Theme of the Day
Break bread together
Readings of the Day
John 16.4b-33-In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!
2 Chronicles 24-All the leaders and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until it was full.
Psalm 81-I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
John 3:13-17-"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
God's Word of the Day
Lift high the cross. I have won the victory. Unite in Me and My Son.
Story of the Day
There I was so high up in the sky that I thought I couldn't get any higher. Then it happened. A great flash of bright light. I looked around and saw a small speck of dust nearby. We clung together this speck of dust and I. We began to fall a great distance. I could see the earth below coming closer and closer. We fell through some clouds and then just as quickly towards the earth. As I saw the trees below, I wondered where my partner and I would land. Then we we hit the trees and tumbled off several leaves and branches, hit a few boulders and some rocks and fell into a fast moving stream of water. Once in the water, I and the water united as one and became this large body of flowing water in a stream. I moved along this stream until we came to drop off. As I went over the drop off, I hit another rock and flew out of the unity of the stream as a single droplet of water. Some of the other water around me flew off as droplets, others separated as mist and still others remained united with the main body of water. Then I reunited with the stream of water after tumbling over some boulders. Then we all came to a calm body of water. Here we languished and relaxed for quite some time. We were calm and life was wonderful and slowly we moved forward towards another stream the led peacefully through the pasture valley. Our journey would continue on. We would bring life to animals, people, and all creation. Parts of us would separate in a cloud and at some point we would repeat the cycle. A never ending cycle of unity that brought life.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You sent Your Son as the Bread of Life into this world to save and sustain us. Just as a droplet of water and Your Word and Promise brings Life in baptism, so I ask this day that You would unite me with You and You with this world. I believe in You and Your Son; that You came into this world to bring Life. You have given me Life and I will live it in joyful abundance. You have promised eternal life and it has begun. Thanks! Your Son is that finest wheat, that Bread of Life, Life covered with the blessing and the sweetness of honey that satisfies all of my desires. Your blessings are numerous and wonderful. Sustain me in the tough and tumble times and keep me united with Your Church and with You. All this I ask and pray in the name of the Bread of Life, the Everliving Water, Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior. ---Amen
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
September 13th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Conversation
Readings of the Day
John 15.1-16.4a-Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Chronicles 23-Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and tore it down...
Psalm 80-Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalm 103:1-13-The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
God's Word of the Day
Tear down the evil in your life and turn to Me for I am gracious and loving.
Story of the Day
The wind was coming in gusts. It grew greater and greater. Then you could see it, you could see the storm on the horizon. It was coming our way and we needed to take shelter soon. We knew that the storm was coming from forecasts, but had chosen to ignore the pleas to take shelter. Now the storm was upon us and we were about to "ride it out." So now what. Sure we could pray. But after all, we had ignored the warnings. Prayer just didn't seem right because of our own ignorance. But here we were anyway. So we prayed anyway. We prayed in our own ignorance for help. We prayed that others would be safe. We prayed to open our minds and fill our hearts with the safety and gracious love of our Savior. The storm came and went. There was damage for sure. We missed any injury or damage. But we certainly jumped in to help those who did sustain damage. We reflected the Love we felt in the prayers we made in our ignorance. But we acted and responded to that gracious face of God to those in need. God came to us and God came through us. God came in that storm in so many ways. Not in the destruction and death and pain. But God gloriously came in His presence during and after the storm. The wind was coming in gusts and the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit, blew over the face of the earth in and through the people He loves.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as You speak to me, as I listen and speak to You; be with us in the troubled times. Rejoice with us in the joyful times, and always, always, breathe Your Spirit into our actions of love, each and every day. May we bear the fruit You wish for us to bear in fervent love towards You and in fervent love towards one another.--- Amen
Conversation
Readings of the Day
John 15.1-16.4a-Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Chronicles 23-Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and tore it down...
Psalm 80-Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Psalm 103:1-13-The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
God's Word of the Day
Tear down the evil in your life and turn to Me for I am gracious and loving.
Story of the Day
The wind was coming in gusts. It grew greater and greater. Then you could see it, you could see the storm on the horizon. It was coming our way and we needed to take shelter soon. We knew that the storm was coming from forecasts, but had chosen to ignore the pleas to take shelter. Now the storm was upon us and we were about to "ride it out." So now what. Sure we could pray. But after all, we had ignored the warnings. Prayer just didn't seem right because of our own ignorance. But here we were anyway. So we prayed anyway. We prayed in our own ignorance for help. We prayed that others would be safe. We prayed to open our minds and fill our hearts with the safety and gracious love of our Savior. The storm came and went. There was damage for sure. We missed any injury or damage. But we certainly jumped in to help those who did sustain damage. We reflected the Love we felt in the prayers we made in our ignorance. But we acted and responded to that gracious face of God to those in need. God came to us and God came through us. God came in that storm in so many ways. Not in the destruction and death and pain. But God gloriously came in His presence during and after the storm. The wind was coming in gusts and the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit, blew over the face of the earth in and through the people He loves.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as You speak to me, as I listen and speak to You; be with us in the troubled times. Rejoice with us in the joyful times, and always, always, breathe Your Spirit into our actions of love, each and every day. May we bear the fruit You wish for us to bear in fervent love towards You and in fervent love towards one another.--- Amen
Friday, September 12, 2008
September 12th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Update
Readings of the Day
John 14.15-31-If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2 Chronicles 21.2-22.12-He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD...
Psalm 79-...from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Acts 7:9-16-...but God was with him...
God's Word of the Day
I know you will sin, but I am with you even when you do evil in my sight and rescue you from sin. Proclaim My glory from generation to generation and respond to My Love by keeping My commandments.
Story of the Day
We gathered around the patch of dirt on the playground. A circle was drawn and we drew out our small satchels of marbles. I love to do this! We played marbles on the ground that sunny September day during our break from the classroom studies. Lose a few and gain a few and pick up some great marbles now and then. But when I went on a winning streak, I thought that I couldn't be beat. I was relentless in defeating all of my friends and taking almost all of their marbles. Then came Eddy. He was really good. I had been mouthing off about how I was the greatest. Eddy put me in my place. Even though Eddy was a year older, I figured I could handle him. Eddy was relentless in defeating me. He found great joy in humbling me and taking almost all of the marbles I had won over the past week. He took so many marbles that I had to go to the corner store after school to replenish my supply. I hated Eddy for what he did to me. Then I realized that I had done this same things to my friends in my own grade. I had lost the focus of having fun with the game. I had lost the focus of making friends by playing the game and had made it into a way for me to prove myself so great. So, back on the playground my playing changed. I played to have fun with my friends. I played to cheer the other person on. I played to build friendships that would last. This was so much more fun that playing to prove myself. I proved myself by respecting my friends. Marbles became fun once again. Eddy taught me a lesson and showed me how to love my friends.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I tend to lose focus now and then on what is important. I tend to curl up and focus on my own needs. I tend to make myself more by making someone else less. As I turn from You and curl inward on myself, I realize that I need You. There is always an Eddy around that's better than me. Forgive my sin and show Your face as I turn to You. For You come to me and spin me around when needed. You show me Your Love. In my sin You come to me and open my eyes to myself and contrast my selfishness with Your awesome and forgiving love. Teach me to emulate Your Love to those I'm with this day. Shine through me and let the world see Your glory active in me. Build relationships with the neighbors You send to me this day that center on Your Love and Your Way. All this I ask in Jesus wonderful name. ---Amen
Update
Readings of the Day
John 14.15-31-If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
2 Chronicles 21.2-22.12-He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD...
Psalm 79-...from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Acts 7:9-16-...but God was with him...
God's Word of the Day
I know you will sin, but I am with you even when you do evil in my sight and rescue you from sin. Proclaim My glory from generation to generation and respond to My Love by keeping My commandments.
Story of the Day
We gathered around the patch of dirt on the playground. A circle was drawn and we drew out our small satchels of marbles. I love to do this! We played marbles on the ground that sunny September day during our break from the classroom studies. Lose a few and gain a few and pick up some great marbles now and then. But when I went on a winning streak, I thought that I couldn't be beat. I was relentless in defeating all of my friends and taking almost all of their marbles. Then came Eddy. He was really good. I had been mouthing off about how I was the greatest. Eddy put me in my place. Even though Eddy was a year older, I figured I could handle him. Eddy was relentless in defeating me. He found great joy in humbling me and taking almost all of the marbles I had won over the past week. He took so many marbles that I had to go to the corner store after school to replenish my supply. I hated Eddy for what he did to me. Then I realized that I had done this same things to my friends in my own grade. I had lost the focus of having fun with the game. I had lost the focus of making friends by playing the game and had made it into a way for me to prove myself so great. So, back on the playground my playing changed. I played to have fun with my friends. I played to cheer the other person on. I played to build friendships that would last. This was so much more fun that playing to prove myself. I proved myself by respecting my friends. Marbles became fun once again. Eddy taught me a lesson and showed me how to love my friends.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I tend to lose focus now and then on what is important. I tend to curl up and focus on my own needs. I tend to make myself more by making someone else less. As I turn from You and curl inward on myself, I realize that I need You. There is always an Eddy around that's better than me. Forgive my sin and show Your face as I turn to You. For You come to me and spin me around when needed. You show me Your Love. In my sin You come to me and open my eyes to myself and contrast my selfishness with Your awesome and forgiving love. Teach me to emulate Your Love to those I'm with this day. Shine through me and let the world see Your glory active in me. Build relationships with the neighbors You send to me this day that center on Your Love and Your Way. All this I ask in Jesus wonderful name. ---Amen
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Gather together
Readings of the Day
John 14.1-14-In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
2 Chronicles 20.1-21.1-On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
Psalm 78.56-72-With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.
1 John 3:11-16-We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us--and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
God's Word of the Day
I AM your Shepherd and gather you together in My Love. I gave My Life for you. Now go in My Love and do likewise one for another.
Story of the Day
It was as if the sky lit up that night. There was this beam of light coming from the earth that illuminated a heavenly being in the skies. It was hard to tell if the light were streaming from the star in the sky to the earth, or if the light was beaming from some point on the earth and illuminating the star in the sky. Either way it was intriguing enough to cause me to follow this light out to it's earthly source. So I drove my car in the direction of this beam of life. Drove to the earthly connection of the heavens with the earth. I arrived at some farm out in the middle of the corn fields of Illinois. Then I saw where this light was beaming from and to or to and from. The light was coming from a barn. It was a brilliant light. Whiter than any white I could ever imagine. Surely this must be the white light that the disciples saw on that mount with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. So I went into the barn. And there I saw Him. I saw Jesus as a baby and that great Light. That Light of God that awakens the world. I saw that Great Light shining. I also saw that Great Light illuminating the cross. I saw the Light of Love beaming from Jesus on the cross. I saw the Light of Jesus gleaming from some grave clothes by the tomb of the Risen Savior. I saw a Great Light drawing a host of people and angels together as one at the Feast of Gathering at an awesome Communion Table. I saw another world or universe united in this Great Light of a Love Feast. A gathering of people and the host of heaven united in this Light of Love. A Light of Love for God and one another. It was as if the sky lit up that night. And I realized that that night and every night from now to eternity, this Light would always be present in me, this Light would always be with me, this Light would now carry my in His Kingdom from now and into eternity. This Light would warm my heart and feed my soul. His Kingdom had come to me, here and now and eternal Life had now begun in me through Him.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear that You have prepared a wonderful Upper Room for me to dwell in. I so look forward to Your dwelling in me. Let me be humble, honest, loving, compassionate and caring. Let me be transparent enough that Your Light of Love shines brightly in and through me. Reflect Your Light off and through me so that the whole world may see Your activity in my life. Make me bold enough to proudly tell of Your story in my life. Unite me with those You give to me this day in Your Love that we may go out into Your Kingdom and declare Your glory to all we meet. Guide our hearts with Your skillful hand and teaching. Stand by in the battle. For You have won the victory. But even in the battle, I know You are there to free me to give my life in Love for another. And when we gather in that Valley of Beracah. When we gather together with all Your blessing; hear our joyful praise for all You have done so graciously for us, to give our lives in Love to you and one another. ---Amen
Gather together
Readings of the Day
John 14.1-14-In my Father's house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
2 Chronicles 20.1-21.1-On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
Psalm 78.56-72-With upright heart he tended them, and guided them with skillful hand.
1 John 3:11-16-We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us--and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
God's Word of the Day
I AM your Shepherd and gather you together in My Love. I gave My Life for you. Now go in My Love and do likewise one for another.
Story of the Day
It was as if the sky lit up that night. There was this beam of light coming from the earth that illuminated a heavenly being in the skies. It was hard to tell if the light were streaming from the star in the sky to the earth, or if the light was beaming from some point on the earth and illuminating the star in the sky. Either way it was intriguing enough to cause me to follow this light out to it's earthly source. So I drove my car in the direction of this beam of life. Drove to the earthly connection of the heavens with the earth. I arrived at some farm out in the middle of the corn fields of Illinois. Then I saw where this light was beaming from and to or to and from. The light was coming from a barn. It was a brilliant light. Whiter than any white I could ever imagine. Surely this must be the white light that the disciples saw on that mount with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. So I went into the barn. And there I saw Him. I saw Jesus as a baby and that great Light. That Light of God that awakens the world. I saw that Great Light shining. I also saw that Great Light illuminating the cross. I saw the Light of Love beaming from Jesus on the cross. I saw the Light of Jesus gleaming from some grave clothes by the tomb of the Risen Savior. I saw a Great Light drawing a host of people and angels together as one at the Feast of Gathering at an awesome Communion Table. I saw another world or universe united in this Great Light of a Love Feast. A gathering of people and the host of heaven united in this Light of Love. A Light of Love for God and one another. It was as if the sky lit up that night. And I realized that that night and every night from now to eternity, this Light would always be present in me, this Light would always be with me, this Light would now carry my in His Kingdom from now and into eternity. This Light would warm my heart and feed my soul. His Kingdom had come to me, here and now and eternal Life had now begun in me through Him.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear that You have prepared a wonderful Upper Room for me to dwell in. I so look forward to Your dwelling in me. Let me be humble, honest, loving, compassionate and caring. Let me be transparent enough that Your Light of Love shines brightly in and through me. Reflect Your Light off and through me so that the whole world may see Your activity in my life. Make me bold enough to proudly tell of Your story in my life. Unite me with those You give to me this day in Your Love that we may go out into Your Kingdom and declare Your glory to all we meet. Guide our hearts with Your skillful hand and teaching. Stand by in the battle. For You have won the victory. But even in the battle, I know You are there to free me to give my life in Love for another. And when we gather in that Valley of Beracah. When we gather together with all Your blessing; hear our joyful praise for all You have done so graciously for us, to give our lives in Love to you and one another. ---Amen
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Struggle
Readings of the Day
John 13.21-38-By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
2 Chronicles 19-Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good!
Psalm 78.38-55-Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not come again.
Matthew 21:18-22-Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.
