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 Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:51 am
Bored With Nothing to Do?
Know what the cool thing to do in Leyden, Italy in the late 1600s was? Get all dressed up and take your friends to an anatomy theater to watch surgeons dissect corpses. The anatomy theater in Leyden, Italy had hundreds of seats for accommodating large crowds, and often still had standing-room only.
Okay, so maybe you’re not into watching someone operate on a dead body. It’s easy to get bored during the summer. Let’s create a list of boredom-busters to jolt you out of the vacation time blahs. I’ll start you off, you finish the list.
• Grab a friend and watch all the local TV commercials until you’ve decided which one is the worst. Create an idea and a script that’s 100 times better and pitch it to company with the lousiest commercials. If you have access to some equipment, go ahead and film something better and pitch that to them!
• Read a biography.
• Write your own biography. (If it’s about yourself, it’ll be an autobiography; if it’s about someone else, you better ask permission before you start writing.)
• Create a brand-new board game and send it to Milton Bradley.
• Plant a garden (veggies, flowers, fruit—your pick).
• Learn a new sport.
• Go to the library and get a book on a specific musical instrument you’ve always wanted to play. Teach yourself.
• Invent a new color.
• Set up a backyard volleyball set and invite your friends over. After a couple of games, announce you’re going to add a little spice to the sport. Grab a deflated volleyball and fill it with helium. Switch sides and begin a new game. The ball won’t fly away, but it will go higher and take longer to come down. After a few games of helium v-ball, place the sprinkler underneath the middle of the net. Switch sides and start a new game — in the water!
• If you have a dog, check into getting it certified as a “therapy dog” so you can take it to retirement centers and hospitals.
• Create the world’s largest Popsicle, using a brand- new (and cleaned) trash can with a two-by-four in the middle for the stick. (You’ll probably have to check with an ice company or restaurant with a huge freezer to freeze your creation.)
• Try to convince your youth group to help you break one of the records from the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Memorize an entire chapter from the Bible.
• Create your own Web site.
• Volunteer at your local library to read for children’s story hour.
• Plan the perfect vacation — then start saving for it!
Know It!
God has a million resources for a bored mind. He wants you to glorify Him in all you do. Determine to make the most of your free time this summer.
Read It!
Psalm 119.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you use your time productively and to enhance your creativity for His glory.
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Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:00 am
Inside Out or Outside In?
Cindy Jackson (no relation to Michael) has quite a record of elective plastic surgery. She’s had 27 operations in nine years. Remember, this is elective plastic surgery. No, she wasn’t in an accident or born with any kind of disfigurement. She was born on a pig farm in Ohio and has had three full face lifts, thigh liposuction, two nose jobs, abdomen work, breast reduction and augmentation, jaw line surgery, knee work and permanent makeup. Cindy has spent approximately $100,000 changing her looks and trying to feel better about herself.
Erik Sprague has spent 450 hours getting tattooed, has pierced several parts of his body, and has placed himself on a strict diet of bugs and pizza. He’s also had his tongue surgically split to give a forked look and has had horned ridges implanted above his eyes.
His teeth have been filed into fangs, and his tattoos are green to give him the appearance of a lizard. He calls himself Lizard Man and slithers around the country performing a live stomach-pumping routine on himself at various side shows.
It’s obvious that Erik Sprague and Cindy Jackson are determined to change who they are by altering their outer appearance. Too bad they’ve never heard that real change comes from the inside. They’re assuming by altering their outer appearance, they’ll actually change themselves. But genuine change doesn’t happen outside in. It always occurs inside out.
Once you’ve experienced a change on the inside, it will eventually be reflected on the outside. There’s a legend about a popular clown named Grimaldi. Each night he bought laughter to hundreds of people who came to see his performances at the town circus. A physician had taken his family to see the show, and they were ecstatic. Their trip home was filled with laughter as they recalled what the clown had done on stage.
The next day, a stranger came to see the physician in his office. “Doctor, I need help,” the man said. “I’m falling apart inside. I can’t sleep, I have no reason to live, and I haven’t laughed in months.”
