Read Proverbs 23:5
Your ten-year-old brother, Andy, is starting to annoy you. He constantly reminds you that his birthday is thirteen days away. He has a long list of toys he expects to receive from you, your parents, and his friends.
The big day arrives, and Andy is thrilled as he surveys the huge pile of gifts that awaits him. One by one, he tears the ribbon off each gift and rips into the wrapping paper. His excitement grows as he realizes that most of the gifts he wanted he has, in fact, received. A car racetrack, the hottest video game, and a brand new skateboard are now his!
But Andy's smile quickly turns into a frown. The cars keep skidding off the racetrack, the video game becomes boring, and it's raining too hard outside to try out the skateboard.
Like Andy, have you ever felt disappointed? Probably so. Each one of us has had our birthday gifts go bust. Toys get lost, clothes get ripped, and stereos get broken.
Think About It
The writer of Proverbs undoubtedly had similar problems. In Proverbs 23:5, he writes, "Will you catch only a fleeting glimpse of wealth before it is gone? It makes wings for itself like an eagle flying into the sky." When have you had a gift get lost, stolen, or broken? How did this loss of "riches" give you a new perspective on the gifts you received? Can you think of any "gift" that will last forever? Jesus is the ultimate gift. He will never get broken, stolen, or lost. He is the only gift that lasts forever. Take one minute to thank Jesus for how he has changed your life.
Pray About It
Help me, Lord, to appreciate the many things that you have given me but also to remember that they are only temporary. Give me a fresh focus on your gift of salvation that lasts forever.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Hebrews 12
God's Word for Students
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24: Don't Laugh
Read Proverbs 17:5
Laughing is a natural human activity. Laughter was given by God to lighten up our load in life. Scientists have demonstrated that people who laugh regularly are happier and healthier than people who don't.
But not all laughter is equally funny. Some people get laughs at other people's expense. And God doesn't like that. Listen to what Solomon says in Proverbs 17:5: "Whoever makes fun of a poor person insults his maker. Whoever is happy to see someone's distress will not escape punishment."
Some types of humor make fun of other people or their tragedies. Most of the really popular stand-up comedians or late night talk-show hosts engage in humor that pokes fun at other people. Sure, it may be funny, but God says it's wrong.
Think About It
Here are three things you can do when people around you are engaging in unsavory humor.
(1) Don't laugh. Learn to control how you respond to humor. If it's offensive, don't laugh.
(2) Don't participate. Some people seem to spend most of their lives insulting other people. If that's the case with people you know, find some new friends.
(3) Love unfortunate people the same way God does. Be ready to help people who have less attractiveness, intelligence, or worldly possessions than other people. Stand with them in their sorrow. Don't add to it.
Making fun of other people is a cheap way to get laughs. Creatively think of better ways to add humor to your life. And don't support people who attack others.
Pray About It
God, I thank you for all of the blessings I have in life. Help me to be kind to people who have less than I do. I don't want to offend you by poking fun at their weaknesses.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Hebrews 7
God's Word for Students.
Laughing is a natural human activity. Laughter was given by God to lighten up our load in life. Scientists have demonstrated that people who laugh regularly are happier and healthier than people who don't.
But not all laughter is equally funny. Some people get laughs at other people's expense. And God doesn't like that. Listen to what Solomon says in Proverbs 17:5: "Whoever makes fun of a poor person insults his maker. Whoever is happy to see someone's distress will not escape punishment."
Some types of humor make fun of other people or their tragedies. Most of the really popular stand-up comedians or late night talk-show hosts engage in humor that pokes fun at other people. Sure, it may be funny, but God says it's wrong.
Think About It
Here are three things you can do when people around you are engaging in unsavory humor.
(1) Don't laugh. Learn to control how you respond to humor. If it's offensive, don't laugh.
(2) Don't participate. Some people seem to spend most of their lives insulting other people. If that's the case with people you know, find some new friends.
(3) Love unfortunate people the same way God does. Be ready to help people who have less attractiveness, intelligence, or worldly possessions than other people. Stand with them in their sorrow. Don't add to it.
Making fun of other people is a cheap way to get laughs. Creatively think of better ways to add humor to your life. And don't support people who attack others.
