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Thurs April 2 Scripture "Blind...Faith?"

"John 9: when you first read this you might be thinking it's all about another miracle and it is but what I got out of it was the faith journey of the blind man. He doesn't seem like he knows much about Jesus at all but he does what Jesus tells him to do and his sight is restored. That is his very first step to realizing who Jesus is. When the Pharisees questioned him about it he tells them exactly who, what, when, but they do not believe him. Later after more questions the once blind man starts to believe Jesus may be a prophet. And later still as he grows in his faith, he defends Jesus saying " If this man were not from God he could do nothing". And finally his path of faith brings him to say "Lord, I believe"! Wow, what a journey!"

Wed April 1st Scripture "Stoned"

"John 8:1-11

Boy Oh Boy those Jewish leader tried anything to trap Jesus! Here if Jesus said not to stone her, they would accuse him of violating Moses' law and if he said stone her they would report him to Rome. Lose Lose situation...or so they thought! Read what Jesus says...also there is a HUGE statement here about judging others...what would you of done here? Better yet, what are you doing today, are you quick to judge?"

Tues March 31 Scripture "anybody know what time it is"

"John 7

The whole chapter? yep yep...it is like a whole week of Jesus' life. It's full of controversy, plots to kill, public debates and people who confront Jesus. Notice though that Jesus is in total control at all times, he chooses when he will come forward and does not respond to the demands of the world. As Jesus explains we operate on "world time" (any time right for you) and He is on God's time. Jesus sets into motion the events that will lead to his death, but the choice was his. This is a hard lesson to learn in an "I want it now world"! God teaches us so much in the times we need to be patient. He 's got it all under control, just wait for his answers in His time...God's time."

Mon March 30 Scripture "Food for Thought"

John 6 25-51

To get the most out of today's reading, quickly skim over John 6 1-24 first. It has a couple great miracles and has references to bread that's vital. Both are leading to what Jesus is trying to teach them about himself and God. See what you think...and see vr. 37, it gives so much comfort to those of us that keep messing up in life! Can't you just picture Jesus with his arms open wide as you read it! Remember to always pray everyday! Now would be a good time.

Mar 27 Fri Scripture "Get Well"

John 5:1-15

There is an important interaction here I don't want you to miss! Jesus asks the cripple "Do you want to get well" and he doesn't say yes...he kind of response in a weak excuse...but he does as Jesus says, responds in faith, & experiences healing. But later it seems like he goes back to his sinful ways. "Do you want to get well" is a question for anyone who seeks spiritual healing. The choice is ours, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's only for the moment...to be made "well" means to boldly step out into a new life. Take time this weekend to think of your life...what is keeping you from being made "well"?

March 25 & 26 Scripture "Show me a Sign"

John 4:43-54

My apologizes for skipping yesterday!

Todays reading is wonderful, so many subtleties (things you might not notice) that are so important. Jesus went back to Cana where he did his first miracle of changing water into wine. Doesn't seem to be as big a deal as healing the boy but both were important "signs" both pointing to Jesus as divine. Do you see where Jesus is complaining about them needing to see miracles to believe? But then he does them anyway! Whatzup wit dat? Jesus wants faith that sees beyond the miracles. Now see what the royal official does after Jesus tells him to go home. He believed on basis of word alone...then he did what? he acted on his belief by going home based on faith that his son would be alive. Listen carefully...we too will have to believe based on his words not miracles or signs...realize Jesus was the miracle! And like the officer, we need to express our faith by action, by an uncertain journey, as he did...we don't know what twists and turns our lives will take but we do know the goal for at the end you will have life! But here's the deal, you have to take the journey in the first place! What are you waiting for?

Tues-March 24 Scripture "Go Tell"

"John 4:27-42

Yesterday we read about the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus revealed himself to her as the Messiah, but her story doesn't stop there! So what happened next...the disciples come up and see that she's there but they completely ignore her. She leaves and goes into town telling everyone about Jesus knowing everything about her life, and they too came out to see him. Many Samaritans came to believe in Jesus that very day! So what was Jesus saying to the disciples about the fields being ripe for harvest? He tells them to open their eyes! People are ready to believe and the disciple are kind of sitting idly by! The Samaritan woman, (someone they believed to be "beneath" them) is out doing exactly what the disciple are to do. The disciples had to recognize their mission of telling everyone about Jesus, even those they didn't think had much status in their society. Jesus wants us all to do EXACTLY as the woman did! Don't sit around keeping it to yourselves or waiting on someone else to do it...Go tell everyone about Jesus!"

