December 31st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Move forward

Readings of the Day
Luke 5.1-26-Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.
Ezekiel 48-And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD is There.
Isaiah 66-All these things my hand has made, and so all these things are mine says the LORD.
John 8.12-19-I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

God's Word of the Day
Move forward in the light of Christ.

Story of the Day
I looked up into the sky that early morning to see the comet streaking through the sky. You could see a tail of light behind the greater light of the comet. I suppose all of this I was seeing was really a reflection of light from our sun, but I'm not really sure about this. What struck me that morning was that the greater light had produced a trail that feathered out of small lights. It was as if the small lights in the tail were following the greater light. The smaller lights were kind of hanging on as the greater light led the way through space and into eternity. The greater light knew the direction and knew the way as the smaller lights followed.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I reach out to hang onto you. May I follow Your great Light. And may some portion of Your great Light reflect through in my life this day. Lead me on into eternity. I follow with the hope and faith only You can supply. May we always be connected through the Light, hand-in-hand, as You take me deeper and deeper. ---Amen

December 30th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
New birth

Readings of the Day
Luke 4.21-44-So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.
Ezekiel 46-47-Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes...On the bank, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.
Isaiah 65-For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
2 Peter 3.8-13-But in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.

God's Word of the Day
Wait and see; I will make all things new.

Story of the Day
As we walked along the river we passed some very old trees. Then we came up to a part of the river that had at one time been flooded out. You could tell the river had carved out something new in this area and then receded. The row of old trees had ended and a new area of growth was now taking place. There was new life and new growth in this flooded out region by the river. It was fresh and brightly lit by the sun. We had transitioned from the darkness and shade of the old to the light and freshness of new growth. The river had made the old new again. Once where the river was deep and narrow; now the river had become shallow and wide. Change in the river and change in life. Old to new and then new to old but life always. As we walked along the river we passed life in various forms but all wonderful life just the same.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know You make all things new. I see it in new birth. I see it in new life. I see it in the face and smile of a baby. I see it in the eyes of the elderly. All things new. New with the hope of new life. Old and young alike, you give life. Lord, I know You make all things new, and life in that hope and faith You have graciously given to both the old and the young.---Amen

December 29th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Hope

Readings of the Day
Luke 4.1-30-Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.
Ezekiel 44-45-Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right.
Isaiah 64-O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence...
Matthew 12.46-50-For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.

God's Word of the Day
See how My Son has come down into temptation and resisted. Likewise do My will.

Story of the Day
I was put here to do this very thing. I was placed here to resist the flow of current. I had to take the current and absorb the energy giving it off as heat into the cold air around me. If I got too much current, I would surely burn up. But somehow the amount of current that I saw was regulated by another source. Somehow the amount of current never became too much. But it was still tough going through life resisting the current and giving it off as heat. I was called to do this very thing. And when I did, everything seemed to work out for the good of all. I was put here to do this very thing.

Prayer of the Day
As I endure the temptation of sin, may I resist and follow Your will and Your way. May I look beyond myself to the needs of others. May I know the hope of a greater plan that You have lovingly arranged for all of us. And may I see how You have fulfilled that plan in all I do this day and always. ---Amen

December 28th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Life

Readings of the Day
Luke 3.21-38-And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am will pleased."
Ezekiel 42-43-And there, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east; the sound was like the sound of mighty waters; and the earth shone with his glory.
Isaiah 63-Why are your robes red, and your garments like theirs who tread the wine press?
Luke 2.22-40-At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

God's Word of the Day
I have come to you. Now speak up and tell the world about what I have done.

Story of the Day
We had worked hard all day long and had settled down by the fire to eat and relax and enjoy the evening. This was a dirty tiring job. Those sheep just couldn't stay in one place some days. It seemed we had to run all over the hills to keep them in a group. And you sure didn't want to lose one, because that came right out of your pay, and the pay wasn't all that great to begin with. Just as things were beginning to get quiet, the skies opened. At first I thought it must have been a great thunderstorm. The light was so bright! But then I heard some singing. Singing of what must have been all of heaven. Then a calling to get up and go. To go to a place in Bethlehem where we would see the Messiah. This was such a big thing that it just didn't seem real. Then on top of all that it was beyond imagination why the Messiah would come to a bunch of us dirty shepherds. But our curiosity was peaked. So we went. We trod through the dirty dung filled fields to a baby lying in a manger. And sure enough, it was just like we were told it would be. Now we couldn't help but to run and tell everyone we saw what we had seen. The Messiah had been born...the Messiah had come...the Messiah had come to us...the Messiah had come to me went I least expected.

Prayer of the Day
You did it! You came to me when I least expected it. You came to me when I was unprepared. You came to me when I was dirty. You came to me in the place that I was. You really know what it's like to be me. You came to save me. You came in the blood of birth to live to suffer to die in the blood of death and to heal the world and bring peace. You came to die for us. Thanks be to God, You came, You lived, You died and best of all You rose again to be our King and Messiah forever and ever. You did it! You came to me when I least expected it. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

December 25th-27th - Let's Play!

Theme

Giving

Readings

Luke 2.1-3.20-And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn...This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger...So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

Ezekiel 37-41-And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live...

Isaiah 60-62-Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

God's Word

I have given you a gift, wrapped in clothes and laid on wood. See, understand, accept the gift and the challenge.

Story

There I was that night. Sure I was united with the straw pitched on me to feed the animals, but little did I know what else I would be united with. You see, I was carefully constructed by a carpenter out of wood. Wood laid out in x's, kind of like two crosses and then joined by some supporting beams throughout the middle. And what lay on the middle was food to sustain the lives of the animals that were brought to me. The animals would feed from the food that I offered to them. They would feed from this food that I offered day after day. But that night, it was different. No one fed from the hay that was laid on me that night. Rather the hay became a cushion from my hard wood. A different kind of food was laid on my that night. They laid a boy wrapped in strips of cloth on me. This child seemed to be food for the universe. More than just food for the animals in the barn that night, but food that would feed the entire world. But the strips of cloths kind of made me think. My wood was an ancient wood. You know wood that is built into things can kind of transcend time in a way. So I thought about how the very same wood I was made from would later, in the time of the life of this child softly laying in the hay and the crosses that supported the beams filled with hay, would bring forth not comfort and peace in the life of this child, but pain and suffering.

Yet in another strange way, this brother of wood crosses of mine would also bring peace and relief from pain and suffering to all the people of this world. So here I was that night, a sign of peace and comfort and everlasting love, yet also a cross sign of death and suffering. I was stained in the black of death yet in the red of a blood that would bring life to the world. It was certainly a strange night that night. There I was, made up of some crossed wood, offering up the Savior of the world in a feed trough of love for all the world. So there I was that night, and there I would be again thirty years of nights later. Both nights with this child laying on me as I offered him up to feed the world. And later after I was done, they would wrap this Savior in cloth in a tomb, and then the greatest thing of all would take place. All on some crossed wood and some strips of cloth offered as a gift to all humankind. There I was that night...and it really made me think. I think I came to life that night. Some dead wood brought to life.

Prayer

Thanks! --- Amen

December 24th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rescue

Readings of the Day
Luke 1.57-80-The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
Ezekiel 35-36-A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Isaiah 59-And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: my spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your children, or out of the mouths of your children's children, says the LORD, from no on and forever.
James 1.17-18-Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

God's Word of the Day
May the gift I give, fill you.

