulness for members of his family and wrapped up with this: "Most of all, I thank the American people for the tremendous privilege of serving as the president."
Article from USAToday.com
Why is today's God's Story scripture such a great verse for Thanksgiving?
The prophet Micah warned God's people that judgment was coming, but that God would offer pardon to all who would repent.
This week, President Bush did the annual "pardon" for two lucky turkeys. Do you realize that we're not lucky, but blessed? Isaiah wrote that we have all strayed like sheep. Today, let's just say that we have strayed like "wild turkeys". We don't deserve God's forgiveness for our sin, but that's why His grace is so amazing!
Today, with thanksgiving, praise God for His pardon!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for His mercy! He could give us eternal death, but He has given us a full pardon because Jesus shed His blood to pay the penalty for our sins. Take several minutes to thank and praise Him for His grace...
- While you're eating turkey during the Thanksgiving holidays, tell God thank you for His pardon. Praise Him for the promise of some day sitting at His banquet table in Heaven!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
With family and friends, start up a conversation about God offering us His loving pardon, by bringing up today's story about President Bush giving a pardon to the turkeys. Let Jesus guide you in knowing how much of your story or God's story to share.
26 Nov, 2008
What's the Password?
OVERWORKED MOM GETS ATTITUDE INSTEAD OF HELP FROM DAUGHTERS
DEAR ABBY: I spent Thanksgiving weekend with tears streaming down my face. Both my adult daughters spent the holiday with us.
I served dinner to more than 20 people and got no help cleaning up until Friday morning when I had a meltdown and demanded some. Then my older daughter said, "sorry," in a sarcastic tone, and my younger daughter responded with, "Anybody mind if I take a shower now?"
I have spent my life trying to make holidays special for my daughters so they would have happy childhood memories. All my hard work seems to have backfired. Instead they have developed a sense of entitlement - as if I am obligated to do everything.
(See yahoonews.com for the full Dear Abby letter and response.)
How are you entering your thanksgiving holiday? Are you thankful for what your family does for you? Are you eager to pitch in and make the experience the best it can be for everyone? Most importantly, are you thankful to God for who he is and what he has done in your life?
Psalm 100 (The Message)
1 On your feet now - applaud Yahweh!
2 Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
3 Know this: Yahweh is God, and God, Yahweh.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We are his people, his well-tended sheep.
4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
5 For Yahweh is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.
What a great translation of the favorite Thanksgiving Psalm. The Hebrew name for God, Yahweh, or Jehovah was the most sacred name for God. If we stop and recognize him for who he really is, we will never say "sorry" in a sarcastic tone when he asks us to do something. Instead we will:
- give him a standing ovation (1)
- laugh - life is FUN! (2)
- sing out our praise (2)
- know this: HE is God, and we aren't! (3)
- start our prayers with "thank you" (4)
- be "at home" when we praise God (4)
- remember that God is amazing (5)
How about you? Are you ready to put some THANKS into you Thanksgiving, and into your life? Would starting every prayer with thanks help you appreciate what you have more, and make you more positive about the challenges you may be asking God to help you with?
I love the word-picture of "enter with the password: 'thank you'." What if when you forgot to start your prayer with thanks, God interrupted and asked, "Password?"
We can easily reflect an sense of entitlement like the daughters, and feel like God is somehow obligated to give us what we want. We feel at home being waited on. The Psalm tells us to "make yourselves at home, talking praise."
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Enter with the password "thank you" and make yourself at home praising God.
We live in uncertain times. The headlines are far more negative than positive. I searched news stories for two hours today trying to find any story having to do with thanksgiving!
Yet we have so much. We are so blessed. We have so many opportunities.
The best thing about making yourself at home, talking praise, is that you'll waste far fewer words being negative. For someone you know who is not yet a Christ-follower that will seem very attractive. Being positive can be very contagious.
And here's a promise: a friend who is attracted to the Jesus you follow, and who decides to follow Jesus for themself, will be cause for thanks - here and in heaven!
Happy Thanksgiving!
25 Nov, 2008
You won what?
College Football's Unusual Trophies
Through the years, certain college football rivalries have determined that the winner of that battle would be awarded particular trophies. Many of them have turned out to be quite interesting! The prize pictured above is a pig named Floyd that has been given to the winner of the game between Iowa and Minnesota since 1935.
Other famous, yet strange, trophies include little brown jugs, wagon wheels, a platypus trophy, Paul Bunyan's axe, bronze boots, golden eggs, ironed skillets, spittoons, milk cans and even a turtle named "Illibuck" that has gone to the winner of the Illinois and Ohio State game since 1925!
To see pictures of all of these amazing trophies, go to http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1149018/1/index.htm?bcnn=yes
What does God's Story scripture teach us about winning prizes?
The author of this passage of scripture is Paul, who endured great trials for the sake of Christ and had amazing discipline as he lived out His faith. The reason he was so determined was because he was chasing after the ultimate prize...an eternity with Jesus Christ. It's safe to assume that Paul wouldn't have been willing to endure all that he went through if a pig named Floyd was the object of his pursuit!