The physician quickly recommended the man attend that evening’s circus performance. “It will do you wonders!” he said. “In fact, I’m making that my prescription for you. Go to the circus and be entertained by the wonderful Grimaldi. He’ll make you forget your troubles as you laugh the night away.”
The man left the physician’s office even more devastated than when he entered . . . for you see, that man was Grimaldi!
Know It!
God dreams BIG dreams for you! He offers you a life of fulfillment, joy and peace. And a smaller nose, bigger muscles, tattoos, jokes, laughter or popularity won’t bring happiness. Allow Christ to transform your heart and your mind. Those around you will definitely notice the difference!
Read It!
Proverbs 14:13; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 4:6-7.
Pray It!
Ask God to change you from the inside-out. Seek His help in refusing to believe the lie that your worth comes from outward appearance.
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Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 8:46 am
Checked or Carry-On?
Airport customs agents have recently seized some interesting “luggage” from passengers.
At Chicago O’Hare’s International Airport, an African passenger was detained because of what he had in his carry-on luggage: A monkey head and carcass on a stick.
In Malta, investigators stopped four men carrying the skins of 100 protected birds, including tooth eagles, eagle owls and kingfishers.
Officials at JFK in New York, found two freshly-cut calves’ heads in a tote bag from Italy. In a bag from Nigeria, they confiscated 18 inch-long Nigerian snails. From Costa Rica, arriving in a bag at JFK, officials nabbed 490 sea turtle eggs, eight turtle flippers and 30 pounds of smoked turtle meat.
In Melbourne, Australia, a man heading to Vienna was separated from his travel companions: 31 live Australian geckos, including 11 leaf-tail, 13 knob-tail and seven beaked. (Wildlife export can bring up to 10 years in jail and/or a $110,000 fine.)
At Heathrow Airport in England, more than five tons of booty were seized from freight containers holding “pomos” (cow’s nostrils), “smokies” (blow-torched morsels of unskinned goat) and bush rats that are often sold to specialty markets. Most of us have no problem seeing all of the above as unnecessary luggage.
But lots of people carry unnecessary luggage to places other than airports. Some of your friends carry baggage on their dates, to their part-time jobs and even to church. What about you?
Are you carrying some unnecessary baggage? If so, there’s good news! You can check it. That’s right. God wants you to check your baggage with Him. No fines. No prison sentence. He’s willing to take it so you can travel without being weighted down.
So how is your travel? In your walk with Christ, are you traveling freely and productively? Or are you hindered by baggage that’s slowing you down? The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race. You wouldn’t think of making your way to the starting block encumbered with ankle weights. If you wanted to win the race, you’d wear light shorts, light track shoes and a light-weight shirt.
Serious male swimmers shave their legs, because they don’t want to be slowed down even by a millisecond by the hair on their legs. A determined athlete does everything he can to eliminate anything that could prevent winning the competition.
What things are slowing you down and keeping you from becoming all God wants you to be? If you’re trying to run the Christian race with carry-on baggage, you’re not going to win.
Know It!
God wants your baggage. So go ahead—check it! Place it in His lap and experience victory as you run the course He has set for you.
Read It!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Galatians 5:7-9; Hebrews 12:1.
Pray It!
Ask God to reveal any baggage in your life that you’re holding onto. When He brings it to your mind, surrender it to Him.
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Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 9:42 am
Is Your Baggage Labeled?
Just as you’d never consider running a race while wearing an overcoat, or entering a swimming event wearing sweats, hopefully you won’t carry unnecessary baggage in your relationship with Christ. What kinds of luggage do Christians hold onto that effects their walk with Jesus?
Go through the following packing list and mark any items you may have in your baggage collection.
— Bundle of bitterness. Someone hurt you, and you’re holding onto the hurt. It’s packed deep inside your heart, and it’s keeping you from experiencing the joy God wants you to have.
— Bag of anger. Something happened, and you’re so angry you can’t think straight. Instead of living out God’s love, you’re trapped within a cave of paralyzing anger.
— Box of jealousy. Someone else has what you want. You’re feeling insecure and jealous. It’s preventing you from sharing laughter, smiles and happiness.
— Briefcase of inferiority. You’re self-conscious about your weight, your face, your hair, your grades, etc. Instead of living with confidence, you’re battling self-esteem issues and have trouble believing you’re valuable.
