God Planned You as a Master Creation
Psalm 139:13-15For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
“Created by God”
Today we will begin to consider some scripture passages to discover just how wonderful, unique, and important you are. Nearly everyone dislikes something about his physique or her personality. Tall people wish they were shorter. Short people would give anything to be taller. Math whiz kids envy those who can read anything and figure out what it means. Athletes sometimes hate not being able to do as well in school as other kids do. It doesn’t really seem to matter what set of strengths God gave us, we can always find someone we would rather be like.
Today’s scripture tells us that God made each individual person on earth exactly the way he wanted them to be. He has a job for each of us to do that requires the precise set of strengths and weaknesses he programmed into us.
The talents and positive personality traits God gave us make it possible for us do particular things. Those who love grammar and reading often become writers. Those who have better-than-average physical strength or coordination can take on jobs like building things or hiking to isolated villages to share the gospel. We all appreciate the talents of pianists, guitar players and singers who can lead us in worship.
But what about our weaknesses? Shy people make incredible listeners. Those who struggle with reading may become engineers or businessmen. The athletically challenged frequently compensate by organizing events and encouraging others. God has another important purpose for giving us some weak points. He wants to be sure that we can sympathize with our friends who also have difficulties. Because we become stronger and more compassionate as the result of our struggles, we can help others do the same.
We must remember that God’s is reflected in everything He makes. He is absolutely and perfectly good. So, anything he creates has to be awesome. He made you exactly the way you are to do something that only you can do. What a concept!David, who wrote this Psalm, was the youngest in his family. His dad and brothers didn’t think he was even important enough to call away from the sheep when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. But, God knew David would make a great king. After all, God created him for that purpose way before he was born. David had times when he wondered if God could ever use him, but he kept on obeying the Lord. As a result, he became one of the greatest heroes in the Bible. There are no unimportant jobs and no worthless people in God’s eyes. God created you for a job in his kingdom that is just as important as the one David did.
Today’s Prayer:
My God and my Creator, I thank you for making me different from every other human being. Thank you that your goodness and wisdom are expressed in the way you mixed up my DNA. Help me accept myself as your wonderful creation and find the role you have for me to play in your plans, today and always. Amen.
Written by Martha E Menne, Flagstaff AZ
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Mark 8:34b-36
Life is a Gift . . .
Mark 8:34b-36
Jesus said, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Don’t Waste It!
On March 23, 2006, three senior guys who had been carpooling together since they received their driver’s licenses, headed to their high school in West Central Minnesota. Today was to be extra special. They were joining the rest of their basketball teammates and heading to the MN State High School League Boys Basketball Tournaments.
Before they made it to their friends who were waiting at the school, a tragic car accident took place. The Lord took Adam home to Himself at the accident scene. He called Jon to his eternal home the next day.
A few weeks later Mike, Jon’s father, spoke to the still grieving students during a chapel assembly. He shared about the number of lives Jon was physically able to save through his being an organ donor. Mike confessed that one night he lay awake thinking about the person who received his son’s heart. A glut of emotions flooded his thoughts as he considered the gift. Who was this person? How old was he or she? As Mike considered all the possibilities, he grew angry . . . what if this individual was making poor choices, what if this person was an enemy of the cross, what if this person was wasting the life that was gifted to him?
As quickly as Mike’s mind flew in a thousand directions, his thoughts stopped in their tracks when he asked himself the same question about the life that Jesus had given to him through His death on the cross.
According to my daughters’ retelling of this chapel speech, Mike looked at the teenagers gathered in that place and asked, “What are you doing with the heart and life that Jesus gifted to you?” The question is sobering and still being processed as this group of kids wrestles with the deaths of their friends and the lives that they are still called to live.
Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
“In other words, it is better to lose your life than to waste it.” (John Piper, Don’t Waste your Life.)