God's Word of the Day
I know of your struggles and give you faith. Believe in Me and love Me and one another.
Story of the Day
I heard the scanner tell of a robbery at the local Taco Bell. They caught the crooks. How good it was to see the wicked caught and punished. How good it was to have "bad" people off the streets. They got what they deserved! Then the trial. A life of need and want. A life very different from what most of us had received. People hooked on drugs and homeless. People struggling to feed themselves and their family. "They got what they deserved!" The thought went through my mind. Did I ever get what I deserved? Why did they get what they deserved? Thoughts in my mind as to why people are in the situations they are in. Why were these people raised in a different family and environment than I. Was it what they deserved? If I had been in this same situation with this same upbringing and environment; would I have done the same? Questions that are, if honestly dealt with, sometimes hard to answer. But the law was the law. They had choices to make. Were they conditioned to make the wrong choices in life? All questions of difficulty. But then I thought of all the prisoners in the Bible. Just think about that! Some deserving imprisonment and others not. I thought of Jesus, a prisoner, forgiving the criminal on the cross. I thought of how God sent His Son just for all of us in our situations, whatever they may be. I thought of His love and compassion and how we all need His grace. He did not destroy flesh but saved all flesh. He came to save me and these here on trial who robbed the Taco Bell. Not that any of us are innocent. Not at all! In fact we are all guilty. Myself and these on trial before me now. Guilty as charged. Face the penalty, no doubt. But live, loved and forgiven through the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, the judgment is true. The penalty is harsh. I deserve what I get. And then I see Jesus, on that cross in love and compassion taking on my sin. You are good and loving. You have saved all flesh through Your actions. You restrained Your anger and out of love saved us. Thank You! Thank You for the faith You give in abundance. Faith enough to move mountains. Faith enough to forgive. Faith enough to live in trust and hope of all You have done. Faith enough to face the penalty. Faith enough to live in You. As You have loved, now I go out into Your Kingdom by Your side in Your love to love those You present me with this day. ---Amen
Struggle
Readings of the Day
John 13.21-38-By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
2 Chronicles 19-Deal courageously, and may the LORD be with the good!
Psalm 78.38-55-Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not come again.
Matthew 21:18-22-Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.
God's Word of the Day
I know of your struggles and give you faith. Believe in Me and love Me and one another.
Story of the Day
I heard the scanner tell of a robbery at the local Taco Bell. They caught the crooks. How good it was to see the wicked caught and punished. How good it was to have "bad" people off the streets. They got what they deserved! Then the trial. A life of need and want. A life very different from what most of us had received. People hooked on drugs and homeless. People struggling to feed themselves and their family. "They got what they deserved!" The thought went through my mind. Did I ever get what I deserved? Why did they get what they deserved? Thoughts in my mind as to why people are in the situations they are in. Why were these people raised in a different family and environment than I. Was it what they deserved? If I had been in this same situation with this same upbringing and environment; would I have done the same? Questions that are, if honestly dealt with, sometimes hard to answer. But the law was the law. They had choices to make. Were they conditioned to make the wrong choices in life? All questions of difficulty. But then I thought of all the prisoners in the Bible. Just think about that! Some deserving imprisonment and others not. I thought of Jesus, a prisoner, forgiving the criminal on the cross. I thought of how God sent His Son just for all of us in our situations, whatever they may be. I thought of His love and compassion and how we all need His grace. He did not destroy flesh but saved all flesh. He came to save me and these here on trial who robbed the Taco Bell. Not that any of us are innocent. Not at all! In fact we are all guilty. Myself and these on trial before me now. Guilty as charged. Face the penalty, no doubt. But live, loved and forgiven through the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, the judgment is true. The penalty is harsh. I deserve what I get. And then I see Jesus, on that cross in love and compassion taking on my sin. You are good and loving. You have saved all flesh through Your actions. You restrained Your anger and out of love saved us. Thank You! Thank You for the faith You give in abundance. Faith enough to move mountains. Faith enough to forgive. Faith enough to live in trust and hope of all You have done. Faith enough to face the penalty. Faith enough to live in You. As You have loved, now I go out into Your Kingdom by Your side in Your love to love those You present me with this day. ---Amen
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
September 9th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Appreciation
Readings of the Day
John 13.1-20-Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"..."So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them, If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
2 Chronicles 18-But Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak."
Psalm 78.21-37-Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Deuteronomy 17:2-13- So you shall purge the evil from Israel. All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again.
God's Word of the Day
You have sinned and deserve death and damnation. But I have rained down Manna from heaven. I have given you the Bread of Life. Now go alive in service to Me and those I set before you this day and forever.
Story of the Day
We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. As we visited, another patient came forward. She had some issues of her own. She would act a little different. But somehow you could tell she had a heart of gold. Her own father at the same time was hospitalized also. Hospitalized with a heart condition. This sweet lady had grown up dependant on her father. She couldn't live on her own. So she sat at table with us. We involved her in conversation. And she blessed our lives with an open, honest and transparent spirit. A spirit that let Christ shine through. We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. And we found out that we were visited by Christ.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You come out of nowhere. You come out of nowhere to my door day after day and invite me out to play in Your Kingdom with You. You invite me out in relationship with You and those we meet. You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. I can't figure it out. I know from my sin that I deserve to be taken outside the city and stoned to death. I know that I deserve damnation, imprisonment and death. I am the evil that needs to be purged. Yet You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. You redeem me and use me to work as a servant in Your Kingdom. What joy You have brought into my life, my King, my Savior, my Friend out of nowhere! ---Amen
Appreciation
Readings of the Day
John 13.1-20-Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"..."So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them, If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
2 Chronicles 18-But Micaiah said, "As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak."
Psalm 78.21-37-Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Deuteronomy 17:2-13- So you shall purge the evil from Israel. All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not act presumptuously again.
God's Word of the Day
You have sinned and deserve death and damnation. But I have rained down Manna from heaven. I have given you the Bread of Life. Now go alive in service to Me and those I set before you this day and forever.
Story of the Day
We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. As we visited, another patient came forward. She had some issues of her own. She would act a little different. But somehow you could tell she had a heart of gold. Her own father at the same time was hospitalized also. Hospitalized with a heart condition. This sweet lady had grown up dependant on her father. She couldn't live on her own. So she sat at table with us. We involved her in conversation. And she blessed our lives with an open, honest and transparent spirit. A spirit that let Christ shine through. We didn't expect to be in this place. We came to visit our friend. And we found out that we were visited by Christ.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You come out of nowhere. You come out of nowhere to my door day after day and invite me out to play in Your Kingdom with You. You invite me out in relationship with You and those we meet. You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. I can't figure it out. I know from my sin that I deserve to be taken outside the city and stoned to death. I know that I deserve damnation, imprisonment and death. I am the evil that needs to be purged. Yet You come out of nowhere and feed me the Bread of Life. You redeem me and use me to work as a servant in Your Kingdom. What joy You have brought into my life, my King, my Savior, my Friend out of nowhere! ---Amen
Monday, September 08, 2008
September 8th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Strength
Readings of the Day
John 12.27-50-Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant also be.
2 Chronicles 16-17-For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.
Psalm 78.1-20-...we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Leviticus 4:27-31; 5:14-16-Thus the priest shall make atonement on your behalf, and you shall be forgiven.
God's Word of the Day
Your strength is in Me and Me alone. Now go in service, strong, and forgiven, and walk by My side.
Story of the Day
He was in all the movies. He was always the hero. He would always win the battle. He was strong and hansom. He was every one's hero. He was in all the "blab" sheets as being great. He was awesome. Then the news broke. He was arrested. Arrested for something you couldn't believe a hero would do. Arrested and placed in jail. He was convicted of his crime. He was sentenced to pay the price. He paid the price and returned to society. He was humble. He was honest. He was transparent. He lived differently now. He was changed. He was good. He was now a servant. He was on a mission. He was living fully. He followed a hero. He was forgiven. He was saved. He was strong in a better way.
Prayer of the Day
My Great High Priest, my Lord, my Savior, Jesus; thank You for coming into this world. Thank You for coming into my life. Thank You for taking on my sin and making atonement on my behalf that I may be forgiven. You have freed me from my sinful self. You have freed me from the clutches of sin. You have freed me from death. You have freed me to live a life by Your side. You have freed me to serve You and all those You give to me. Keep my heart true to You and You alone. A let me tell future generations of Your mighty acts, Your mighty deeds, Your mighty love, Your mighty compassion, Your mighty suffering, and Your mighty grace; that all may know the wonders You have done. You alone are my strength. Send me this day, my Lord, my Savior, my Hero, in Your strength, to joyfully serve You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen
Strength
Readings of the Day
John 12.27-50-Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant also be.
2 Chronicles 16-17-For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.
Psalm 78.1-20-...we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Leviticus 4:27-31; 5:14-16-Thus the priest shall make atonement on your behalf, and you shall be forgiven.
God's Word of the Day
Your strength is in Me and Me alone. Now go in service, strong, and forgiven, and walk by My side.
Story of the Day
He was in all the movies. He was always the hero. He would always win the battle. He was strong and hansom. He was every one's hero. He was in all the "blab" sheets as being great. He was awesome. Then the news broke. He was arrested. Arrested for something you couldn't believe a hero would do. Arrested and placed in jail. He was convicted of his crime. He was sentenced to pay the price. He paid the price and returned to society. He was humble. He was honest. He was transparent. He lived differently now. He was changed. He was good. He was now a servant. He was on a mission. He was living fully. He followed a hero. He was forgiven. He was saved. He was strong in a better way.
Prayer of the Day
My Great High Priest, my Lord, my Savior, Jesus; thank You for coming into this world. Thank You for coming into my life. Thank You for taking on my sin and making atonement on my behalf that I may be forgiven. You have freed me from my sinful self. You have freed me from the clutches of sin. You have freed me from death. You have freed me to live a life by Your side. You have freed me to serve You and all those You give to me. Keep my heart true to You and You alone. A let me tell future generations of Your mighty acts, Your mighty deeds, Your mighty love, Your mighty compassion, Your mighty suffering, and Your mighty grace; that all may know the wonders You have done. You alone are my strength. Send me this day, my Lord, my Savior, my Hero, in Your strength, to joyfully serve You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen
Sunday, September 07, 2008
September7th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Persistence
Readings of the Day
John 12.1-26-Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
2 Chronicles 14-15-Nevertheless the heart of Asa was true all his days.
Psalm 77-I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD...
Matthew 18:15-20-For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
God's Word of the Day
Die to yourself and live in Me and I will live in you.
Story of the Day
It was a warm summer morning as my friend Larry and I sat beside the small creek near our house. We threw a few stones in the creek. We talked and imagined what it would be like to be all grown up and on our own. We imagined being army men or the guys that picked up the trash. We thought about what life would be like in the future. Then our thoughts moved on to adventure. I wonder if the Ol Man is up yet? The Ol Man that would yell at us as we moved under his house through a pipe that ran under the streets from the creek. Let's see! So into the pipe we went. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see our way. This was always an adventure. As we approached the place where the Ol Man would open this little trap door and yell at us, we dared to throw some rocks at the trap door. Then it opened. The Ol Man yelled that he had a gun and would shoot us. We ran! He never shot anything but as we came out the pipe at the other end, we realized the adventure was fun. I had a pocket of some pennies and a few nickles. So we came up out of the creek to the store nearby. We picked out some candy and paused to eat it before going back through the pipe and back home. We were very quiet this time past the Ol Man's house. Back to the other side our hot summer day continued. We reflected on how we had somehow made it once again past the Ol Man's house. We were not killed! We didn't even get hurt. But we also wondered when we might happen to be killed. Why didn't the Ol Man shoot? It must have been some super power force from beyond ourselves that kept us safe. Our minds wondered way out to Superman and other heroes that save the day. So the rest of the day, we played, Superman, Batman and Army guy and saved the world with some super power above and beyond human abilities.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You let me see the real Power. You show Yourself to me at my door each and every day. We wander out into Your Kingdom and do Your will day after day. You are the Power that protects me. You are the Power that is by my side in pain, and trouble. You are that source that defeats armies greater than any army I could muster on my own. You saved Asa and his troops from defeat. You teach me to die to myself and live in You and trust in Your Power. You are King of my universe. You are Lord and Savior. You are God! May my heart always remain true to You, day after day. May I gather together with those You give to me and may You always be present with us as we adventure through these lives You have graciously given each and every one of us. ---Amen
Persistence
Readings of the Day
John 12.1-26-Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
2 Chronicles 14-15-Nevertheless the heart of Asa was true all his days.
Psalm 77-I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD...
Matthew 18:15-20-For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
God's Word of the Day
Die to yourself and live in Me and I will live in you.
Story of the Day
It was a warm summer morning as my friend Larry and I sat beside the small creek near our house. We threw a few stones in the creek. We talked and imagined what it would be like to be all grown up and on our own. We imagined being army men or the guys that picked up the trash. We thought about what life would be like in the future. Then our thoughts moved on to adventure. I wonder if the Ol Man is up yet? The Ol Man that would yell at us as we moved under his house through a pipe that ran under the streets from the creek. Let's see! So into the pipe we went. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see our way. This was always an adventure. As we approached the place where the Ol Man would open this little trap door and yell at us, we dared to throw some rocks at the trap door. Then it opened. The Ol Man yelled that he had a gun and would shoot us. We ran! He never shot anything but as we came out the pipe at the other end, we realized the adventure was fun. I had a pocket of some pennies and a few nickles. So we came up out of the creek to the store nearby. We picked out some candy and paused to eat it before going back through the pipe and back home. We were very quiet this time past the Ol Man's house. Back to the other side our hot summer day continued. We reflected on how we had somehow made it once again past the Ol Man's house. We were not killed! We didn't even get hurt. But we also wondered when we might happen to be killed. Why didn't the Ol Man shoot? It must have been some super power force from beyond ourselves that kept us safe. Our minds wondered way out to Superman and other heroes that save the day. So the rest of the day, we played, Superman, Batman and Army guy and saved the world with some super power above and beyond human abilities.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You let me see the real Power. You show Yourself to me at my door each and every day. We wander out into Your Kingdom and do Your will day after day. You are the Power that protects me. You are the Power that is by my side in pain, and trouble. You are that source that defeats armies greater than any army I could muster on my own. You saved Asa and his troops from defeat. You teach me to die to myself and live in You and trust in Your Power. You are King of my universe. You are Lord and Savior. You are God! May my heart always remain true to You, day after day. May I gather together with those You give to me and may You always be present with us as we adventure through these lives You have graciously given each and every one of us. ---Amen
Saturday, September 06, 2008
September 6th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Care for one another
Readings of the Day
John 11.28-57-When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.
2 Chronicles 12-13-But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him.
Psalm 76-In Judah God is know, his name is great in Israel.
Psalm 119:33-40-Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
God's Word of the Day
Look upon the cross and see the deep passion and feeling and love I have for you. Look and see!