But because this prize that he chased after was worth it, he encouraged us to go into strict training. This means being disciplined in our choices. This means being in the Word every day. This means exercising self-control in our lives. This means letting go of anything that will get in our way of receiving the prize!
Paul also encourages us with this truth...the prize we are seeking is eternal! It will never fade. Eventually, every trophy or award you will ever earn will be gone...except one...pursue it alone.
How can we connect today's story and God's story to my story?
- Train yourself...every day...without exception...as one who will let nothing get in the way of seeking Christ. Every athlete loves being on the award stand, but the only ones who get there are the ones who are also willing to be disciplined in their daily training regimens. Part of our training is getting more and more familiar with the "play book" that God has given us. Have you studied it today?
- Keep your focus on the prize. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 10:23 calls us to hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, for He who promised it is faithful. This world has a lot of "trophies" to offer (popularity, the right guy or girl, the best clothes, the perfect job...) None of them are worth comparing to the only reward that will never fade away.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with their story?
- If you ever are blessed enough to win an award...whether on the athletic field, the academic arena or in the arts...it is a perfect time to give God glory for the abilities He has entrusted to you. It is also a great opportunity to help others understand that, though you are honored to receive the award, you know that it will one day be gone. Then you can explain the eternal prize you are pursuing!
- Think about the friends you are praying will know Christ at some point...what earthly prizes are they chasing after? They probably aren't as silly as a turtle named Illibuck, but if it's the important thing in their life...connect with them there! Take interest in their garage band, their school play or the next game they are in. Love them where they are and pray that God will help you point them to the eternal prize in the context of that relationship.
24 Nov, 2008
Branded
British teen, Kwame Boyce-Deacon, branded with the face of U.S. President Elect, Barack Obama. The young man decided to show off his enthusiasm for the newly elected president by having Obama's face shaved into the back of his head. He has also sported the faces of Bob Marley and Tupac Shakur in the past, and it appears as though Kwame is the first ever to display the face of Obama.
Find the story and picture at www.telegraph.co.uk
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about how we should respond to God's Word?
I'm always amazed at the lengths people will go, the things they will do, and the ways they will sacrifice themselves, when it comes to passion! What a creative way for Kwame to show his support and enthusiasm for Barack Obama. In fact, it's not all that far off from what God wants us to do when it comes to His Word and commands. But rather than branding God's face, or His promises, on our heads, He tells us to "bind them around your neck," and "write them on the tablet of your heart."
God wants us to: 1) Cling to His teachings - attach or bind them to us, put them into practice so that we will remember them and others will see/experience God through us; 2) Show our love and faithfulness to God by loving others; 3) Memorize His Word - allow it to make an imprint on our lives and hearts.
If we are passionate about Christ and the Word of God others will see His brand on our lives, as clearly as they might see Obama's face on the head of a teenage boy.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- As you spend time in Gods' Word this week, don't just read it and put it away. Instead, pray for God to show you how to apply His teachings in your life today. Before ending your time with God, jot down 2-3 ways you can personalize and implement His commands/teachings.
- Pray and ask God to show you some specific ways you can learn to love Him better this week . . . then do it!
- Pick a scripture each week to memorize. Write it on a couple note cards then place them in places where you will see it throughout the day, as a reminder and to help you learn it.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and our story to others?
- Share today's story with a friend and ask what he/she is passionate about . . . that if he/she were to have something "branded" on his/her head, what would it be? Talk about it and be willing and ready to share yours.
- Find a new and creative way to show your love for others this week and to let them see of your faithfulness to Christ.
21 Nov, 2008
Set Free!!
3,300 Prisoners To Be Freed Early
SOFIA (Reuters) - Under a draft law approved by the Socialist-led government, about 3,300 inmates with light sentences or nearing the end of their terms will be released, the cabinet said in a statement.Criminals serving time for murder or assault will stay in jail. The amnesty also aims at marking the 130th anniversary of the Justice Ministry in 2009 and is in line with prepared amendments to the penal code, the statement said.(Reporting by Tsvetelia Ilieva, editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Criminals serving time for murder or assault will stay in jail. The amnesty also aims at marking the 130th anniversary of the Justice Ministry in 2009 and is in line with prepared amendments to the penal code, the statement said.(Reporting by Tsvetelia Ilieva, editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Luke 4:16-21
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being set free?
When Jesus read scripture in the synagogue that day, he declared that the scripture from Isaiah was fulfilled! He was (and is) the Messiah who had come to set the captives free.
What does that mean? It means we are free! I am free! You are free! Your friends and family who are following Jesus are free! And that same freedom is available to anyone who would call on the name of Jesus to set them free!
Free from what? Free from the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). Free to live the abundant life that Jesus came to bring (John 10:10).
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God today for setting the captives free by sacrificing His Son, Jesus.
- Thank God today for setting your friends and family who are following Jesus free.
- Thank God today for setting you free.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
- Listen closely to your friends who aren't following Jesus. Listen for how they may be captive to sin.
- Ask a friend for their permission to talk about how you have been set free from a life of sin.
- Offer to pray with a friend that they might experience the freedom that Jesus offers.
20 Nov, 2008
Ancient Discovery
Israeli archaeologists unearth Herod family tombsArticle courtesy of Reuters.