— Bunches of unforgiveness. Let it go. You’re right—it shouldn’t have happened, but it did. Dad left the family. Someone broke up with you. Rumors were spread. Whatever the situation, you feel rejected . . . and you’ve become spiritually crippled because you haven’t forgiven. Release it. (As in right now!)
— Batches of the past. You blew it. Failed big time. You feel terrible about it and have never gotten over it. If only you’d never. . . but you did, and you’d give anything in the world to walk without this cloud over your life. Guess what! God will gladly trade you the sun for your cloud. And His Sonshine is brighter than any other sun in the galaxy. Know that He’s forgiven your past; He died for it. Accept His forgiveness and move on.
But I’m not sure what baggage I’m carrying. God knows. So instead of trying to read the labels yourself, ask Him to identify your baggage for you. And when He does? Thank Him. Seek His forgiveness. And get rid of your luggage by checking with Him forever!
Know It!
God wants you to experience spiritual victory—not spiritual depression. You can be victorious, and remain victorious, by refusing to carry baggage that gets in the way of your relationship with Him.
Read It!
Galatians 5:19-23; Colossians 3:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5; 2 Peter 1:2-11.
Pray It!
Ask God to remove anything in your life that’s slowing you down in becoming all He wants for you.
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Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:58 am
That’s Hard to Believe!
A few years ago, Stella Liebeck, from Albuquerque, NM, spilled a cup of McDonald’s coffee in her lap. She claimed the coffee was so hot, it caused her undue physical pain and sued McDonalds. She won the suit and became an instant millionaire.
Ever since that publicized lawsuit, attorneys decided to begin an annual “Stella” awards — giving recognition to the most outlandish lawsuits of the year. Check out the following candidates:
• June 1998: Nineteen-year-old Carl Truman of Los Angeles won $74,000 and medical expenses when his neighbor ran over Carl’s hand with a Honda Accord. Carl apparently didn’t notice there was someone at the wheel of the Honda when he was trying to steal his neighbor’s hubcaps.
• December 1997: Kara Walton of Claymont, Delaware successfully sued the owner of a night club in a neighboring city when she fell from the bathroom window to the floor and knocked out her two front teeth. This happened while Kara was trying to sneak through the window in the bathroom to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge. She was awarded $12,000 and dental expenses.
• January 2000: Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $780,000 by a jury after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running wild inside a furniture store. The store’s owners were surprised at the verdict, since the misbehaving little boy was Kathleen’s own son.
Though all of the above accounts are true, you may be thinking, That’s really hard to believe! It may also be hard to believe that not all good people will go to heaven. Even harder to believe is that good people will spend eternity in hell.
But God is crystal-clear about who will spend eternity with Him and who won’t. Good people are fun! And nice. And considerate. And cool. So why would a loving God really send good people to hell?
The answer: He doesn’t. Good people send themselves to hell. God loves good people — as well as bad people — so incredibly much that He gave Himself (in the form of His only Son, Jesus Christ) to die an horrendous, excruciating death. Why? Because the punishment for sin is death. Since we’ve all sinned, we’re all doomed to die. Unless . . . Someone else would volunteer to take our place on death row.
That Someone was Jesus Christ. He died so you wouldn’t have to. If you want to accept Him as your Lord and Savior and live according to His will, you’ll get to spend eternity in heaven with Him. If you choose not to seek forgiveness for your sins and ignore Christ, you’ll spend forever in hell after you die—even if you’re a good person.
Know It!
None of us can be “good enough” to earn forgiveness for our sins. The payment is too high. That’s why God paid it for you.
Read It!
Matthew 23:33; Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:48 Acts 10:42.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you understand the reality of spending eternity in heaven or hell.
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:32 am
What Kind of Tator Are You?
If we compared human nature to vegetables—potatoes in particular—we might be able to categorize people this way:
• People who are bossy and enjoy telling others what to do, but don’t do much work themselves are called “d**k Tators.”
• And there are always a few people who say they’ll help. They intend on getting involved. But they never actually get around to doing anything. They’re called “Hezzie Tators.”