Pray About It
God, I thank you for all of the blessings I have in life. Help me to be kind to people who have less than I do. I don't want to offend you by poking fun at their weaknesses.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Hebrews 7
God's Word for Students.
6.24.10
TBWC Prayer request:
Thank you for praying! To have a request added contact pastor@thenazbridge.org
6.23.10 We are in the process of renting building on Rt 3. Pray that if this is the right place God will work it all out and if it isn't that we will move on. It looks like it might be a 6 month lease to start with.
Pray with us if we rent this building for 6 months that we will be able to find a more permanent building before the six months is up.
4.15.10 Building plans God has for us. We need a lease or another building.
6.16.10 TBWC to raise $900 to pay budgets in full.
6.23.10 Family Fun Day coming July 31st
Sam Bays
Leader Muriel Mitchell and Ron Lamborgini
Volunteers – let Muriel know if you can help
Advertisement
Kids to show up
This will be a great out reach in our new building.
6.23.10 Financial Peace University:
New Class previews on 8.8 and 8.18. People to come find out what FPU is all about.
New Classes to begin August 25th We hope to have at least 20 people so we can break into 2 groups.
Members will find God’s help in getting out of debt
Pray Pastor Scott and Jan Sinozich as leaders
Sara Torrice babysitting
Each family to fund their emergency fund…$1000
Each family that has completed emergency fund to finish dept snow ball
6.23.10 New minister Jan Sin to start August 1st.
Smooth transition both at TBWC and Culpepper where she is leaving.
6.17.10 Sunday morning worship for Connie Wilson and a worship team, Pastor Scott’s anointing and for people to hear from God. We need God's guidance for the future. Pray for Connie and Pastor Scott.
6.16.10 VBS meeting that was moved to June 26th
5.20.10 VBS meeting on June 13th
4.15.10 VBS coming on August 14th
Leaders :Sam Varner and his team from Leesburg Church of the Nazarene (Children and families pastor)
Michele Magaw and Muriel Mitchell and Kathy Brady
“Unity, openminededness ,wisdom. Sam says pray for, Friday evening arrival and setting up and do any last moment preparations.
Volunteers from TBWC
Meeting between Tammy, Sam and Michele and Muriel to plan event.” by.-Sam
Kids to have fun.
Advertisement
6.17.10 GriefShare and decisions on what to do about meetings. We are having troubles getting meeting in because members can't make it. We are thinking about postponing till after we have moved and are set up in new building.
Members making Godly decisions
Members need to forgive others
Members need help sleeping
Members feeling abandoned
Leaders
Preparation to be ready for a tragedy at High Schools, which High School do we start with. Principals will be receptive to the idea. We want to be able to get in to local High Schools and when tragedy happens, we will be ready to take GriefShare either into the HS or the HS will send students to us. We may need more facilitators.
6.16.10 Kristie Street
I wanted to ask all of you guys to please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. After being in the hospital on Saturday, the re-admitted me late Monday night to MWH. I absolutely hate this place, and I hate being away from my family. (Of course HCA--the new hospital doesn't accept my insurance.)
On top of the Crohns and everything else under the sun, they still think my gallbladder isn't working. Please pray that if that's they case they will remove it and I will heal quickly!
5.13.10 Kristie Street Thank you so much! The stomach disease that I have has gotten better. However my health is still in poor shape. I started having a problems with blood clots which is also causing inflammation of the vessels, something is going on with my heart, (doc said it could be related to the clots) and I have Pneumonia again. The disease just severely weakens my immune system. Please keep praying if you don’t mind…I can use all that I can get.
4.14.10 I have struggled with my health big time the past 6 months. I'm called into ministry, and the devil is trying to interfere with me reaching my destiny and I refuse to let him win!! If you could also pray for our finances that would be a blessing as well. All of these medical bills are piling up and becoming a bit overwhelming. – Kristie Street
6.17.10 Messick family
6.18.10 These requests are from DS Phil Fuller
Yesterday George Stevenson a member of our district staff underwent an ablation procedure in a Roanoke Hospital. He is recovering and doing well and is expected to be home yet this week. The family thanks you for the prayers for his quick recovery.
Please continue to pray for Ken Salyers who has been having some physical problems.