An Israeli archaeologist said on Wednesday he had unearthed what he believed were the 2,000-year-old remains of two tombs which had held a wife and daughter-in-law of the biblical King Herod.
Other findings announced by Ehud Netzer of Jerusalem's Hebrew University provided new evidence of the lavish lifestyle of the Roman-era monarch also known as the "King of the Jews."
Herod, a Roman-anointed king who ruled Judea from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC, has a special place in biblical history. Herod rebuilt the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, making him a focus of study in the Jewish state.
The Gospel of Matthew says Herod ordered the "Massacre of the Innocents," the killing of male infants in Jesus' birthplace of Bethlehem, out of fear of losing his throne.
Netzer, an authority on Herodian excavations, showed reporters portions of two limestone sarcophagi he says had contained remains of one of Herod's wives, Malthace, and a daughter-in-law.
He said these findings supported his claims that another sarcophagus he found at the site in 2007 had been Herod's tomb. Some experts had said then the evidence seemed inconclusive.
Based on the additional sacrophagi he has found, and despite the absence of any inscriptions or documentation by the ancient Jewish historian Josephus Flavius, Netzer said:
"I would eat my hat if it were someone else's tomb."
Herod the Great was quite disturbed when the magi asked about a newborn king of the Jews because:
1) Herod was not the rightful heir to the throne of David; therefore many Jews hated him as a usurper. If Jesus really was an heir, trouble would arise.
2) Herod was ruthless and, because of his many enemies, he was suspicious that someone would try to overthrow him.
3) Herod didn't want the Jews, a religious people, to unite around a religious figure.
4) If these magi were of Jewish descent and from Parthia (the most powerful region next to Rome), they would have welcomed a Jewish king who could swing the balance of power away from Rome. The land of Israel, far from Rome, would have been easy prey for a nation trying to gain more control.
Herod was clearly lying when he told the magi: "when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." Herod's had no intentions of worshipping the baby Jesus.
What are our intentions with Jesus? Why are we seeking him? Do we search for Him for our own personal gain, or do we serve Him as our King of Kings?
When you think about your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ, ask yourself: am I pursuing this for my own gain or am I in this to bring glory to Jesus?
Mention today's news article and how it confirms biblical history. Your friends may have never heard the story of Herod before. They may wonder why Jesus was such a threat to a powerful King. What a privilege we then have to tell our friends how Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again to restore our relationship with the Father!
19 Nov, 2008
A Penny Short
City threatens to put lien on house over a penny.
Eileen Wilbur was one penny short when she paid last year's water bill. Now the city of Attleboro, Mass., is threatening to take action. In a letter they paid 42 cents to mail, city officials say they'll place a lien on the blind 74-year-old's house unless she coughs up a penny by Dec. 10.
The City Collector expained that Wilbur should have paid the balance on her account when they sent out the original bill. She said the lien notices are automatically printed. "It would be fiscally irresponsible for me to have staff weed through the bills and pull out any below a certain amount," she says. "And what would that amount be? (USAToday.com)
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey makes the sub-title above habit number five: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." This story is a great example of the exact opposite - it's all about me and I can't be wrong. When we are focused on ourselves we end up:
- sounding pretty silly - Maybe instead of having staff weed through the mail, the software could "automatically" select the bills not worth sending!
- asking dumb questions - "And what would that amount be?" Let's see - how about at least up to 42 cents!
- costing ourselves more in the long run. The paper work to place the lien alone would cost a lot!
Philippians 2:3-4
3 Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.
4 Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing.
5 Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Christ Jesus,...
Wow. This passage is loaded. It talks about what "Seek First to Understand" really looks like:
- "Don't be selfish. Don't live to make a good impression on others."
- "Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself."
- "Be interested in others, and in what they are doing."
Our culture definitely needs the "don't be selfish" reminder. And humility isn't thought of as highly as it should be. It's not that everyone is really better than you, it's just that you are not better than everyone else! Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less! And one of the best ways of looking for the good in others is to be interested in who they are and what they are doing. You begin to appreciate what they deal with in life, and why they are the way they are sometimes.
Seeking first to understand others. A lot to think about! What would it look like?
- I defend myself less; I stick up for others more.
- I talk about myself less; I listen to others more.
- I judge others less; I empathize with others more.
In the process maybe you even begin to actually have the "attitude of Christ." He loves that person you are dealing with, just as they are. He can help you love them too!
In The Message, 1 Peter 2:12 says:
"Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives."
Many of your friends have deep, built-in prejudices against the Gospel. All the arguing in the world won't touch them. Your "exemplary life," though, just might! Sometimes a tiny issue (a penny!) just isn't worth fighting about. Don't be selfish, be humble, and be interested. Seek First to Understand.
When they end up in the celebration with you in heaven someday the penny really won't matter!!!
18 Nov, 2008
Good for goodness sake?
'Why Believe in a God?' Ad Campaign Launches on D.C. Buses
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. You better watch out. There is a new combatant in the Christmas wars.
Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on Washington, D.C., buses starting next week and running through December. The American Humanist Association unveiled the provocative $40,000 holiday ad campaign Tuesday.