Story of the Day
I was so upset that night. The trip was a long and hard trip. All that walking and pausing. It took us forever. I felt bad for Mary, yet I was also angered. I know an angel had given me an explanation to all that was going on, but could I really understand all of this? When we finally arrived we found a place to stay that really wasn't that bad. At least we were in out of the elements. But the trip, the message, the whole idea of this thing upset me. Instead of being the Father of this child, I would be the Step-Father. But at some point I needed to get over this. So I accepted it all that night. Step-Dad I would be! And I would be the best one around! But as this child grew it all took a little twist. Sure, I cared for my son with all my heart. I fathered him like he was my own. I taught him a good trade and a good living. We worked that wood with such creative skill, day in and day out. But somehow as my son grew, it seemed as if he was growing on or maybe even in me. My heart that started out as a heart of stone was changing. It was as if as my son grew, instead of him changing and growing, I was the one changing and growing. I was teaching him and he was changing me. I was learning from him somehow. I was learning how to live and love and to care. I was learning that there was no way that I could have ever been this boy's Father. I was privileged to be his Step-Dad. That baby that night, sure would change everything for me. A son, a buddy, and yet a teacher to an old man. Come to find out that son of mine would be my Savior. That son of mine would turn my heart of stone into a heart of flesh and blood that cared and loved others. That son of mine sure figured out how to make something out of that wood we worked with in his youth. I was so upset that night...for what now, I don't know.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, take my heart of stone and change it into a loving heart of flesh. Take my anger and change it into peace. Take my life and change it. Invade me this night and take me into Your life, now and forever. ---Amen

December 23rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Anticipation

Readings of the Day
Luke 1.26-56-Mary said to the angel, "How can this be...?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you..." Then Mary said, "Here am I..."
Ezekiel 34-For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.
Isaiah 58-Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
Romans 13.11-14-For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers...

God's Word of the Day
I am near.

Story of the Day
It was such a good sight to see. My cousin had finally arrived from a long and hard trip. I could tell he was tired. So I offered him some of the hay that was put aside in the manger we all fed from in that barn. As he took a bite or two, the party he was travelling with moved him aside. Then as we all looked on, they made a small bed out of the hay. They continued to place a small human child in the hay as if it was a bed. I wasn't sure why our food trough had become a bed, but you could tell that there was something special about this baby. So we all gathered around this baby that had come to us in our home and taken the place of our feed trough. It was as if we would some day take this child into ourselves and feed on this child. It was as if this child would nourish our bodies and give us all we needed to sustain life. There was something special about this child. So I gathered together with my cousin, and a couple of our friends gathered around this child that would sustain our lives in a feed trough. We couldn't help but to praise this child in our own ways, I brayed with my cousin in unison and the cow mooed and the pig snorted and the mother cried and the father was so proud. Here was a special child that united all of us, to feed us life from that manger that night. It was such a good sight to see. My cousin hand finally arrived from a long trip and had brought the gift of life with him.

Prayer of the Day
Lord; I prepare for Your coming to feed me the gift of life. You came in a manger. A feeding bowl. Nourish my soul and give me life. Let Your Life penetrate my being to the core that I may live for You, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

December 22nd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Enthusiasm

Readings of the Day
Luke 1.1-25-This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.
Ezekiel 33-The word of the LORD came to me...
Isaiah 57-Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.
Romans 10.5-13-The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.

God's Word of the Day
Believe it and get excited about it...I am coming to you!

Story of the Day
It was a tradition. At camp we would go into the pines. The pines was a forest of trees that were planted years ago at the camp. The trees were wonderful to hide in. We would wait till late at night and our youth group would proceed to the pines. Home base was the Trinity Tree next to the shelter. The Trinity Tree was a tree that seemed to be three trees joined together as one. Then we would hide in the pines. With flashlights, a couple of people who were "it," would proceed to find the people in the pines. It was a little dangerous, running in the pines at night. Every once in a while someone would run into a tree and get hurt. But we all would have a blast being chased down by the couple that were "it." Some would return to the Trinity Tree and be safe. Others would be caught by the searchers. Always we would gather at the end of the game at the Trinity Tree. Seemed somehow appropriate and somehow prophetic for a group of youth the meet at the Trinity Tree and rejoice in the fun of life at the camp.

Prayer of the Day
Sometimes I hide. Sometime I hunt. Always we meet at the Tree of Life. You are near to me in Word. You are near and in my heart. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

December 20th and 21st - Let's Play!

Theme
Joyous return

Readings
Colossians 2.20-4.18-When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Ezekiel 29-32-On that day I will cause a horn to sprout up for the house of Israel, and I will open your lips among them, Then they shall know that I am the LORD.
Isaiah 55-56-For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

God's Word
I have revealed Myself to you. Now go and proclaim My glory to all you meet that they know that I am the Lord.

Story
As the sharp cold wind blew through the streets and yards and over and around the houses, you couldn't but stop to feel it's presence. The wind would hit your face and the sting made you know for sure that you were alive and well. We continued our walk that day through the street. A walk to nowhere that took us somewhere. We walked and talked, my granddaughter and I. I knew of her life from the very beginning and she knew of my life from the time she could begin to remember. She shared her life with me as I shared my life with her. She would tell me things that were happening in the present. I would tell her stories of my past. She caused me to return to my youth and reveal hidden wisdom found through now open mistakes made. I would relate a life past. She would relate a life present. We both found joy in listening to one another. We both would listen and make no judgments on the other. A special bond was made through all the few years of my granddaughters life. A bond of love and understanding. An eternal bond that reached through time was made between a granddaughter and her gramps. There was joy in my return to youth. There was joy for her to hear open truths revealed. We could feel both the sting and the cold of life present during our walk along with the warmth and the glow of love that transcended time. There was a reason to go through time and shout praises to God for life that continues on. Life that continues on into eternity due to a child, a father, a mother, a nation and world and a loving God who makes it all possible. That cold day we were on a walk to nowhere that led to a great somewhere. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for coming to this human race to abide with us. Thank You for reaching through time to share life. Thank You for bringing life out of death and giving moments that we all may share with one another. Hear my praises to You as I go out into the world, to the mountain tops, in the valleys, and with the assembly as we clap our hands and shout praises of joy for all You have done for us, now and forever. Thank You! ---Amen

December 19th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Listen

Readings of the Day
Colossians 1.24-2.19-As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Ezekiel 27-28-With an anointed cherub as guardian I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the stones of fire.
Isaiah 54-If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me...
2 Samuel 6.12-19-David danced before the LORD with all his might...

God's Word of the Day
Listen to Me and you will have reason to dance.

Story of the Day
As the small amount of current began to flow through the wires it excited the magnetic field around the magnet and I began to dance and vibrate. I began to emit a frequency that could be picked up by the receivers of this frequency through their very own vibration devices that in turn created a small signal that traveled the pathway to the brain and then it occurred. People could hear the music. All beginning with a sound. All beginning with a waveform. All beginning with the creative power all around. Reasons to dance with joy at the inception and at the reception. All from a creative force that is mysterious and unseen that now becomes real. All from a loving source that feeds so lovingly the information needed to live. A Voice...A speaker...An ear...a life changed.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, may I hear You speaking this day. May I hear Your Voice in the many and wondrous ways You choose to create Your voice this day. May I see Your Word. May I respond and vibrate with excitement at Your presence and may I offer up a dance of joy in Your presence for Your glorious and mysterious power and grace. ---Amen

December 18th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Lift

Readings of the Day
Colossians 1.1-23-May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Ezekiel 24-So you shall be a sign to them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Isaiah 52-How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
2 Samuel 6.1-11-The anger of the LORD was kindled again Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God.

