C-O-U-G-A-R-S Daily: March 2008

Monday, March 31, 2008

- "For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power." (1 Cor 4:20)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "As witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to all the ends of the earth, we are to tell the truth about our encounters with a powerful God and the Son who announced the in-breaking of God’s reign among us. We follow one who communicated with words, with his presence, with a cup of cold water, and with the power of a life-changing message. Shall we not live among our neighbors in the same way?"

Chad's comments: I often find the engagement of truth to be my focus as well. As I enter into dialogue and debate, I often find myself appealing to the truth of history, the truth of Scripture and the truth of real life experience. All of these are great tools in conversation, but sharing the treasure of Jesus and the truth of His actions in my life seems much more of a witness. 2 Cor. 4:6 tells me, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" and while truth is what I continually seek, I must realize that my treasure is not in books or in man's wisdom but in God himself. In whom I find The Way, The Truth and The Life and now, no condemnation. As we engage in conversation with our friends, let us be mindful of John 3:17 "For^(A) God did not send his Son into the world^(B) to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." and may we be ever mindful of sharing the spirits working in our lives.

Prayer Request: A Gentleman in our church asked for prayer for his son. Here is his request:

Tomorrow my son Zachary (12) will start a two week, six hour per day therapy, which aims to correct the pronounced scoliosis (40% curvature) he has. This process will be very difficult and perhaps even painful at times. Zak is in Dallas with his Mom (Donna) for this.

Zak needs a minimum of a 10-point correction, to a 30% curvature, in order to avoid the other alternative, which would require the insertion of metal rods along his spine.

We believe that God can intervene in any way He chooses. We also believe that the prayers of many with one accord are most important to this process.

Zak was born with a genetic condition known as Sotos Syndrome. It is an overgrowth syndrome. It seems that this last January during a growth spurt Zak’s spine twisted very rapidly. Would you join us in prayer? Please let me know if you want more information and details and I will be glad to send it to you. Wolfgang

Danny, when you have time, please expound on this for us. - The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog .
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)
* Voice of the Martyrs

Friday, March 28, 2008

Reaching Out question #0001

Cougars:

The mission of COUGARS Daily is for the equipping of believers in living out their faith daily in a 'post modern' and 'Anti-Christian' culture. It is also a platform for seekers to feel comfortable asking tough questions.

This is the beginning of a 'question of the week session'. I invite you to submit your questions for round table discussion. I'll start:

An honest skeptic asks, 'If Christianity is true, why are there so many people in other worldviews and religions?'

How would you respond to this question?

We Follow Another Author - by Jill Carattini

- "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven." (Hebrews 1:1-3)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "The hope of the Christian worldview is perhaps that the story of humanity, indeed, our own stories, are not ultimately in our hands. We seek an author who is far greater than chance and not limited by time, for we follow a God who proclaims that we have a hope and a future. We daily live into a narrative that runs parallel and counter to the dominant narratives of our world, because we have been shown an author with the power to resurrect the darkest of stories."

Chad's comments: Last night, Kara and I were viewing a PBS documentary on the coorelation between social standing and health/longevity. In general, the study seemed to indicate that people who have more ability to control their circumstances; make decisions on their job, live in pleasant areas, purchase nutritional food and have the time to make it, etc. were healthier, longer. I couldn't help but think about the pressure, from the top down, for Americans to 'succeed'. We press in and on so much with our daily lives that we don't have time for solitude. May we have the courage to slow down and seek the peace that passes all understanding. May our joy be evident to those around us - and if it is not, may we seek it wholeheartedly.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Psalm 118:24

The maid of honor at our wedding, Misty, has a cousin who is very ill. Misty sent us this message last night:

We got some bad news on Meredith. She was out to dinner last night and had a seizure. They did a brain MRI and found about 6 lesions on her brain. She has decided to go with immediate radiation on her entire brain to hopefully get it all. there are serious side affects, vomiting, dementia, loss of hair etc. Please pray for her comfort and Gods hands on her and her family. Thank you all. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredith

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog .
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)
* Voice of the Martyrs

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Recalcitrant Jesus by J.M. Njoroge

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Beyond the Coins by Jill Carattini

Take ~5 minutes to read this 'COUGARS Daily' which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity . Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- " Then Job replied to the Lord:
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (Job 42:1-6)

- “Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!" (Isaiah 40:5)

A Slice of Infinity snippets:
"I believe that God continues to move us to those places where we discover again one who is fearfully alive and reigning in a kingdom we grossly underestimate, one who can fill even our holiest moments with the mere hem of his robe, one who repeatedly shows us that even our best thoughts of Father, Son, and Spirit are but coins reflecting the real thing."