"We are trying to reach our audience, and sometimes in order to reach an audience, everybody has to hear you," said Fred Edwords, spokesman for the humanist group. "Our reason for doing it during the holidays is there are an awful lot of agnostics, atheists and other types of non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."
Yet few Americans describe themselves as atheist or agnostic; a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life poll from earlier this year found 92 percent of Americans believe in God.
Edwords said the purpose isn't to argue that God doesn't exist or change minds about a deity, although "we are trying to plant a seed of rational thought and critical thinking and questioning in people's minds."
The group defines humanism as "a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity."
(To see the full story, go to FOXNews.com)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about how "good" we really are?
Today's story is a clear assault on the Biblical idea that God exists...which is an attack that Christians need not fear. In fact, it is a completely normal and healthy question for everyone to answer at some point in their life.
Does God exist? After digging through scripture, looking at creation around us and investigating other areas of support...anyone who is honest with themselves will land at the conclusion that He does exist.
This ad, however, attaches a statement that is neither normal or healthy. In fact, it is a flat out lie and the truth of God's Word clearly reveals it as such. These verses in Romans basically call us evil, unrighteous and worthless...incapable of doing any good on our own. Pretty encouraging huh!?!
Well, God isn't trying to make us feel bad...He is just letting us know that since sin entered this world through Adam and Eve, we are born with a completely sinful nature and are in desperate need of a Savior.
If these verses aren't enough proof for you of just how bad we are without Christ, just check out Genesis 6:5, Genesis 8:21, I Chronicles 6:36, Romans 3:23...or the news...or your life...or my life. The truth is, we ain't so good (at grammar or "being good")
How can we connect today's story and God's story to our story?
So that's the bad news...but here's the great news...as a Christ-follower, God sees you as completely good and without sin! Psalm 103:8-12 helps us know the heart of the Father when it says
The lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger
abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will
He harbor his anger forever; He will not treat us as our
sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For
as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is
His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from
the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
The news gets even better!...Not only are our sins gone...we have been made new and it IS possible for us to be good. This only happens when God is living in us and empowers us to live that way...but it is possible! II Corinthians 5 teaches us that we have become new creations and that God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness (good) of God.
Praise God for that fact today!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story to my friend's story?
- Don't be afraid of the question "Does God exist". I Peter 3:15 calls us to be prepared with our own answer to that question. If you have friends that are asking that question...walk with them through that time of questioning and love them through to the answer.
- Today's article said that 92% of Americans believe there is a God. Maybe you could throw out that statistic and ask your friend if they are a part of that. If they say that they do believe in God...don't stop there and assume this means they are a Christian. Ask them what that means to them and how it impacts their life.
- Be compassionate towards your lost friends. Remember that if they are lying, gossiping, being hurtful or destructive...they are only being who they are. They were born that way...as God's Word so clearly taught us. Continue to love them and pray that they will one day be free from that sinful nature and be a new creation capable of doing good for God's sake.
14 Nov, 2008
Child of the King!
Prince Charles Turning 60, Becomes Longest-Waiting Heir in British History
Talk about an apprentice. By the time he turns 60 Friday, Prince Charles will have spent 56 years waiting to become king.
LONDON - That's put him in quite a bind. The longest-waiting heir in British history only ascends to the throne when his beloved mother dies or decides to step down.
But the queen won't be giving Charles the present many believe he craves most - the crown. The queen has indicated informally that she plans to keep the job for life and some people think the 82-year-old monarch intends to live forever, or at least as long as her mother, who died at 101.
Photo & Story Courtesy of www.foxnews.com.
Galatians 3:29
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you. (NLT)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being an heir to the throne?
"The original promise to Abraham was intended for the whole world, not just for Abraham's descendants. All believers participate in this promise and are blessed as children of Abraham." (Life Application Bible Study Note for Gal. 3:29)
But we are not just children of Abraham. Romans 8:16-17 says, "For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we will share his treasures - for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too." And we don't have to wait until we get to heaven to enjoy those treasures - a relationship with Jesus, forgiveness for us, the gift to be able to forgive others, and a life that will last forever.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Obviously, Prince Charles has lived a life worthy of his position. But, he became an heir to the throne at his birth. And you became an heir of God's Kingdom at your spiritual birth, when you began a relationship with Jesus Christ. Even though we won't receive our full inheritance until we are in our heavenly home, we can rest in God's promise NOW! No waiting!
- Thank God for adopting you into His forever family.
- Thank God for the gift of His forgiveness.
- Ask God to show you if there is anyone you need to forgive.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
- If you see Prince Charles in the news today, use that as a conversation starter with a friend who needs Jesus.
- Ask a friend if they've ever had to wait for what seemed like forever for something they were promised - then use that as a point to begin a conversation about God's promises.
- Ask a friend for their permission to share your story, or even better, God's Story with them this weekend.
- Pray for your friends who have yet to be adopted into God's family.
13 Nov, 2008
Abnormal Veggies
BRUSSELS -- Misshapen fruit and vegetables won a reprieve on Wednesday from the European Union as it scrapped rules banning overly curved, extra knobbly or oddly shaped produce from supermarket shelves.