You were made by God and for God. Don’t waste it.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for the life You have gifted me. Thank You for the gift of a new heart that You give to each person who believes in You as Lord and Savior. I want to lose my life for Your sake that I will save it! Please don’t let me waste my life. What a tragedy that would be! Instead help me to treasure You above all else. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lenae Bulthuis
Renville, MN
Mark 8:34b-36
Jesus said, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Don’t Waste It!
On March 23, 2006, three senior guys who had been carpooling together since they received their driver’s licenses, headed to their high school in West Central Minnesota. Today was to be extra special. They were joining the rest of their basketball teammates and heading to the MN State High School League Boys Basketball Tournaments.
Before they made it to their friends who were waiting at the school, a tragic car accident took place. The Lord took Adam home to Himself at the accident scene. He called Jon to his eternal home the next day.
A few weeks later Mike, Jon’s father, spoke to the still grieving students during a chapel assembly. He shared about the number of lives Jon was physically able to save through his being an organ donor. Mike confessed that one night he lay awake thinking about the person who received his son’s heart. A glut of emotions flooded his thoughts as he considered the gift. Who was this person? How old was he or she? As Mike considered all the possibilities, he grew angry . . . what if this individual was making poor choices, what if this person was an enemy of the cross, what if this person was wasting the life that was gifted to him?
As quickly as Mike’s mind flew in a thousand directions, his thoughts stopped in their tracks when he asked himself the same question about the life that Jesus had given to him through His death on the cross.
According to my daughters’ retelling of this chapel speech, Mike looked at the teenagers gathered in that place and asked, “What are you doing with the heart and life that Jesus gifted to you?” The question is sobering and still being processed as this group of kids wrestles with the deaths of their friends and the lives that they are still called to live.
Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
“In other words, it is better to lose your life than to waste it.” (John Piper, Don’t Waste your Life.)
You were made by God and for God. Don’t waste it.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for the life You have gifted me. Thank You for the gift of a new heart that You give to each person who believes in You as Lord and Savior. I want to lose my life for Your sake that I will save it! Please don’t let me waste my life. What a tragedy that would be! Instead help me to treasure You above all else. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lenae Bulthuis
Renville, MN
Monday, September 14, 2009
Daniel 1:8
Standing Firm Under Fire
Daniel 1:8.“ Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
How God blesses pure hearts
Imagine yourself in Daniel's position. As a member of the ruling class of Israel, he had been among the first Israelites taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar's conquering forces. Now he found himself under the control of a high official in the Babylonian government who ordered him to train for three years for a position in service to the king. The menu at the "royal training center" included rich meats, deserts and wine. Some items on the menu were not only unhealthy, but also taboo according to Jewish law.
Because of their Jewish training and strong convictions, Daniel and three of his friends took the risk of requesting a different diet. Four teenaged slaves of the most powerful ruler on earth approached the head guy in order to strike a deal. They proposed that they become vegetarians inso they could avoid offending God's dietary laws. Surprisingly, the commander agreed to let them have their way for ten days--undoubtedly believing that they wouldn't deteriorate too badly in such a short time.
Imagine the guard’s amazement when the four young men turned out to be significantly healthier than the rest of the trainees at the end of the test period. Having passed with flying colors, Daniel and his friends were allowed to continue their special diet.
However, the real test came at the end of the three year training course. Would they make it? Would they barely squeak by? Would they fail miserably? None of the above. When the tests were finally scored, the four Jewish vegetarians got the highest scores in the class. And not just a little higher. They scored ten times better than even the most experienced magicians and enchanters in the kingdom. God chose to bless Daniel and the others who maintained their values and obeyed his laws.
Every day we face decisions similar to Daniel's. Our friends, classmates and teachers place temptations before us that provide opportunities to either compromise or obey God. Will we participate in conversations or actions that smudge God’s reputation? Will we write an essay that reflects the world's ideas about an issue instead of God's? Will we chicken out when God gives us a perfect opportunity to identify ourselves as Christians? Or, will we choose to stand firm and become lights shining in the darkness?