Received word that Richmond Trinity Church (Pastor Rob Mills) has all approvals in place now to begin construction on its new facility on Hull Street in Richmond. We praise the Lord for this development.
Praying for Charlottesville First Church (Pastor Bill Willis) as they make important steps toward the construction of their new facility. They are in the final stages of approval of funds. Site work is ready to begin any day now.
Please pray for our newest NewStart congregations: East African/Eritrean Ministry (Pastor Solomon MIrach) which is meeting with the Alexandria First Church congregation at present, and Living Water Church of the Nazarene a developing new congregation in the western portion of Henrico County in the Greater Richmond area.
Please pray for Willson and Edie Aginer (Varina Church). Willson serves as our District W&W Coordinator and has just been diangosed with prostate cancer. Edie just recently lost her job of almost 35 years.
6.10.10 Haysi, WV Mission Trip for Aug 1-8, 2010 – Kenney Martin
6.10.10 Hope Chapel to find a building.
6.2.10 NYI leadership – Mark Tilley, Kelly Funk, Muriel Mitchell, Butch Cover, Sara Torrice, Tiff O’Quinn, and Austin and Joseph Fowler
4.15.10 Nancye Fender is home and battling Cancer
4.15.10 Marion Armstrong, Linda Messick’s brother and his battle with cancer.
Ladies CARE group and hosts Kim Sluss
4.15.10 Mixed CARE group and host Connie and Jim Wilson
4.15.10 High School CARE group will be restarted
4.15.10 Children CARE groups on Sunday mornings and the teachers.
Class 101
>Class 180<
Class 201
4.15.10
NMI organization
To add prayers just respond to this email.
To be removed from our prayer team, respond with remove in the body leaving subject line intact.
Thank you for praying! To have a request added contact pastor@thenazbridge.org
6.23.10 We are in the process of renting building on Rt 3. Pray that if this is the right place God will work it all out and if it isn't that we will move on. It looks like it might be a 6 month lease to start with.
Pray with us if we rent this building for 6 months that we will be able to find a more permanent building before the six months is up.
4.15.10 Building plans God has for us. We need a lease or another building.
6.16.10 TBWC to raise $900 to pay budgets in full.
6.23.10 Family Fun Day coming July 31st
Sam Bays
Leader Muriel Mitchell and Ron Lamborgini
Volunteers – let Muriel know if you can help
Advertisement
Kids to show up
This will be a great out reach in our new building.
6.23.10 Financial Peace University:
New Class previews on 8.8 and 8.18. People to come find out what FPU is all about.
New Classes to begin August 25th We hope to have at least 20 people so we can break into 2 groups.
Members will find God’s help in getting out of debt
Pray Pastor Scott and Jan Sinozich as leaders
Sara Torrice babysitting
Each family to fund their emergency fund…$1000
Each family that has completed emergency fund to finish dept snow ball
6.23.10 New minister Jan Sin to start August 1st.
Smooth transition both at TBWC and Culpepper where she is leaving.
6.17.10 Sunday morning worship for Connie Wilson and a worship team, Pastor Scott’s anointing and for people to hear from God. We need God's guidance for the future. Pray for Connie and Pastor Scott.
6.16.10 VBS meeting that was moved to June 26th
5.20.10 VBS meeting on June 13th
4.15.10 VBS coming on August 14th
Leaders :Sam Varner and his team from Leesburg Church of the Nazarene (Children and families pastor)
Michele Magaw and Muriel Mitchell and Kathy Brady
“Unity, openminededness ,wisdom. Sam says pray for, Friday evening arrival and setting up and do any last moment preparations.
Volunteers from TBWC
Meeting between Tammy, Sam and Michele and Muriel to plan event.” by.-Sam
Kids to have fun.
Advertisement
6.17.10 GriefShare and decisions on what to do about meetings. We are having troubles getting meeting in because members can't make it. We are thinking about postponing till after we have moved and are set up in new building.
Members making Godly decisions
Members need to forgive others
Members need help sleeping
Members feeling abandoned
Leaders
Preparation to be ready for a tragedy at High Schools, which High School do we start with. Principals will be receptive to the idea. We want to be able to get in to local High Schools and when tragedy happens, we will be ready to take GriefShare either into the HS or the HS will send students to us. We may need more facilitators.