Ending regulations on the size and shape of 26 types of fruit and vegetables, the European authorities killed off restrictions...
The rising cost of commodities also persuaded the European Commission that there was no point in throwing away food just because it looked strange.
As of July, when the changes go into force, these standards for the 26 products, as varied as peas and plums, will disappear. European shoppers will then be able to choose their produce whatever its appearance.
"This marks a new dawn for the curvy cucumber and the knobbly carrot," said Mariann Fischer Boel, European commissioner for agriculture, who argued that regulations were better left to market operators.
Article from the New York Times.
Jesus' comments in Matthew 15:10 were directed at the Pharisees who were concerned with the behavior of the Jesus' disciples, and confronted Jesus about it. They pointed out that the law required special preparation of food before eating, and Jesus' disciples weren't observing these laws.
In response, Jesus challenged their position. He reminded these religious people that it's not the food itself that needed to be clean, but rather their hearts that needed the washing. "Whatever goes into the mouth ... is expelled. But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart."
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
Jesus reminded us that if our hearts are full of sin -- evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander -- then our lives will be directly affected. We're dirty and in need of a good cleaning.
The truth is, we can't remove this sin on our own. The grace of Jesus is the only power that can remove the sin in our lives.
"But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin" (1 John 2:1-2).
We can't just clean up the outside our lives. Jesus doesn't want us to play games with Him or others that create the "illusion" of purity. Let's face it -- sin is sin -- and it can't be hidden. Any attempts at cleaning our outside appearance are in vain. And our hearts can't be cleaned on our own. Our only hope is to ask Christ to clean us from the inside out.
Are you caught in a sin that you keep repeating? Ask Jesus for help! Paul wrote it this way: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2).
It's possible that our friends may believe they must "clean up their act" before they come to Jesus. They think that Jesus won't welcome them into His family unless they first present themselves as perfect.
Here's some ideas for discussion with your friends: Be real about your successes AND failures ... especially your failures. Spare them of the unnecessary details, but allow your friends the joy of seeing you for who you really are -- a person who desperately needs Jesus.
The truth is, even as followers of Jesus, we're not perfect. We're desperately in need of our savior ... today. Let's not create the illusion of perfection. Instead, let's show our dependance on Jesus as the rescuer of our story.
It's so important to tell my friends how much I really need Jesus!
12 Nov, 2008
Maybe No One Will Notice?!
Police: driver fled DWI checkpoint
(Excerpt from Seacoastonline.com article By
PORTSMOUTH After handing over his license and registration at a Friday night sobriety checkpoint, Peter Glidden squealed his tires and sped off, almost hitting the city deputy police chief, said Lt. Corey MacDonald.
When a state trooper and MacDonald chased after, then stopped Glidden, they found marijuana in his SUV and arrested him on four charges, one a felony.
Glidden now faces misdemeanor charges of driving while under the influence of drugs, possession of drugs in a motor vehicle and disobeying a police officer, as well as a felony count of reckless conduct.
It wasn't the most well-thought-out escape, said MacDonald.
Mr. Glidden thought he had seized the perfect opportunity to flee. The officer was out of his vehicle, so he squealed his tires and sped off. Too bad he almost hit someone; too bad he was under the influence and in possession; and oh yeah - too bad he left his license behind! The officer knew his name! He wasn't going to get away with anything!
God knows your name and everything about you. Read Psalm 139 for extra credit. Notice how God knows who we are, where we are and what we are doing. He has plans for us, and he is willing to lead us into his plans if we ask him to.
You may be laughing at Mr. Glidden, but have you ever watched yourself? Even though God knows you by name, you think maybe you can sneak off and do something God won't notice.
Instead you end up charged with living under the influence of peer pressure, possession of plans to do what displeases God, disobeying the Creator of the universe, and a felony count of reckless living - or living like your life doesn't count.
NEWSFLASH!!! Your life counts. Jesus calls you by name. He laid down his life for you and paid the penalty for your sin. Are you listening for his voice? John 10:27 adds:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
I love how Jesus does not miss the opportunity to think of lost sheep. He is not our shepherd just so "we sheep" can hang out together and be fluffy little sheep-friends. He does want you to follow him, and hang out with other sheep who follow him, but he is also concerned about "other sheep that are not of this fold." He said, "I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be on flock, one shepherd."
Can you imagine anything more ridiculous than speeding off and thinking you are getting away with something?
Can you imagine anything more amazing than reaching out and leading a lost sheep to the shepherd?
- Are you listening?
- Are you following?
- Are you reaching out?
11 Nov, 2008
You did WHAT!?!
Ga. man cleaning with blowtorch sets fire to house
Friday, November 07, 2008
SARGENT, Ga. (AP) Would-be cleaners take note: A blowtorch is not a good substitute for a broom.
Coweta County authorities say that a local man set fire to his west Georgia home Wednesday as he cleaned cobwebs from exterior eaves with a blowtorch. The homeowner noticed the blaze when he saw smoke pouring from the attic.
Coweta Fire Investigator James Gantt says the fire was contained to one part of the house, but the entire home had smoke and water damage.No one was hurt.