God's Word of the Day
I am your God. I come to save you. You need not defend Me, for I am God.

Story of the Day
The carver approached the tree and was trying to convince the tree that he would take care of him. The carver told the tree that he would transform him into something wonderfully beautiful if only he gave him his life. The tree was not convinced. The tree was afraid of death. The tree was afraid of the pain that the chisel, the ax and the knife would bring to him. But the carver insisted that the tree believe in him. So the carver took the tree. The tree was not willing. The carver took the ax and cut the tree down. The carver stripped the bark from the tree until it laid bare before all the world. Then the carver went to work with loving hands and moved skillfully with the chisel and the knife. Oh how this caused pain to the tree. The tree had lost all that it had thought made it majestic. The tree had lost it's bark, it's leaves and it's towering height above all creation. The tree was now humbled and bare and it's very existence was completely in the hands of the carver. Finally the carver had finished his work. The most beautiful of all statues had been created by the carver out of the flesh of the tree. The tree looked upon itself and was amazed by what it saw. It had no idea what the carver was talking about when it stood in the forest. But now as the tree beheld it's beauty. As the tree looked upon what the carver had done. The tree could not help but to sing praise and glory to the Carver. The Carver had molded the tree into what He wanted the tree to be. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I am humbled by Your grace. I am humbled by Your creative power. I am humbled by all the work You have committed to me to save me and call me and make me Your own. Carve me into the instrument You wish for me to be. Then use me to Your glory, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

December 17th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Blood renewal

Readings of the Day
Philippians 4-Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Ezekiel 25-26-For thus says the Lord GOD: When I make you a city laid waste, like cities that are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you, and the great waters cover you, then I will thrust you down with those who descend into the Pit, to the people of long ago, and I will make you live in the world below, among primeval ruins, with those who go down to the Pit, so that you will not be inhabited or have a place in the land of the living.
Isaiah 53-But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Mark 9.9-13-So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean.

God's Word of the Day
Think about what I have done for you and live as I command you to live.

Story of the Day
We jumped out of the car and ran towards the playground. There were so many kids there that day. I met Johnny and Susie and Carman and George that day. We played together, taking turns on the slide. We swang together trying to see who could get the highest before jumping into the air from our swings. We got the merry-go-round going so fast that you could barely hang on without sliding off of it. We had so much fun that day. Then George ran and stumbled into a hole in the ground. George had hurt his ankle. We ran to George and picked him up and helped him walk over to the picnic table. We cared for George and made him feel better by telling jokes and stories. Before you know it, George was ready to go back and play again just as hard as we played before. We were glad George was playing again.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I need a little renewal. I need renewal at the deepest levels. I need renewal in my blood. I need my blood that pumps through my very heart and soul to reflect the joy and love and honesty only You can provide. Be with me this day as I joyfully respond to Your gracious forgiveness of sin. Be with me this day as I, in laughter, respond to Your teachings and Your Word. Be with me this day when I stumble and fall. I give You thanks for the pain and suffering You endured for the punishment that I deserved. I give You thanks for the rescue of my life. Be with me when I see another stumble and fall that I may show the Love You have infused into my very blood. Be with me this day when I tell the stories of all You have done in my life. Be with me, and be with all those I play with this day, that we may live for You, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

December 16th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Relief

Readings of the Day
Philippians 3-He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
Ezekiel 23-The word of the LORD came to me...
Isaiah 51-Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.
Acts 3.17-4.4-Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, this is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.

God's Word of the Day
Repent and I will wipe away your sins and you will be refreshed with My presence.

Story of the Day
There we were at this festive occasion. A celebration of sorts. The band was playing and marching through the streets of New York City. The crowds were all waving and smiling and laughter was all around. This was a victory celebration. The New York Giants had just won the Super Bowl. A transformation had taken place in this city. Once there was tragedy and death in the events of 9/11, now there was celebration. There was excitement in the air. Then a voice from the crowd cried out, "Look! It's a bird! No, it's a plane! No! It's Super Abe!" Super Abe had flown over the tall buildings of New York City. Super Abe had arrived. Super Abe wearing his cape had come with God's presence. Super Abe was here to point the way for all of us. Super Abe had the faith we all needed to survive. Super Abe had faith in God that all would be made well. Super Abe would have a family like no other. Super Abe would show his family how to repent from sin and be refreshed with God's presence. Super Abe in his cape had come to announce and point to the coming Messiah who would save each person who chose to believe in a wonderful God that would come to each person and bring forgiveness of sin and salvation. Look! It's Super Abe pointing towards the Messiah! Now that's a transformation in a city! Now that's an announcement to get excited about. God with us in a Savior!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, this day permit me to wear my cape and fly through the city announcing the coming and the presence of You, my Lord and Savior. That's one super announcement to make. ---Amen

December 15th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Laughter

Readings of Day
Philippians 2.12-30-It is by holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Ezekiel 21-22-Remove the turban, take off the crown; things shall not remain as they are.
Isaiah 50-Why was no one there when I came? Why did no one answer when I called?
Ephesians 6.10-17-Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

God's Word of the Day
Rejoice and hold fast to My Word.

Story of the Day
Don't eat the apples. Make a really big boat. Build a tower to heaven. Look back and turn into salt. You will have a baby in your old age. Dress up in animal skin to feel hairy. Put on a fancy coat. See and hear a burning bush. All those plagues. Make a cow out of gold. Take a lifetime walk in the desert. Invade a land of giants. Hide your underwear. Marry a whore. Rebuild a broken wall. Wait for a Messiah. A baby is born in a manger.

Many and humorous ways of God and many and humorous ways of responding to God by mankind. We seem to want to remove the ridiculous from our lives yet we hold on to the ridiculous of our lives. When we discover we don't have the answers to life we turn back to God with silly questions and serious questions. We turn from ourselves and see that God has come to us. Come to us in our simplicity. Come to us in our stench. Come to us and is born with us in a feeding trough in a barn. What fun God must have. How He must laugh with us as He witnesses our growth. God comes to our very door each and every day. Comes to us in our stench. Comes to our messy home and messy lives. Comes right up to the front door. Will you answer the door? Will you open the door? Christ is coming to your door this day!

Prayer of the Day
So many twists and turns of so many lives. You've seen it all. I'll bet You get a kick out of Your silly children. I'm waiting at the door. Waiting and hoping that You will come to the door of my life, to the door of my heart; to my door that I may open that door, and answer Your call and go and run and laugh and play with You in Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. For You are the Word that I cling to. You are my Father. You are my Savior. With You I rejoice and gladly shout praises. ---Amen

December 12th - 14th - Let's Play!

Theme
Retreat

Readings
Philippians 1.1-2.11-Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross.
Ezekiel 18-20-Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!
Isaiah 47-49-From this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known.

God's Word
Die to self and live in Me.