Chad's comments: Pat shared this on the life-devotions blog today:
Modern Martyrs: Focus on the Family shared this quote from the Voice of the Martyrs organization, 'More Christians have been killed for their faith in the 20th century than have been martyred in the total history of Christianity.' Here are a few of the stories: 'A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him. A Vietnamese pastor is sentenced to two years in prison. When he is offered an early release, he declines stating that he has a group of new Believers in the prison he has to disciple. A Colombian missionary is kidnapped and told she only has two hours to live. She tells her captors that if she only has two hours to live, she wants to spend it telling them about Jesus.' Sign up for the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter at http://www.persecution.com/.

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog .
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Fully Human Life by Margaret Manning

Take ~5 minutes to read this 'COUGARS Daily' which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity . Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- "But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:13-14)
- “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creationwas subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:19-23)

A Slice of Infinity snippets:
"“The resurrection of Jesus means that the present time is shot through with great significance. What is done to the glory of God in the present is genuinely building for God’s future. Acts of justice and mercy, the creation of beauty and the celebration of truth, deeds of love and the creation of communities of kindness and forgiveness--these all matter, and they matter forever." - N.T. Wright

Chad's comments: When you enter the market place, bring dignity to other people. Perhaps this looks like asking the Barista at your favorite coffee shop if they like their job. Continue to offer them dignity and genuine interest in their life. Ask them why they do or don't like their work. Very soon, you will likely meet someone who in return asks you about your work or what you like to do. Perhaps you may then share with them that you like to teach because is allows you to 'celebrate' the truth; or, that you like your work because it allows you to show mercy; or, that you enjoy creating things that look beautiful because it reflects the image of God. Find something about your job/hobbies that you genuinely enjoy and investigate why it reflects God's glory. Then, do those things to His glory and share with others how you like doing it because it builds toward God's future.

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog .
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Monday, March 24, 2008

Speechless, by Jill Carattini

Friday, March 21, 2008

We Proclaim Another Kingdom

Take ~5 minutes to read this COUGARS Daily which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity . Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- “Then the whole assembly rose and led Jesus off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.’ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no basis for a charge against this man.’ But they insisted, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here...’ So with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed” (Synopsis of Luke23:1-23 )

A Slice of Infinity snippets:
"What is the nature of this kingdom? Who is this messenger? And what kind of proclamation requires the herald to pour out his very life to tell it?"

"In these days of walking toward Easter we are shown a God who opens the eyes of the blind and raises the dead, who claims the last will be the first, and the servant is the greatest. Today on this Good Friday, we witness the one who put these claims into action, placing this kingdom before us in such a way that forbids us to see any of it as mere religion, abstraction, or sentimentality:"

"On this day that takes us to Cross, a day when we can do nothing but regard or disregard the one pierced for our transgressions, might we consider again the kingdom he died to proclaim. And might this scene somehow move us beyond the familiar borders of the world we know, to the very threshold of the kingdom of God where we meet the one who reigns."

Chad's comments: I lift up my hands to worship my King, who shows me that the way to redemption and restoration is through Him who came to earth as a man, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried and on the third day rose again. On this 'good' Friday, be mindful that Easter is coming soon! The kingdom of God is at hand!

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog.
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A Doubting Thomas - Alison Thomas

Take ~5 minutes to read this COUGARS Daily which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity . Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- "They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (John 20:25-27)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "Jesus allowed Thomas the dignity of carrying his doubts to the very one who carried the Cross. He did not ask Thomas to bury his questions, but offered him the most convincing answer available--himself."

Chad's comments: I was learning from our pastor last night about journeying with people who do not have REAL relationship with Jesus Christ. He spoke of the fact that we would be asked questions that we simply cannot answer. And, that we should not attempt to answer questions which are meant to be answered by God. My path is often one of searching out the 'Truth' and giving an answer to questions asked. Perhaps, the 'Truth' is presenting Himself. Perhaps people will see the 'Truth' when I simply care for them. In other words, maybe an interaction may look like this:
(Friend): Why is God.....
(Me): I don't know, but I care about you.

OR

(Friend): What do you think God is...
(Me): I don't know, but I love you.

Obviously, you would not answer this way if you do not actually care for the person. This helps me see that their faith is not up to me. And it helps me realize that a persons greatest point of pain may be the very spot that God wants me to minister to.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog.
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

We See Another Story - Jill Carattini

Take ~5 minutes to read this COUGARS Daily which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity. Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- "He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." (Luke 22:19)
- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "That which permeates our surroundings, subconsciously molds our understanding, and continuously informs our vision of reality, is not always easy to articulate"..."This is perhaps one reason scripture calls again and again to remember the story, to tell of the acts of God in history, and bear in mind the one who is near. For into this world of belief-systems and worldviews, God tells the story of creation and the pursuit of its redemption; Christ comes and proclaims a kingdom entirely other."