Information from: The Times-Herald, times-herald.com
Proverbs 6:27
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned? (NIV)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about allowing sin into our lives?
This scripture out of Proverbs is quite clear...playing with fire will get you burned. This wasn't intended to be a fire safety lesson to the Israelites. Its intent was a spiritual safety lesson that also was quite clear...playing with sin will result in consequences.
In Numbers 32:23, Moses gave a similar warning to God's people when they were preparing to directly disobey God. He told them, "you will be sinning against the Lord and you can be sure that your sin will find you out."
You see, God set up clear boundaries for us because He loves us. When we step outside of those boundaries, we often find ourselves "getting burned" by the consequences. We may think that we are getting away with our sin...but He always knows...nothing escapes His view.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
You might be thinking, "Are you kidding me!?! How could this guy be that dumb?...I mean, c'mon...a blow torch to his house!?!"
But before we are too quick to condemn, let's take a look at our own lives. We are just as foolish at times! We play with fire when we allow sin into our lives...sin that eventually burns us in the end.
Maybe its
- drugs or alcohol that we are "just experimenting with"
- a relationship that is "pushing the boundaries"
- pornography that we are "just looking at a little"
- hangin with a group of friends who do things that aren't "that bad"
- movies, television or music that just has "a few bad parts"
We think it's not that big of a deal. We think we can handle it without it getting out of control. I suppose our friend from Georgia thought the same thing.
So, what should we do?
- Confess whatever sin you have been playing with...and He will forgive you...no matter what it is. (I John 1:9)
- Stop playing with fire! When you are tempted with sin...don't mess around with it...flee the situation! But you, man (or woman) of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. (I Timothy 6:11)
- Pray and ask God for help in taking a new direction.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with others?
- Do you have friends who are not Christians who know that you are one? Do you think that they are watching you to see if this "Jesus" is real in you? Do you think it could be confusing for them to hear you say one thing and do another? Just some questions to think about.
- If you have non-Christian friends that you know are playing with fire...pray for them...and when God presents the opportunity, share with them (out of love) the concern that you have for them. Maybe you can save them from setting their "house" on fire.
10 Nov, 2008
Under Pressure
MILWAUKEE - Police in Milwaukee say a teenage boy has survived after
being accidentally dumped into the back of a recycling truck and
compacted.
Police say the 14-year-old ran away from a boot camp-style school for
teens Monday and hid in a recycling bin filled with cardboard. The bin
was picked up by a Waste Management truck and dumped into the vehicle's
rear compactor.
Waste Management spokeswoman Lynn Morgan says the truck continued on its collection route, compacting cardboard several times.
The boy wasn't discovered until the truck dumped its load at a recycling processing center.
He was semiconscious and was taken to a hospital, but police say his injuries aren't life-threatening.
Story from www.abc3340.com
Image from Google Images
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (NIV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about life as a Christian?
You've probably never found yourself in the back of a garbage truck with the walls literally caving in on you, but I bet you can remember a time in your life when it sure felt like it!
If there's anyone in the Bible who knew what it was like to be hard pressed on all sides, persecuted, and struck down, it was Paul! Yet somehow his spirit and faith always overcame, and he never failed to find joy and purpose in it all! But it was only because Paul carried with him, at all times, the knowledge and faith of Christ's death and resurrection, allowing the life of Jesus to shine in and through him, regardless of the hardships he faced.
And at times, although it may seem like you are lying semiconscious and completely buried in the wreckage of life, you can rest in the promise that in God's hands you will never be crushed, abandoned, or destroyed! So let His life shine a light on your circumstances and into the lives of those around you.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Praise God for His perfect plan and for His promise to never allow the struggles of this world overtake you.
- Take some time to really talk to God. Share with Him some of the ways in which you are feeling hard pressed in life - has it distracted you or kept you from the joy of Christ?
- Ask God to help you remain joyful because of His promises. Ask Him to use you and your situation to reveal the life of Christ to those around you.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and your story to others?
- Take notice of those that are around you. You'll be amazed at how many of your friends are feeling like their world is caving in on them and it's only a matter of time before they suffer the last crushing blow. Be a listening ear for someone who just needs help processing life.
- Pray for them - pray that God would give you influence into their lives and that you can speak the truth of God's promises in 2 Cor. 4:8-9.
- Don't be afraid to share your own situation and connect to others through what God is doing (or has done) in your life and times of hardship.
7 Nov, 2008
"A Great Story Teller"
'
"
The novelist passed away in
"While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us - and entertained us all while doing so - his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," his family said.
Read more at www.foxnews.com.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being a storyteller?
While Michael Crichton was very successful at telling fictional stories, we are called to be about the Father's business of telling His Story. As followers of Christ we should all be known for being a God's Story storyteller. Today's verse talks about being "sent." Jesus himself, just before ascending into heaven, looked at his followers and gave them a great commission, "Go!" (Matthew 28:19)
That same commission is our commission today. We must go into the world and tell His Story! It doesn't mean we have to leave where we are and travel to a foreign land. It simply means that each and every day, as we are going through life, we can tell God's Story. And we have his promise that he is with us every step of the way! (Matthew 28:20)
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Today's scripture reminds us that in order for someone to call on the name of the Lord to be saved, God's Story must be told. God's Story is obviously told through His Word, the Bible. In order for us to be ready to share His Story, we must know His Story. Spend some time this weekend reading God's Story.