Monday March 23 Scripture "Well, well, well who do we have here"

"John 4 1-26

This is a great story...even if you've heard it before, read it again. Listen to how she keeps questioning Jesus. It's almost like she is being sarcastic and joking at times yet testing to see if there is something to this guy that she should know. Back then Jews didn't like Samaritans and talking to a women instead of her husband wasn't acceptable either so even having this conversation was extraordinary. When Jesus says he can give her living water, she's like where do I sign up? Thinking it would save her from having to keep going back to the well every day! What does He mean by "living water"? Then when Jesus tells her about her own life, she really takes notice...and when he said the time was here to worship in spirit and truth, she realizes that can only mean that the Messiah has come! Jesus says to her that, I am He! What a moment that must of been! Put yourself in her place for a few minutes...what would the conversation be like, what would you of asked Jesus? What would you do when you found out that He was the long awaited Messiah?"

Happy Spring Break Everyone!

During Spring Break please continue to read your bibles on your own...we will continue in the book of John on March 23rd!

March 12--Scripture "Blink"

"John 3:16-21

In today's reading the most famous scripture for Christians is here. At least it's the one we see the most of on TV at the pro football games. JOHN 3:16 If you have it memorized...GREAT...if not try to do so. The last words in the verse are eternal life...How long is eternal life? It's looooooooooooooooooong! It's FOREVER! And life goes so fast, especially once you are out of school! I heard it said that compared to eternity our lives are like the "blink of an eye". Now that's fast! Spend time thinking about how fast this last year has gone...would you change anything?"

March 11-Scripture "Born....Again?"

"John 3:1-15

Jesus tells us no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. As you read you see ole Nic here is very confused. How can a man go back and be born from his mom a second time? Jesus was not meaning a physical rebirth here. It's about a spiritual birth, a "New Birth"! Being Born Again is like starting all over, it's exciting...you are forgiven, you are saved and forever with God. So how are we Born Again? BELIEVE in Jesus, tell Him so, be sorry for any bad you've done and let Him guide your life!"

Tue-March 10 "Extreme Make Over: Jesus Edition"

"John 2:18-25

Do you ever watch "Extreme Make Over: Home Edition"? Most of the time they bulldoze the house and start all over and build this magnificent home. The people of Jesus's day must of thought Jesus was crazy to say if they destroy this temple, He could rebuild it in three days! Of course they were not going to test that one out, this temple was 500 years old as it was and they had been remodeling for 46 years and they were not done yet! It didn't make any sense to anyone until later when they realize Jesus was talking about something greater than the temple...it was the destruction of His body and His resurrection after three days He was talking about! The disciples didn't understand everything Jesus said when he was alive but they had faith anyway. That's the way it is even now...we can't understand everything the bible says but we ask God to help us and He will definitely guide us."

March 9 scripture "My Father's House"

John 2:12-17 (make sure to read scripture first) Jesus seems to be angry here at what is going on in the temple. Jews from all over came for this once a year pilgrimage to the temple. It was a time of worship and sacrifice and remembrance for when the slaves were freed. That was all good, but many were taking advantage of those that traveled by overcharging them for things they needed for the worship & sacrifices. They crowded the temple so much that no one could get in to worship!

Think of that now, here at our Church. What if you came Sunday morning and the parking lot was filled with people charging you to park and they were selling stuff all over the place. But in order to park or buy anything the money had to be a certain kind of money! To change your money to theirs, they were going to charge you a ton! They don't care about you going to your church, they are there to make a profit! Then to top it all off you can't get in the church because these guys are everywhere and there is no room for you to even get inside to pray! No wonder Jesus seemed angry!