6.16.10 Kristie Street
I wanted to ask all of you guys to please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. After being in the hospital on Saturday, the re-admitted me late Monday night to MWH. I absolutely hate this place, and I hate being away from my family. (Of course HCA--the new hospital doesn't accept my insurance.)
On top of the Crohns and everything else under the sun, they still think my gallbladder isn't working. Please pray that if that's they case they will remove it and I will heal quickly!
5.13.10 Kristie Street Thank you so much! The stomach disease that I have has gotten better. However my health is still in poor shape. I started having a problems with blood clots which is also causing inflammation of the vessels, something is going on with my heart, (doc said it could be related to the clots) and I have Pneumonia again. The disease just severely weakens my immune system. Please keep praying if you don’t mind…I can use all that I can get.
4.14.10 I have struggled with my health big time the past 6 months. I'm called into ministry, and the devil is trying to interfere with me reaching my destiny and I refuse to let him win!! If you could also pray for our finances that would be a blessing as well. All of these medical bills are piling up and becoming a bit overwhelming. – Kristie Street
6.17.10 Messick family
6.18.10 These requests are from DS Phil Fuller
Yesterday George Stevenson a member of our district staff underwent an ablation procedure in a Roanoke Hospital. He is recovering and doing well and is expected to be home yet this week. The family thanks you for the prayers for his quick recovery.
Please continue to pray for Ken Salyers who has been having some physical problems.
Received word that Richmond Trinity Church (Pastor Rob Mills) has all approvals in place now to begin construction on its new facility on Hull Street in Richmond. We praise the Lord for this development.
Praying for Charlottesville First Church (Pastor Bill Willis) as they make important steps toward the construction of their new facility. They are in the final stages of approval of funds. Site work is ready to begin any day now.
Please pray for our newest NewStart congregations: East African/Eritrean Ministry (Pastor Solomon MIrach) which is meeting with the Alexandria First Church congregation at present, and Living Water Church of the Nazarene a developing new congregation in the western portion of Henrico County in the Greater Richmond area.
Please pray for Willson and Edie Aginer (Varina Church). Willson serves as our District W&W Coordinator and has just been diangosed with prostate cancer. Edie just recently lost her job of almost 35 years.
6.10.10 Haysi, WV Mission Trip for Aug 1-8, 2010 – Kenney Martin
6.10.10 Hope Chapel to find a building.
6.2.10 NYI leadership – Mark Tilley, Kelly Funk, Muriel Mitchell, Butch Cover, Sara Torrice, Tiff O’Quinn, and Austin and Joseph Fowler
4.15.10 Nancye Fender is home and battling Cancer
4.15.10 Marion Armstrong, Linda Messick’s brother and his battle with cancer.
Ladies CARE group and hosts Kim Sluss
4.15.10 Mixed CARE group and host Connie and Jim Wilson
4.15.10 High School CARE group will be restarted
4.15.10 Children CARE groups on Sunday mornings and the teachers.
Class 101
>Class 180<
Class 201
4.15.10
NMI organization
To add prayers just respond to this email.
To be removed from our prayer team, respond with remove in the body leaving subject line intact.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16: Smarts 101
Read Proverbs 9:10
At school, classes get harder as you advance each year through the grades.
Take math, for example. In junior high, you take basic mathematics. But in high school, you are required to take algebra or geometry.
Such difficult classes may make you long for the good old days when you worked on simple problems like 2 + 2 = 4 or 6 x 6 = 36. But the harder classes help you learn how to handle more difficult problems, get into college, or land a good job.
Christianity is a complex course, too. Sure, the beginning is easy. You simply have to trust Jesus as your Savior and ask him to direct your life. But as you get older, the going sometimes gets tougher.
You need to learn the most basic of all life's lessons: the fear of God. We can call that Smarts 101. You may acquire lots of other knowledge, but nothing's as important as the basic fear and reverence of God.
Think About It
This basic lesson of the Christian life is stated quite clearly in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Go ahead and learn more and more about God every day. But never forget the basics. No matter what you learn, be sure you maintain your reverence for him.