• Some people seem to love conflict. If there’s not any current controversy happening, they’ll create something! They’re called “Aggie Tators.”
• Other people never seem motivated to get involved. They’re content to simply watch while others do the work. They’re called “Speck Tators.”
• Some people try to act like someone they’re not by putting on a front. They’re called “Emma Tators.”
• Some people never actually offer a helping hand, but they constantly find fault with how others do things. They’re called “Comment Tators.”
• And then there are the people who are really genuine. They’re willing to get involved. They help others in need. They make a conscious effort to be a positive influence on those around them. They’re called “Sweet Tators.”
Which kind of tator are you? Are you known for having a critical spirit, or do people truly enjoy being around you? Think about that person everyone loves hanging out with. Chances are, that person knows how to make others feel good about themselves. He/she is an encourager and affirms others easily. That person isn’t a trouble-maker, rather he/she enjoys bringing unity and consensus to problems and tense situations. No wonder everyone loves being around him/her. This person is a “Sweet Tator”!
The Bible talks a lot about unity. Interestingly, the apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 5:9 that it only takes one wrong person to effect an entire group. God doesn’t spread a spirit of discord and argument. He instead, is the Author of peace and harmony. Think about your reputation. Are you known as a peacemaker? Someone who enjoys people and has a positive attitude? Or do others see you as a complainer; one who doesn’t keep his word; or someone who’s trying to something he’s not?
Know It!
God wants to use you to be a positive influence at your school, in your community, at your part-time job, in your family. He can do BIG things through a willing spirit. Are you willing to forget sitting on the sidelines? Ready to hang up a critical spirit? Will you be a “Sweet Tator”?
Read It!
Proverbs 17:22; Romans 15:5; Colossians 3:14; Philippians 2:1-2.
Pray It!
Tell God you’re willing to be molded in His Image. Allow Him to break you and reshape you . . . into a “Sweet Tator”!
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:53 am
Undercover Christian?
The first time we meet Nicodemus is when the Scriptures show him coming to Jesus at night. Nick was a Pharisee. And they were the respected religious leaders of Israel. Jesus didn’t have a lot of good things to say about this specific group of people who seemed more concerned about keeping petty man-made rules than they did in genuine worship.
The Pharisees were the ones always questioning the people Jesus healed. When they noticed the paralyzed man by the pool (John 5) had been healed and was now carrying his mat, they didn’t rejoice in his healing. They were angry because he was carrying his mat — which qualified as “working on the Sabbath” and demanded to know who gave him permission to do that!
The Pharisees “talked the talk,” but they didn’t “walk the walk.” In other words, they quoted Scripture, dressed nicely and went to church, but they weren’t genuinely concerned with the well-being of those less fortunate.
Nick was one of these guys. So it’s really no surprise that he came to Jesus during the night. He knew a lot was at stake. He’d heard Jesus preach, seen His miracles and believed He truly was who He claimed to be — the Messiah.
The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly when Nicodemus committed his life to Christ, but if we study the Scriptures we can see definite signs of spiritual growth. The next time we see Nicodemus in Scripture, he’s part of the Supreme Court, and they’re trying to decide how to get rid of Jesus. Nicodemus stuck his neck out and spoke for justice. Even though he was ignored, it took boldness for him to speak out. Quite a difference from when he approached Christ during the night!
The last time Nicodemus is shown in Scripture is after Jesus has been crucified. Nicodemus, along with Joseph of Arimathea, took a huge risk and asked if they could Jesus a proper burial in a special tomb. Nicodemus was no longer an undercover Christian. His spiritual boldness was shining bright.
Though Nick began as a shy Christian afraid to be known for his association with Christ, he definitely made great spiritual strides. God isn’t concerned with how fast you grow spiritually. He doesn’t expect you to become a spiritual giant over night. But He does want to produce steady growth in your relationship with Him.
Know It!
Make time to evaluate your own spiritual growth. Are you growing steadily in Christ, or are you simply standing still? A Christian who stands still for an extended period of time is in danger of falling backward in his relationship with Christ.
Read It!
John 3:1-21; John 7:5-52; John 19:30-40.
Pray It!
Tell God you want to grow closer to Him. Ask Him to deepen your faith and to help you become more bold in your witness.