Story of the Day
As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep. These were tears of deep emotion. Deep emotion and compassion for others. But he continued in the writing. Then he sent the letter. Upon arrival and subsequent reading, his emotion and deep feelings came through. Came through space and time in some words. Came through to bring forth deep emotion in the reader. The reader shared these same words with close friends and family. Deep emotion once again was had by all who set eye upon the words. People deeply moved. People with spirits being fed. People moved by words to respond. People taught by deep emotional words of how to live life fully. People banding together within some words. As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep, and some deeply emotional Word jumped onto the letter.
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, my Word, my Light, my Joy, leap into my heart this day and move me as You were moved those years back at Lazarus's tomb. Draw me out of my tomb of sin and death and free me with Your deep movement and compassion. Free me through the Word made Flesh to live eternal life now and forever in You. Out of deep compassion and love I move out day after day in Your Kingdom, overjoyed with love and fellowship to follow Your call and Your leading and Your voice and Your way. Help me to show to all the world my deep emotion and love I have for You so that they too may come to see all You did on that cross. ---Amen
Care for one another
Readings of the Day
John 11.28-57-When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.
2 Chronicles 12-13-But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him.
Psalm 76-In Judah God is know, his name is great in Israel.
Psalm 119:33-40-Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
God's Word of the Day
Look upon the cross and see the deep passion and feeling and love I have for you. Look and see!
Story of the Day
As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep. These were tears of deep emotion. Deep emotion and compassion for others. But he continued in the writing. Then he sent the letter. Upon arrival and subsequent reading, his emotion and deep feelings came through. Came through space and time in some words. Came through to bring forth deep emotion in the reader. The reader shared these same words with close friends and family. Deep emotion once again was had by all who set eye upon the words. People deeply moved. People with spirits being fed. People moved by words to respond. People taught by deep emotional words of how to live life fully. People banding together within some words. As he wrote the letter and reflection of his experience, he began to weep, and some deeply emotional Word jumped onto the letter.
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, my Word, my Light, my Joy, leap into my heart this day and move me as You were moved those years back at Lazarus's tomb. Draw me out of my tomb of sin and death and free me with Your deep movement and compassion. Free me through the Word made Flesh to live eternal life now and forever in You. Out of deep compassion and love I move out day after day in Your Kingdom, overjoyed with love and fellowship to follow Your call and Your leading and Your voice and Your way. Help me to show to all the world my deep emotion and love I have for You so that they too may come to see all You did on that cross. ---Amen
Friday, September 05, 2008
September 5th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Reunion
Readings of the Day
John 11.1-27-So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
2 Chronicles 10-11-But he rejected the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.
Psalm 75-We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.
Romans 10:15b-21-So faith come from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
God's Word of the Day
Listen to the Word, have faith and live, for you are loved.
Story of the Day
He had grown old. When young, he was playful and loyal. But now he had grown old. At times he could become quick tempered. Sometimes he would even snap at you expectantly. He had grown old and lumps and bumps were forming in places that aggravated his comfort. So he did the best he could. He was as loyal as possible considering how uncomfortable his body was making him, he remained loyal. He had grown old and knew of the ways of the world. He had experienced life and knew what life was about. In all this he had wisdom and age and experience. He had grown old and life was closing. When young, he was playful and loyal. When old, he was in pain yet still loyal in a different way. He had grown old, but was still dearly loved.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, we grow old. But old in the sight of whom? You teach us life. You lead us in Your Wisdom. Let me impart Your Wisdom to those You give to me this day. Let me be open to the Wisdom You choose to give through others this day to me. Let me hear Your Voice of Love while I wait in the tomb of my sinful death for that Life only You can give and restore. Bring me out of my tomb of sin to Life in You. Let me heed the advice of the wise old men and discern the advice of the young, hearing Your Voice from each. I know of Your Love even when I'm in the grasp of sin, death and illness. Bring Your glory to the situations I am placed in, and let my life honor You so that You may be glorified in my life. For You are always near and I will daily tell of Your wondrous deeds. ---Amen
Reunion
Readings of the Day
John 11.1-27-So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
2 Chronicles 10-11-But he rejected the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.
Psalm 75-We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.
Romans 10:15b-21-So faith come from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
God's Word of the Day
Listen to the Word, have faith and live, for you are loved.
Story of the Day
He had grown old. When young, he was playful and loyal. But now he had grown old. At times he could become quick tempered. Sometimes he would even snap at you expectantly. He had grown old and lumps and bumps were forming in places that aggravated his comfort. So he did the best he could. He was as loyal as possible considering how uncomfortable his body was making him, he remained loyal. He had grown old and knew of the ways of the world. He had experienced life and knew what life was about. In all this he had wisdom and age and experience. He had grown old and life was closing. When young, he was playful and loyal. When old, he was in pain yet still loyal in a different way. He had grown old, but was still dearly loved.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, we grow old. But old in the sight of whom? You teach us life. You lead us in Your Wisdom. Let me impart Your Wisdom to those You give to me this day. Let me be open to the Wisdom You choose to give through others this day to me. Let me hear Your Voice of Love while I wait in the tomb of my sinful death for that Life only You can give and restore. Bring me out of my tomb of sin to Life in You. Let me heed the advice of the wise old men and discern the advice of the young, hearing Your Voice from each. I know of Your Love even when I'm in the grasp of sin, death and illness. Bring Your glory to the situations I am placed in, and let my life honor You so that You may be glorified in my life. For You are always near and I will daily tell of Your wondrous deeds. ---Amen
Thursday, September 04, 2008
September 4th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Prayer
Readings of the Day
John 10.22-42-My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
2 Chronicles 9-Happy are your people! Happy are these your servants, who continually attend you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.
Psalm 74-Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the earth.
2 Corinthians 12.11-21-Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up.
God's Word of the Day
I know you and you know Me. Listen and I will build you up and make you happy.
Story of the Day
There we were, all in the same boat. A row of us facing backwards. We couldn't even see where we were going. The row of us did all the work. At least we did all of the physical work. In front of us was one person who could see where we were going. She was facing forward, and we were facing backwards. She didn't help row in any way. But she was so needed. She kept time for us. She commanded us to row. She gave us direction. She was the only one who could see our destination. We depended totally on her voice and her command. We knew the sound of her voice and listened and obeyed her command. We worked as hard as she wanted us to work. In time and together, we rowed to her command and reached the finish line in sync and happy.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You know me and I know You. I listen for Your voice and command this day. I will follow Your lead. I know You have the plan and am overjoyed with happiness that You have decided to include me in Your plan this day. I come out to play with You in Your Kingdom today, tomorrow and into eternity, knowing You are my lead and guide and way. I come with You knowing that You build me up and renew me and bring laughter and joy and happiness into my life. You answer prayer and deliver me from evil. You save me from my sinful self, and death. You are the source of all wisdom and strength. You are my Savior, working salvation on all the earth! ---Amen
Prayer
Readings of the Day
John 10.22-42-My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
2 Chronicles 9-Happy are your people! Happy are these your servants, who continually attend you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.
Psalm 74-Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the earth.
2 Corinthians 12.11-21-Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up.
God's Word of the Day
I know you and you know Me. Listen and I will build you up and make you happy.
Story of the Day
There we were, all in the same boat. A row of us facing backwards. We couldn't even see where we were going. The row of us did all the work. At least we did all of the physical work. In front of us was one person who could see where we were going. She was facing forward, and we were facing backwards. She didn't help row in any way. But she was so needed. She kept time for us. She commanded us to row. She gave us direction. She was the only one who could see our destination. We depended totally on her voice and her command. We knew the sound of her voice and listened and obeyed her command. We worked as hard as she wanted us to work. In time and together, we rowed to her command and reached the finish line in sync and happy.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You know me and I know You. I listen for Your voice and command this day. I will follow Your lead. I know You have the plan and am overjoyed with happiness that You have decided to include me in Your plan this day. I come out to play with You in Your Kingdom today, tomorrow and into eternity, knowing You are my lead and guide and way. I come with You knowing that You build me up and renew me and bring laughter and joy and happiness into my life. You answer prayer and deliver me from evil. You save me from my sinful self, and death. You are the source of all wisdom and strength. You are my Savior, working salvation on all the earth! ---Amen
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
September 3rd - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Patience and perseverance
Readings of the Day
John 10.1-21-I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
2 Chronicles 8-Thus all the work of Solomon was accomplished from the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until the house of the LORD was finished completely.
Psalm 73-But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, to tell of all your works.
Matthew 12.22-32-Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
God's Word of the Day
You have life in Me. I am always near and with you and by your side as you work and serve in My Kingdom day by day.
Story of the Day
We flew through the air. It would only take me a second or two to travel a thousand miles. I flew through the air along and with so many others. You couldn't even see us coming. Most people couldn't even hear us coming or going. Back and forth over thousands of miles, we flew through the air. We flew through the air carrying voices of the one's at the source. Voices of people with messages that reached out to other people at our stop points. We flew through the air with a message that brought relationships with other people. What a purpose we had. Some of the messages were of love. Other messages were of rescue. Some messages were just helpful information for others in a time of need. The message was the source of our purpose. But we flew through the air delivering vital and important messages of love to those people in relationship with one another. We flew through the air and it only took a second or two. It was really easy and fun to do. Fill me with a message and I'll be off to fly again.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, use me each day to take Your Message to those I'm in relationship with each day. Let me fly through the air with Your Message of Hope, Love, Strength, Perseverance and Patience; all found in Jesus. Be in relationship with me as I am in relationship with those You have blessed me with this day. Permit me to live these relationships abundantly and lovingly. Build all my relationships on Your sure foundation and rise up the temple You would have for me to be this day. It is good You are near and here day after day. Walk by my side as I join side by side with others this day and let me fly with Your Message to all the world. ---Amen
Patience and perseverance
Readings of the Day
John 10.1-21-I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
2 Chronicles 8-Thus all the work of Solomon was accomplished from the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid until the house of the LORD was finished completely.
Psalm 73-But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, to tell of all your works.
Matthew 12.22-32-Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
God's Word of the Day
You have life in Me. I am always near and with you and by your side as you work and serve in My Kingdom day by day.
Story of the Day
We flew through the air. It would only take me a second or two to travel a thousand miles. I flew through the air along and with so many others. You couldn't even see us coming. Most people couldn't even hear us coming or going. Back and forth over thousands of miles, we flew through the air. We flew through the air carrying voices of the one's at the source. Voices of people with messages that reached out to other people at our stop points. We flew through the air with a message that brought relationships with other people. What a purpose we had. Some of the messages were of love. Other messages were of rescue. Some messages were just helpful information for others in a time of need. The message was the source of our purpose. But we flew through the air delivering vital and important messages of love to those people in relationship with one another. We flew through the air and it only took a second or two. It was really easy and fun to do. Fill me with a message and I'll be off to fly again.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, use me each day to take Your Message to those I'm in relationship with each day. Let me fly through the air with Your Message of Hope, Love, Strength, Perseverance and Patience; all found in Jesus. Be in relationship with me as I am in relationship with those You have blessed me with this day. Permit me to live these relationships abundantly and lovingly. Build all my relationships on Your sure foundation and rise up the temple You would have for me to be this day. It is good You are near and here day after day. Walk by my side as I join side by side with others this day and let me fly with Your Message to all the world. ---Amen
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
August 29th - September 2nd - Let's Play
Theme of the Days
Trust, hope, faith, and love in separation
Readings of the Days
John 8.1-9.41-"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
2 Chronicles 1-7-The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold...praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud...
Zechariah 14-And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one.
Malachi 1-4-For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
God's Word of the Day
We are united in a spirit that transcends space and time. We are One in Love. Celebrate this blessing now and forever.
Story of the Day
It was one of those precious moments. Two generations that were ages apart in one respect but oh so close in another. It was the middle of the night. An infant asleep, sound asleep. A kiss and a prayer and a sign of the cross by Gramps. A moment to say goodbye in a special way that transcends verbal communication. He was caught by Grandma in the act of this special communication without any words. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears and memories of time spent, life invested, in this young life to date. Grandma picks up the child in her arms. She shares her own form of communication with this special, unique, bundle of blessing and joy God freely gave to this elderly couple in their life. Grandma holds the child close to her breast and rocks that special rock only a grandma could rock. Love flows freely from heart to heart. Tears flow freely. Then she places the joyful bundle on Gramps belly. A wide open mouth grin as big as the morning sun beams from the child. A child that has never failed to bring joy and laughter and love into the lives of Grandma and Gramps is freely given. Freely given love without a word spoken. Freely given laughter that causes a gush of tears of joy and blessings realized to the eyes of Gramps and Grandma. Oh how this parting yet uniting communication was needed. Oh how the love flowed so wonderfully free and open. Oh how the return joy from generation to generation streamed that late night. Space or time could never separate these three people. Nothing could separate this trinity. For the Love of God was present in this special moment. That moment late in the night between a grandchild and her grandparents. Thank you Kaiya. Thank You Lord for this unique, special and wonderful gift of joy in our lives.
Trust, hope, faith, and love in separation
Readings of the Days
John 8.1-9.41-"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
2 Chronicles 1-7-The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold...praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud...
Zechariah 14-And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one.
Malachi 1-4-For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
God's Word of the Day
We are united in a spirit that transcends space and time. We are One in Love. Celebrate this blessing now and forever.
Story of the Day
It was one of those precious moments. Two generations that were ages apart in one respect but oh so close in another. It was the middle of the night. An infant asleep, sound asleep. A kiss and a prayer and a sign of the cross by Gramps. A moment to say goodbye in a special way that transcends verbal communication. He was caught by Grandma in the act of this special communication without any words. Tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears and memories of time spent, life invested, in this young life to date. Grandma picks up the child in her arms. She shares her own form of communication with this special, unique, bundle of blessing and joy God freely gave to this elderly couple in their life. Grandma holds the child close to her breast and rocks that special rock only a grandma could rock. Love flows freely from heart to heart. Tears flow freely. Then she places the joyful bundle on Gramps belly. A wide open mouth grin as big as the morning sun beams from the child. A child that has never failed to bring joy and laughter and love into the lives of Grandma and Gramps is freely given. Freely given love without a word spoken. Freely given laughter that causes a gush of tears of joy and blessings realized to the eyes of Gramps and Grandma. Oh how this parting yet uniting communication was needed. Oh how the love flowed so wonderfully free and open. Oh how the return joy from generation to generation streamed that late night. Space or time could never separate these three people. Nothing could separate this trinity. For the Love of God was present in this special moment. That moment late in the night between a grandchild and her grandparents. Thank you Kaiya. Thank You Lord for this unique, special and wonderful gift of joy in our lives.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are my King. You are Truth. As Your disciple, let me hear Your voice and heed Your call and do Your will in Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. With those precious nails, You suffered for all mankind. You suffered to unite us in a Love so deep that we seem to only fathom shallow depths of the richness of Your Love. Let that Love You have richly blessed us with flow through us from generation to generation, let that love flow through and beyond space and time. May our spirits unite as one in this Love of eternity. For You are King of all Love throughout time and space. Refine my heart with this Love and feel the heat of the pot as I become one with You and with those You love. Unite us together in this Love You have shown, so that from generation to generation, with or without words, we may all speak that common language only You could teach. ---Amen
Lord, You are my King. You are Truth. As Your disciple, let me hear Your voice and heed Your call and do Your will in Your Kingdom, today, tomorrow and forever. With those precious nails, You suffered for all mankind. You suffered to unite us in a Love so deep that we seem to only fathom shallow depths of the richness of Your Love. Let that Love You have richly blessed us with flow through us from generation to generation, let that love flow through and beyond space and time. May our spirits unite as one in this Love of eternity. For You are King of all Love throughout time and space. Refine my heart with this Love and feel the heat of the pot as I become one with You and with those You love. Unite us together in this Love You have shown, so that from generation to generation, with or without words, we may all speak that common language only You could teach. ---Amen
Thursday, August 28, 2008
August 28th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Restoration
Readings of the Day
John 7.25-52-Never has anyone spoken like this!