Pray About It
God, help me fear and honor you every day of my life. Don't let me forget this most basic lesson.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Philemon
God's Word for Students.
At school, classes get harder as you advance each year through the grades.
Take math, for example. In junior high, you take basic mathematics. But in high school, you are required to take algebra or geometry.
Such difficult classes may make you long for the good old days when you worked on simple problems like 2 + 2 = 4 or 6 x 6 = 36. But the harder classes help you learn how to handle more difficult problems, get into college, or land a good job.
Christianity is a complex course, too. Sure, the beginning is easy. You simply have to trust Jesus as your Savior and ask him to direct your life. But as you get older, the going sometimes gets tougher.
You need to learn the most basic of all life's lessons: the fear of God. We can call that Smarts 101. You may acquire lots of other knowledge, but nothing's as important as the basic fear and reverence of God.
Think About It
This basic lesson of the Christian life is stated quite clearly in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Go ahead and learn more and more about God every day. But never forget the basics. No matter what you learn, be sure you maintain your reverence for him.
Pray About It
God, help me fear and honor you every day of my life. Don't let me forget this most basic lesson.
Daily Reading Plan—Read Philemon
God's Word for Students.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11: Vital Signs
Read Proverbs 4:20-23
Jonathan just turned forty. He's been in great shape all his life. He played high school basketball and tennis. He was all-state in baseball. In college he ran five miles three times per week. Since then, he's been exercising at least four days a week. He stays away from junk food and gets enough sleep.
But several weeks ago he started experiencing chest pains. He immediately went to his doctor and was given an EKG—a test that monitors the heart. The doctor wanted to see if Jonathan was having a heart attack. The machine revealed that he was fine. It turns out that the chest pain was only a pulled muscle. His heart was in great shape.
The Bible teaches that we have two types of hearts: a physical heart and a spiritual heart. Have you ever considered how busy you keep your physical heart? The heart pumps blood and beats more than 100,000 times a day! The heart pushes oxygen and nutrition through more than 60,000 miles of arteries and veins. When it gives out, the person dies.
Think About It
Your spiritual heart keeps busy, too. It is the part of you that causes you to act the way you do. Your words, actions, and attitudes all begin in this heart. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that our heart is the source of our life. Because of this, Solomon gives us wise advice about the way we should take care of our spiritual heart. He says: "Guard your heart more than anything else."
The state of your spiritual heart will determine how you react to people and problems. It will also determine what words you say. Be careful, then, to guard it. Do your best to only allow attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that are healthy for your spiritual life.
Pray About It
Lord, train my heart so that I respond to people and situations the way that Jesus would. Encourage me as I try to keep my heart pure.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Timothy 4
God's Word for Students.
Jonathan just turned forty. He's been in great shape all his life. He played high school basketball and tennis. He was all-state in baseball. In college he ran five miles three times per week. Since then, he's been exercising at least four days a week. He stays away from junk food and gets enough sleep.
But several weeks ago he started experiencing chest pains. He immediately went to his doctor and was given an EKG—a test that monitors the heart. The doctor wanted to see if Jonathan was having a heart attack. The machine revealed that he was fine. It turns out that the chest pain was only a pulled muscle. His heart was in great shape.
The Bible teaches that we have two types of hearts: a physical heart and a spiritual heart. Have you ever considered how busy you keep your physical heart? The heart pumps blood and beats more than 100,000 times a day! The heart pushes oxygen and nutrition through more than 60,000 miles of arteries and veins. When it gives out, the person dies.
Think About It
Your spiritual heart keeps busy, too. It is the part of you that causes you to act the way you do. Your words, actions, and attitudes all begin in this heart. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that our heart is the source of our life. Because of this, Solomon gives us wise advice about the way we should take care of our spiritual heart. He says: "Guard your heart more than anything else."
The state of your spiritual heart will determine how you react to people and problems. It will also determine what words you say. Be careful, then, to guard it. Do your best to only allow attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that are healthy for your spiritual life.