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Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:11 pm
He Knew all the Words
When Nicodemus made an appointment to talk with Jesus at night, he wanted more information on being a Christian. Actually, the term “Christian” wasn’t in use yet; it was coined after Jesus died and the Church was organized. But Jesus spoke boldly and publicly about the necessity to be born again and to experience the forgiveness of sins.
As a Pharisee — an important religious leader — Nicodemus thought he’d heard it all. He knew the Scriptures. He obeyed the rules. He went to the temple regularly. He gave offerings and was a kind and considerate man. Yet, as Jesus spoke about eternal life, Nicodemus realized he was missing something.
So he made an appointment to talk with Jesus. He wanted more information. Jesus told him that in order to enter heaven—to gain eternal life—he would need to be born again. Nicodemus didn’t get it. He asked Jesus how it would be possible for a grown man to become a baby again and be born of his mother a second time.
But Jesus wasn’t talking about a physical rebirth. He was talking about a spiritual birth. Though Nicodemus knew a lot about God, he didn’t actually know God personally. Jesus was telling Nicodemus that he needed to come to God in humility, admit his need for a Savior and seek forgiveness for his sins.
Nicodemus finally understood and became a follower of Christ. Though it was slow, his lifestyle eventually began to reflect his newfound faith. What about you? Do you actually have a personal, growing relationship with the Creator of the universe? Or do you simply know a lot about Him? It can become easy to settle into a good reputation and develop a good habit of church attendance. But if that’s all our Christianity consists of, we’re lacking a great deal!
Know It!
Head knowledge is great, but it won’t get you into the Kingdom of God. You need heart knowledge to have eternal life with Christ.
Read It!
Luke 1:77; Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 7:10.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you evaluate your relationship with Him. Are you where you need to be spiritually? Or are you merely “talking the talk” without “walking the walk”?
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Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:08 am
What’s Missing?
The following announcements were found in church bulletins.
• Miss Charlene Mason sang, “I Will Not Pass This Way Again,” giving much pleasure to the congregation.
• Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don’t forget your husbands.
• The sermon this morning: “Jesus Walks on the Water.”
The sermon tonight: “Searching for Jesus.”
• For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• Potluck supper Sunday at 5 p.m. Prayer and medication to follow.
Isn’t it interesting how misplaced punctuation, missing punctuation or a simple rewording of a sentence can change the entire meaning of its message? It’s obvious that something’s missing in the above statements found in church bulletins. But what may not be so obvious is what’s missing in your relationship with Christ.
If Christianity is starting to feel boring to you, or if you’re thinking something may be lacking, it may be time to take a spiritual examination. Answer the following questions:
1. Do I have a daily quiet time with my Savior?
2. Am I involved in church and plugged into a youth group?
3. Am I growing in a Bible study?
4. Is Jesus Christ as real to me as my hands and feet?
5. Do I know the sound of God’s voice?
If you can’t answer yes to all of the above questions, you may need to get more serious about the time you spend with God. If you’ve never disciplined yourself to having a daily devotional time with God, now’s the time to make some changes! Let’s take the next few days and chat more in-depth about how to establish a quiet time.
Know It!
Jesus Christ holds all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Does that sound like something you need? If you’ll make time to meet with Him on a daily basis — have fellowship with Him, learn from Him and allow Him to guide you — He’ll share that wisdom and knowledge with you!
Read It!
Colossians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; Titus 3:14; 1 Peter 3:12.
Pray It!
Ask God to share His wisdom and knowledge with you, and let Him know how excited you are about meeting with Him on a daily basis.
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Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 3:36 pm
Meeting With God 101
Imagine that computer genius and billionaire Bill Gates said he wanted to meet with you tomorrow morning at 6:30. Chances are, you’d clear your schedule, set your alarm a little early and show up. Why? Because Bill Gates is important. You’d want to meet with him. You’d care about what he had to say.
The King of Kings is much more important than any human! And He has incredible things to say to you. He wants to meet with you every single day. And the best part? He doesn’t want to do all the talking; He wants you to take an active part of the conversation! He wants to hear all about your hurts, your frustrations and your confusion. He also wants to help you celebrate your joys, your surprises and your excitement.