Chad's comments: In our daily cultural entanglement of work and life, it is easy to be bogged down with lack of vision for God. I often attempt to engage people with worldviews much different than my own. Many times in these engagements, however, i find myself being more of a chameleon rather than a light. I pray God will make His story so clear in my life that I can't but express it. I often have difficulty remembering what I have learned; recently, I asked someone how they held onto their memory of events so well. Their answer was to re-tell it. I encourage you to tell and re-tell your story. Whether it be on the blog or amongst friends or in a journal, re-tell your stories of God's wonderful intervention.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.

* Post your stories of God's intervention on the blog.
* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Via Dolorosa - Margaret Manning

Give yourself to God every morning when you wake. Have your way with me today oh Lord.

Take ~5 minutes to read this COUGARS Daily which contains snippets from A Slice of Infinity. Invite your family and friends to participate in reading with you daily. Then, consider sharing your comments or faith questions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com

- "I am deeply grieved, to the point of death"
- If it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not as I will, but your will be done" (Matthew 26:36-46)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "As I meditate on Jesus's passionate prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, his human agony and suffering on full display, I am reminded how often we followers of Jesus also long for God to provide another way in the face of our own suffering. We do not want to follow Jesus down the via dolorosa. We seek to follow the victorious entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem to be enthroned and crowned king. We want that kind of victory borne out in our lives as the absence of difficulty. We want the glory and the grandeur of Palm Sunday as our entry into eternal life, with as little pain and suffering as possible. But as author Kim Reisman has noted, "That is not the Jesus way. God doesn't dispense with death. God resurrects us from it. The truth is that the Jesus way isn't about God taking pain away from God's people; it's about God providing us with strength, courage, and meaning, with abundant life, often in the midst of pain."

Chad's comments: I really feel God is calling me to a deeper prayer life. However, I continue to find excuses for not being still and listening to God. How small a sacrifice is it for me to simply be still.

Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King. His love endures forever!

* Look for ways to share Awe and Wonder with children - leave suggestions at CougarsDaily.blogspot.com
* Make Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining Life-Devotions (a group of about 100 catholics and protestants sharing their faith through daily devotions and discussion - strong pro Life content)

Monday, March 17, 2008

You Are My Witnesses - Jill Carattini

Welcome God every morning: Read today's 'A Slice of Infinity' (~5 minutes) The email you're receiving is a 'snippets' version containing a quick synopsis of the reading. This synopsis is posted to the COUGARS Daily blog and the blog generates the email to your inbox. I encourage you to read the 'A Slice of Infinity' article AND these daily snippets. Then, consider sharing your gift of faith by posting a comment on the COUGARS Daily blog.

- "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' Yet even then their testimony did not agree" (Mark 14:55-59).

- “What kind of man is this that even the winds and the waves obey him?" (Matthew 8:27).

- “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy,” asked others. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21).

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "At the heart of our identities as Christ’s witnesses is our answer to the very question Jesus embodies, “Who do you say that I am?” And while our answer is hopefully much more than mere preference, it is vital that we realize we are answering with every moment of our lives. Some of the loudest testimonies are spoken without words."

Chad's Comments: What areas of my life do I argue with Christ over? Is our objection to following Him simply one born out of mere preference? Danny Meece and I spoke on Saturday - both of us struggling a little with the same issue. How do we look different from the world around us? What draws people to ask us about the Love of Jesus? In Danny's life, it looks like a Bible study that he began in the break room of his office - him and one other person - an event of great magnitude. For us, it may simply be starting with giving dignity to those around us. Perhaps telling the janitor 'thank you' for their service to you. As we enter this Holy week rapidly, I encourage you not to give up under the weight of the cross you carry. And don't judge or condemn your neighbor, but, like Christ, pick up your cross, dig in, persevere and love them unto death.

* Look for ways to share awe and wonder with your children.
* Create Space for unbelievers in your life.
* Consider joining LIFE devotions (a group of about 100 Catholic and Protestant Christians sharing their faith through daily devotions and dialogue - Strong Pro Life content)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Cougars Daily Weedend Rewind

This weekend rewind is available at
http://www.rzim.org/slice/slicetran.php?sliceid=1589

Welcome God every morning: Read 'A Slice of Infinity' (~5 minutes) The email you're receiving is a 'snippets' version containing a quick synopsis of the 5 minute reading. This synopsis is posted to the COUGARS Daily blog and the blog generates the email to your inbox. I encourage you to read the 'A Slice of Infinity Article AND these daily snippets. Then, consider sharing your gift of faith by posting a comment on the COUGARS Daily blog.