March 6 Friday Scripture "First of Many"

John 2:1-11

A wedding was a big deal back then, let's face it, it can be big deal now too. Just ask my daughter who's getting married this June. BIG DEAL! HUGE! Although running out of wine would not be something that would make her reception come to an end, it sure would of then! It was very important, for wine was the beverage for celebrations and this was a BIG celebration. And they ran out! Fire that wedding planner! Jesus wasn't ready for his first miracle yet, but He did what his mother asked of him, turning the water into wine. This was the first miracle, so simple yet it became a BIG DEAL for the first disciples...it revealed the glory of God!

Thurs 5-scripture "The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly"

John 1:43-51

Nathanael longed with all that was in him for the day when God's chosen one would come and bring justice to the world. Nathanael saw all the beggars, the blind, the poor, & the hungry and his heart ached for them. That was why he wanted the Messiah to come. So when he was told the Messiah was here and he came from Nazareth, he was skeptical because "Nothing good could come from there". Nazareth was despised due to the Roman army camped there.

Jesus told him he saw him under the fig tree, meaning he already knew him...who he was, his passion for the poor, his love for God, his doubts, and even his impatience waiting for his savior. That's the beauty of this story...Jesus already knew him, as he already knows you...the good, the bad, & the ugly. You can not hide anything from him, even the bad parts. But he still loves us...believe that with all that is in you and love him back.

Wed 4-Scripture "First"

"John 1:35-42

This is the story of the very first disciples of Christ...they believed John that this was the Son of God! They wanted to know everything Jesus had to say, so much so that they followed him around...Andrew was so eager to tell him brother and everyone they had found the Messiah that it states that was the First thing he did. Can you picture his face so full of awe and excitement? What a great time it was for them! As it is for us now...they were living the very bible we are reading. That's just cool...keep reading."

March 3-scripture "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

"John 1:29-34

...."Look the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world..." Did you know EVERY morning back in the old days a lamb was sacrificed in the temples for the sins of the people...AND that the old testament told of the Messiah being led to slaughter like a lamb. John called Jesus the "lamb of God" and just like the lamb sacrificed in the temples for the sins of the people, Jesus too was sacrificed for sins, the sins of the whole world...our sins. Is there anything you need to be forgiven for? You can receive forgiveness because of the Lamb of God, just ask and it is done."

March 2-scripture "Who are you, who who who who"

"John 1:19-28

In this scripture the Jews are trying to figure out who this Baptist called John is...he never really tells them who he is but tells of the coming of the Christ...of who he is unworthy to untie his sandals. John was what you might call an "odd duck"...he wore old cloths, ate weird food, and preached an unusual message, but he knew what he role was! He knew what he was called to do. Although hundreds of people came to him and were moved by his words, he always pointed beyond himself, knowing he was here to announce the coming of a savior. That was what God asked of him, and if you think about it, He asks the same of us today."

Feb 27 Scripture "I'm so Excited and I Just Can't Hide It"

John 1:10-18

Remember a time when you just could not WAIT to get home and tell your parents something wonderful that happened to you at school? Hold on to that feeling as you read this scripture!

John writes with such excitement and drama! You can feel it through each verse that He can't wait to share with us what he knows. At one point he "cries out" because he's so excited that Jesus was there now!John had been telling everyone he WAS coming and now he was there! There are a couple verses here that will make you smile big...one says "yet he who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God! You are God's! And "from the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another"! For no other reason but love God gives us one blessing after the other...this weekend would be a good time to sit, write your blessings down and say the most exciting prayer of thanks that you can to God.

Thurs 26-scripture "Word Up"

We are starting our readings for Lent with the book of John.

John 1:1-9

When you first read it, you might wonder what John meant by "the word"...so how about instead of saying "the word" say Jesus. Does that mean Jesus was with God before the beginning of the earth?

Jesus is also called "the light". John's job was to tell others about "the light" coming to shine in the darkness...could that mean the darkness of our sins or the darkness of Satan? maybe both?

So here's a thought...Jesus could of just stayed there with God, in what must be the most glorious place you can imagine. A place of love, peace, beauty, tranquility...instead He left all that behind and came here to earth, in human form knowing of the great pain and sorrow the very people He loved would inflict on him...He did it anyway. Just to save us...to save you...Just take a quiet moment and think about that. I'm in awe of our God.