Knowing that God really wants to meet with you on a daily basis, should make you excited! If not, maybe it’s because you’re afraid to getting with Him or are juggling too many other things. Having a personal quiet time (some people call this devotions) is really important. It’s so important, that it’s almost impossible to grow spiritually stronger without it.
If you’ve never disciplined yourself for a daily time with God, let’s create a strategy that will help you get started.
#1: Make a Pledge. Decide that your quiet time with God will be a daily priority, and tell Him so. Be aware that as soon as you make this pledge, you’ll probably find yourself thinking, As soon as this TV show is over, I’ll have my quiet time. Or When I’ve finished e-mailing friends, I’ll begin my quiet time. Part of your pledge to have a daily quiet time should include the decision to avoid these kinds of thoughts and excuses.
#2: Make a Plan. Deciding to have a quiet time is great, but you need a practical plan to turn your good intentions into action. This is where your plan comes in! Set aside a specific time each day to spend time with God. Lots of people like to do this every morning, because it helps them get a jump-start on their day. Others like to do it in the evening so they can review their day with God.
Decide what time works best for you, and then decide on a specific place to have it. Jot these two decisions on a sheet of notebook paper and put it inside your Bible so you’ll have it as a constant reminder.
Know It!
God wants to help you develop strong spiritual muscles. But that’s hard to do without having a consistent spiritual workout. Reading your Bible daily, reading a devotional daily (like this one!) and spending time in prayer will help you develop a strong spiritual physique.
Read It!
Psalm 107; Mark 1:35; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Peter 1:5-9.
Pray It!
Tell God about your desire to grow spiritually stronger and ask Him to help you carry through on your pledge to spend daily time with Him.
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:18 am
Meeting With God 102
Okay, you’ve decided you want to grow closer to Christ, so you’ve made a commitment to spend time daily with Him. You’ve even come up with a plan that includes when and where you’ll carry out that pledge. But what happens if you miss a day? Do you throw in the towel? Wait till next year and make a brand-new commitment? No. To succeed, you’ve gotta keep on keeping on!
What happens if you miss lunch one day? Do you quit eating lunch altogether? No. If you miss your quiet time one day, pick it up the next day and keep going! The more consistent you become at having a daily quiet time with God, the easier it will be and the more you’ll start to depend on it. You want to eventually get to the point where you truly miss it if you don’t spend time with God every day.
If you do skip your quiet time, stop and think about why you didn’t have it. Was it too hard to get up early? Are you going to bed early enough the night before? Is there anything you need to change in your daily schedule to better accommodate your quiet time? If it’s too hard to get out of bed, put one foot on the floor and go from there!
Also, ask yourself some pointed questions: “If I stay in bed and miss my quiet time, how will I feel about it this afternoon? Tonight? Tomorrow?”
Realize that some quiet times will be more meaningful than others. Don’t expect every single quiet time to be a spiritual high. Try to recruit a couple of prayer partners who will encourage you and hold you accountable. Determine to be honest with them. When you miss a day, let them know.
The Bible shows us that Jesus spent time with His heavenly Father. He sought strength, fellowship and guidance from God. If Jesus Christ needed time with the Father, how much more do you need time with Him? Through your daily quiet time with God, you’ll become more like Christ as you follow His example and as you receive His power through prayer and the Bible.
To talk with God, you have to believe He’s present even though you can’t see Him as you would your parents and friends. Faith isn’t hoping that God will listen and speak with you; it’s trusting that He’s real and available for conversation.
God will speak to you through the Bible — His written Word — as well as through Christian leaders and friends. Sometimes His voice comes through your heart and your mind. Prayer is the process of not only talking to God, but also listening for His voice.
Know It!
Check your attitudes, your motivation and your relationships. If your prayer life is weakened by a problem in one of these areas, pray about that problem and correct it with God’s help.
Read It!
Proverbs 15:8; Acts 1:14; Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 11:6.
Pray It!
Tell God about your desire to maintain a daily, disciplined time with Him. Ask for His help in putting that into action. Also seek His guidance in find a couple of prayer partners who can hold you accountable in this area.