Verses Pertinent to todays reading: "Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped." (Exodus 12:26-27).

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "...I often wonder if, in the spirit of the information age, we boast in the promise of endless and instant answers, all the while failing to notice that we are too soon interrupting questions with explanation. Perhaps an abundance of answers has stifled our teens' ability to probe deeply the truths and mysteries of faith. We seldom look for opportunities to practice talking about the things we cease to wonder at. Our children will ask; in our answers may we not interrupt their inquisitive sense of awe."

Chad's Comments: I have a good friend, Dr. Castle, who teaches Chemistry at the Air Force Academy. In sharing time with his colleagues, who are often very materialistic/naturalistic in their world view, Pat will ask a question regarding a chart of human physiology or some like sort; "are you really telling me that you understand how this all works?" To which, if they are honest, Pat will inevitably get the response, 'no-we don't really understand it'. I think all too often we loose our sense of wonder by offering up an answer that, while it may contain facts, is inadequate in expounding on the awe and wonder of the work of God.

* Look for ways to share awe and wonder with your children.
* Create Space for unbelievers in your life.
*40 days for life campaign (ends March 16th)
* Consider joining LIFE devotions (a group of about 100 Catholic and Protestant Christians sharing their faith through daily devotions and dialogue - Strong Pro Life content)

Friday, March 14, 2008

In Spirit and in Truth by Jill Carattini

Welcome God every morning: Read 'A Slice of Infinity' (~5 minutes) The email you're receiving is a 'snippets' version containing a quick synopsis of the 5 minute reading. Then, consider sharing your gift of faith by posting a comment on the COUGARS Daily blog.

Verses Pertinent to todays reading: Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me." (John 12:44)

A Slice of Infinity snippets: "...a person can say she believes in Christianity, or does not believe in Christianity, and not be thinking about truth at all."

Chad's Comments: What areas of my life am I not trusting God? I assume that I want to control these areas out of fear. What is the fear and what is the lie that those fears are based on? Oh please Lord, display these areas to me and let me find your perfect LOVE that casts out the fear so I might trust you more.

* Create Space for unbelievers in your life.
*40 days for life campaign (ends March 16th)
* Consider joining LIFE devotions (a group of about 100 Catholic and Protestant Christians sharing their faith through daily devotions and dialogue - Strong Pro Life content)

Thursday, March 13, 2008

J.M. Njoroge-The New Atheism and Morality

Welcome God every morning by reading 'A Slice of Infinity' before work (~5 min). This daily 'snippets' version contains a quick synopsis of the daily reading. Please consider sharing your gift of faith by adding a comment at COUGARS-Daily

Verses pertinent to today's reading: What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
I will praise you among your assembled people." He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood.
For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had
the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. (Hebrews 2:9-1)

Slice of Infinity snippets: "Our failure to live up to what we know to be right provides empirical evidence for the need for God’s intervention in our lives."

Chad

's comments: Congratulations to Capt. Dave and Mrs. Jenny Meece on the birth of Emma Grace!
See a picture of Emma on our blog.

Christian artist Aaron Shust has a song titled, 'My Savior My God'; The opening verse shows us the reality of our own lives:

I am not skilled to understand

what God has willed, what God has planned

I only know at His right hand

Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at his word indeed (lyric?)

Christ died to save me this I read

and in my heart I find a need

of Him to be my savior

The reality of my life is that i constantly see my own sin and it reminds me of my need for Christ to be
my savior.

* Continue to make space for unbelievers
* 40 Days for Life campaign (ends 16 Mar):
* LIFE Devotions blog
* LIFE Prayers blog

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Like Water Spilled

Verses pertinent to today's reading: All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. (2 Samuel 14: 14)

Slice of Infinity snippets: "Ravi Zacharias once noted that God knows exactly how to exalt us without flattering us, how to humble us without humiliating us. At the image of 2 Samuel 14, his words are entirely fitting. I am at once humbled and exalted at the thought of myself as water spilled. Gathering spilled water is impossible. You and I are incapable of drying the child's tears if it means we must somehow reverse the fall of spilled milk. And yet this is exactly how the Father chooses to describe a world full of children and the means God takes to pursue them. The God of the impossible has devised a means so that the life spilled will not remain scattered. Life poured out can yet be gathered up again; what is lost can be found. As Jesus came proclaiming the great reversals of the kingdom, so he poured out his own life as a drink offering so that the lost can be gathered, the impossible made possible. Christ has done what we could never do: he has made a way to reverse what has been spilled. "

Chad's comments: Oh how many times i have spilled trust. Oh how i wish i could take it back. Thank you God for the courage to try again and thank you God for giving others the grace to trust me.