1 Chronicles 29-For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you...
Zechariah 13-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."
Ephesians 5.1-6-Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
God's Word of the Day
Listen to Him. The Word is before you and with you and in you. Be an imitator in love.
Story of the Day
We moved about all summer that year. Moving from campground to campground. We really didn't have a destination in mind. We just moved about and met new people everywhere we went. Move into the campsite and find new friends. As we did this we began to realize that in the friendships and in the lives of those we met there were connections being made. Connections of people to lives. Lives lived, some with a clear purpose and others without. We helped one another as we spoke about relationships, issues, problems and joys. Inside and within all this there was a link to something greater than ourselves. You could sense God connecting us together. Bringing us together to hear His Word in and through one another. Never has anyone spoken like this before, or so we thought. Then I began to notice the presence of Jesus in the people. I began to notice the Love. I began to notice and began to show this same Love also. It was all about the relationships with each other that summer. But more so it was about the common connection we all had tied together in the Love of Christ, in and through and with each other. We moved about all summer that year. We discovered Christ had come to us and was real and within us.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for Your presence, here and now and in this Kingdom. Your Kingdom has come to us. Your Kingdom of here and now. Your Kingdom of Love. You are my God and that fragrant Sacrifice. You are King. ---Amen
Restoration
Readings of the Day
John 7.25-52-Never has anyone spoken like this!
1 Chronicles 29-For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you...
Zechariah 13-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."
Ephesians 5.1-6-Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
God's Word of the Day
Listen to Him. The Word is before you and with you and in you. Be an imitator in love.
Story of the Day
We moved about all summer that year. Moving from campground to campground. We really didn't have a destination in mind. We just moved about and met new people everywhere we went. Move into the campsite and find new friends. As we did this we began to realize that in the friendships and in the lives of those we met there were connections being made. Connections of people to lives. Lives lived, some with a clear purpose and others without. We helped one another as we spoke about relationships, issues, problems and joys. Inside and within all this there was a link to something greater than ourselves. You could sense God connecting us together. Bringing us together to hear His Word in and through one another. Never has anyone spoken like this before, or so we thought. Then I began to notice the presence of Jesus in the people. I began to notice the Love. I began to notice and began to show this same Love also. It was all about the relationships with each other that summer. But more so it was about the common connection we all had tied together in the Love of Christ, in and through and with each other. We moved about all summer that year. We discovered Christ had come to us and was real and within us.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for Your presence, here and now and in this Kingdom. Your Kingdom has come to us. Your Kingdom of here and now. Your Kingdom of Love. You are my God and that fragrant Sacrifice. You are King. ---Amen
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
August 27th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Take action
Readings of the Day
John 7.1-24-"If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man's whole body on the sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
1 Chronicles 27-28-"All this, in writing at the LORD's direction, he made clear to me-- the plan of all the works." David said further to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished."
Zechariah 12-And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem...
Matthew 26.6-13-"Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a food service for me."
God's Word of the Day
I have the plan. I need you to act in compassion and love and carry out My plan.
Story of the Day
We had gone through a definition and scope and detailed engineering scheme to come up with a project plan that would accomplish all the goals set forth. We had gone out to for bids and set up contracts for project execution and contractor management. The plan was about to unfold and take on the active stage. A leadership change was needed at this point. We surveyed the talent within our company and selected a Project Lead. This person's duty was to execute the plan. Make what was on paper come to life. Make what was dead alive and active and living.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know You have the plan. Enable me to hear Your directive actions. Enable me to be able to carry out the portion of the plan You have prepared for me. Answer my simple questions as You see fit. Give me the faith to trust in Your knowledge of the overall plan and to diligently carry out what You have prepared for me. For I know Your wisdom, compassion, and love is ever present in all You do. May I step out boldly today, tomorrow and forever to do Your will in Your Kingdom, day by day. Give me a compassionate and loving heart with a soul that is on fire to act proudly for You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen
Take action
Readings of the Day
John 7.1-24-"If a man receives circumcision on the sabbath in order that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I healed a man's whole body on the sabbath? Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
1 Chronicles 27-28-"All this, in writing at the LORD's direction, he made clear to me-- the plan of all the works." David said further to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished."
Zechariah 12-And I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem...
Matthew 26.6-13-"Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a food service for me."
God's Word of the Day
I have the plan. I need you to act in compassion and love and carry out My plan.
Story of the Day
We had gone through a definition and scope and detailed engineering scheme to come up with a project plan that would accomplish all the goals set forth. We had gone out to for bids and set up contracts for project execution and contractor management. The plan was about to unfold and take on the active stage. A leadership change was needed at this point. We surveyed the talent within our company and selected a Project Lead. This person's duty was to execute the plan. Make what was on paper come to life. Make what was dead alive and active and living.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know You have the plan. Enable me to hear Your directive actions. Enable me to be able to carry out the portion of the plan You have prepared for me. Answer my simple questions as You see fit. Give me the faith to trust in Your knowledge of the overall plan and to diligently carry out what You have prepared for me. For I know Your wisdom, compassion, and love is ever present in all You do. May I step out boldly today, tomorrow and forever to do Your will in Your Kingdom, day by day. Give me a compassionate and loving heart with a soul that is on fire to act proudly for You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
August 26th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Pack and play
Readings of the Day
John 6.60-71-So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life, We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
1 Chronicles 25-26-The organization and assignments of servants of God.
Zechariah 11-So they weighed out as my wages thirty shekels of silver.
Deuteronomy 32.18-20, 28-39-You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.
God's Word of the Day
I call you to pack it up and move into My Kingdom. I caution you to never forget Your source of life, your beginning, your way, your God.
Story of the Day
We spent our lives together in this jar. There was food always present to sustain us. All that we needed was contained in the jar, at the bottom of the jar. At first we spent all of our time at the bottom of the jar, feeding and growing stronger. We weren't a pretty bunch. We were kind of furry, skinny and wiggly all the time. But we loved each other and grew together. As we grew we began to venture up the side of the jar. We could peek outside into a world we didn't understand. All we really knew was what was inside of this jar. Inside the jar it was safe and warm and dry. But we could still see another world outside of the jar. This world wasn't always safe and dry. This world had so much going on in it that it was hard to imagine the possibilities. So we would climb the side of the jar, looking out. Then we finally reached the top of the jar. We clung to the lid of the jar and figured that this was all there was to life. We had reached the top of the jar and it really wasn't all that great. The view of the outside really didn't change from the top of the jar either. It was rather disappointing. Then when we thought that life was surely over, at the top of the jar, something magical happened. An outside force removed the lid of the jar that we were clinging to. As I glanced over at my friends with me on the lid of the jar, I noticed how much we had changed in life. My friend was beautiful. My friend had wings to flutter and fly. My friend told me how beautiful I was too. On the lid, opened to the outside world, we both gazed into each others eyes and opened our wings and floated wonderfully and beautifully into a brand new kingdom. And as we fluttered off, we noticed the loving hand and loving eyes of a Savior who released us to serve in His wonderful, eternal, outside, inside, all around Kingdom. We saw our God that day. We saw our Creator. We saw the Source of Life as we fluttered in this new Kingdom of Life.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know that there are times in my life when You are preparing me for something wonderful. Prepare me and organize my thoughts into actions of flight You would have me take. Always keep my focus and gaze into Your loving, saving eyes. And when it's time for me to open my wings and fly, be there to release me and to show me the way. Be there as my guide and Savior. For You alone are God. You alone are my source of Life. You alone are beginning and eternal. Let me never betray you for the magic of this world, but rather be my God in the magic of Your Love shown to all creation, now and forever. ---Amen
Pack and play
Readings of the Day
John 6.60-71-So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life, We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
1 Chronicles 25-26-The organization and assignments of servants of God.
Zechariah 11-So they weighed out as my wages thirty shekels of silver.
Deuteronomy 32.18-20, 28-39-You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.
God's Word of the Day
I call you to pack it up and move into My Kingdom. I caution you to never forget Your source of life, your beginning, your way, your God.
Story of the Day
We spent our lives together in this jar. There was food always present to sustain us. All that we needed was contained in the jar, at the bottom of the jar. At first we spent all of our time at the bottom of the jar, feeding and growing stronger. We weren't a pretty bunch. We were kind of furry, skinny and wiggly all the time. But we loved each other and grew together. As we grew we began to venture up the side of the jar. We could peek outside into a world we didn't understand. All we really knew was what was inside of this jar. Inside the jar it was safe and warm and dry. But we could still see another world outside of the jar. This world wasn't always safe and dry. This world had so much going on in it that it was hard to imagine the possibilities. So we would climb the side of the jar, looking out. Then we finally reached the top of the jar. We clung to the lid of the jar and figured that this was all there was to life. We had reached the top of the jar and it really wasn't all that great. The view of the outside really didn't change from the top of the jar either. It was rather disappointing. Then when we thought that life was surely over, at the top of the jar, something magical happened. An outside force removed the lid of the jar that we were clinging to. As I glanced over at my friends with me on the lid of the jar, I noticed how much we had changed in life. My friend was beautiful. My friend had wings to flutter and fly. My friend told me how beautiful I was too. On the lid, opened to the outside world, we both gazed into each others eyes and opened our wings and floated wonderfully and beautifully into a brand new kingdom. And as we fluttered off, we noticed the loving hand and loving eyes of a Savior who released us to serve in His wonderful, eternal, outside, inside, all around Kingdom. We saw our God that day. We saw our Creator. We saw the Source of Life as we fluttered in this new Kingdom of Life.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know that there are times in my life when You are preparing me for something wonderful. Prepare me and organize my thoughts into actions of flight You would have me take. Always keep my focus and gaze into Your loving, saving eyes. And when it's time for me to open my wings and fly, be there to release me and to show me the way. Be there as my guide and Savior. For You alone are God. You alone are my source of Life. You alone are beginning and eternal. Let me never betray you for the magic of this world, but rather be my God in the magic of Your Love shown to all creation, now and forever. ---Amen
Monday, August 25, 2008
August 25th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Worship
Readings of the Day
John 6.25-59-This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.
1 Chronicles 24-The organization of the priesthood.
Zechariah 10-I will signal for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them...
1 Samuel 7.3-13-Direct your heart to the LORD, and serve him only, and he will deliver you...
God's Word of the Day
Believe in Me and you will worship me with all your heart.
Story of the Day
As I flew along from flower to flower at work that day, I supposed that the job I was doing was a good one. I was dedicated to my work. I would extract the best I could from each flower and take back my work to the main tribe at the comb. It was busy work that was for sure. It was hot most of the days and when it was time to go back to the comb it was crowded. This work made me feel good about my life. It made me feel as if I had a purpose and how I helped the tribe carry on life at the comb. But someone told me that the work I do does more that just help the tribe at the comb. They told be that the work I do also spreads additional life among the flowers that we service. It was hard for me to see how the worship of the good, of the work, and the tribe at the comb, for all my efforts had meaning and purpose beyond what I ever imagined.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as I come to You in worship, may I see Your mighty acts of power in the acts You send me out to do day after day in Your Kingdom. For You alone are God and you alone will I serve. Organize Your Church so that we may bring glory to Your Name. Organize my thoughts and actions so that I may reflect Your will and Your way this day. For now I direct my heart to You, believing in Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. ---Amen
Worship
Readings of the Day
John 6.25-59-This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.
1 Chronicles 24-The organization of the priesthood.
Zechariah 10-I will signal for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them...
1 Samuel 7.3-13-Direct your heart to the LORD, and serve him only, and he will deliver you...
God's Word of the Day
Believe in Me and you will worship me with all your heart.
Story of the Day
As I flew along from flower to flower at work that day, I supposed that the job I was doing was a good one. I was dedicated to my work. I would extract the best I could from each flower and take back my work to the main tribe at the comb. It was busy work that was for sure. It was hot most of the days and when it was time to go back to the comb it was crowded. This work made me feel good about my life. It made me feel as if I had a purpose and how I helped the tribe carry on life at the comb. But someone told me that the work I do does more that just help the tribe at the comb. They told be that the work I do also spreads additional life among the flowers that we service. It was hard for me to see how the worship of the good, of the work, and the tribe at the comb, for all my efforts had meaning and purpose beyond what I ever imagined.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as I come to You in worship, may I see Your mighty acts of power in the acts You send me out to do day after day in Your Kingdom. For You alone are God and you alone will I serve. Organize Your Church so that we may bring glory to Your Name. Organize my thoughts and actions so that I may reflect Your will and Your way this day. For now I direct my heart to You, believing in Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Savior. ---Amen
Sunday, August 24, 2008
August 24th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Reconciliation and love
Readings of the Day
John 6.1-24-When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified.
1 Chronicles 22.2-23.32-Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you.
Zechariah 9-Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 16.13-20-You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
God's Word of the Day
I, the Messiah, have come to you in love to save you. We have work to do!
Story of the Day
It was magical! I could leap into the air and fly hundreds of feet. I had to be careful on each leap that I didn't jump into the electrical wires. Each leap seemed to gain on the previous. If I moved my arms a little bit I could go even higher. It was magical and it was fun to soar above the world. To look down on all that God had created. To look into the clouds. To see hail and rain at the source. I could go wherever I wanted to go with pretty much little to no effort at all. It was magical!
I felt as if I had been set free from gravity. Gravity which held me down. Gravity a force that seemed to keep me in place and not permit me to move. How did I gain such power? Where did it come from? Why was I released from gravity just enough to leap freely but not completely released? All of these questions entered my mind. I was afraid something would happen that would take this magic away from me. But I surely didn't understand why I had this ability in the first place.
Then he came to me. He came from above. He came to my side. He told me that it was he that granted me this power. He told me that sin still had a hold on me. He told me that even in my sin, he had given me this power to use. Not to use to entertain myself. Not to use to gain anything for myself. But to use to point to him. He told me that one day I would be released from the gravity, and that he had already taken care of all that. He told me not to worry about the gravity anymore but to listen for his voice and follow his command. He told me he would always be with me, at the tops of the clouds and when I seemed to be nailed to the earth. I was afraid of him at first. As he came floating out of nowhere. He came to me with power way beyond my new found power in myself. I was so scared!