God frequently places us in situations that demand taking a risk in order to do what we know will please him. The Lord blessed Daniel and his friends because he stood up for what he knew would please him. He will do the same for us. So, what will you do the next time such a situation arises in your life? Will you cave in and follow the crowd? Or, will you stand your ground in order to please God?
Today’s Prayer:
Holy Father, make me strong like Daniel. Help me every temptation to compromise as an opportunity to please you and receive your blessings. Give me the inner strength I need to dare to be different as I obey you. Amen.
Written by Martha E. Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Daniel 1:8.“ Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.”
How God blesses pure hearts
Imagine yourself in Daniel's position. As a member of the ruling class of Israel, he had been among the first Israelites taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar's conquering forces. Now he found himself under the control of a high official in the Babylonian government who ordered him to train for three years for a position in service to the king. The menu at the "royal training center" included rich meats, deserts and wine. Some items on the menu were not only unhealthy, but also taboo according to Jewish law.
Because of their Jewish training and strong convictions, Daniel and three of his friends took the risk of requesting a different diet. Four teenaged slaves of the most powerful ruler on earth approached the head guy in order to strike a deal. They proposed that they become vegetarians inso they could avoid offending God's dietary laws. Surprisingly, the commander agreed to let them have their way for ten days--undoubtedly believing that they wouldn't deteriorate too badly in such a short time.
Imagine the guard’s amazement when the four young men turned out to be significantly healthier than the rest of the trainees at the end of the test period. Having passed with flying colors, Daniel and his friends were allowed to continue their special diet.
However, the real test came at the end of the three year training course. Would they make it? Would they barely squeak by? Would they fail miserably? None of the above. When the tests were finally scored, the four Jewish vegetarians got the highest scores in the class. And not just a little higher. They scored ten times better than even the most experienced magicians and enchanters in the kingdom. God chose to bless Daniel and the others who maintained their values and obeyed his laws.
Every day we face decisions similar to Daniel's. Our friends, classmates and teachers place temptations before us that provide opportunities to either compromise or obey God. Will we participate in conversations or actions that smudge God’s reputation? Will we write an essay that reflects the world's ideas about an issue instead of God's? Will we chicken out when God gives us a perfect opportunity to identify ourselves as Christians? Or, will we choose to stand firm and become lights shining in the darkness?
God frequently places us in situations that demand taking a risk in order to do what we know will please him. The Lord blessed Daniel and his friends because he stood up for what he knew would please him. He will do the same for us. So, what will you do the next time such a situation arises in your life? Will you cave in and follow the crowd? Or, will you stand your ground in order to please God?
Today’s Prayer:
Holy Father, make me strong like Daniel. Help me every temptation to compromise as an opportunity to please you and receive your blessings. Give me the inner strength I need to dare to be different as I obey you. Amen.
Written by Martha E. Menne, Flagstaff Arizona
Friday, September 11, 2009
2 Corinthians 5:20
Ambassador Of....
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
“Ambassador” means to be a representative of a ruling authority.
We often hear about our nation’s ambassadors to other countries. They present petitions to the United Nations and try to help our citizens who find themselves in trouble in a foreign land. They represent our government and our citizens before the ruling authorities in countries around the world.
“Many of us are unaware of it, but we are ambassadors of whatever we allow to control our lives. We might find ourselves controlled by drugs, alcohol, lust, and lying. On the other hand, we could also be controlled by the Lord, with characteristics such as kindness, righteousness, goodness, and love.” (Dr. Edwin Louis Cole)
A person’s life is formed by his decisions and constructed by his words. We can either choose to be ambassadors of the Lord or ambassadors of Satan. If we choose to represent Satan, we are choosing death. Every temptation given in to, every sin, every act of rebellion will ultimately lead to destruction, given enough time and enough repetition. Every temptation resisted, every sin abandoned, every act of rebellion will lead to life, peace, and ultimate joy.