Story
It was that time of year. It was the time to mate. It was a fearful, wonderful, dangerous yet decisive time of year for the males. The elder ruling male had to defend his pack. The young males had their opportunity to step up and lead the pack. Unusual noises could be heard only during this time of year. The males had mating calls and the females had mating moves. The air was charged with the excitement of sex. The young males were ready and burning with passion. The elder ruling male was prepared to defend his honor and his pack. Then one of the younger males stepped up to challenge the elder ruling male. Noises and grunts of defiance yet respect were heard on the plain that day. The younger male approaches and then engages in the battle. Back and forth the males struggle with each other. A struggle for domination and a struggle for the prize of the female pack and the ultimate prize of mating begins and continues until one male retreats in defeat. At times the struggle appears that it would lead to the death of one or both of the males. Then it occurs, the elder ruling male retreats and turns away. The elder male moves off to new and hidden things in life. The younger male moves into new and hidden things in life. At first it seemed as if this battle had a winner and a loser. But in reality, both sides have one. Both sides were privileged to turn away from one life and move into another life of hidden and new things. Both males this day have struggled. Both males this day have won the battle. Life moves on and the mystery of life continues for all.

Prayer
Lord, You show us how to give ourselves up. You gave Yourself up for each one of us. I must learn to give myself up, to turn from sin, to turn towards You and seek the new and hidden things only You have in store for my life. You are my Savior. You are my God. You are life, and in You I live and breathe. As I empty myself of selfish ambition; as I empty myself of sinful desire; as I empty myself of myself; fill me with Your way, Your presence, and Your very being, that I may live life for, and in You, today, tomorrow and forever.---Amen

December 11th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Life

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 6-Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free.
Ezekiel 17-The word of the LORD came to me...
Isaiah 46-Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.
Habakkuk 2.1-5-For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seem to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.

God's Word of the Day
I come to you. I carry you. I save you. Now turn to Me. Run to Me. Follow Me. And gladly serve Me.

Story of the Day
It was time for the Science Fair once again. So Bobby spent time in deep thought. What would he bring this year? After deciding on a project, Bobby spent hours and hours constructing, testing, refining, and perfecting his project. Finally, the project was complete. The Science Fair was upon him. So he proudly took his project to the Science Fair. He displayed his work for all to see. Bobby was so proud of what he had thought of and constructed. This would be the best Science Fair yet.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know how much time You have invested in me. I know of the struggles I cause You. You have put thought and refinement and time perfecting me into place. I go out now into this world. I go to the Science Fair and proudly display the works of my Lord and Savior. You are my Creator. You are my God. I turn to You this day and offer my very self to do service for You. You have shown me the time and love and meaning of life and I respond with joy and thanksgiving, now and forever. ---Amen

December 10th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rejoice

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 5.21-33-Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband.
Ezekiel 16-I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the LORD, in order that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I forgive you all that you have done, says the Lord GOD.
Isaiah 45-Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!
Luke 1.5-17-Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

God's Word of the Day
Rejoice in the covenant of forgiveness that I have set in front of your eyes.

Story of the Day
At first I thought it was like that show I had seen. The guy was driving along and a light stopped his car and then he was abducted by aliens. I was sure it was something like this. I sat there reading the Bible and reflecting on the words and stories written years ago, when I saw this great light. A light and then an angel next to me. A messenger from God that spoke truth. I was confounded and couldn't bear to open my mouth because I knew of my sinful nature. So the angel spoke to me. The angel told me of my calling and of how God would use me. Here I was in study of the word and an angel comes to tell me what I'm to do and what is about to happen. I will have a son and I am to name him John. This son of mine will proclaim the coming of the Messiah. Right in front of my eyes was a great light, an angel, a calling, forgiveness of my sinful being and an eternal purpose to my life. I didn't deserve any of this honor. I was a sinner after all. I was seeking God in the word and He came to me instead. He found me and used me in His eternal plan. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give you thanks that You call us. You call us, You forgive us, You equip us and You send us out with an eternal purpose in Your Kingdom. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

December 9th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Replace

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 5.1-20-Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.
Ezekiel 14-15-...even if Noah, Daniel, and Job, these three, were in it, they would save only their own lives by their righteousness, says the Lord GOD.
Isaiah 44-Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Acts 11.1-18-Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.

God's Word of the Day
You shall have no other gods.

Story of the Day
We thought we were getting ahead of the game. We decided to replace the car. The car was only three years old and was in good condition. It operated just as it did when it was new. It only had fifty thousand miles on it. Surely we would get a good value for a trade in. So we bought a new car. We thought we were getting ahead of the game. But in the first week of owning the new car, it broke down on the highway. There was a flaw in the electrical system. We had the car towed in and repaired under warranty. At least the repair was under warranty. Then after three weeks an electric window quit working. A motor had gone out and burned up during an ice storm. Since this damage wasn't due to a malfunction it wasn't covered under the warranty. We thought we were getting ahead of the game by replacing our car but rather it seemed we were in for trouble.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I try to take control of my life and I think that I can solve all the problems that come my way by getting ahead of the game. Sometimes I replace You with myself. Forgive my sinfulness. Forgive my pride. Lead me to see that You alone are my Savior. You are the first and the last. You are the only God. As I live my life, show me how to use my time as Your gracious gift. Make my moments fruitful in Your work. Guide my steps this day so that Your Light brightly shines in me. ---Amen

December 7th and 8th - Let's Play!

Theme
Stiff

Readings
Ephesians 4-There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ezekiel 10-13-The word of the LORD came to me:...
Isaiah 42-43-I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will bee with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. fir I am the LORD your god, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

God's Word
I am One and you shall be one with Me.

Story
It was dark in here. The only light we had were the lights coming from our flashlights. Finally we arrived. We arrived deep within the tomb we were exploring. We saw the bones of one that had lived years ago. This exploration was going to be successful. We would learn so much of the past now that we had arrived. The bones were laid out in perfect formation. It was obvious that at one time or another this person had lain undisturbed and stiff for many years. This was a life lived. This was a love displayed. This was life. In these bones was life. A unity we all possess as one together. We all live. We are one in life. We live one for the other and our history and future depends on the lives we live. It was dark in here, but we saw the light of life anyway.

Prayer
Lord, You are Life. You are the source of life. Your are the light of life. In You alone I live and breathe. It is only through Your grace that I live. Be with me this day as I walk the path of life. Lead me, guide me, teach me and show me how to live the life You have given. You are Life! You are my Savior! You are Life, now and forever! ---Amen

December 6th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Return

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 3-I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ezekiel 8-9-I looked, and there was a figure that looked like a human being; below what appeared to be its loins it was fire, and above the loins it was like the appearance of brightness, like gleaming amber.
Isaiah 41-I, the LORD, am first, and will be with the last.
Mark 11.27-33-By what authority are you doing these things?

God's Word of the Day
I am everlasting and all authority belongs to Me.