But somehow, while realizing all that I had experienced. Somehow with the new magical power freely given to me; I trusted him. I trusted him and believed him. Something he said or did or the way he acted, pulled me towards him in a much more magical way than the leaping and the flying could ever take on. He pulled me into him in a mysterious and magical way. And I will always follow him and he will always be with me. He told me we have work to do. He told me it was time to rise and act. Each and every day to rise and act and go with him into his kingdom. How happy this made me! How magical! How mysterious! How wonderful! Such deep love!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You come ---You come each and every day---You come in all circumstances---How mysterious and magical and wonderful is this love of Your coming. I give You all the thanks and glory for coming to me. For releasing me from the weight of sin. For allowing me to soar with You day in and day out. I give You thanks for being by my side even when I'm nailed down in my sin, yet You still come to release me and set me free to serve You gladly and boldly in laughter and praise day after day in Your Kingdom. Come Lord Jesus, come! ---Amen
Reconciliation and love
Readings of the Day
John 6.1-24-When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified.
1 Chronicles 22.2-23.32-Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you.
Zechariah 9-Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 16.13-20-You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.
God's Word of the Day
I, the Messiah, have come to you in love to save you. We have work to do!
Story of the Day
It was magical! I could leap into the air and fly hundreds of feet. I had to be careful on each leap that I didn't jump into the electrical wires. Each leap seemed to gain on the previous. If I moved my arms a little bit I could go even higher. It was magical and it was fun to soar above the world. To look down on all that God had created. To look into the clouds. To see hail and rain at the source. I could go wherever I wanted to go with pretty much little to no effort at all. It was magical!
I felt as if I had been set free from gravity. Gravity which held me down. Gravity a force that seemed to keep me in place and not permit me to move. How did I gain such power? Where did it come from? Why was I released from gravity just enough to leap freely but not completely released? All of these questions entered my mind. I was afraid something would happen that would take this magic away from me. But I surely didn't understand why I had this ability in the first place.
Then he came to me. He came from above. He came to my side. He told me that it was he that granted me this power. He told me that sin still had a hold on me. He told me that even in my sin, he had given me this power to use. Not to use to entertain myself. Not to use to gain anything for myself. But to use to point to him. He told me that one day I would be released from the gravity, and that he had already taken care of all that. He told me not to worry about the gravity anymore but to listen for his voice and follow his command. He told me he would always be with me, at the tops of the clouds and when I seemed to be nailed to the earth. I was afraid of him at first. As he came floating out of nowhere. He came to me with power way beyond my new found power in myself. I was so scared!
But somehow, while realizing all that I had experienced. Somehow with the new magical power freely given to me; I trusted him. I trusted him and believed him. Something he said or did or the way he acted, pulled me towards him in a much more magical way than the leaping and the flying could ever take on. He pulled me into him in a mysterious and magical way. And I will always follow him and he will always be with me. He told me we have work to do. He told me it was time to rise and act. Each and every day to rise and act and go with him into his kingdom. How happy this made me! How magical! How mysterious! How wonderful! Such deep love!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You come ---You come each and every day---You come in all circumstances---How mysterious and magical and wonderful is this love of Your coming. I give You all the thanks and glory for coming to me. For releasing me from the weight of sin. For allowing me to soar with You day in and day out. I give You thanks for being by my side even when I'm nailed down in my sin, yet You still come to release me and set me free to serve You gladly and boldly in laughter and praise day after day in Your Kingdom. Come Lord Jesus, come! ---Amen
Saturday, August 23, 2008
August 19th - 23rd - Let's Play
Theme of the Days
Perseverance builds endurance and strength
Readings of the Days
John 4.1-5.47-Jesus even though tired and worn out and thirsty, pauses by a well and gives a woman a drink of "living" water.
1 Chronicles 15.1-22.1-David dances in joy in the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
Zechariah 4-8-Here is a man whose name is Branch; for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. It is he that shall build the temple of the LORD; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit upon his throne and rule.
God's Word of the Days
I give you circumstances in which I am with you so that you may proclaim My glory.
Story of the Day
She came into the hospital with a word of cheer, a word of joy, a word of compassion, a word of care and love. She came into the hospital with the Word in her heart. As she went from room to room with these brief words to the patients present, she began to grow stronger herself. The Word was working through her actions, her lips and in prayer. The Word brought joy to herself and comfort to those she touched. The Word came to all in the situations each were in. The Word was present in the here and now. As she moved from room to room her step took on a dance. A dance as if she were walking with the Word and dancing before the Word, for the Word was present in the here and now. The Word came forth as living water to refresh the weak and sick and to encourage the recovering in their journey. The Word seemed as if a branch from a tree that grew from room to room and spread throughout the hospital. The Word, the Branch, the presence of God, in and through the woman who came into the hospital to give of herself freely and joyfully. The Word is a joy to our heart and causes our feet to dance.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are the Word, the Branch, the Temple, the wonderful God who comes to us in the here and now. Work through us each day in the circumstances in which You place us to bring glory and honor to Your Holy Name. ---Amen
Perseverance builds endurance and strength
Readings of the Days
John 4.1-5.47-Jesus even though tired and worn out and thirsty, pauses by a well and gives a woman a drink of "living" water.
1 Chronicles 15.1-22.1-David dances in joy in the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
Zechariah 4-8-Here is a man whose name is Branch; for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. It is he that shall build the temple of the LORD; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit upon his throne and rule.
God's Word of the Days
I give you circumstances in which I am with you so that you may proclaim My glory.
Story of the Day
She came into the hospital with a word of cheer, a word of joy, a word of compassion, a word of care and love. She came into the hospital with the Word in her heart. As she went from room to room with these brief words to the patients present, she began to grow stronger herself. The Word was working through her actions, her lips and in prayer. The Word brought joy to herself and comfort to those she touched. The Word came to all in the situations each were in. The Word was present in the here and now. As she moved from room to room her step took on a dance. A dance as if she were walking with the Word and dancing before the Word, for the Word was present in the here and now. The Word came forth as living water to refresh the weak and sick and to encourage the recovering in their journey. The Word seemed as if a branch from a tree that grew from room to room and spread throughout the hospital. The Word, the Branch, the presence of God, in and through the woman who came into the hospital to give of herself freely and joyfully. The Word is a joy to our heart and causes our feet to dance.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are the Word, the Branch, the Temple, the wonderful God who comes to us in the here and now. Work through us each day in the circumstances in which You place us to bring glory and honor to Your Holy Name. ---Amen
Monday, August 18, 2008
August 18th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Work is joy in Christ
Readings of the Day
John 3.22-36-He must increase, but I must decrease.
1 Chronicles 13-14-"How can I bring the ark of God into my care?"
Zechariah 3-For on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven facets, I will engrave its inscription, says the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day.
2 Kings 5.1-14-So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.
God's Word of the Day
Immerse yourself in your baptismal waters. In you, I will increase and create you anew.
Story of the Day
The car I was driving ran out of gas, so I got out to take a look at how I could get this thing out of the flow of traffic. People would just drive by and not offer any assistance. So I thought that maybe I could put one leg out the door and give a push. To my surprise this worked. I could push with one leg and steer at the same time. It seemed so easy. But it was only because I was on a slight hill. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill, I realized that this was more than I could do. I couldn't move the car any longer. What I thought I could do under my own power, obviously was only the deception of the hill. I needed an outside power to do what needed to be done. I couldn't rely on my own strength, but needed something new.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I think I have it all under my control and that I don't need You. Sometimes I think that I may even be the one to reach out and save You from tipping over. But You have a way of putting me in my place. You have a way of showing me that it's not about me and it's all about You. Increase in my life and my way as I decrease. Cleanse me with Your baptismal water of grace. For only You can make me clean. Only You can heal me and recreate me into what You wish for me to be. I look to You as You hung on that cross and in a single moment removed sin from the world. You took it upon Yourself to save Your people. No, doubt, it's all about You. And I give You all the praise, honor and glory, now and forever. ---Amen
Work is joy in Christ
Readings of the Day
John 3.22-36-He must increase, but I must decrease.
1 Chronicles 13-14-"How can I bring the ark of God into my care?"
Zechariah 3-For on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven facets, I will engrave its inscription, says the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the guilt of this land in a single day.
2 Kings 5.1-14-So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.
God's Word of the Day
Immerse yourself in your baptismal waters. In you, I will increase and create you anew.
Story of the Day
The car I was driving ran out of gas, so I got out to take a look at how I could get this thing out of the flow of traffic. People would just drive by and not offer any assistance. So I thought that maybe I could put one leg out the door and give a push. To my surprise this worked. I could push with one leg and steer at the same time. It seemed so easy. But it was only because I was on a slight hill. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill, I realized that this was more than I could do. I couldn't move the car any longer. What I thought I could do under my own power, obviously was only the deception of the hill. I needed an outside power to do what needed to be done. I couldn't rely on my own strength, but needed something new.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I think I have it all under my control and that I don't need You. Sometimes I think that I may even be the one to reach out and save You from tipping over. But You have a way of putting me in my place. You have a way of showing me that it's not about me and it's all about You. Increase in my life and my way as I decrease. Cleanse me with Your baptismal water of grace. For only You can make me clean. Only You can heal me and recreate me into what You wish for me to be. I look to You as You hung on that cross and in a single moment removed sin from the world. You took it upon Yourself to save Your people. No, doubt, it's all about You. And I give You all the praise, honor and glory, now and forever. ---Amen
Sunday, August 17, 2008
August 17th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Work then rest
Readings of the Day
John 3.1-21-You must be born from above.
1 Chronicles 12-Troops who rallied to David.
Zechariah 2-Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the LORD.
Matthew 15.10-28-But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."
God's Word of the Day
Rally round Me for I am in your midst and I will help.
Story of the Day
We all had to draw in close in order to see him. He didn't come around all that much and everyone was talking about him all over the country. All the deeds he had been doing and the good things people were seeing amazed all of us. So we all had to crowd in. That's when this woman, who really needed to bathe, got really close to him to ask a question. We really couldn't hear a word that was spoken but she obviously got what she came for from him. When she left, she was smiling. But nothing had changed for her. She was still dirty and looked awful. I figured maybe he would clean her up or something. But she left with a smile on her face. We all had to draw in close in order to see him, but he still remained a mystery to me. Maybe someday, I'll leave the crowd with a smile on my face too.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for allowing me to come close to You. I give You thanks for Your touch. I give You thanks for pushing me when I need pushed. I give You thanks for allowing me to rally with You. For You are in our midst. Here and now, You are in our midst, touching, loving and compassionate. Build my faith, and honor me with the crumbs from the table and use me as Your humble servant, today and forever. ---Amen
Work then rest
Readings of the Day
John 3.1-21-You must be born from above.
1 Chronicles 12-Troops who rallied to David.
Zechariah 2-Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the LORD.
Matthew 15.10-28-But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."
God's Word of the Day
Rally round Me for I am in your midst and I will help.
Story of the Day
We all had to draw in close in order to see him. He didn't come around all that much and everyone was talking about him all over the country. All the deeds he had been doing and the good things people were seeing amazed all of us. So we all had to crowd in. That's when this woman, who really needed to bathe, got really close to him to ask a question. We really couldn't hear a word that was spoken but she obviously got what she came for from him. When she left, she was smiling. But nothing had changed for her. She was still dirty and looked awful. I figured maybe he would clean her up or something. But she left with a smile on her face. We all had to draw in close in order to see him, but he still remained a mystery to me. Maybe someday, I'll leave the crowd with a smile on my face too.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for allowing me to come close to You. I give You thanks for Your touch. I give You thanks for pushing me when I need pushed. I give You thanks for allowing me to rally with You. For You are in our midst. Here and now, You are in our midst, touching, loving and compassionate. Build my faith, and honor me with the crumbs from the table and use me as Your humble servant, today and forever. ---Amen
Saturday, August 16, 2008
August 16th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Bounteous blessings.
Readings of the Day
John 2-Jesus is the true temple where we stay. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise up.
1 Chronicles 10-11-Saul dies and David is anointed king.
Zechariah 1-God returns to Jerusalem with compassion and builds His house in it.
Psalm 67-The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.
God's Word of the Day
See the harvest and give thanks for your daily bread.
Story of the Day
I really didn't have to do much for it. I planted a seed and up it sprung. Sure I took some time to trim it and water it and care for it. But this was just kind of fun stuff to do. But the hours of joy it brought, the colors it displayed, and the fruit it produced were way beyond anything I could ever expect. I really didn't have to do much for all this blessing. At one time I even destroyed it out of my selfish anger. Then it grew on it's own. It grew and allowed me back to care for it. It's as if it took on a second life. After I had abandoned it, something permitted me to return and it seemed instead of me doing the work, it was doing the work for me and giving the blessings or the fruit to me. I really didn't have to do much for it. It did it for me. It rebuilt me! Amazing!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know how I have destroyed the temple. How I have been stubborn and selfish at times. How I have left it behind. Forgive my sin. Let me abide in Your Temple. For You have raised up the Temple. Let me abide in Jesus. Permit me to be a part of the rebuilding of my temple with Yours. ---Amen
Bounteous blessings.
Readings of the Day
John 2-Jesus is the true temple where we stay. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise up.
1 Chronicles 10-11-Saul dies and David is anointed king.
Zechariah 1-God returns to Jerusalem with compassion and builds His house in it.
Psalm 67-The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.
God's Word of the Day
See the harvest and give thanks for your daily bread.
Story of the Day
I really didn't have to do much for it. I planted a seed and up it sprung. Sure I took some time to trim it and water it and care for it. But this was just kind of fun stuff to do. But the hours of joy it brought, the colors it displayed, and the fruit it produced were way beyond anything I could ever expect. I really didn't have to do much for all this blessing. At one time I even destroyed it out of my selfish anger. Then it grew on it's own. It grew and allowed me back to care for it. It's as if it took on a second life. After I had abandoned it, something permitted me to return and it seemed instead of me doing the work, it was doing the work for me and giving the blessings or the fruit to me. I really didn't have to do much for it. It did it for me. It rebuilt me! Amazing!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know how I have destroyed the temple. How I have been stubborn and selfish at times. How I have left it behind. Forgive my sin. Let me abide in Your Temple. For You have raised up the Temple. Let me abide in Jesus. Permit me to be a part of the rebuilding of my temple with Yours. ---Amen
Friday, August 15, 2008
August 15th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Contain, watch, stand-by and clean up.
Readings of the Day
John 1.35-51-"Look, here is the Lamb of God!..."Come and see."..."Follow me."..."We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph of Nazareth."..."Come and see."..."Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!"..."You will see greater things than these."..."Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
1 Chronicles 9-Return from exile and through your heritage pick up on the work once left behind in joy for the Lord has permitted your return.