Wed 25th--"What's Lent all about"

Lent is the forty-day-long period leading up to Easter. It represents the time Jesus spent in the dessert which the bible says he was tempted by Satan. It's forty days in which we pray, repent, and for many, give up something to help prepare us for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. So why do these things? It will help us remain mindful of God's care and direction in our lives! AND it helps create self-examination and spiritual discipline! We all need that! In addition to giving something up, adding a time to read the bible and reflect on you actions each day during this time of lent will no doubt enrich your spiritual journey and bless your life!

Starting tomorrow we will have daily Scripture for the Gospel of John.

Tues-Feb 24th "Good News!"

Want to share with you what the teens that went to Dare2Share are memorizing...It's our Christian faith summed up in an acronym! If you are asked to explain what we believe as followers of Jesus this is a good way to be prepared to answer (After each are the books in the bible that relate to it).

G O S P E L Translated means Good News!

G=God created us to be with Him (Genesis 1-2) O=Our sins separate us from God (Genesis 3) S=Sins cannot be removed by good deeds (Genesis 4 - Malachi 4) P=Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again (Matthew-Luke) E=Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life (John-Jude) L=Life that's eternal means we will be with Jesus (Revelation)

Thur 19th Scripture "Follow the yellow brick road"

Matthew 7:13-14

Dorothy, with Toto in hand set out on the yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City. It was a long journey through fields, live forests, poppy's and don't forget the scary flying monkeys. But Dorothy knew why she was on that road...to get home!

This scripture is talking about taking the narrow road instead of the wide road that leads to destruction. Sometimes that's hard, especially when your friends are headed in one direction and you know it's the wrong way. You just need to be strong during those times. Do what you know is right no matter what's going on around you. And remember the road you are on is leading you to the greatest Emerald City of all...heaven.

Wed Feb 18 scripture "Excuses, Excuses"

"Matthew 28:18-20

This scripture is basically "marching orders" that Jesus gave his disciples and to all of us. We are to share this amazing good news about Jesus and help our friends see their need for a Savior. But we have so many reasons not to...afraid of being made fun of; don't know what to say or afraid we might say the wrong things; maybe we'll get called a religious freak or worse! Whatever the reason, could it be an excuse for not obeying Jesus' last request of us...He tells us to "Go and make disciples of all nations"...when you do, remember the last line..."I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Tue-Feb 17th scripture "Hokey Pokey"

"Matthew 18:8-9 (continued from yesterday) This would be really painful if you were to take it literally...Jesus is teaching us how extremely important it is to recognize and remove the temptations in our lives that cause us to sin! His example is that of your hand or foot causing you to sin...then off it goes. We are NOT being asked to do that. We need all our pieces and parts! It would be so hard to do the "Hokey Pokey" without them! It's all about you first realizing what things, people, or activities you are doing that is leading you to sin. And then THOSE things are what need to be stopped."

Monday Feb 16-Scripture "Whoa Nellie"

"Matthew 18:7

Jesus says "woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin." He's not saying Whoa, as in STOP THIS RUNAWAY HORSE! He is saying woe as in a "deep distress" to the world is happening because of sin. He says "such things must come"...why is that? Why can't we just have God stop all the sin and make it one happy place? Oh yeah, He tried that with Adam and Eve...that didn't go so well. So there is going to be things in this world that will cause people to sin, right? And we will sin cuz we are born with sin (that's why Jesus came, to get rid of the sin that separates us from God), BUT what about US causing others to sin. Not good! Would you feel awful knowing you were why someone else sinned? Here Jesus says "woe to the man through whom they come." Meaning "deep distress" to the one who cause others to sin. We as believers are to HELP others avoid ANYTHING that causes them to sin. Take a look at what you are doing with your friends this week...need to make any changes?"

Fri 13th scripture "Where oh where has my little dog gone"

Matthew 18:12-14

Did you know there are over 55,000 missing dog on findfido.com? The rewards are as high as 6,000 bucks! Yeah, I checked. Wow, what people will do for a lost pet! They must mean an awful lot to the owners. Remember 101 Dalmatians and what links Pongo went to just to find his pups? This parable is kind of like that except there's no Cruella Deville! And they weren't dogs, they were sheep...oh and there were only 100 sheep, not 101. But still there are similarities...read the scripture and pay close attention to vs13..."and if he finds it, he will rejoice over it..."