God's Story is also told through our story. Spend some time this weekend looking at your own story and how God has been at work in your life. Can you see God's Story coming to life through your own story?
Think about how you first heard God's Story? Who told you? Maybe it has been several people over a period of time. Get in touch with them this weekend and say "Thank You." (And be sure to tell them they have beautiful feet, too!)
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
Is there someone in your life you don't know very well that needs to hear God's Story. Take a first step by finding a way to get to know that person. Even if it's a simple hello in the hallway at school. Talk to God about that person, and ask Him to help you find a way to connect to their story.
Is there someone in your life you've known for a while who needs to hear God's Story. They can't connect, they can't believe, if they have not heard. And they can't hear unless someone tells them.
Is there a friend you've been sharing God's Story with for a while now? Have you been listening for open doors in the conversation to share God's Story. Look for ways this weekend to connect even more.
6 Nov, 2008
You gave THAT away?
Woman Buys Foreclosed Home and Gives It BackDALLAS — A Texas woman went to a housing auction distraught about the prospect of watching strangers bid on her foreclosed home.
Then one of those strangers bought it back for her.
Now Tracy Orr can return to her Pottsboro home, making payments to the woman who unexpectedly and impulsively bought it for her.
"It means so much to all of us," Orr told Dallas television station WFAA. "It's not just a house."
Marilyn Mock said she was acting on instinct on Saturday when she decided to buy a house she had never seen for a woman she had never met. Mock was at the foreclosure auction to help her 27-year-old son bid on a house when she struck up a conversation with Orr, who was crying about losing her home.
Orr had bought the house for $80,000 in 2004 but fell behind on the payments. She lost her job a month after taking out the loan, and earlier this year she lost the house. On the spot, Mock decided to buy it, eventually bidding $30,000.
"She didn't even know if I had a job or was a nut case," Orr said in a story for Wednesday's online edition of The Dallas Morning News. "She didn't even see a picture of the house."
Mock told a crying Orr she could stay in the house, making payments to her instead of a bank.
"She needed help. That was it," Mock told the newspaper. "I just happened to be there and anybody else would have done the same thing."
Orr said she hopes others will do as Mock did.
"More than my house, she gave me something inside, and that's more important than material or financial things," she said.
Article courtesy of Foxnews.com
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us?
The book of Acts gives us such a cool picture of the early church. These early Christians were profoundly impacted by the teaching of Jesus - so much that it affected all of their daily actions. They were unified in heart and mind, and incredibly generous. Jesus' followers were willing to give up their own personal belongings for the sake of the community. Also, they trusted their leadership - the apostles - to distribute the wealth as needed. In verse 35, we see a very specific example of how this was lived out:
"For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."
Wow! Followers of Christ, we are called to this same type of behavior.
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
In our culture today, this kind of generosity is harder to see. We tend to hold on tight to what is ours. And yet, as followers of Jesus, we should always seek ways to bless those around us. Here are a few more scripture verses that teach us how to be generous in our giving:
- Give to others quietly and without seeking praise.
"When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do ... in the streets, that they may be praised by others." (Matthew 6:2) - Give to others generously
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Cor 9:6) - Give to others cheerfully
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Cor 9:7)
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
When was the last time you gave a gift without expecting anything in return?
Maybe you don't have enough money to buy someone a house ... that's OK. It's likely not the real need of the friends around you. But your friends DO have real needs, and it takes a special person to be paying attention to what those might be. Challenge yourself:
- Be on the lookout for your friend's "real need" - maybe it's lunch money, or a ride home, or help with homework.
- Once you've identified the need, find a way to meet the need - even if it costs you something. Note: sometimes the "need" requires time, and often our time is the hardest to give.
- Expect nothing in return, just praise God for the opportunity to serve one of His children. After all, everything we have is His to begin with!
5 Nov, 2008
"Change has Come"
Beyond Election Day 2008
(Picture from USAToday.com)
Obama: 'Change has come'Americans have "sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals," president-elect Barack Obama just told tens of thousands of supporters gathered at
This also isn't a nation of "red states and blue states," he said.
Instead, said Obama, "we are and always will be the
"Change has come," Obama, the first African-American elected to be president, promised the nation.
(see full article by Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence; USAToday.com)
The news media went crazy tonight and will continue to hype this historic election. But as President-elect Obama said later in his speech the election itself is not the change. It's all about what we as a country pull together and get done together. Do you wonder if that kind of change is possible? I think it must start with me. And you. One person at a time.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20, NIV.
(17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
God changes us into a "new creation" when we choose to follow Jesus. "The old is gone, the new has come!" What a beautiful truth to think about. I don't know how much difference one of us can make in this world, but God is all about helping us be the best we can be. The Bible says,
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
God's plan for us begins with reconciling us to Himself. We were separated from God forever because of our sin - our attitude of ignoring God and just living for ourselves. God "demonstrated His love for us" by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin. (see Romans 5:8 and 1 Peter 3:18.)