Haggai 1-2-Rebuild, and focus that rebuilding on the temple of God both physical and spiritual.
Luke 1.46-55-...for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
God's Word of the Day
Come and see! Look! Follow Me! I have come in flesh and blood and am present with you!
Story of the Day
We looked all over the place. My older daughter, who just loved to socialize with people and was so wonderful and caring and compassionate, that she could strike up a conversation with anyone, had left our company. Here we were together at the conference center looking at all of the displays that the college had put before us. So many booths, so many curriculum's to learn about. So many people to talk to and enjoy. And here my wife and I were, looking for our friendly daughter. We would ask someone if they had seen her. They would reply, "Sure! You must be talking about that friendly girl, but she just left." So on our search went. Finally she found us! She came up behind us and tapped us on the shoulder and with a big smile gave us a wonderful hug and told us how much she loved us and how happy she was that we had brought her to look at this college. Our worry turned completely around in some strange way. Worry, aggravation to a loving smile and loving words. Our daughter...our mystery...our love...come to us as we were searching for her...come to us in our worry and aggravation...come to us in love.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, if I but turn around and look and see, if I but follow You, if I look...I see the Lamb of God...I see Love...I see Compassion...I see Salvation...I see a mission...I see a plan...I see a Kingdom...I see so much mystery. May I return in the forgiveness of my sin, may I return from exile to begin the rebuilding in love and faith all that You have in store for me, for us, for Your church. May I return to You as You have found me and called me unique. Choose me and use me this day as Your lowly servant. You are my delight. May I be Yours? ---Amen
Contain, watch, stand-by and clean up.
Readings of the Day
John 1.35-51-"Look, here is the Lamb of God!..."Come and see."..."Follow me."..."We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph of Nazareth."..."Come and see."..."Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!"..."You will see greater things than these."..."Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
1 Chronicles 9-Return from exile and through your heritage pick up on the work once left behind in joy for the Lord has permitted your return.
Haggai 1-2-Rebuild, and focus that rebuilding on the temple of God both physical and spiritual.
Luke 1.46-55-...for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
God's Word of the Day
Come and see! Look! Follow Me! I have come in flesh and blood and am present with you!
Story of the Day
We looked all over the place. My older daughter, who just loved to socialize with people and was so wonderful and caring and compassionate, that she could strike up a conversation with anyone, had left our company. Here we were together at the conference center looking at all of the displays that the college had put before us. So many booths, so many curriculum's to learn about. So many people to talk to and enjoy. And here my wife and I were, looking for our friendly daughter. We would ask someone if they had seen her. They would reply, "Sure! You must be talking about that friendly girl, but she just left." So on our search went. Finally she found us! She came up behind us and tapped us on the shoulder and with a big smile gave us a wonderful hug and told us how much she loved us and how happy she was that we had brought her to look at this college. Our worry turned completely around in some strange way. Worry, aggravation to a loving smile and loving words. Our daughter...our mystery...our love...come to us as we were searching for her...come to us in our worry and aggravation...come to us in love.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, if I but turn around and look and see, if I but follow You, if I look...I see the Lamb of God...I see Love...I see Compassion...I see Salvation...I see a mission...I see a plan...I see a Kingdom...I see so much mystery. May I return in the forgiveness of my sin, may I return from exile to begin the rebuilding in love and faith all that You have in store for me, for us, for Your church. May I return to You as You have found me and called me unique. Choose me and use me this day as Your lowly servant. You are my delight. May I be Yours? ---Amen
Thursday, August 14, 2008
August 14th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Copy what is important.
Readings of the Day
John 1.19-34-"Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
1 Chronicles 7-8-More genealogy continues.
Zephaniah 3-The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.
Revelation 15.1-4-Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty!
God's Word of the Day
Just look at it! Look at creation, look at salvation, look at forgiveness! Just look and see what I have done for you!
Story of the Day
As I lay in my tent that evening with the top cap off, I could see what seemed to be billions of stars. Here at the campsite the stars shown brightly. Then my ears were filled with the praise of a million different insects, birds and animals. Light and sound praising the Creator. Creation responding in a chorus of praise. How small I felt in one respect. How honored I felt in another to be a creation of a God that could do all this. A God that could do all this and then on top of that come to me personally. Come to me as a child and give me dreams and visions and an offering to play all life long. Come to me in pain and suffering and death. Come to me in joy and laughter and fellowship. Come to me and get personal with me. Come to me and forgive my sin. Sin that deserved death and eternal damnation. So that evening, there was absolutely no other choice than to join in the praise. Great and amazing are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. You are my Savior. You are my Friend. You are my Guide. You are my King. You are my Love. You are my Teacher. You are my Healer. You are my Reason. You are my Creator. You are all...Great and amazing are Your deeds! Lord God Almighty! Always, now and forever! ---Amen
Copy what is important.
Readings of the Day
John 1.19-34-"Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
1 Chronicles 7-8-More genealogy continues.
Zephaniah 3-The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.
Revelation 15.1-4-Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty!
God's Word of the Day
Just look at it! Look at creation, look at salvation, look at forgiveness! Just look and see what I have done for you!
Story of the Day
As I lay in my tent that evening with the top cap off, I could see what seemed to be billions of stars. Here at the campsite the stars shown brightly. Then my ears were filled with the praise of a million different insects, birds and animals. Light and sound praising the Creator. Creation responding in a chorus of praise. How small I felt in one respect. How honored I felt in another to be a creation of a God that could do all this. A God that could do all this and then on top of that come to me personally. Come to me as a child and give me dreams and visions and an offering to play all life long. Come to me in pain and suffering and death. Come to me in joy and laughter and fellowship. Come to me and get personal with me. Come to me and forgive my sin. Sin that deserved death and eternal damnation. So that evening, there was absolutely no other choice than to join in the praise. Great and amazing are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, You are Amazing. You are Wonderful. You are my Savior. You are my Friend. You are my Guide. You are my King. You are my Love. You are my Teacher. You are my Healer. You are my Reason. You are my Creator. You are all...Great and amazing are Your deeds! Lord God Almighty! Always, now and forever! ---Amen
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
August 13th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
I will give you relief.
Readings of the Day
John 1.1-18-What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it...But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
1 Chronicles 5-6-The genealogy continues with stories of who received what land.
Zephaniah 2-God is active in the lives of His people; active and alive.
Matthew 8.23-27-Jesus was active in the lives of his disciples and saved them from fear of the storm.
God's Word of the Day
See how I have come in to the lives of my people past. I have come into your life also. Have faith and believe!
Story of the Day
Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me. I remember once while delivering papers as a paper boy. I slipped and fell. Some people thought I was struck by lightening, so they called an ambulance. I was taken to the ER. Soon afterwards there he was. My friend, he took over my paper route till I healed and could continue to work again. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
Later on in life while I was struggling in college, courses above my head; this guy would help by giving me rides back and forth home until I could figure out my direction in life. He even let me stay home a while as my course in life changed and I changed jobs and schools. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
Then I went out and bought a home, got married and had an instant family. I remember painting and getting that house ready with this guy. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
The stories can go on and on. And it got to where I learned how to be there for somebody myself. I learned what the guy had taught me. I learned how to be there for someone else. I learned the reward of the "be there guy" and it was wonderful. I think now I'll be there for him and you too.
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, You're my "be there" guy. You are always where I need You when I need You. You have taught me to do the same for others. You have given others likewise to be there for me. Send me out this day to calm the storm and fears in an other's boat. Send me out to be You in this world to some other. Walk by me side as my Mentor and show me the way. For You are my "be there" guy. Thanks! ---Amen
I will give you relief.
Readings of the Day
John 1.1-18-What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it...But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
1 Chronicles 5-6-The genealogy continues with stories of who received what land.
Zephaniah 2-God is active in the lives of His people; active and alive.
Matthew 8.23-27-Jesus was active in the lives of his disciples and saved them from fear of the storm.
God's Word of the Day
See how I have come in to the lives of my people past. I have come into your life also. Have faith and believe!
Story of the Day
Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me. I remember once while delivering papers as a paper boy. I slipped and fell. Some people thought I was struck by lightening, so they called an ambulance. I was taken to the ER. Soon afterwards there he was. My friend, he took over my paper route till I healed and could continue to work again. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
Later on in life while I was struggling in college, courses above my head; this guy would help by giving me rides back and forth home until I could figure out my direction in life. He even let me stay home a while as my course in life changed and I changed jobs and schools. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
Then I went out and bought a home, got married and had an instant family. I remember painting and getting that house ready with this guy. Every time I was in a pinch, this guy would be there for me.
The stories can go on and on. And it got to where I learned how to be there for somebody myself. I learned what the guy had taught me. I learned how to be there for someone else. I learned the reward of the "be there guy" and it was wonderful. I think now I'll be there for him and you too.
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, You're my "be there" guy. You are always where I need You when I need You. You have taught me to do the same for others. You have given others likewise to be there for me. Send me out this day to calm the storm and fears in an other's boat. Send me out to be You in this world to some other. Walk by me side as my Mentor and show me the way. For You are my "be there" guy. Thanks! ---Amen
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
August 12th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Give it a push
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 13-Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?
1 Chronicles 3-4-The descendants of David, Judah and Simeon. But in the middle of the descendants of Judah, Jabez is highlighted as one who prayed to God and God granted what he asked.
Zephaniah 1-Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is at hand; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests.
Genesis 19.1-29-Lot is saved from death in Sodom and Gomorrah.
God's Word of the Day
Heed My call and warning to you. Stop and listen then act.
Story of the Day
I was deep in sleep that night. One of those good sleeps, no tossing and turning, just sleeping like a log. Then I was jolted awake by my son. Get up Dad, we have to get out of here. Confused and bewildered, I got up. My son told me there was a fire in the basement. He couldn't put it out. He said to get out and that he had called 911. Instead of getting out, I ran to the basement. The fire was huge and coming up the basement steps. I could even feel the heat of the fire on the floor of the kitchen as I ran towards the basement. Since I had run towards the basement, my son followed. Once I realized that this was beyond my control, my son and I began to make sure everyone was out of the house.
It was foolish of me to think I could do something on my own to fight this fire. It was a waste of time and possibly a waste of life. My son and I barely escaped that day because of my ignorance. Luckily the rest of the family, my wife and daughters heeded my son's call to leave and did. Shortly the fire trucks were on the scene and had put the fire out.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I'm so stubborn that I don't just stop, shut-up and listen. Permit me to hear Your voice and to heed Your call and to take the action You wish me to take. Lead me and guide me this day. But first; may I stop and listen to You. First, let me realize Your presence. For You are my God and Savior, now and forever. ---Amen
Give it a push
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 13-Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?
1 Chronicles 3-4-The descendants of David, Judah and Simeon. But in the middle of the descendants of Judah, Jabez is highlighted as one who prayed to God and God granted what he asked.
Zephaniah 1-Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is at hand; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests.
Genesis 19.1-29-Lot is saved from death in Sodom and Gomorrah.
God's Word of the Day
Heed My call and warning to you. Stop and listen then act.
Story of the Day
I was deep in sleep that night. One of those good sleeps, no tossing and turning, just sleeping like a log. Then I was jolted awake by my son. Get up Dad, we have to get out of here. Confused and bewildered, I got up. My son told me there was a fire in the basement. He couldn't put it out. He said to get out and that he had called 911. Instead of getting out, I ran to the basement. The fire was huge and coming up the basement steps. I could even feel the heat of the fire on the floor of the kitchen as I ran towards the basement. Since I had run towards the basement, my son followed. Once I realized that this was beyond my control, my son and I began to make sure everyone was out of the house.
It was foolish of me to think I could do something on my own to fight this fire. It was a waste of time and possibly a waste of life. My son and I barely escaped that day because of my ignorance. Luckily the rest of the family, my wife and daughters heeded my son's call to leave and did. Shortly the fire trucks were on the scene and had put the fire out.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes I'm so stubborn that I don't just stop, shut-up and listen. Permit me to hear Your voice and to heed Your call and to take the action You wish me to take. Lead me and guide me this day. But first; may I stop and listen to You. First, let me realize Your presence. For You are my God and Savior, now and forever. ---Amen
Monday, August 11, 2008
August 11th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
There is healing in the blood.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 12-My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
1 Chronicles 1-2-A genealogy of God's people.
Habakkuk 3-I will exult in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.
Genesis 7.11-8.5-A great flood, but a remnant of life was saved on the ark with Noah and his family.
God's Word of the Day
I have paid the price to save you.
Story of the Day
I knew this wouldn't be easy. It was 2am when the call came in. I had to get up and go to work on a hot crane in the middle of the summer over top of hot steel. This job was going to be hot and tiring and dirty. I knew this wouldn't be easy. But as I scrambled out of bed and got ready, I dreaded every step of the way. I needed more sleep than this. Why did I have to be the one on call? Why did I have to get this call? But on I went anyway. And the job wasn't easy. There was a leak in the refrigerant lines that called for replacing the line. The hot job went on for the entire next day and I finally completed the job at 6pm that same day. It wasn't easy. It was my time to take on the hard job and I did. And was I glad that was over with. It felt good to go home to supper and back to bed. Someone else had the turn for call this night. So tonight, I rested securely. I knew this wouldn't be easy.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know sometimes You call me to the "not so easy" jobs. Give me the faith and gumption to follow Your call, knowing and trusting in You all the way. Call me as one of Your children. For I know of a job that was done for me that wasn't so easy too. And in this job, and passion, I place all my hope. I give You all the glory for the job that Jesus did for His people. For You alone are my strength in the call. In Jesus name. ---Amen
There is healing in the blood.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 12-My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
1 Chronicles 1-2-A genealogy of God's people.
Habakkuk 3-I will exult in the God of my salvation. GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.
Genesis 7.11-8.5-A great flood, but a remnant of life was saved on the ark with Noah and his family.
God's Word of the Day
I have paid the price to save you.
Story of the Day
I knew this wouldn't be easy. It was 2am when the call came in. I had to get up and go to work on a hot crane in the middle of the summer over top of hot steel. This job was going to be hot and tiring and dirty. I knew this wouldn't be easy. But as I scrambled out of bed and got ready, I dreaded every step of the way. I needed more sleep than this. Why did I have to be the one on call? Why did I have to get this call? But on I went anyway. And the job wasn't easy. There was a leak in the refrigerant lines that called for replacing the line. The hot job went on for the entire next day and I finally completed the job at 6pm that same day. It wasn't easy. It was my time to take on the hard job and I did. And was I glad that was over with. It felt good to go home to supper and back to bed. Someone else had the turn for call this night. So tonight, I rested securely. I knew this wouldn't be easy.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know sometimes You call me to the "not so easy" jobs. Give me the faith and gumption to follow Your call, knowing and trusting in You all the way. Call me as one of Your children. For I know of a job that was done for me that wasn't so easy too. And in this job, and passion, I place all my hope. I give You all the glory for the job that Jesus did for His people. For You alone are my strength in the call. In Jesus name. ---Amen
Sunday, August 10, 2008
August 10th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Lift praises to God
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 11-Paul is a fool for Christ and proud of it.