Yesterday, I was in conversation with an 86 year old retired Air Force man. He expounded on and on about how people who think they are the only ones going to heaven cannot be right. (All the Muslims and Buddhist can't be going to hell - etc.) In my morning scripture I was reading the opening chapters of Hebrews. 2:1-4 reads

1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

Jesus has received the just penalty for our transgressions. Everyone may believe. Our message of hope is not
only for the Jew, but also for the Gentile. For the Buddhist and Hindu, Muslim and Christian alike. Let us not
ignore or neglect so great a salvation, for truly, how could we escape?

Dale came through Hip surgery yesterday with great success. He is coherent and ready to go home.
There was a point where they were having difficulty waking him up. When he finally did, he was talking
about how he was in a race claiming, 'I won, I won'. Later, after coming to for a few minutes, he thinks
maybe he got second place. = )

Thanks for prayers that were offered on Dale's behalf.

* Continue to make space for unbelievers
* 40 Days for Life campaign (ends 16 Mar):
* LIFE Devotions blog
* LIFE Prayers blog

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Three Questions

Welcome God every morning by reading 'A Slice of Infinity' before work (~5 min).

Verses pertinent to today's reading: As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4: 35-41)

Slice of Infinity snippets: "For some reason, we think that because Jesus is in the boat with us, suffering will not come our way. But suffering does come, and the wind roars around us and the sky turns black, and the storm of all storms appears to envelop us in darkness and terror. Jesus, don’t you care that we are perishing becomes an incredulous statement because we think as Christians we are somehow immune from the troubles of life. But Jesus’s answer reminds us that faith does not insulate us from life’s storms. Indeed, as Craig Barnes has written “Faith...has little to do with our doctrines or even with our belief that Jesus could come up with a miracle if he would only pay attention. Faith has everything to do with seeing that we have the Savior on board”

Chad's comments: Welcome to the blog. We look forward to this being a great tool for helping us love others into a REAL relationship with Jesus Christ.

I want to ask a prayer for my grandfather, Dale. Dale is going in for hip surgery at 9am central time this morning. He is 86 years old. He has one hip replacement already but this was roughly 10 years ago. Dale is a strong man and a man of God. However, his wife is not alive to help him during recovery this time. Please pray for his surgery as well as for support during his recovery and after.

* ‘COUGARS Daily’ blog
* Continue to make space for unbelievers
* 40 Days for Life campaign (ends 16 Mar): http://www.40daysforlife.com/.
* Pat’s LIFE Devotions blog at life-devotions.blogspot.com.
* Pat’s LIFE Prayers blog at life-prayers.blogspot.com. Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others (so let's pray daily!). Click for Prayer to End Abortion.
* Share the Good News: Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Monday, March 10, 2008

The Right Side of Pain

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain... In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Psalms 127:1-2)

Slice of Infinity snippets: "Describing the disparity between the mind of humanity and the mind of God, Abraham Heschel writes, “The [human] conscience builds its confines, is subject to fatigue, longs for comfort, lulling, soothing. Yet those who are hurt, and He Who inhabits eternity, neither slumber nor sleep.”(1) In other words, God never sleeps or slumbers because those who are hurting never sleep or slumber. Try as we may as caretakers we cannot be as God to the hurting. We can stay awake with them in their pain and suffering, we can care for them as neighbors, but the house in which the suffering find unfailing love is the Lord’s. This is the house to which we must bring them. This is the house in which we must live. In this season where we journey again to the Cross, might we be as the friends of the paralytic who carried him all the way to Christ.”

Chad's comments: I recently spent some time our pastor discussing reaching unbelievers; he said, “Find a person’s deepest pain and you will likely find what they fear the most. Find the thing they fear the most and you will likely find their deepest pain. Where we haven’t experienced love, pain and fear rule.” It is in the context of pain that I believe we have a great opportunity to minister. By reaching out and touching people in their need (quite possibly by sharing your own pain and sin), we can develop the relationship that may bring the trust to love.

WHY

Monday, March 31, 2008

Friday, March 28, 2008

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Monday, March 24, 2008

Friday, March 21, 2008

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Monday, March 17, 2008

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Friday, March 14, 2008

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Monday, March 10, 2008

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