Pray About It
Lord, train my heart so that I respond to people and situations the way that Jesus would. Encourage me as I try to keep my heart pure.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Timothy 4
God's Word for Students.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10: A Missed Turn
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
German Silva had an incredible experience. The twenty-six-year-old runner from Mexico was racing in the 1994 New York City Marathon (a 26.2-mile run). During the race, though, he got temporarily lost. With less than a mile to go, Silva got sidetracked and went off the course. He missed the correct turn and took the wrong road.
It seemed that Silva would never get back to the right road, but a police officer waved him back on course. Silva miraculously won the race in a time of two hours, eleven minutes, and twenty-one seconds, beating out his training buddy, Benjamin Paredes, by only two seconds. It was the closest finish in the history of the city's marathon.
Have you ever gotten lost while driving? or sidetracked trying to find someone's house? Or what about in your spiritual marathon with Jesus? Have you ever gotten off that course?
Think About It
Have you ever felt like you made a wrong turn in your spiritual life? What got you offtrack? Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God with all our hearts and not to rely on our own understanding. As we allow God to lead our lives, he will clear the road for us to follow. Be sure that you are trusting him for today and your future. Trusting yourself will take you offtrack.
Pray About It
Lord, I have fallen many times and gotten off the course you would have for me. Teach me to walk with you and trust you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Timothy 3
God's Word for Students.
German Silva had an incredible experience. The twenty-six-year-old runner from Mexico was racing in the 1994 New York City Marathon (a 26.2-mile run). During the race, though, he got temporarily lost. With less than a mile to go, Silva got sidetracked and went off the course. He missed the correct turn and took the wrong road.
It seemed that Silva would never get back to the right road, but a police officer waved him back on course. Silva miraculously won the race in a time of two hours, eleven minutes, and twenty-one seconds, beating out his training buddy, Benjamin Paredes, by only two seconds. It was the closest finish in the history of the city's marathon.
Have you ever gotten lost while driving? or sidetracked trying to find someone's house? Or what about in your spiritual marathon with Jesus? Have you ever gotten off that course?
Think About It
Have you ever felt like you made a wrong turn in your spiritual life? What got you offtrack? Proverbs 3:5-6 challenges us to trust God with all our hearts and not to rely on our own understanding. As we allow God to lead our lives, he will clear the road for us to follow. Be sure that you are trusting him for today and your future. Trusting yourself will take you offtrack.
Pray About It
Lord, I have fallen many times and gotten off the course you would have for me. Teach me to walk with you and trust you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 2 Timothy 3
God's Word for Students.
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4: Material Girls (and Guys)
Read Psalm 135:15-18
They called her "Gucci Girl," they explained, because "just look at her. Every item of clothing she's wearing has an expensive label."
She didn't seem to be embarrassed by this observation. In fact, she grinned sheepishly as she pointed to a little designer logo on her shirt and the designer name on the side of her shoe. Her friends were right. Her outfit was 100% label. In fact, her outfit was 100% her. She got her identity from being the girl with all the right clothes.
Here was a girl who had become a living, breathing mannequin. When she got up in the morning, she didn't get dressed, she got decorated! She had made that scary, weird slide from being a person who acts and thinks to becoming an object that people look at.
According to Psalm 135:15-18, that's the way idolatry works. We actually become like that which we worship. We stop living life as a human being and become an object. We have mouths, but we don't speak; we have eyes, but we don't see; and we have ears, but we don't hear. We become just another beautiful face staring out from the pages of the "catalog," so that people can decide whether or not we're worth buying.
Think About It
Do you want to be an object or a subject? a beautiful statue or a living being? The psalmist warns us to be careful. We tend to become what we worship. The next time you're looking through catalogs or walking through the mall, be careful not to fall into the trap of idolatry. It steals our humanity and makes us objects.
Pray About It
Lord, help me to see the pockets of idolatry in my life. It may be the clothing I wear or the identity that I put on—but, Lord, help me avoid that trap.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 4
God's Word for Students.
They called her "Gucci Girl," they explained, because "just look at her. Every item of clothing she's wearing has an expensive label."
She didn't seem to be embarrassed by this observation. In fact, she grinned sheepishly as she pointed to a little designer logo on her shirt and the designer name on the side of her shoe. Her friends were right. Her outfit was 100% label. In fact, her outfit was 100% her. She got her identity from being the girl with all the right clothes.