2 Kings 25-The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed.
Habakkuk 2-Write the vision and make it plain.
Matthew 14.22-33-Get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus in faith.
God's Word of the Day
I give you faith and hope. Get out of your boat and come with Me.
Story of the Day
The objective was to climb a skinny pole about forty feet high, then stand up on a two foot by two foot platform and leap about five feet to a bar suspended over a gorge from a tree. It took all the focus I could muster to climb the pegs on the pole. Then to focus on the platform and stand up. Then to focus on the bar. Then to gather up enough courage to take the jump for that bar. Nerves were rattled. But I made it! I caught the bar and the spotter lowered me down to praises of fellow team members who offered encouraging words throughout the entire ordeal. It took some faith in myself. It took some faith in my friends. It took trust in the spotter.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear Your call to get out of the boat. To take a chance. To follow You in the faith You have given to me. I hear Your call to be foolish for You. I hear Your call to see Your vision and plan in my life and follow it. Lead me out this day with a clear vision and with a clean heart that I may serve You boldly and faithfully. For You are my God and Savior and I give You alone all the honor and glory and praise, now and forever. ---Amen
Lift praises to God
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 11-Paul is a fool for Christ and proud of it.
2 Kings 25-The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed.
Habakkuk 2-Write the vision and make it plain.
Matthew 14.22-33-Get out of the boat and walk on water with Jesus in faith.
God's Word of the Day
I give you faith and hope. Get out of your boat and come with Me.
Story of the Day
The objective was to climb a skinny pole about forty feet high, then stand up on a two foot by two foot platform and leap about five feet to a bar suspended over a gorge from a tree. It took all the focus I could muster to climb the pegs on the pole. Then to focus on the platform and stand up. Then to focus on the bar. Then to gather up enough courage to take the jump for that bar. Nerves were rattled. But I made it! I caught the bar and the spotter lowered me down to praises of fellow team members who offered encouraging words throughout the entire ordeal. It took some faith in myself. It took some faith in my friends. It took trust in the spotter.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I hear Your call to get out of the boat. To take a chance. To follow You in the faith You have given to me. I hear Your call to be foolish for You. I hear Your call to see Your vision and plan in my life and follow it. Lead me out this day with a clear vision and with a clean heart that I may serve You boldly and faithfully. For You are my God and Savior and I give You alone all the honor and glory and praise, now and forever. ---Amen
Saturday, August 09, 2008
August 9th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
There will be bumps in the road.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 10-For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
2 Kings 23.35-24.20-Indeed, Jerusalem and Judah so angered the LORD that he expelled them from his presence.
Habakkuk 1-Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?
Psalm 85.8-13-Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
God's Word of the Day
When you reach a bump in the road, deal with it through Me. Don't anger me and turn away. I will expel you from my presence. Rather turn to me and I will run to you with steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace.
Story of the Day
We drove up to a tree that completely blocked the road. We had been on this road for some time without a turn off or even a turn around present. Surely we would be late to the retreat now. Looking on either side of the tree, there was no way to move a vehicle around. We either had to move the tree, or go back and find another approach to the retreat site. But I wasn't even sure if there was another way in.
Surely other's had come up to this roadblock. It didn't appear as though any one else had seen this in the past. So we were either the first to see this tree blocking the way and the first to get out and try and do anything about it. So after talking it over with the group we decided to move the limb from the road.
We worked first on the small branches, trying to reduce the overall weight of the limb. After about an hour the only thing left was the huge core of wood. Slowly pushing one end with the bumper of the car and a couple of people holding a rock as a fulcrum or pivot we were able to move the wood so that the brand was parallel to the road and gave enough clearance for one vehicle to pass on one side.
As we arrived at the retreat, we found we were the first to get there. Then the others came and told us how lucky they felt that they even got by this tree limb in the road. It was a wonderful reunion of friends that evening.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as my journey in life points towards Your face, may the roadblocks not cause me to turn away from You. May I hear Your voice in times of trouble and keep my approach facing You. May I go to work on the roadblocks and not turn from You but keep Your face in my sight. For I know of a sure reunion You have in store. Send the Savior to my side that I may walk in Your way and see Your Light and know of a hope to come in You where we will kiss in steadfast love and righteousness and faithfulness will be fulfilled and see Your glory. ---Amen
There will be bumps in the road.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 10-For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
2 Kings 23.35-24.20-Indeed, Jerusalem and Judah so angered the LORD that he expelled them from his presence.
Habakkuk 1-Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?
Psalm 85.8-13-Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
God's Word of the Day
When you reach a bump in the road, deal with it through Me. Don't anger me and turn away. I will expel you from my presence. Rather turn to me and I will run to you with steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace.
Story of the Day
We drove up to a tree that completely blocked the road. We had been on this road for some time without a turn off or even a turn around present. Surely we would be late to the retreat now. Looking on either side of the tree, there was no way to move a vehicle around. We either had to move the tree, or go back and find another approach to the retreat site. But I wasn't even sure if there was another way in.
Surely other's had come up to this roadblock. It didn't appear as though any one else had seen this in the past. So we were either the first to see this tree blocking the way and the first to get out and try and do anything about it. So after talking it over with the group we decided to move the limb from the road.
We worked first on the small branches, trying to reduce the overall weight of the limb. After about an hour the only thing left was the huge core of wood. Slowly pushing one end with the bumper of the car and a couple of people holding a rock as a fulcrum or pivot we were able to move the wood so that the brand was parallel to the road and gave enough clearance for one vehicle to pass on one side.
As we arrived at the retreat, we found we were the first to get there. Then the others came and told us how lucky they felt that they even got by this tree limb in the road. It was a wonderful reunion of friends that evening.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as my journey in life points towards Your face, may the roadblocks not cause me to turn away from You. May I hear Your voice in times of trouble and keep my approach facing You. May I go to work on the roadblocks and not turn from You but keep Your face in my sight. For I know of a sure reunion You have in store. Send the Savior to my side that I may walk in Your way and see Your Light and know of a hope to come in You where we will kiss in steadfast love and righteousness and faithfulness will be fulfilled and see Your glory. ---Amen
Friday, August 08, 2008
August 8th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
See the blessings
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 9-Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Kings 22.1-23.34-Josiah's reformation and the turning back to God from false gods.
Nahum 3-God will expose and defeat evil.
Acts 18.24-28-...and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the thing concerning Jesus...
God's Word of the Day
See the blessings that I have daily surrounded you with.
Story of the Day
Technology had advanced to the point that virtual reality was becoming a vision into the future. When I put on the helmet and the arm bracelets, not only did things look real that were virtual, I could begin to see things that were about to happen in the future. Then when I took off the helmet, it was like a replay of what I had just seen. It was like the future was a re-run of what I had seen in the virtual reality helmet. I couldn't change anything, but I knew what was about to happen. So as I toyed with this capability. I became adamant about vocalizing what was about to happen in the future. I voiced my opinions. I could see the blessings and the curses of seeing into the future. I knew of the future and spoke convincingly of what would take place. It all really got way out of hand and was more than I could even take.
That's when I began to realize the blessings of living in the here and now. The blessings of having a hope in the future. The blessings of life in the moment. I really didn't need to know the future. My future was cared for already and wasn't my concern. My future was lovingly taken care of for me. I could work on reforming my present in hopes of a future that was taken care of.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, lead me to work in the present with grand hopes for the future. In either case I ask Your presence, present and future. I give You all honor and glory for the blessing of Your presence in my past and look forward to the now and the future I have in store with You. ---Amen
See the blessings
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 9-Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Kings 22.1-23.34-Josiah's reformation and the turning back to God from false gods.
Nahum 3-God will expose and defeat evil.
Acts 18.24-28-...and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the thing concerning Jesus...
God's Word of the Day
See the blessings that I have daily surrounded you with.
Story of the Day
Technology had advanced to the point that virtual reality was becoming a vision into the future. When I put on the helmet and the arm bracelets, not only did things look real that were virtual, I could begin to see things that were about to happen in the future. Then when I took off the helmet, it was like a replay of what I had just seen. It was like the future was a re-run of what I had seen in the virtual reality helmet. I couldn't change anything, but I knew what was about to happen. So as I toyed with this capability. I became adamant about vocalizing what was about to happen in the future. I voiced my opinions. I could see the blessings and the curses of seeing into the future. I knew of the future and spoke convincingly of what would take place. It all really got way out of hand and was more than I could even take.
That's when I began to realize the blessings of living in the here and now. The blessings of having a hope in the future. The blessings of life in the moment. I really didn't need to know the future. My future was cared for already and wasn't my concern. My future was lovingly taken care of for me. I could work on reforming my present in hopes of a future that was taken care of.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, lead me to work in the present with grand hopes for the future. In either case I ask Your presence, present and future. I give You all honor and glory for the blessing of Your presence in my past and look forward to the now and the future I have in store with You. ---Amen
Thursday, August 07, 2008
August 7th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Suffering builds endurance.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 8-The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.
2 Kings 20-21-I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears ; indeed, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.
Nahum 2-God will destroy the wicked.
Acts 17.10-15-Welcome the Message eagerly.
God's Word of the Day
Your suffering will end in joy. Welcome My Son into your life.
Story of the Day
The small dog came out of nowhere. As I was driving he darted in front of my path. I did what I could to avoid contact, but hit the dog anyway. I stopped and went back and found a blanket in my trunk. Picking the dog up, I took it to a vet nearby. As the vet examined the small dog, he said that the dog would be fine. The vet placed a wing like splint on the dog's leg and gave him back to me. With no collar on the dog or any identification, I took the dog home. Took care of him and nursed him along to health. That dog was one of the best dogs I have ever had.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, take me in. In my tears of pain I cry out to You for help. Take me in and mend me up and heal me to bring You joy. For I know of Your care. I know how You bless beyond belief and I trust in Your loving kindness and care. Permit me to bring joy to Your heart and to return love to You. You alone are my Savior and ever present help. ---Amen
Suffering builds endurance.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 8-The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.
2 Kings 20-21-I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears ; indeed, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.
Nahum 2-God will destroy the wicked.
Acts 17.10-15-Welcome the Message eagerly.
God's Word of the Day
Your suffering will end in joy. Welcome My Son into your life.
Story of the Day
The small dog came out of nowhere. As I was driving he darted in front of my path. I did what I could to avoid contact, but hit the dog anyway. I stopped and went back and found a blanket in my trunk. Picking the dog up, I took it to a vet nearby. As the vet examined the small dog, he said that the dog would be fine. The vet placed a wing like splint on the dog's leg and gave him back to me. With no collar on the dog or any identification, I took the dog home. Took care of him and nursed him along to health. That dog was one of the best dogs I have ever had.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, take me in. In my tears of pain I cry out to You for help. Take me in and mend me up and heal me to bring You joy. For I know of Your care. I know how You bless beyond belief and I trust in Your loving kindness and care. Permit me to bring joy to Your heart and to return love to You. You alone are my Savior and ever present help. ---Amen
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
August 6th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Celebrate diversity
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 6.14-7.16-I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Kings 19-God saves Jerusalem from sure defeat by Assyria.
Nahum 1-The LORD is slow to anger but great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.
Matthew 15.32-39-The disciples give away all of their lunch and thousands are fed.
God's Word of the Day
I love My creation. Give all you have in love to one another and see the beauty I have created.
Story of the Day
As we watched the caretakers bring the horses into the arena, it became apparent how much work was involved in the presentation of the horses before the judges at the fair. Each horse was clean and groomed and carefully presented. Each horse had been trained to show it's best. The trainers worked in love to show each horse. Then the judgment took place. The judge would walk around each horse looking for particulars I couldn't even imagine. Awards were presented and all left the arena proud of having even been there. I could see a great love present for these animals. I witnessed a caring eye for detail by caretaker and judge. What beauty was presented in the animals and trainers and judges in love one for each other.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know You will judge. Keep me the apple of Your eye. Look on me in favor and groom me for Your Kingdom. May I present to You what You want to see. Teach me and train me. Permit me to raise others whom You have given to me and care for them with the compassion and love You have shown me. ---Amen
Celebrate diversity
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 6.14-7.16-I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Kings 19-God saves Jerusalem from sure defeat by Assyria.
Nahum 1-The LORD is slow to anger but great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.
Matthew 15.32-39-The disciples give away all of their lunch and thousands are fed.
God's Word of the Day
I love My creation. Give all you have in love to one another and see the beauty I have created.
Story of the Day
As we watched the caretakers bring the horses into the arena, it became apparent how much work was involved in the presentation of the horses before the judges at the fair. Each horse was clean and groomed and carefully presented. Each horse had been trained to show it's best. The trainers worked in love to show each horse. Then the judgment took place. The judge would walk around each horse looking for particulars I couldn't even imagine. Awards were presented and all left the arena proud of having even been there. I could see a great love present for these animals. I witnessed a caring eye for detail by caretaker and judge. What beauty was presented in the animals and trainers and judges in love one for each other.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I know You will judge. Keep me the apple of Your eye. Look on me in favor and groom me for Your Kingdom. May I present to You what You want to see. Teach me and train me. Permit me to raise others whom You have given to me and care for them with the compassion and love You have shown me. ---Amen
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
August 5th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Restoration
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 5.11-6.13-And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
2 Kings 18-He did what was right in the sight of the LORD just as his ancestor David had done.
Micah 7-A day for building of your walls! In that day the boundary shall be far extended.
Deuteronomy 26.1-15-...you shall take some of the first fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name.
God's Word of the Day
Do what is right before Me. I guide you to truth and love.
Story of the Day
Time had stood still it seemed. Every time I looked at my watch the world appeared to stop. I could see everything just as it was at that moment in time. I would look up and everything had come to a stop. Then, when I began to move, everyone else began to move. It was really weird when this happened. I didn't understand why it was happening. But it happened time after time. When I glanced at my watch the world would stop. Everyone would freeze in position. I found that in that freezing of position I was able to look around me. I could see people about to begin an argument, I could see people about to rob a store, I could see people about to hug, I could see people in the act of kissing. I saw people freeze in so many different ways. It was life frozen in a moment of time. In those frozen moments, I began to reflect on the actions that people take. Why do we do what we do? Some people are blessed and happy, other people are anxious and mad. What could I do to join the group of blessed and happy? How could I change in those unfrozen moments so that in the frozen moments I would have happiness? It seemed as if the frozen happy people were aware of the present time. They were aware of the blessings in life. They were happy with the now. They knew that a future was secure through their Savior. So I went to the happy people and began to talk to them. I found in them an assurance of hope seen in a Savior. I heard of an appreciation of the promised land to come in their life in which they felt secure. Secure not of their own doing, but secure in the doing of Jesus on the cross years ago. Secure, frozen in time and secure while time moves them to act in love. Act in love and pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Kind of like David was pleasing. No, David was not sinless, but he had hope in the Lord. That day was so much fun. Looking at my watch and seeing time and people freeze. Then back to action. I changed that day. I changed in hopes that if frozen or active, I would live in the hope of salvation from Jesus.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, give me those times that I need to freeze and look around. Let me see Your Light. Let me see Your salvation. Let me see Your blessings. Let me freeze in time and offer You all praise and glory. Now, frozen in time and today and tomorrow and forever throughout all time, You are my God and hope and Savior. ---Amen
Restoration
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 5.11-6.13-And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
2 Kings 18-He did what was right in the sight of the LORD just as his ancestor David had done.
Micah 7-A day for building of your walls! In that day the boundary shall be far extended.
