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
Monday, September 14, 2009
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.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Colossians 3:12-14
Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. -Colossians 3:12-14
Scripture tells us that we love because God first loved us. Truly unselfish love can only come from the Lord and is the biggest sign that a person knows Jesus. The world will be a messed-up place until Jesus returns, but you can make it a Little nicer if you do everything out of love. Let love be your starting place and you ending; cover everything you say and do with love and I guarantee you that there will be a difference in your life.
God bless you all and have a great week.
Scripture tells us that we love because God first loved us. Truly unselfish love can only come from the Lord and is the biggest sign that a person knows Jesus. The world will be a messed-up place until Jesus returns, but you can make it a Little nicer if you do everything out of love. Let love be your starting place and you ending; cover everything you say and do with love and I guarantee you that there will be a difference in your life.
God bless you all and have a great week.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Who is your neighbor?
This week, the Jr. High students are doing some work for elderly people in the church family. In our devotion times, we are discussing who our neighbors are and what it means to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Read the passage below, then leave a comment telling me who you think your neighbors are and what you can do to show them God's love
Luke 10
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" 27 The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"* 28 "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied with a story: "A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 "By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.32 A Temple assistant* walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 "Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins,* telling him, 'Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.' 36 "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."
Read the passage below, then leave a comment telling me who you think your neighbors are and what you can do to show them God's love
Luke 10
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" 27 The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"* 28 "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied with a story: "A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 "By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.32 A Temple assistant* walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 "Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins,* telling him, 'Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.' 36 "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."
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