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Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 11:59 am
How’s Your Swing?
In 1997, Tiger Woods became the first African American to win the famed the Master’s Golf Tournament. Later that same year, he went on to win two other major tournaments giving him $2,000,000 in winnings. On top of that, were his endorsements which brought in an additional $60,000! Not bad for one year, was it?
After such an incredible year, Tiger surprised the world when he announced to his coach that he wanted to change his golf swing. Many were thinking, You’re crazy! Why mess with a good thing? You’re on top right now!
But Tiger was determined not to settle, and he had a nagging feeling that if he changed his swing, he would actually play an even better game. So he studied video tapes of himself, memorizing every move he put into his swing and making mental notes on how he would change it.
During the next 19 months, he only won one tournament. But after that, he won 10 out of the next 14 tournaments — six of them in a row! He’s the only golfer in history to hold six major titles.
You may think you’re pretty good spiritually . . . but guess what! You’re nothing compared to what you can be! Would you dare to allow God to completely stop you in your tracks in order to change and improve yourself? Yes, it will slow you down at first. And yes, people may wonder why you’re not “on top” any more. But in time, God will be able to do far more with you, in you and through you than He’s doing right now.
The difference? Allowing God to completely break you. Then giving Him the authority to pick up the pieces and remold you . . . reshape you in His image. The best singers are those who sing from a broken — yet healed heart. The best speakers are those who speak from joy born of despair. The best artists are those who are able to paint hope because they’ve known the opposite. The winning athletes are those who are secure enough to climb out of the spotlight for a while to improve themselves while losing.
Know It!
Yes, you may be pretty good right now. You may even feel as though you’re on top of the world. But your “good” is nothing next to God’s “amazing.” Will you give Him the authority to do more with you than you can even imagine? It will require being broken. But when God never leaves His children broken for long. And when He puts the pieces back together, you can rest assured that His creation always shines brighter!
Read It!
Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 4:18.
Pray It!
Tell God you’re willing to be broken and reshaped in His image
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Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 8:50 am
Becoming Who God Wants
As Tiger Woods made time to improve his golf swing, you can take time to improve your “spiritual swing.” Let’s take a closer look at what that involves.
1. Open your mind to God’s power. He’s able to do things in your life, with your life and through your life that are beyond your wildest imagination! You may think there’s no way you could teach a Sunday school class, sing a solo or speak in public. And maybe in your own strength, you can’t. But guess what! God’s mighty power is way past your boundaries. He’s dreaming of things for you, you haven’t even thought of yet!
Contemporary Christian artist Scott Kripayne sings a song called “Wild Imagination” that reminds the listener of God’s wonderful creativity and dreams. Grab the CD and plug in your headphones. You, too, will be reminded of all that God wants to do for you beyond what you could dream of yourself!
2. Open your heart to God’s grace. We toss the word “grace” around quite a bit, but do you truly know the definition? Grace is God giving you what you need instead of what you deserve. And He can give you the ability, the power and the desire to make the changes in your “swing” (or your life) that you can’t make on your own.
Perhaps you’ve tried to make positive changes in your own strength. And maybe they’ve lasted for a few weeks or a couple of months. God is able to go far beyond that. He’s able to make changes in your life that will last for eternity!
3. Open your life to God’s love. God is crazy about you! He loves you beyond human comprehension. Whatever changes He prompts in your life—even though you may initially not understand them—are for your good and His glory.
You were created by God for a relationship with God, and until you really understand that, life won’t make sense. Can you open yourself to His power? Can you trust yourself to His grace? Can you commit yourself to His love? If you can, and if you will, He’ll make a masterpiece out of your life!
Know It!
When you walk with the Creator of the universe, you’re in for an exciting ride!
Read It!
Romans 3:22; Ephesians 2:8; James 4:6-8; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:13.
Pray It!
Tell God you’re ready to trust Him with all of your life — including the changes He wants to make
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Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:48 am
Actual Classified Advertisements
Check out the following advertisements. Each was actually printed as is in local newspapers.
• GEORGIA PEACHES — California grown. Eighty- nine cents a pound.
• Two wire-mesh butchering gloves: One 5-finger, one 3-finger. Pair $15.