Deuteronomy 26.1-15-...you shall take some of the first fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his name.
God's Word of the Day
Do what is right before Me. I guide you to truth and love.
Story of the Day
Time had stood still it seemed. Every time I looked at my watch the world appeared to stop. I could see everything just as it was at that moment in time. I would look up and everything had come to a stop. Then, when I began to move, everyone else began to move. It was really weird when this happened. I didn't understand why it was happening. But it happened time after time. When I glanced at my watch the world would stop. Everyone would freeze in position. I found that in that freezing of position I was able to look around me. I could see people about to begin an argument, I could see people about to rob a store, I could see people about to hug, I could see people in the act of kissing. I saw people freeze in so many different ways. It was life frozen in a moment of time. In those frozen moments, I began to reflect on the actions that people take. Why do we do what we do? Some people are blessed and happy, other people are anxious and mad. What could I do to join the group of blessed and happy? How could I change in those unfrozen moments so that in the frozen moments I would have happiness? It seemed as if the frozen happy people were aware of the present time. They were aware of the blessings in life. They were happy with the now. They knew that a future was secure through their Savior. So I went to the happy people and began to talk to them. I found in them an assurance of hope seen in a Savior. I heard of an appreciation of the promised land to come in their life in which they felt secure. Secure not of their own doing, but secure in the doing of Jesus on the cross years ago. Secure, frozen in time and secure while time moves them to act in love. Act in love and pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Kind of like David was pleasing. No, David was not sinless, but he had hope in the Lord. That day was so much fun. Looking at my watch and seeing time and people freeze. Then back to action. I changed that day. I changed in hopes that if frozen or active, I would live in the hope of salvation from Jesus.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, give me those times that I need to freeze and look around. Let me see Your Light. Let me see Your salvation. Let me see Your blessings. Let me freeze in time and offer You all praise and glory. Now, frozen in time and today and tomorrow and forever throughout all time, You are my God and hope and Savior. ---Amen
Monday, August 04, 2008
August 4th - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
The old watch the young and the young renew the old.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 4.1-5.10-Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
2 Kings 17-You shall not worship other gods; you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not worship other gods but you shall worship the LORD your God; he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
Micah 6-He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Deuteronomy 8.1-10-Know then in your heart that as a parent disciplines a child so the LORD your God disciplines you.
God's Word of the Day
Even though your journey seems long and hard; your inner nature is being renewed.
Story of the Day
It seemed as if this trip was going to last forever. With Granny in the front seat with Dad, I and my Mom were in the back seat. All the windows in the car were down and the air felt good, but this was a long trip. When were we going to be there? "Are we there yet?" I would ask Dad over and over. "Just a while longer." So on we drove. Mom entertained me with games of counting cows and such. If we passed a cemetery we had to bury all of our cows. But this trip seemed to take a long time. I was young, cranky and tired of travel. Then we arrived at the cabin. We were going to stay three days. As soon as we arrived all my energy came to life. Out of the car I jumped and off I was to run and play in the woods. I ran straight to the creek and jubilantly jumped in and splashed around and looked for new adventures ahead.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes the journey wears me down. Sometimes I don't think I'm going to make it. Everything wears out sooner or later. But You have so much more in store. You have a renewal beyond belief. Permit me to recall the baptismal splashing of Your love. Permit me to revel in the Love You show. Permit me to be renewed in spirit by Your Spirit. You are my Father. You are my God and I will follow as Your child, today, tomorrow and forever, always renewed in strength by Your bountiful blessings. ---Amen
The old watch the young and the young renew the old.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 4.1-5.10-Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
2 Kings 17-You shall not worship other gods; you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not worship other gods but you shall worship the LORD your God; he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
Micah 6-He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Deuteronomy 8.1-10-Know then in your heart that as a parent disciplines a child so the LORD your God disciplines you.
God's Word of the Day
Even though your journey seems long and hard; your inner nature is being renewed.
Story of the Day
It seemed as if this trip was going to last forever. With Granny in the front seat with Dad, I and my Mom were in the back seat. All the windows in the car were down and the air felt good, but this was a long trip. When were we going to be there? "Are we there yet?" I would ask Dad over and over. "Just a while longer." So on we drove. Mom entertained me with games of counting cows and such. If we passed a cemetery we had to bury all of our cows. But this trip seemed to take a long time. I was young, cranky and tired of travel. Then we arrived at the cabin. We were going to stay three days. As soon as we arrived all my energy came to life. Out of the car I jumped and off I was to run and play in the woods. I ran straight to the creek and jubilantly jumped in and splashed around and looked for new adventures ahead.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, sometimes the journey wears me down. Sometimes I don't think I'm going to make it. Everything wears out sooner or later. But You have so much more in store. You have a renewal beyond belief. Permit me to recall the baptismal splashing of Your love. Permit me to revel in the Love You show. Permit me to be renewed in spirit by Your Spirit. You are my Father. You are my God and I will follow as Your child, today, tomorrow and forever, always renewed in strength by Your bountiful blessings. ---Amen
Sunday, August 03, 2008
August 3rd - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Hold the friction down.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 2.5-3.18-Forgive and console one another.
2 Kings 15-16-Good leadership focuses on God.
Micah 5.2-15-Then the remnant of Jacob, surrounded by many peoples, shall be like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not depend upon people or wait for any mortal.
Matthew 14.13-21-...you give them something to eat.
God's Word of the Day
Forgive and give to one another.
Story of the Day
The oil in the engine had seen it's life. It had given of it's chemical qualities until it was now worn out. It was time for a change. The oil wanted so badly to continue in service but now it's life was over. Time to pull the old oil from the engine and replace it with new and fresh oil. New oil with the qualities needed to withstand the heat and the friction and the wear and tear of metal to metal contact. The old oil gave it's very life to allow the engine to continue to function in the harsh environment that it existed in. The old oil was honored and praised by the engine for saving the engine's life. No, the old oil was not perfect. But it gladly did what it had to do. No, the new oil is neither perfect either, but it is ready to serve just as it had seen the old oil serve. And life continues for the engine.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, old or new, lead us to care for one another. Lead us to take up leadership, service or work when it is our turn. Lead us to forgive one another when we are tired. Lead us to love one another always. Lead us to have compassion and understanding. Lead us to give our life for the life of another. May my head always be turned toward You. May my ear always listen carefully to Your Voice. May You always be my focus in life. --- Amen
Hold the friction down.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 2.5-3.18-Forgive and console one another.
2 Kings 15-16-Good leadership focuses on God.
Micah 5.2-15-Then the remnant of Jacob, surrounded by many peoples, shall be like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not depend upon people or wait for any mortal.
Matthew 14.13-21-...you give them something to eat.
God's Word of the Day
Forgive and give to one another.
Story of the Day
The oil in the engine had seen it's life. It had given of it's chemical qualities until it was now worn out. It was time for a change. The oil wanted so badly to continue in service but now it's life was over. Time to pull the old oil from the engine and replace it with new and fresh oil. New oil with the qualities needed to withstand the heat and the friction and the wear and tear of metal to metal contact. The old oil gave it's very life to allow the engine to continue to function in the harsh environment that it existed in. The old oil was honored and praised by the engine for saving the engine's life. No, the old oil was not perfect. But it gladly did what it had to do. No, the new oil is neither perfect either, but it is ready to serve just as it had seen the old oil serve. And life continues for the engine.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, old or new, lead us to care for one another. Lead us to take up leadership, service or work when it is our turn. Lead us to forgive one another when we are tired. Lead us to love one another always. Lead us to have compassion and understanding. Lead us to give our life for the life of another. May my head always be turned toward You. May my ear always listen carefully to Your Voice. May You always be my focus in life. --- Amen
Saturday, August 02, 2008
August 2nd - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Take a short run on your own.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 1.1-2.4-...on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again.
2 Kings 14-Good kings and bad kings come and go.
Micah 4.1-5.1-...but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
Psalm 145.8-9, 14-21-The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
God's Word of the Day
Set your hope on me. I will give you what you need to run the race.
Story of the Day
There I was, at the starting blocks with the race ready to begin. It took a long time for me to get to this place. I recalled when I was afraid to even go out for the track team. I knew how slow I really was and didn't want the other kids to make fun of me. But I really wanted to do this. I wanted to be involved in activities even if my talent and skills weren't up to the best of the best. So I went out anyway for the track team. They really let anyone on the team, as long as you showed up for practice. And I practiced and ran and ran and ran. I never won a race in practice but I did enjoy running with the others. I enjoyed the fellowship of being together in a struggle to practice for competition.
It was next, that one of the best runners twisted their ankle and went down. I was called up into action. I knew that I would give my best but could never measure up to the other runner. In my mind this didn't matter. I would give my all. So here I was at the starting blocks of the relay. I had a short sprint to do. I had practiced. I was ready. So off I went, running the race. It was fun. No, I wasn't the fastest, but by far, I was the happiest to be called into action for those guys I had practiced and worked so hard for and with. Finally the pass of the baton to the next team member. What a joy to run the race! What a joy to be called! What a joy!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for the preparation. You take the weak and make them strong. You take the slow and make them fast. You rebuild and use all that You have created into the glory You wish for it to take. I pause and give You thanks for those glorious people You surround me with. I give You thanks for their presence in my life. I want to walk in Your way. I want to run Your race. I want to give You the glory and honor and praise, side by side with those You have created. The fast and the slow will come and go, but I place all my hope and strength in You. Be with us this day as we strive to do Your will in Your Kingdom this day, today, now, tomorrow, and forever. ---Amen
Take a short run on your own.
Readings of the Day
2 Corinthians 1.1-2.4-...on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again.
2 Kings 14-Good kings and bad kings come and go.
Micah 4.1-5.1-...but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
Psalm 145.8-9, 14-21-The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
God's Word of the Day
Set your hope on me. I will give you what you need to run the race.
Story of the Day
There I was, at the starting blocks with the race ready to begin. It took a long time for me to get to this place. I recalled when I was afraid to even go out for the track team. I knew how slow I really was and didn't want the other kids to make fun of me. But I really wanted to do this. I wanted to be involved in activities even if my talent and skills weren't up to the best of the best. So I went out anyway for the track team. They really let anyone on the team, as long as you showed up for practice. And I practiced and ran and ran and ran. I never won a race in practice but I did enjoy running with the others. I enjoyed the fellowship of being together in a struggle to practice for competition.
It was next, that one of the best runners twisted their ankle and went down. I was called up into action. I knew that I would give my best but could never measure up to the other runner. In my mind this didn't matter. I would give my all. So here I was at the starting blocks of the relay. I had a short sprint to do. I had practiced. I was ready. So off I went, running the race. It was fun. No, I wasn't the fastest, but by far, I was the happiest to be called into action for those guys I had practiced and worked so hard for and with. Finally the pass of the baton to the next team member. What a joy to run the race! What a joy to be called! What a joy!
Prayer of the Day
Lord, I give You thanks for the preparation. You take the weak and make them strong. You take the slow and make them fast. You rebuild and use all that You have created into the glory You wish for it to take. I pause and give You thanks for those glorious people You surround me with. I give You thanks for their presence in my life. I want to walk in Your way. I want to run Your race. I want to give You the glory and honor and praise, side by side with those You have created. The fast and the slow will come and go, but I place all my hope and strength in You. Be with us this day as we strive to do Your will in Your Kingdom this day, today, now, tomorrow, and forever. ---Amen
Friday, August 01, 2008
August 1st - Let's Play!
Theme of the Day
Take a different approach.
Readings of the Day
1 Corinthians 16-...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me...Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
2 Kings 12-13-As a man was being buried, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha; as soon as the man touched to bones of Elisha, he came to life and stood on his feet.
Micah 3-Surely the LORD is with us!
Romans 9.6-13-...but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
God's Word of the Day
Take the open door of service in love I give to you, for I will be with you.
Story of the Day
As I wandered through the Mystery House at the carnival, I came to mirrors that distorted my appearance. I had so much fun with my friends, looking at how different I appeared in the mirror. I slid down circular slides that took me to more unknown places. I walked over spaces that blew puffs of air into my face. At every turn was either something new or a surprise of some kind. The mystery of what may happen next, actually enhanced the fun of the entire experience. So on I went through the house with my friends at my side; laughing and giggling and having a good time. We knew of each other's presence; and in the sharing of the new we delighted. Then at the end, when I thought surely I was going to die from fear of the unknown; I slid down a slide and back to the world I had come from. It was a grand time and new life in the same old world took on a new charge for the rest of the day at the carnival.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as I walk through Your Kingdom this day, may I have the fun and excitement that only Your presence can provide. Make my new turns and experiences teach me the wisdom and love You want me to learn. Permit me to have some fun in this Kingdom of Yours. Open doors and windows of new experience and service. Protect me along the way and stay by my side. And in the end, may I touch Your bones and spring to life eternal in praise and glory to You. ---Amen
Take a different approach.
Readings of the Day
1 Corinthians 16-...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me...Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
2 Kings 12-13-As a man was being buried, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha; as soon as the man touched to bones of Elisha, he came to life and stood on his feet.
Micah 3-Surely the LORD is with us!
Romans 9.6-13-...but the children of the promise are counted as descendants.
God's Word of the Day
Take the open door of service in love I give to you, for I will be with you.
Story of the Day
As I wandered through the Mystery House at the carnival, I came to mirrors that distorted my appearance. I had so much fun with my friends, looking at how different I appeared in the mirror. I slid down circular slides that took me to more unknown places. I walked over spaces that blew puffs of air into my face. At every turn was either something new or a surprise of some kind. The mystery of what may happen next, actually enhanced the fun of the entire experience. So on I went through the house with my friends at my side; laughing and giggling and having a good time. We knew of each other's presence; and in the sharing of the new we delighted. Then at the end, when I thought surely I was going to die from fear of the unknown; I slid down a slide and back to the world I had come from. It was a grand time and new life in the same old world took on a new charge for the rest of the day at the carnival.
Prayer of the Day
Lord, as I walk through Your Kingdom this day, may I have the fun and excitement that only Your presence can provide. Make my new turns and experiences teach me the wisdom and love You want me to learn. Permit me to have some fun in this Kingdom of Yours. Open doors and windows of new experience and service. Protect me along the way and stay by my side. And in the end, may I touch Your bones and spring to life eternal in praise and glory to You. ---Amen
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