Here was a girl who had become a living, breathing mannequin. When she got up in the morning, she didn't get dressed, she got decorated! She had made that scary, weird slide from being a person who acts and thinks to becoming an object that people look at.
According to Psalm 135:15-18, that's the way idolatry works. We actually become like that which we worship. We stop living life as a human being and become an object. We have mouths, but we don't speak; we have eyes, but we don't see; and we have ears, but we don't hear. We become just another beautiful face staring out from the pages of the "catalog," so that people can decide whether or not we're worth buying.
Think About It
Do you want to be an object or a subject? a beautiful statue or a living being? The psalmist warns us to be careful. We tend to become what we worship. The next time you're looking through catalogs or walking through the mall, be careful not to fall into the trap of idolatry. It steals our humanity and makes us objects.
Pray About It
Lord, help me to see the pockets of idolatry in my life. It may be the clothing I wear or the identity that I put on—but, Lord, help me avoid that trap.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 4
God's Word for Students.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3: Addicted to the Marvelous
Read Psalm 131:1-3
The "retreat reentry syndrome"—there's nothing worse. You've been away on a youth group retreat. It's been an awesome time with your friends and an awesome time with God. There was great music, beautiful scenery, and some neat people. You've laughed more, cried more, done more (and slept less) over the last few days than you thought was humanly possible. You've come home totally exhausted, with a sore throat, and you've completely lost your voice. What a wonderful time of renewal and refreshment!
But sometimes that return to real life, that "retreat reentry" can be pretty painful. You have to come back home—back to the "real world"—the same old school, the same old job, the same old family, the same old hassles.
The writer of Psalm 131 has been there.
Psalm 131 was sung by people who were making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This trek would have been a major spiritual retreat in the life of a Jewish pilgrim. The nearer a pilgrim got to Jerusalem, the more exciting it was.
Finally, when the pilgrim reached the great city, there would have been days and nights filled with celebration (Psalm 132:13-18), fellowship (Psalm 133:1-3), and worship (Psalm 134:1-3). We're talking summer camp, winter retreat, and missions trip all rolled into one!
But the writer of Psalm 131 is smart enough to know that even the best retreats end. Sooner or later, folks go back home. And he wanted to make sure that he wouldn't crash at the end of this experience. He determined not to make a place or an event the focus of faith, hope, or joy. Like a child who has been weaned from his mother, the faith of the psalm writer matured beyond the constant need for the marvelous and the amazing. He set his hope in the Lord.
Think About It
Unfortunately, life is not a summer camp or a winter retreat. Occasionally, God gives us those terrific times of great fellowship, worship, and celebration. But we can't allow ourselves to become addicted to the marvelous.
Where is the hope and joy in your walk with God? Are you waiting for the next retreat or camp or marvelous moment? Or are you finding contentment and hope in a God who is with us 365 days a year?
Pray About It
Lord, help me to be weaned from a constant need for the marvelous. Help me to set my hope in you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 3
God's Word for Students.
The "retreat reentry syndrome"—there's nothing worse. You've been away on a youth group retreat. It's been an awesome time with your friends and an awesome time with God. There was great music, beautiful scenery, and some neat people. You've laughed more, cried more, done more (and slept less) over the last few days than you thought was humanly possible. You've come home totally exhausted, with a sore throat, and you've completely lost your voice. What a wonderful time of renewal and refreshment!
But sometimes that return to real life, that "retreat reentry" can be pretty painful. You have to come back home—back to the "real world"—the same old school, the same old job, the same old family, the same old hassles.
The writer of Psalm 131 has been there.
Psalm 131 was sung by people who were making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This trek would have been a major spiritual retreat in the life of a Jewish pilgrim. The nearer a pilgrim got to Jerusalem, the more exciting it was.
Finally, when the pilgrim reached the great city, there would have been days and nights filled with celebration (Psalm 132:13-18), fellowship (Psalm 133:1-3), and worship (Psalm 134:1-3). We're talking summer camp, winter retreat, and missions trip all rolled into one!
But the writer of Psalm 131 is smart enough to know that even the best retreats end. Sooner or later, folks go back home. And he wanted to make sure that he wouldn't crash at the end of this experience. He determined not to make a place or an event the focus of faith, hope, or joy. Like a child who has been weaned from his mother, the faith of the psalm writer matured beyond the constant need for the marvelous and the amazing. He set his hope in the Lord.