Thurs-Feb 12 "My Name is Earl"

Galatians 6:7-8

"Do not be deceived... A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

Have you ever had a someone say, "What goes around comes around"? or "You have to pay the consequences for your actions"? That's what this scripture reminds me of. Ever watch the show "My Name is Earl", it's hysterical! It's about a guy who has a list of all the bad stuff he has ever done and he's trying to make them all right again so he can cross it off his list. That way "Karma" won't be mad at him anymore and bad stuff won't keep happening and vise versa, whenever he does something good then good things will happen. All I know is when you live a life of sin there are definitely consequences, most of them painful. And when you live a life for God the rewards are immeasurable!

Tues/Wed 10 & 11 Scriptures "what's in a Hug"

"Matthew 18 1-6

Last Sunday I met a family of six children...one of the kids about 10 talked to me about my necklaces and buying new clothes, you know kind of like "small talk"...I only spoke to her for a few minutes but after church she came to me and gave me a big hug good bye. It was so unexpected, so unconditional, so tight and full of all the love she could give in an embrace...it was almost like she was saying, "thanks for noticing I'm here"...not really sure how all this goes with today's scripture except that Jesus so loved children that He wants us to be like them...try not to forget that in your hurry to grow up. And maybe today you could hug someone like that little girl did...unexpected, unconditional, so tight and full of all the love you can give in an embrace..."

Monday-Feb 9 Scripture "compassion meter"

Matthew 20:29-34

Notice how Jesus reacted differently to the blind men than the crowd did. He had compassion, He touched them, loved them...how's your compassion meter these days? Do you hurt when you see someone else hurting or do you just shrug your shoulders and say that's too bad for them. Don't get desensitized due to the things you see in this world; don't let yourself get numb so you don't feel the pain of others. Help those you see feeling down, show them you care...let them talk and share the pain they have and let them know that God will help them no matter what!

And like the last line said, they received their sight and then they did what? followed Him.

Friday-6th scripture "Liar Liar"

What a great movie "Liar Liar" was! FUNNNNNY! And it does have a great lesson of course. Let's go easy on you with this one...you don't even need to go to the bible...here it is!

Lev 19:11-12 Do not steal. Do not Lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am Lord.

Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Col 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self...

Just thought we might need a reminder!

Thurs-5th scripture

"Matthew 22:34-40

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in all the law?" See what Jesus' replies here...study it for a minute...Would your life be different tomorrow if that's how you live? Can you imagine a world if everyone lived this way? It would be amazing!"

Wed 4th-Scripture "wicked tenants"

Matthew 21:33-46

This is the best way to read this one...read through one time, it'll be a little rough to understand, but you'll get it, just hold tight. Now go back and read it inserting the following (no worries, it's easy)

Landowner=GOD; Vineyard=ISRAEL; Tenants=JEWISH RELIGIOUS LEADERS; Landowner Servants=people who loved God and told others about Him; Son=JESUS (of course); Other Tenants=NON-JEWISH PEEPS

you see, Jesus was telling them in the story that THEY are the wicked ones not listening to those that tell the truth about God AND THEY would reject the very son of God! OUCH! Then He takes it one step further and says the kingdom of God will not only be taken from them but they will be crushed. Yikes! (vs42-44) Not sure what to make of this parable? For me it's showing a loving God who give us several chances to believe in Him but if we just won't then eternity with Him is out of the question. What does it say to you?

Tues-Feb 3 Scripture

Matthew 21:28-32

Two Sons! One refuses to do something that his dad asks of him, then ends up doing it anyway...the other son tells ole daddio that he WILL do it and then doesn't do it at all.

Our intentions and promises don't always act in action do they? We SAY we're going to do something and then we don't follow through. That drives me NUTS!...nuts?...I like nuts except macadamia nuts....ok, focus! ACTION really does matter! Let's move beyond making promises to God and DO what God really wants us to do! Ready, Set, Action!