When we change our attitude and ask God to forgive us he is faithful to do just that! (see 1 John 1:9). "The old is gone, the new has come!"
We have a clean slate, we can stop worrying about ourselves, and we can begin to care for others. If everyone who got involved in this election, on either side, would get involved in the future of our country, change would come!
"And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." The Message translation say, "God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing." Who have you told about the change Jesus has made in your life?
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Congratulations. You do have a role in the new government - you are an ambassador. Only you represent Jesus. The Message puts it this way - "We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them."
I hope you join me in praying for our country and our leaders. We do have critical and complicated issues to deal with. But you don't have to wait to do your ambassador role in your world. Let God change you, and then allow Him to use you to encourage others to experience the same change.
Yes Change has Come - over 2,000 years ago!
4 Nov, 2008
New President, Same King
Honoring our new President is part of honoring our God
Obama, McCain battle across campaign's closing day
The presidential candidates are capping a history-making campaign with a dash from Florida through a half-dozen other crucial states as John McCain tries for an upset over Barack Obama.
All that's left now is for the campaigns to make sure people vote, unleashing an unprecedented get-out-the-vote campaigns. The candidates were sprinting across time zones and states in eleventh-hour bids to get to the magic number of 270 electoral votes which is the total needed to seal the presidency.
"We cannot afford to slow down or sit back or let up," Obama told voters at an evening rally in Cincinnati. "We need to win an election on Tuesday."
In New Hampshire, McCain held his last town hall meeting of the 2008 campaign. "I come to the people of New Hampshire to ask them to let me go on one more mission," McCain said in Peterborough.
Associated Press writer Nedra Pickler contributed to this report from Cincinnati. Associated Press Writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington.
What Does God's Story scripture teach us about living under earthly authority?
Today, millions of Americans will head to the voting booths to let their voice be heard...something that everyone should do. Christians especially should be the best represented group of voters. Why?...because this allows us to express a Biblical viewpoint on many critical topics in our culture today.
But when the last ballot has been cast and the votes have all been counted...regardless of how it goes...the United States will have a new President. At that point, it becomes critical for Christ followers everywhere to understand how God's Word calls us to respond and apply it to our lives. We need to know that the Bible says that...
- We are to honor the king. Whether you live under the rule of a king, an emperor or a president...you are called to respect those who have been placed in authority over you. Romans 13:1 tells us that everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities. This is true whether you like them or not. It is also true whether they are a Christian or not.
- God has placed them in authority over us. Now, this one may be hard for some of us to understand. Our finite minds can not comprehend why God would allow some of the evil leaders that have ruled to do so...but His Word is clear. That same verse in Romans 13 goes on to say that no authority exists except that which God has established. God is in control and when we can't understand it, we just need to trust Him.
- We are not to join in on conversations or actions that disrespect our authorities. Today's scripture from Proverbs makes that quite clear.
- We are always to obey God above any earthly authorities. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are just a few examples of men who were willing to obey their king...until they were asked to disobey their God. It is at this point...and this point only...that the Bible calls us to go against our earthly authorities.
How does God's Story connect with my story?
I don't know if you will be happy with today's results or not. Either way, let's be Christ-followers who...
- Pray for our leaders. Our God both hears and answers our prayers. Whether they are someone you voted for or not, let us be a people who lifts them up to a God who can direct them!
- Ask God to help you speak only respectful comments about your leaders. Does this mean you have to agree with everything they do or say? No. But if God calls us to respect our leaders, then maybe our moms had it right when they said, "If you can't say something nice..." (you know the rest).
- Spend some time praising God today that He is your King. Though we operate, for now, under the authority of our earthly rulers, our home is really not of this world...and our King is the King of kings!
How does today's story, God's story and my story connect with others?
- Regardless of who the president will be, you will certainly have the opportunity to not join in the disrespectful conversations that will happen around you. This is yet another opportunity for you to be noticeably different as you respectfully obey those God has placed in authority over you.
- What a great opportunity today to talk with others about who is in "control". All of your friends will be talking about how this is true for either the Republicans or the Democrats...but you can share with them, respectfully, how it doesn't change all that much for you. If you are happy with the election, you still don't place your hope in that person because your hope is ultimately in God. If you are unhappy with the election, you still have peace for the same reason! We may have a new president...but we still have the same King!
3 Nov, 2008
Finding the Calm Amidst the Storms
"Final Weekend for 'Prayer Warriors' to Appeal to Higher Power"
Was the headline for this article found on foxnews.com. The story goes on to report on the huge numbers of individuals, clergy, and congregations that are frantically calling each other to pray for the country and the upcoming election.
Christians across the country have spent who-knows-how-many-hours encouraging each other to pray, get involved, and get passionate about their faith and convictions during the campaigning for this election. Anxieties are high and the economic crisis, among other things, has instilled a spirit of fear in most Americans. Emails and blogs are petitioning for last minute fasting and prayers in these final hours before election day. And, according to the media, it's our "final weekend . . . to appeal to higher power."
(Image courtesy of googleimages.com)
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!