• Nordic Track $300. Slightly used. Call Chubby.
• Snow-blower for sale. Only used on snowy days.
• Nice parachute. Never opened. Used once.
• Full-sized mattress. Twenty-year warranty. Like new. Slight urine smell.
• OPEN HOUSE: Body Shapers Toning Salon. Free coffee and donuts.
If someone were to run an advertisement on you , how would it read? Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
The above advertisements don’t really make the reader want to rush out and purchase the items for sale, do they? Have you ever stopped to think that you’re a walking advertisement for Jesus Christ? So . . . if you actually were arrested for being a Christian, what would the evidence say? Do people know about your relationship with Christ? Is it as obvious as your hair color? When you walk into a room full of people, do they sense there’s something different about you?
Let’s take this a little deeper. Do the following key areas of your life give a true advertisement of Jesus Christ living in your heart?
#1: Conversation. Is your chit-chat filled with gossip and rumors? Any criticism or sarcastic remarks about others? Do you tend to spice your words with bitterness and negativity? Or are your conversations filled with words that bring glory to Christ?
#2: Clothing. Does what you wear (and how you wear it) cause others to question the depth of your relationship with Christ? Do you dress in such a way that the opposite sex has trouble keeping a pure mind when around you? Or have you learned the art of looking in-style yet remaining modest?
#3: Character. Does your lifestyle echo WWJD? Do you base your actions on what Jesus would do? Can others trust you to keep your word? Are you dependable? On time? Honest? Do you live a life of integrity . . . or is there always that little “something” that causes others to doubt your genuiness?
Know It!
You’re a walking billboard for God. Non-Christians are watching your life for clues that say you don’t belong to the world. Are you living up to the advertisement God needs you to be? He can empower you to be a glowing ad of His love!
Read It!
Proverbs 10:9; Proverbs 13:6; 1 Timothy 3:7; Titus 2:7.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you be the living advertisement He wants you to be—one that will glorify His Holy name.
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Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 8:58 am
Paradise
Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, airlines have cut back on a lot of the “extras.” They no longer allow silverware in coach class, and most airlines don’t even serve a meal now — unless it’s an international flight.
Here are signs that you’re flying on a “No Frills” airline:
• The airline doesn’t sell tickets, it sells chances.
• You’re not allowed to board the plane unless you have exact change.
• The airplane has both a bathroom and a chapel.
• All the insurance machines in the terminal are sold out.
• Before you take off, the airline attendant tells you to fasten your Velcro.
• There’s no movie. You don’t need one. Your life keeps flashing before your eyes.
• Before the flight, the passengers get together and elect a pilot.
• The captain asks all the passengers to chip in a little for gas.
• You see a man with a gun, but he’s demanding to be let off the plane.
Though airlines have certainly cut down on their frills, God hasn’t cut down on His. Right now He’s preparing a place for you to live eternally with Him. We don’t know exactly what heaven will be like, because our human minds aren’t able to comprehend its splendor. But we do know, God won’t be cutting back on the frills. He’s going all out for His children! We know heaven will be a place of absolute perfection. There won’t be any sickness, no death, no sadness, no sin. Even to describe heaven as eternal happiness would be a gross understatement. We simply can’t imagine how incredibly fantabalastic it will be!
Why will heaven be so grand? Because of God’s lavish love for you! Why will it be perfect? Because God is perfect, His kingdom is also perfect. But how will I get in? I’m nowhere near perfect! That’s where Jesus enters the picture! He’ll stand in front of you, so when God looks at you, He’s actually looking through Jesus to see you. And because Jesus paid the price for your sin — death on the Cross — you’re now declared not guilty. When Judgment Day arrives, and you stand before God, He’ll see a perfect disciple . . . all because of Jesus standing in front of you.
Know It!
Heaven will be the ultimate eternal party of praise, worship, joy and celebration. And God wants so badly for you to share in His lavish forever Kingdom, that He sent His only Son to issue your invitation.
Read It!
Matthew 3:2; Revelation 7:9-10; Revelation 21:5.
Pray It!
Spend some time thanking God for His incredible love for you. Tell Him how excited you are to spend eternity with Him in His perfect Kingdom of heaven.
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