Story of the Day
I was so mad! I was being punished for not eating my vegetables. I had to sit at that table all by myself until I had finished eating the vegetables. So I sat there for a good half hour. I made up my mind that this was it! I would eat these stinking vegetables, then I was running away. I couldn't take this anymore. So I ate the cold vegetables and got up from the table and walked out the front door. It was raining on this chilly October evening. I didn't even bother putting on my shoes when I left. I went out the door with only socks, a tee shirt and my jeans on. I walked down the block to who knows where. I was steaming mad! As I walked along, my feet wet and getting cold; the elements began to make me realize how stupid this whole thing I was doing was. Neither Mom or Dad or brother or sisters came after me. No one really cared that I had left! My feet were wet and I was cold. I was only making things worse on myself. But, I was going to show them! So I walked on trying to figure out what I was going to do next. How would I live? How would I eat? As I walked, I felt dumber and dumber. I thought about returning, but how would I save face? Finally I gave up on this whole thing. I came back home. No one said a word. I went upstairs to my room and sulked for the evening. What a waste of time, I thought. No one even cared! But when I went back downstairs; Mom and Dad took me in like I had never left in the first place. They loved me just the same. They knew I had left; but they let me wander off. I knew this was the place called home, where love abounded, even in my fits of anger over trivial things like eating vegetables.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I throw a fit or two over something You ask me to do that is for my own good. Forgive my sinfulness. Permit me to discover the Love You have always for me. An eternal Love that is there from beginning to ending. Shine Your bright Light of glory into my life that I may turn around and return to You. For I know of Your constant presence and love. You are everlasting Love. I see all Your authority in the Love you freely give. ---Amen

December 5th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Coldness

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 2-For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God---not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ezekiel 6-7-The word of the LORD came to me:...
Isaiah 40-Every valley shall be lifted up. and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Jeremiah 1.4-10-Now I have put my words in your mouth.

God's Word of the Day
I have forgiven and removed the sin of coldness from your heart and put My Word in your mouth. Go and speak My Word to all.

Story of the Day
Batman was captured and the Joker was making fun of Batman's lack of power. It seemed a hopeless situation. Batman and Robin were being lowered in a net into a tank of acid. Their doom was about to follow. There were words from the Joker. There were jokes made and the Joker was having so much fun with all of this. Then Batman pulled a device from his belt that shot a rope into the rafters of the building. Together Batman and Robin climbed the rope and swung down on the Joker and his guards. A vicious fight took place. Batman and Robin had secured the Joker and all of his guards. The police were called and the criminals were hauled off to jail. With the city now safe. Batman was interviewed by the press. Batman attributed his success to the gifts that had been given to him in his Bat belt. Gifts that he had put to use. Gifts that had saved the lives of people. Gifts that had saved the lives of Batman and Robin.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for Your gift of the Word. You give the Word written, spoken and acted out in deed. Thank you. Take my cold and sinful heart and forgive me. Forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit. Fill me with Your gifts and Your Word that I may go out into Your Kingdom each and every day and proclaim Your glory in Word spoken and written, and in Word acted out in love towards those You give to me each day. ---Amen

December 4th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Power

Readings of the Day
Ephesians 1-In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us...God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in the age but also in the age to come.
Ezekiel 4-5-Lacking bread and water, they will look at one another in dismay, and waste away under their punishment.
Psalm 150-Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Hosea 6.1-6-Come, let us return to the LORD...

God's Word of the Day
My power is in what Christ has done.

Story of the Day
Our plane had to land. Something went wrong with the engine in this small prop plane and my friend and pilot had to bring the plane down. So he brought it down in this cold remote place of Wyoming. We were in the middle of nowhere. There wasn't a house in site. We rationed what little food we had brought along, but now the bread had run out. All we had left was the water we could melt from the snow. Not sure of our next plans we talked this whole thing out. At first we thought that someone would surely be along to search for us. Flight plans had been completed and filed and we didn't veer off our intended flight plan. It should be rather easy to track us down. But after two days, we were beginning to wonder. So we decided to take shelter and stay put and trust that someone would come for us. Finally they did. Our flight plans had led them to us. When we boarded the rescue plane, the first thing they gave us was some bread and water. What seemed like food for prisoners, was to us, life giving salvation.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You have provided the bread and the water. You bring life and salvation to a world that deserves damnation. You are life to all. Feed me that daily bread. Restore and forgive me. Call me and equip me as Your faithful servant in Your Kingdom this day and all days. You are God! You are our salvation! You are Life! Thanks be to God! ---Amen

December 3rd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Let the blood be tested

Readings of the Day
Galatians 6-Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Ezekiel 2-3-So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. He said to me, Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey.
Psalm 149-Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Psalm 79-Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.

God's Word of the Day
Take and eat. Praise and give. I forgive.

Story of the Day
My face was burning and seemed aflame over the fire. The molten metal almost seemed to boil. I could really feel the heat and sweat poured from my face. The heat lit up my face and made it glow. The slag and dross had floated to the top of this metal. I skimmed it off so that the metal would be made pure. The heat and flames rose to my face and sweat poured even more greatly from my brow as I skimmed off the dross. Then to make this metal that I was testing the very purest of all metals, I added a scroll of the Word to it. As the sweat of my brow dripped into the pot, my sweat turned to blood and it dripped into the pot also. So now, not only did the pot of hot molten metal become pure, it was purified with the sweat from my own brow and the blood of my own being and the scroll of my Word. This was hard work; but it was worth it. For I had created something new from something that needed to be thrown away. I had saved this metal with my own body, blood, sweat and Word.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, here I am that molten metal in the heat of the flame. I see Your face glowing with love above me. I see the sweat and blood and Your Word being added to me. Purify me and make my sinful being new in You. Forgive my sin and boil it out of me. Cleanse me through Your Word. Hear my song of praise to You! Hear my song of praise, even in the midst of the fire. You are my Savior! You are my God! You are the one who walks with me. Walks with me, even in the midst of the fire. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

December 2nd - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Snap back in place

Readings of the Day
Galatians 5.16-26-By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ezekiel 1-And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form.
Psalm 148-Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Revelation 18.1-10-After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendor.

God's Word of the Day
Display the fruit I have made you to produce and you will be made bright with My splendor.

Story of the Day
It was early morning and the sun was just about to rise and warm the earth. As I walked along the path and the sun rose to shed light and warmth; I couldn't help but notice a sparkle beside the path some distance ahead. It was an intriguing site to behold. My curiosity was aroused and my pace quickened to see what this was that I was seeing. With each step the sparkle became larger and brighter. The sparkle seemed to be absorbed by everything around this site. Then when I finally arrived at the site, I noticed the sparkle and light had enveloped my very being. I was looking at the most gorgeous fruit hanging from the healthiest of trees. This fruit was not a fruit that you would want to eat, but rather a fruit that you felt as if you wanted to produce yourself. This fruit and it's sparkle were obviously a gift from God. This fruit was the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This common fruit had taken on the appearance of the Spirit. It was early morning and the Son was just about to rise and warm the earth. And fruit was produced that day.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, may I produce the fruit You would have me produce. Hear my praises. Hear my song to You this day. Rain down Your life-giving water from above the dome that I may produce Your fruit of love this day and always. ---Amen

December 1st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Prepare

Readings of the Day
Galatians 5.1-15-For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Lamentations 5-Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored; renew our days as of old--- unless you have utterly rejected us, and are angry with us beyond measure.
Psalm 147-He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
Revelation 15.1-8-For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your judgments have been revealed.

God's Word of the Day
I am holy! I come to you to restore you. Love Me and one another.