So ask yourself this question today: “What ruling authority do I represent? Who is controlling my life?” If you choose to rebel against God’s standards you are Satan’s faithful ambassador. But, if you determine to make obedience to God your trademark, you can represent him as a powerful representative. You can proclaim his good news and act in his authority wherever you go in the world.
Today’s Prayer:
Precious Jesus, I come before you right now asking that you would cleanse me inside and out. I ask that you would make me an ambassador of love and your goodness. I want to be a representative of your ruling authority. Thank you for your grace and love. In your name I pray, Amen.
Written by Lindsey Tenpenny, Flagstaff Arizona
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
“Ambassador” means to be a representative of a ruling authority.
We often hear about our nation’s ambassadors to other countries. They present petitions to the United Nations and try to help our citizens who find themselves in trouble in a foreign land. They represent our government and our citizens before the ruling authorities in countries around the world.
“Many of us are unaware of it, but we are ambassadors of whatever we allow to control our lives. We might find ourselves controlled by drugs, alcohol, lust, and lying. On the other hand, we could also be controlled by the Lord, with characteristics such as kindness, righteousness, goodness, and love.” (Dr. Edwin Louis Cole)
A person’s life is formed by his decisions and constructed by his words. We can either choose to be ambassadors of the Lord or ambassadors of Satan. If we choose to represent Satan, we are choosing death. Every temptation given in to, every sin, every act of rebellion will ultimately lead to destruction, given enough time and enough repetition. Every temptation resisted, every sin abandoned, every act of rebellion will lead to life, peace, and ultimate joy.
So ask yourself this question today: “What ruling authority do I represent? Who is controlling my life?” If you choose to rebel against God’s standards you are Satan’s faithful ambassador. But, if you determine to make obedience to God your trademark, you can represent him as a powerful representative. You can proclaim his good news and act in his authority wherever you go in the world.
Today’s Prayer:
Precious Jesus, I come before you right now asking that you would cleanse me inside and out. I ask that you would make me an ambassador of love and your goodness. I want to be a representative of your ruling authority. Thank you for your grace and love. In your name I pray, Amen.
Written by Lindsey Tenpenny, Flagstaff Arizona
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 41:10- Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
No matter what the circumstance is, God is strong enough!
No matter what the circumstance is, God is strong enough!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Youth News
· We will begin our new schedule on Sunday Sept. 13th. We will meet at 5:00pm in the Fellowship Hall for snack supper, and then Youth Worship will go until 7:00pm. Come as often as you can and bring your friends!
· Saturday Sept. 26th we will have our Fall Kick-Off Bash and Lock-in! The Youth Group from FUMC Chandler will be joining us for a day of fun and craziness around town followed by a night of fun and craziness in the Fellowship Hall. See Jesse for further details.
· Bring me your schedules for sports, band, color guard, drill team, etc. I want to know what you’re doing so that I can make surprise visits!
Have a great week!
· Saturday Sept. 26th we will have our Fall Kick-Off Bash and Lock-in! The Youth Group from FUMC Chandler will be joining us for a day of fun and craziness around town followed by a night of fun and craziness in the Fellowship Hall. See Jesse for further details.
· Bring me your schedules for sports, band, color guard, drill team, etc. I want to know what you’re doing so that I can make surprise visits!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Wednesday Night
Hey Gang,
We will be meeting Wednesday night for Youth Worship. This will be our last Wednesday night meeting. We will take a break because of the move then resume on Sunday, Sept. 13th and begin meeting on Sunday nights. The schedule for Sunday nights will be 5:00pm- Snack Supper, 5:30pm worship time, 6:00-7:00pm Youth Activity time.
Have a great week and I’ll see you Wednesday.
We will be meeting Wednesday night for Youth Worship. This will be our last Wednesday night meeting. We will take a break because of the move then resume on Sunday, Sept. 13th and begin meeting on Sunday nights. The schedule for Sunday nights will be 5:00pm- Snack Supper, 5:30pm worship time, 6:00-7:00pm Youth Activity time.
Have a great week and I’ll see you Wednesday.
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