Monday Feb 2-scripture

"Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting means to not eat food--so why do people do that? (First realize food is given up for periods of time and should not compromise their health) Many do it to give up something important for God to remind us that He provides for us and we rely on Him. Others to teach about self-sacrifice and a reminder of those that have nothing. As people fast they pray and honor God...Jesus was saying fasting is good if done for God and not for the attention of others. Is there something you are doing in your life for the attention of others when it should be for God? Ask God to change this and to help you stay focused on Him!"

Friday-30 scripture-better late then never

Matthew 20:1-16

How would you feel if you have lived your whole life for God...praying, giving, sacrificing for others... and at the end of your days, you meet this guy who is the worst person in the world...he's killed someone, stolen things, hated others and lived selfishly without caring about anyone and NOW that he is dying he finally repents and gives his life to Jesus. So are you both going to heaven? Is that really fair?

Read the scripture and see what Jesus says about it. (God is the landowner and believers are the workers)

We rejoice for another soul is saved for the kingdom of God!

Thurs-29 scripture

"Romans 15:13

this is only one verse but how powerful! When you accept Jesus into your life you get like a new identity, you realize you are not here by some rnadome chance, you are a child of God and you will be loved and cared for by your heavenly Father. Ahhhh, feels good doesn't it."

Wed 28-scripture

"Matthew 6:5-14

This one might get confusing for you on exactly how someone is supposed to pray! Jesus was talking to those back then that were ONLY praying so they would look like they were all that and a bag of chips! What is He saying to you? Pray, God knows what you need, and forgive always. He even tells us what to say! (9-13) SO if you don't know the Lord's Prayer...try to memorize it. Remember a prayer is coming to God with a sincere heart...just talk to Him, tell Him how you feel, what you're needing, be honest...He hears you and loves you!"

tues-27th scripture

"Matthew 6 1:4

this is a toughy! Jesus wants us to do things to help others, but not to get praise for it. Hmmmm, I wonder...would we still do good deeds if no one saw us do them? If we need someone to notice what we do, then why are we really doing them? Here's an idea--do something nice for someone tomorrow but don't let anyone know. No doubt God will notice!"

mon-26th scripture

"Matthew 23:23-28

Does it sound like Jesus is MAD? He was talking to the chief religious leaders then but what about you now? Are there areas of your life where you appear to be something you are not? What are you showing on the outside that really isn't there on your inside? Jesus said to practice justice, mercy, & faithfulness...look around you this week and practice, practice, practice!"

Friday 23rd Scripture

Busy Busy Bee!

Luke 10 38-42

what's your life like right now? barely any time to relax, running from one thing to the next...that's kinda how Martha was, always making sure everything was just right, in fact she wanted everything to be perfect...she was definitely a people pleaser! Mary on the other hand, took the time to figure out what Jesus was about...which one are you?wanna read more about these two and their bro who came back to life? read John 11:17-45 over the weekend...

Thur. 22nd scripture

Luke 10: 25-37

Dying Starfish...

Hundreds of dying starfish washed up on the beach. A man was trying to throw them back one at a time. Someone asked him, "Do you really think you can make a difference?" "I can for this one," he answered, as he threw it into the sea. "And for this one," as he threw another. Now read the scripture...we can change things.

Wed. 21st, scripture

"Luke 9:57-62

this scripture is entitled The Cost of Following Jesus: You've been reading, praying, & trying to see what it was like to be a disciple way back when with Jesus...so now what? Will you follow Him? What's stopping you? What is your answer to Jesus today when He simply says follow me..."

continue with scripture?

So we've gone two weeks with reading scripture everyday...well some of us did and some of us tried to. How is your relationship with Jesus now? are you getting to feel a connection or closeness to Him? If not, have you talked to Him about it as you've been reading? God will always answer you, in the mean time don't stop reading the bible!

Let me hear from you...do you want to continue with me sending you scripture for each day, does it help you to read the bible? Just in case you say yes, here it is!

we're on Luke 9:46-50..this shows us how "human" the disciples were. Fighting over whose the greatest...they were acting like children so Jesus talked to them like children! They even became tattle-tails! Check it out in 49...listen to Jesus' answer. Can you see yourself anywhere in this chapter?

Friday the 16 scripture

Luke 9:28-36
Short scripture but powerful...the disciples saw Moses, Elijah,(two biggies in the old testament) and heard the voice of God all in one night! WOW! And what a descriptive chapter...close your eyes after you read it and just picture being there. Would it freak you out? Would you be in total Amazement?!