Story of the Day
I rode my horse into this small town. A town that couldn't be any larger than a couple hundred people. It was a typical town with a general store, blacksmith, sheriff, and the saloon. I tied my horse next to the water troth and decided to go into the saloon. In the saloon, you could always get the character of the town. This is where people gathered. They gathered at all times of the day. You could talk business or even a little trade. You could spend the night if needed. It was a place to look for job opportunities. It was a place to restore yourself or even prepare yourself for upcoming days. The local saloon was the daily place of activity. Sure, it was also occasionally a place of controversy. Maybe even a drunken fight or two, but these were the exception. For the most part the local saloon was a place where people came together during the week. But once a week the place to gather was at the town church. We would gather together in likeness and difference and praise and worship God. I rode my horse into this small town. I lived my life daily. I lived in preparation, restoration and worship to love my God and learn to love my neighbor in daily living. I rode my horse into this small town and found life.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, as we prepare ourselves to meet You; as we come to worship You; as we offer praise to You; as we love You; we find You right here in our midst. You rode into our lives in love. You rode into our lives to right the wrong. You rode into our world, in our daily living, to walk each step by our side. Thanks! Thanks for coming. Now we prepare for Your coming into our hearts. We prepare for You by loving one another. Daily, in love, we live for You. ---Amen

November 30th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Wait

Readings of the Day
Galatians 4.21-31-So then, friends, we are children, not of the slave but of the free woman.
Lamentation 3-4-The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD in my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Psalm 146-I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Mark 13.24-37-Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.

God's Word
I am coming soon. I am coming to you. I bring salvation.

Story of the Day
Just wait till your Father gets home. A threat that was yelled at me by Mom. I knew that when Dad got home I would "get it." I knew that what I had done was wrong. I had angered my Mom beyond what she could handle and she went to Dad. This was a "wait" that I dreaded. But there were other "waits" that I could wait on. Like waiting for Christmas. Waiting to unwrap the presents under the tree. I couldn't wait! I could wait, but I was anxious and excited in this wait. But to wait for Dad to get home was different. Why does waiting have to be so strange. One kind of wait was a good and anxious kind of wait. The other kind of wait was a fearful dreaded kind of wait. Just wait, I was told. Wait...

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know the wait. I know the sin I've committed. I know what I deserve. But You faithfully come to my door each and every day. You come not to punish. You come to take on the punishment I deserve. So, I wait, knowing how Your love never ceases. I wait, knowing that Your mercy never ceases. It all seems such a mystery to me. Why You do what You do? But I also know that I can't solve this "sin" thing on my own. So I wait on Your salvation. I can't save myself. As soon as I think I can, I sin. So I wait on Your arrival. I wait on salvation. I wait, and in the wait, my faith in You grows. I wait, and in the wait, I learn hope and love. I wait, yet I go to work in joy doing all You have called me to do. I wait, yet I work in joy. I wait, knowing that I can faithfully serve in Your Kingdom because of the "wait" You have provided. I wait...thanks be to God! The "wait" is so worth it!---Amen

November 28th & 29th - Let's Play!

Theme
Thanksgiving


Readings
Galatians 3.1-4.20-But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" so you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Jeremiah 51-52-It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
Lamentations 1-2-Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord!
Psalm 144-Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains so that they smoke.
Psalm 145-The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, all all your faithful shall bless you.

God's Word
Be thankful. I have come down and touched the mountains and touched the very heart of you.

Story
It was so eerie that day. I walked outside and it was completely quiet. The usual city noises were absent. I couldn't hear any traffic from the interstate. The nearby steel mill was silent. No sirens, no airplanes, no trucks or buses, no sound of voices. It was silent. I hopped in my car and began to drive my usual route to work. No cars were on the streets. The gas station was open but no one was inside. The clerk was gone and there were no customers except me. I pumped the gas using my credit card and then went on. Still no traffic. I went by the mall and found no one. Up to the traffic light and I was the only car on the road. As I went onto the interstate there were no trucks or cars. I was the only car on the interstate. I drove to Cincinnati and there was no sign of life. So I went downtown. I parked my car and ran through the normally busy streets yelling at the top of my lungs. No answer, only the echo of my voice against the buildings. Silence and emptiness all around. I became frantic and ran wildly. Finally I saw a single man walking down the street. I run up behind him and anxiously grabbed his shoulder to get in front of him. I felt like hugging this only person I had found all morning. The man opened his arms to me and greeted me with a smile and a loving hug. I was so thankful for his presence in my life. And as I peered into his face...I saw Jesus! My Savior had come to me and touched my life! Then suddenly as I turned away, I noticed that the streets were full, traffic was hectic and the world had instantly returned to all I was accustomed to. Turning back to Jesus, he smiled, and we walked to work, side by side ready to serve another day in His Kingdom.

Prayer
Lord, reach into my heart and restore that relationship I so dearly need. For in Your coming I give You all thanks and praise. You are my King! You are my Savior! You are my life. You fill my life with all I need. You bring life to life. I will walk thankfully by Your side this day and all the days You give to me. ---Amen

November 27th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Push it

Readings of the Day
Galatians 2-...yet we know that a person is justified not by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law.
Jeremiah 49-50-My people have been lost sheep...
Psalm 143-Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Zechariah 13.1-9-They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, "They are my people"; and they will say, "The LORD is our God."

God's Word of the Day
Call on My name. Only I can save you.

Story of the Day
How fast could we get this done? That was the question we had on our mind that afternoon. How fast could we get this done? So we started out. It was slow going at first. Then as we gained experience; we became a little bit better at doing this. The question was still growing though; "How fast could we get this done?" By about 4 p.m. we were beginning to come together as a team. Each one of us knew what we could do best and each one of us knew what we needed to do individually and how our individual efforts applied to the total effort. The question was still there. How fast could we get this done? Momentum really began to pick up. Finally we were finished. Now we knew how fast we could get this done. But a new question came up. What could we do better? How could we improve on our time and get this same thing done even faster the next time? It never seems as if we are satisfied. It's like we think that we can do this all on our own. But then the voice of wisdom spoke from a silent person in the team. He told us that the point of the entire exercise wasn't that we needed to get faster and faster; but that the point of the exercise was that we needed to realize that some things were beyond ourselves. We can't achieve perfection. We can't reach that ultimate. There will always be a faster. We can't get it done perfectly. We depend on each other even to get it done; let alone to reach perfection. It's about the faith we need in each other. It's about the trust we need to grant on another. It's about our vision of a perfection we could never achieve but our relationships in that stretch to the goal were what counted. If we think that we can achieve perfection on our own we would certainly be lost. We would lose the point. We would be lost in ourselves and our own selfishness and finally separate ourselves from all others. In this separation; we would lose. But in the struggle and in the dependence on faith and trust in one another we build relationship, one for another. How fast can we get this done? Not sure, but in the getting done, we will build a bond, one with another of love and caring.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, keep my focus on the vision of You. You are my vision. You are my hope. It's not about what I do or what I achieve. It's about the relationship You have with me. It's about the love You teach me. It's about Your bond and the bond You build with me and those You give to me each and every day. How fast can we get this done? Not sure, but would really like You to take Your time with me. The longer the better. How about an eternity? In this we will be together for You are my desire. ---Amen

November 26th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Togetherness

Readings of the Day
Galatians 1-But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
Jeremiah 47-48-Surely, because you trusted in your strongholds and your treasures, you also shall be taken...
Psalm 142-You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
John 5.19-40-Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

God's Word of the Day
I bring you together to hear My Word and to live.