Think About It
Unfortunately, life is not a summer camp or a winter retreat. Occasionally, God gives us those terrific times of great fellowship, worship, and celebration. But we can't allow ourselves to become addicted to the marvelous.
Where is the hope and joy in your walk with God? Are you waiting for the next retreat or camp or marvelous moment? Or are you finding contentment and hope in a God who is with us 365 days a year?
Pray About It
Lord, help me to be weaned from a constant need for the marvelous. Help me to set my hope in you.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 3
God's Word for Students.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2: Sand Castles in a Rising Tide
Read Psalm 127:1-2
You may have had a problem building sand castles when you were a kid because you didn't understand the rising and falling tides. You may have been out there digging, scraping, and sculpting—trying to get this castle just right—when, all of a sudden, WHAM! Caves became waves, tunnels became funnels, moats became floats, and your Disney castle became Sea World.
Of course, the great thing about being a kid is that you didn't have to know any better. So you probably started building again. Your castle was stronger this time, fortified by five cool-looking shells, and your flip-flop sandals. And this time the construction lasted about five minutes before a wave crashed against it, and once again your castle melted into a sandy pile.
But you built again and again and again—trying to convince yourself that somehow you could make this waterproof structure out of sand and water. But as you know now, it just doesn't work.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us that it is no less futile to try to build a house, a marriage, a family, or a life without the Lord as our foundation and designer.
History is filled with people who have scraped, fussed, fought, and clawed through life, hoping to build their own water-resistant empire. But it never works. The tides of hassles, hurts, and other human hurricanes have a way of making our monuments look like puddles of childish miscalculations.
Think About It
Jesus said that every one of us will choose one of two construction plans for our lives: We will build our house upon the rock, or we will build our house upon the sand (take a moment and read Matthew 7:24-29). All around us we see people building little castles fortified with popularity, good looks, money, brains, and skill. Maybe you've even been tempted to look into one of these building plans.
Psalm 127 and Matthew 7:24-29 remind us that there is no future for a sand castle built next to a rising tide. We can fortify it again and again, but the end result will always be the same mound of frustration.
Pray About It
Lord, you are the master builder. Without your guidance, all of my scraping and clawing are in vain. Give me the wisdom to build my house upon the rock.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 2
God's Word for Students.
You may have had a problem building sand castles when you were a kid because you didn't understand the rising and falling tides. You may have been out there digging, scraping, and sculpting—trying to get this castle just right—when, all of a sudden, WHAM! Caves became waves, tunnels became funnels, moats became floats, and your Disney castle became Sea World.
Of course, the great thing about being a kid is that you didn't have to know any better. So you probably started building again. Your castle was stronger this time, fortified by five cool-looking shells, and your flip-flop sandals. And this time the construction lasted about five minutes before a wave crashed against it, and once again your castle melted into a sandy pile.
But you built again and again and again—trying to convince yourself that somehow you could make this waterproof structure out of sand and water. But as you know now, it just doesn't work.
Psalm 127:1 reminds us that it is no less futile to try to build a house, a marriage, a family, or a life without the Lord as our foundation and designer.
History is filled with people who have scraped, fussed, fought, and clawed through life, hoping to build their own water-resistant empire. But it never works. The tides of hassles, hurts, and other human hurricanes have a way of making our monuments look like puddles of childish miscalculations.
Think About It
Jesus said that every one of us will choose one of two construction plans for our lives: We will build our house upon the rock, or we will build our house upon the sand (take a moment and read Matthew 7:24-29). All around us we see people building little castles fortified with popularity, good looks, money, brains, and skill. Maybe you've even been tempted to look into one of these building plans.
Psalm 127 and Matthew 7:24-29 remind us that there is no future for a sand castle built next to a rising tide. We can fortify it again and again, but the end result will always be the same mound of frustration.
Pray About It
Lord, you are the master builder. Without your guidance, all of my scraping and clawing are in vain. Give me the wisdom to build my house upon the rock.
Daily Reading Plan—Read 1 Timothy 2
God's Word for Students.
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