Note: to know who Moses is go to Exodus 2 and keep going; for Elijah go to 1 Kings-2 Kings...

Mission Trip Selected

Hi all, blessing and joy for another day to worship a God who loves you! The mission trip was voted on at our youth ministry meeting Monday and Slidell/New Orleans Louisiana here we come...again! There is still so much to do even four years after Katrina. Please check your calendars to see what July 11-19 looks like for you! If you need information on mission requirements and cost please see me soon. The sign up sheet is in the youth room. It's never too early to start praying for the families we will be helping on God's mission, let's start today. Peace, T.

Thurs. the 15th Scripture-here are some answers for yesterday

stay with Luke 9:18-27 from yesteday--here's some answers to help you understand, I hope.

reread scripture real fast so you know what were talkin' 'bout.

What does the Christ of God mean? Messiah, Son of God, fulfillment of the prophesy... Why didn't Jesus want them to tell anyone (vs21); maybe people were not ready to hear it or couldn't understand it all yet. They didn't understand what Jesus had to do here, suffer and die? the Messiah who we've waited for? How could they understand any of that so early on.

Did you figure out what it meant to take up your cross and follow...only you can answer that one! It's your cross! Next question: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Ask a miserable rich man! Nothing on this earth is worth losing your SOUL! Nothing material can bring you eternal happiness.

Last one...vs 27-Jesus was telling them that they would see the kingdom come into being before they died, what's up with that? That can have dif meanings, maybe it was to them that they would see Him die and rise again, maybe it was about God's kingdom was among them meaning Jesus. Or my favorite, maybe Jesus is telling us that we won't feel(taste) death...we will instantly be in His Kingdom after we take our last breath.

Yeah, that's the one I like best…what is God telling you through these scriptures...that's what matters!

wed the 14 scripture

Luke 9:18-27

Read through once kind of fast, then shake your head and blink a couple times cuz it's confusing…now go read it again slower and see what words jump out to you. Let's play 20 Questions...ok, not 20 but here are few questions for you to ponder the second time through...

When Peter answered, "The Christ of God." What did he mean? FYI-Christ is not Jesus's last name...Jesus warned them not to tell...tell what? why not tell?

Vs 23, in YOUR life now what does it mean to "take up his cross daily and follow me"? If you have a REAL 8 foot cross made out of a tree that you're carrying around, you don't need to answer that one.

Vs 25...Jesus ask this very question to them and He is now asking you...What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Now see Vs 26 it is pretty tough to take, how would it feel to have Jesus ashamed of you?

And the last one...Vs 27, what is Jesus saying to them about seeing the kingdom before they die?

We'll answer some of these questions before tomorrow's scripture so if you don't understand, no worries...just try to figure out some of them on your own...

Tuesday the 13 Scripture

Luke 9 :10-17
What do Chef Boy Ardy Pizza and Fish have in common?

I don't remember ever going hungry as a kid. My Mom was a master at creating meals out of practically nothing. She had to be, money was tight and feeding a family of nine was no easy task. But I loved Fridays. Fridays were extra special because that was Chef Boy Ardy Pizza night. It was a luxury for us. Mmmm, pizza you make out of a box! No meat, no real cheese, basically crust and tomato sauce! I always thought heaven would be me having a whole pizza to myself! But every Friday, it never failed, there would be some neighborhood kids hanging out at our house right around suppertime. And Mom never hesitated to let them stay and eat. In fact she didn't turn anyone away who was hungry, ever. It never seemed to even bother her, in fact she seemed happy to have them stay. I on the other hand, was always afraid I wouldn't get enough, but somehow she managed to feed everyone!

Read the scripture...

pray for those that will go hungry today

Monday the 12th scripture

"Luke 9 1-9 read through a couple time slowly..do you know the dif between a disciple and an apostle? A disciple is one who follows and an apostle is one who is sent. This is about changing from one to the other, Jesus is turning them from disciple to apostles...which are you, pray and listen for God's answer."