Story of the Day
We had gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Young and old and all ages in-between gathered together. Family and friends gathered together for a feast. We gathered for a feast to nourish our bodies and for fellowship to unite our souls as one. We gathered together and prayed. Prayed, giving thanks for life. Prayed, giving thanks for harvest. Prayed, giving thanks that our differences were unique and special and united us in love. We gathered together to feed on the Word and to believe in faith the One whom God gave to us to save us. Bread and Wine united us in prayer. Gathered together, yet each one set apart for service in the Kingdom. We had gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, gather us together. Even when we are spread apart; gather us together. Spread apart by distance, and spread apart by death. Gather us together in life to take in Your Son. Gather us together to absorb and feed on Your Word. Gather us together in a thanksgiving feast that we may celebrate with joy and thanksgiving all You have done for us. Lord, gather us together in love. ---Amen

November 25th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Investigate

Readings of the Day
2 Peter 3-The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. but the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
Jeremiah 45-46-Harness the horses; mount the steeds! Take your stations with your helmets, whet your lances, put on your coats of mail!
Psalm 141-I call upon you, O LORD; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you. Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Esther 8.3-17-For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming on my people?

God's Word of the Day
I am coming - I have come - I will come again

Story of the Day
The crime scene had left many clues. There was blood, hair and even prints to be found. We found finger prints and shoe prints and even tire tread marks of the escape vehicle. The crime scene had many clues. The criminal would be located that was for sure. It may take some time, but the criminal would be located. All would become obvious some day. One day we would arrive at the place of the criminal. We would arrive unexpected. We would be a surprise to him. All of the detectives on the scene were sure of this. But to our surprise the criminal came forward. Out of the blue and to our surprise the criminal came forward with a confession. Even a repentance was given. We weren't clergy. But the criminal repented. And then the victim's family and friends graciously granted forgiveness. It was beyond anything we had ever seen in the past. Criminal and victims united. We were awed by the faith of the victims. The criminal was transformed. Sure he paid for his crime, but his life was forever changed. And he changed the lives of those with him in prison. The crime scene had left many clues and the criminal was located and justice was done, but the twist of it all came in the repentance and the forgiveness. It was beyond anything we had ever seen in the past!

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I am the criminal. I come forward and seek forgiveness. Forgive my sin and renew me. And may I forgive those who sin against me. Set me on the path You have designed for me to take. Use me and send me to do Your will, today, tomorrow and forever. ---Amen

November 24th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Work

Readings of the Day
2 Peter 2-But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions.
Jeremiah 43-44-I beg you not to do this abominable thing that I hate!
Psalm 140-Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall live in your presence.
Esther 2.1-18-Every day Mordecai would walk around in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared.

God's Word of the Day
Listen to My Word and turn to me.

Story of the Day
We were told that a storm was coming and to take shelter. So we went to the basement and waited it out. But nothing ever happened! Was this a mistake? Did we listen to the wrong channel? It didn't even rain. And the weatherman never gave an all clear notice. It must have been a mistake. So we came back upstairs. All seemed well. Later we found out that the station that the weatherman was located at was hit by a tornado. The TV station was knocked off of the air.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, as I return to work this day, help me to hear Your voice in the wilderness. Help me to discern the truth from so many voices. Show me Your way when I need to make decisions. Teach me how to take the actions You would have me to take when action is needed. Make me a caring and loving person to those You give to me. And hear my praise of joy and thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve in Your Kingdom this day. ---Amen

November 22nd and 23rd - Let's Play!

Theme
Move forward

Readings
1 Peter 5-Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
2 Peter 1-For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.
Jeremiah 39-42-Pray for us to the LORD our God, and whatever the LORD our God says, tell us and we will do it.
Psalm 138-On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Psalm 139-Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

God's Word
I hear your cry and know your thoughts. I am in your heart and will drive sin out. Now go and serve in love those I give to you this day.

Story
It is cold out here. Really cold! Everything in me is beginning to freeze. My fluids are thick and cold. My structure is hard as rock. Then my owner came out. He jumped into the drivers seat and complained how hard it was. He shoved the key into my ignition switch and turned the key. My battery was so cold the water in it was beginning to freeze. My battery strained in the cold to provide enough current for the starter motor to turn and then the starter motor had such a difficult time moving the flywheel. You see the oil and all the fluids were thick. This was so hard to do. But finally the flywheel began to move. The fuel pump strained in the cold to push fuel to the engine. The spark plugs had one heck of a time giving spark to the combustion chamber. But finally it occurred. We had an explosion in the chamber and the pistons began to move. The engine had started! But the cold was all so difficult. Then my owner, in a hurry, stomps down on the gas pedal and forces huge amounts of fuel into the engine and, even as cold as all my parts were, we were thrust into action quickly. I thought for sure something was going to lock up. But as we kept working at it, we became warmer and warmer. Work became easier and easier. Sure it was cold, but now we were called into action. And we acted to the demands of our owner. We faithfully responded to his calls and his maneuvers. We faithfully served him to his calling to go in the direction he was taking us. Sure, he heard our cry of pain at first. But he loved us enough to push us into action and take us with him where he wanted to go. For this reason he had given us faith. In our faith in him came goodness and goodness gave us knowledge that we could perform for him and knowledge produced self-control as we responded to his call and self-control produced the endurance we needed in the cold and endurance brought forth a godliness out of us because of the mutual affection we had for our owner. All this because of love. Love of our owner and our love to respond to his call. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, You call me into action. Sometimes I complain and groan and mumble. Forgive my hesitation but push me to warm up and take off in the joy of Your love towards me and my love towards You. Push me into active call with Your Love to take to all You give to me this day. ---Amen

November 21st - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Complaint

Readings of the Day
1 Peter 4-Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
Jeremiah 37-38-Now there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.
Psalm 137-How could we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?
Revelation 22.1-9-See, I am coming soon!

God's Word of the Day
Stop complaining and love one another, you don't have time for all that complaining because I am coming soon!

Story of the Day
It started to get cold. In fact there was a couple of nights I thought we weren't going to make it. But then we had a few days when it was warm. So we decided to stay. But at some point, maybe a couple of weeks later it got cold and stayed cold. We knew at the first few nights that this time was coming. But instead of complaining about it we stuck it out to the end. Now the time had finally come. Each morning we still sang praises to God. We sang praises in unison with all the variety of birds in the forest, but our time had come. No complaints about the cold. Our time had come to move on. So we flew. We were never sure which way to fly. Our temperature compass led us to warmth. We flew to the warmth and love of the sun. No complaints here, just love for one another and love for the warmth of the sun. Finally, one night, then two and three, we found a place that stayed warm. In the warmth of the sun, we knew we were now home. Home for now, in the warmth of the sun. Each morning we sang praises to God in His warmth and grace in unison with all the variety of birds in the forest.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, hear my complaints. Here my song of sorrow and pain. Yet also hear my song of joy and praise for the warmth and the love of Christ Jesus, whom You graciously send to me each and every day. As I walk in His warmth and love, let my complaint dissolve into loving action for my neighbor, each and every day. ---Amen

November 20th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Rest

Readings of the Day
1 Peter 3-Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
Jeremiah 35-36-Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you...
Psalm 136-O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Revelation 14.1-11-There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image and for anyone who receives the mark of its name.

God's Word of the Day
I have come to give you rest.

Story of the Day
We had battled the entire game. Our passing game was off; way off. Our running game was the only hope we had at the moment. There was only one or two run plays that were working. For each of these plays the blocking was clicking and the exchange was difficult to pick up; so these runs worked. Finally, in a close game and in the fourth quarter, we continued pounding the ball with the run. But our halfback was tired. He needed a rest. We had to take him out of the game and rest him for a series of plays. Instead we left him in and went to the pass. We decided to use him as a decoy for the run and go to the pass. And that's when our passing game began to work. The defense was sure we would only use the run. Our back was able to rest. The passing game worked and we eeeked out a win in the fourth quarter by going to the passing game.

Prayer of the Day
The wicked don't rest. Sin continues on in this world seemingly unending. Then You came as King of life. You came and conquered sin, death and the devil. You came to grant that final rest to Your people from the sin that had enslaved them. You gave your very life and suffered that sin would be defeated. You came and brought unity to Your Church. You came in Love and showed the victory of a love that endures forever. In Your Word, You came to grant rest. Thanks be to God! ---Amen

November 19th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Healing

Readings of the Day
1 Peter 2-He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Jeremiah 33-34-Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Psalm 135-Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious.
Matthew 24.45-51-Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.

God's Word of the Day
I bore your sins for you. Now go and serve in My Kingdom.

Story of the Day
My vision had zoomed close in to the communion bread being offered to me that Sunday. I had zoomed in on that bread and the hands that offered that bread. I zoomed in on my open hands, anxious to receive this bread, this body of Christ. Then suddenly my vision zoomed out. My vision went above and beyond myself. I saw me, standing there with open hands. Then I saw the church in which I was standing. Then my vision zoomed further out to the city, the state, the nation, the world and even the universe that I was standing in. I was distant in this vision but God's vision had become my vision. I saw the entire universe. Then in a second my vision went back in to the bread. An awesome God, an awesome universal Savior had chosen to come to earth to die for my sins. Now He has chosen to feed me His very Self in order that He may live in me and I live in Him. He chose to fling His very being through space and time for me. In love He saved me. Now, nourished and fed by His grace; I go. I go to serve in this very same love in His Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. My vision had zoomed close in to the communion bread...I saw the entire universe...all in a second.

Prayer of the Day
Your eyes are awesome Lord. You see it all! You see the big and the small. You see inside and outside. Your eyes are awesome Lord! Send me with just a glimpse of Your vision into Your Kingdom this day to serve in love and active faith towards You. ---Amen

November 18th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Initiative

Readings of the Day
1 Peter 1-You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.
Jeremiah 31-32-I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Psalm 134-May the LORD, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.
Zechariah 2:1-5; 5:1-4-For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the LORD, I I will be the glory within it.

God's Word of the Day
I have taken the initiative to save you and protect you. Now go boldly and serve in My Kingdom.

Story of the Day
The fire had marched on now for days. The fire was spreading and approaching more houses. As it began to spread across an open space, we took initiative. We quickly started a controlled fire of our own. We burnt a ring of fire at some distance from the approach of the main fire. We hurriedly burnt off the vegetation in the path of the larger fire. Once the vegetation had been burnt away the larger fire didn't have any fuel to burn. Soon the main fire was extinguished. We able to stop the fire. Only with the fuel gone were we able to save the community in the path of the fire.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks that You took the initiative and sent Your Son. You sent Your Son into the midst of the fire. He burnt away the sin in our path. He came to this earth to eliminate the fuel for the fire of evil. And in His Holy Fire of love we are saved. May I boldly go forth this day to serve You in Your Kingdom. May Your initiative be mine, through Your precious blood. ---Amen

November 16th-17th - Let's Play!

Theme
Moving on

Readings
James 4-5-Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord.
Jeremiah 27-30-For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Psalm 132-There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.
Psalm 133-For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore.

God's Word
Move with me in My will and way.

Story
As our spaceship sped along, we became impatient. We wanted so reach our destination of Mars, but it seemed to be taking so long. Being stuck inside this ship was beginning to rub the nerves of all three of us. We were not getting along all the well either. It was at this point in the trip that our training instructor told us that we would need patience more than anything else. We would need to concentrate on our work at hand. We would need to focus on the goal of our journey and see the need for the tedious tasks we were doing at this moment and how those tasks fit into the plan of the larger journey. We were told to take a break at this point of the journey and focus on the goal. We were told to stop our work and get together and talk of the future. We were instructed and taught to review the entire plan and see the accomplishments we had made up to this point. So we did. We stopped and came together. We reflected on the past and we looked to the future. We looked to the goal and saw that the work we had to do now and into the future was vitally important. We became energized once again to go back to work and to focus ahead as we realized the blessings of what was behind. It was now time to move on. Move on towards our goal and mission of Mars. It was time! And we were excited about it all.

Prayer
Lord, Your blessings are awesome. As I reflect on this past year, I see You active in my life. I see Your blessings. I see the struggle of the journey, that's for sure, but in the journey, I see Your blessings. Now, as I focus on the remainder of this year, I'm excited about the plans You have for me and all that You bring. Light my way in Your Kingdom. Walk with me in Your Kingdom, right into the future You have planned, I pray. ---Amen

November 15th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Freedom

Readings of the day
James 3-But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.
Jeremiah 25-26-The LORD will roar from on high, and from his holy habitation utter his voice; he will roar mightily against his fold, and shout, like those who tread grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.
Psalm 131-O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
Psalm 90.1-12-...from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

God's Word of the Day
I am eternal. I am everlasting. Know that I am your God.

Story of the Day
I was humbled by the power and strength. As I witnessed the engine start up the noise became deafening. Then as I saw the jet in flight and the flames coming from the engine with afterburners fired; I was humbled by the power and strength. Likewise as I stood in the wind that day and the cold beat upon my face, I felt the sting and pain of coldness deep within my bones. I was humbled by the power and strength. As I peered into the microscope at something the naked eye couldn't see; I was humbled by the power and strength of the lens to reveal a whole new world. And as I stared into the night sky and saw an infinite amount of stars and their light; I was humbled by the power and strength. A Creator with such wisdom and strength that exists from everlasting to everlasting brings cause to pause and to be humble. I was humbled by the power and the strength; yet free to worship and adore a Creator, a Savior, a Spirit that exists from everlasting to everlasting.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, You blow my mind! I can't take it all in. But with what I can take in, I give You all praise and honor and glory, now and forever! ---Amen

November 14th - Let's Play!

Theme of the Day
Home

Readings of the Day
James 2-So faith by itself, if it has now works, is dead.
Jeremiah 23-24-I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD; and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.
Psalm 130-I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning.
Revelation 16.8-21-"See, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and is clothed, not going about naked and exposed to shame."

God's Word of the Day
You will know me from the heart and I will be at home with you.

Story of the Day
We could hear the bombs falling outside. Our country was under attack. Political forces were in opposition to one another and we were the ones in danger. So much destruction. Fires, power outages, pain and death all around us. But we stayed in our home. Moved to the heart of the home and stayed put until this bombing would cease. There would be future bombings, but for now all we could do was seek protection in our house. Seek protection in our home. Seek protection in the love we have for one another, right here in the heart of our home. We stayed awake and waited for all of this to cease. We waited in faith that one day all things would be made right again. After all of this was done we began to work for our neighbor. We worked to rebuild and restore. We worked to reconcile differences in governments. After waiting it out we all went to work in faith; awake to the realities of this world. We went to work in hopes that better things were to come. In faith we went to work.

Prayer of the Day
Lord, as we wait out the evil of this world, come into the heart of our homes. Come into the very center, the gut and the heart of our very beings as we wait. May we wait for Your presence in hope and anticipation of the glory to come. As we wait, stir us with direction to action for You in our world. Stir a passion for the right and just in this world. As we wait in faith and hope bring us to be active in the works You have planned for us to do, today, tomorrow and into eternity. ---Amen