Friday Luke 8: 40-56

Ok, so you've made it a WHOLE week reading scripture! You no doubt have thoughts about Jesus by now...so this next scripture just makes you fell warm and fuzzy all over. There's this lady who Jesus heals...look how she "sneaks" to touch him. Like she doesn't want to get caught...or...maybe she thinks something will happen to her if she does touch him. Well, something actually does happen to her, check it out.

Then there's another amazing miracle about a little girl being brought back to life. This week John Travolta's son died and he was quoted as saying "this is the worst day of my life." Jarius must of felt that same incredible sadness that rips to your core, a pain so unimaginable that you struggle to take your next breath. God too knows that same pain.

At the very moment Jarius found out his daughter was dead Jesus said to him in what must have been the most gentle voice imaginable, "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed."

Did Jarius have doubts and fears then? Do you? If so talk to someone about your doubts, about your fears over the weekend. Pray that all the doubts you ever had about a God that created YOU would be gone and replaced with an excitement knowing He has a purpose for you beyond what you can imagine!

There will be no scripture on the weekends, take this time to look at your life. Is it time you gave it to God?

Thurs. scripture Luke 7 36:50

did you notice we're jumping back a bit? if we were to go in order, the next one would be Luke 8 26-39, but honestly it reads like a bad horror flick...Jesus does heal the man and there are great lessons to learn and well, you can read it and let me know what YOU think...so backwards we go (story of my life)

who would have to come to your house that would make you freak out?! a famous musician, Brad Pitt (is he cute to teens or just middle age gals), or Barak O bama maybe...that would make me clean my bathroom for sure...

Read the scripture and see how this Sinful woman reacts to Jesus. She must of either loved Him soooo much or was in bad need of forgiveness. Can't you just see her, she cried so hard that her tears fell on His feet and she wiped them with her long hair. The Pharisee was appalled by her, would you have been? If Jesus walked in your room right now would you drop to your knees?

Pray now to have the kind of love the sinful woman had for Jesus. May your day tomorrow begin feeling that love too.

Wed scripture Luke 8: 22-25

first think about a time when you felt totally out of control, not like busy life out of control, more like going snow skiing for the first time and thinking the lift was for the bunny slopes and ending up on the green ones, out of control! That was me, 19yrs old...scared, cold, wet, alone and trying to figure out how to get down this mountain without breaking my neck!

Think of your scary moment for a second...remember how it felt. Now that you've got that horrible panicky feeling again, imagine yourself in a boat, it's rocking violently, water is coming over the sides and you might capsize any moment. Now go read the scripture, when done think of how it felt after your panic moment was over (like when I was at the bottom of the mountain, vowing never to going skiing AGAIN) What would it be like in your moment of terror if someone just came and poof, stopped it! Fear and amazement all at the same time maybe?...the disciple had fear and amazement too and asked, Who IS this?

End in a prayer from your heart to God.

Tuesday's Scripture

Tuesday scripture is Luke 8:19, 20, 21

today do things a little differently...pray first, for understanding, for wisdom, and what does this scripture have to do with you, cuz this is one of those rare statements from Jesus that many think is just plain mean!

Or is it? My son likes to say things that get a huge reaction from me...he'll say them, get me all uptight and then say "Shock Factor"!! Maybe Jesus was saying it to get their attention first and then to teach them. Jesus was all about teachable moments and this was definitely one of them. What was it he was teaching them? teaching you?

Monday's Scripture

ok seniors...here it is the first scripture reading. For those of you that don't know, our sr high youth have decided to do a daily scripture read. I will facebook the scripture and you can respond to the group your thoughts. All are encourage to do this and see how much closer you are to God when you read His words

So here goes...LUKE 8:16, 17, 18

Luke is about two thirds toward the back of the bible....this is when Jesus was traveling around healing people and giving speeches, this is part of one speech.

after you read it think of your first initial thought...confused? that's ok, remember those that seek the answer will find it

look around your room, is there a lamp on? Where is the lamp? Why do you have it? what if you shut it off, can you see anything?

Now read it again slowly...what is Jesus trying to get at? Why do you suppose He uses the example of a lamp to get His point across?

now it's time to pray...don't skip this part, it's important. pray for God to reveal what You are to learn here right now at your age and in your circumstances... why is this important for you know now.

In God's loving peace, I pray for you. T.

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Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

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