No Hay Que Temer (You don't have to be afraid)

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"
psalms 27:1

For the first time ever, I'm getting this out before midnight, shocking, I know! Don't worry....I heading back out to the lab in 30 minutes so I won't be going to bed anytime soon......

Anyway, today's devotional is an adapted translation of a devotional I received from Arturo Quiros Lepiz (www.mensajesvida.cjb.net). He doesn't usually provide a passage to read so I suggest Psalm 27.

Only 5 more days of classes! Keep up the good fight and finish the race. You'll be glad you did when it's all said and done :-).

Much love,
-AMR

--------------------------------------------------

You Don't Have To Be Afraid

• I was afraid of being alone, until I learned to love myself.
• I was afraid of failure, until I realized that the only failure comes from not trying.
• I was afraid of suffering, until I learned that it was necessary for growth.
• I was afraid of the truth, until I discovered the ugliness of lies.
• I was afraid of death, until I learned that it's not the end, but rather just the beginning.
• I was afraid of hate, until I realized that it's nothing more than ignorance.
• I was afraid of being made fun of, until I learned to laugh at myself.
• I was afraid of getting old, until I began to understand that wisdom comes day by day (with age).
• I was afraid of the past, until I learned that it couldn't hurt me anymore.
• I was afraid of the dark, until I saw the beauty in a single star.
• I was afraid of change, until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly has to go through metamorphasis before it can fly.

Fear consumed me, until I learned that I should have faith in myself and in God.

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

She married into a feared immigrant family only to be widowed early. She followed her mother-in-law back to the homeland with no hopes of a future as they faced poverty together. Though a beggar she is betrothed to a wealthy distant relative and her mother-in-law is blessed and famous forever.

Yesterday's answer: David (I and II Samuel)

"Go Away"

Today's selection is from the campus journal......enjoy :-).
-AMR

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

This son of a shepherd family develops musical abilities and becomes a military prodigy and is then seen as a threat to the existing leadership so that he is targeted for death. The threatened leader's son befriends him and helps him become the nation's leader.

Yesterday's answer: Esther

check out today's devotional

Read

A Listening Problem

Think back to the last time someone called you and woke you up out of one of those good sleeps. Picture this: You haven't gotten more than 5 hours of continuous sleep in over a week, and it's your first chance to get that full 8 hours in. One hour before you have to get up, your mom calls to see how you're doing. You're on the phone, but what's really going through your mind?

Exactly.

What can I do to end this call as soon as possible so I can get back to sleep.

I know that personally, I don't really respond to much, and have this rather generic grunt that usually suffices for a comment that indicates that I'm still on the line, "listening." I'll agree to virtually anything, and go so far as to lie in the bed with my eyes closed while engaged in conversation. Later on, when I'm really awake, I have no idea about what was said, and there are times when I completely block out any recollection of a conversation having occurred at all.

So what's the point of this story? Well, we can act this way in our spiritual lives as well. It's not always so blatent, but we're still not really listening, and are missing out on the things God has to share with us. It's like those horses you see, with the blinders on so they don't get spooked/distracted....if we get too caught up into a routine, it's easy to shut off our minds and/or our hearts and just go through the motions. I guess the point is that we should be conscious of this, and try to keep it real, all the time. Those of you in small group with me should be working on the letter to God, and reflecting on/thinking about what God is trying to show/teach you is a huge part of that. I echo the sentiments of Steve (the daily devo guy), and urge all of you to take some time to think (and perhaps even write) about what God has taught you and is continuing to teach you.

Listening! Who knew it could be so difficult....

-AMR ;-)

-------------------------------------------------------
The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
A Listening Problem

Matthew 13:15 "For this people's heart has become callused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes." (NIV)

Listening involves more than the ears. Some people listen with just their ears. Others also listen with their heart. What has God been trying to tell you? I encourage you to spend a few minutes today to reflect on this question, or to discuss it with a friend. If you can't think of anything that God is teaching you, then you may have a listening problem.

Father, help me to listen to you with my heart today.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.
------------------------------------------------
Question of the Day

A beauty queen from minority roots she remains a virgin through it all and then becomes the national leaders wife. She then foils a palace murder plot and emancipates her people from sure extinction.

Yesterday's answer: Moses (exodus)

In Disguise

Okay, I admit it; the main reason that I chose this devotional was for its reference to Faust, one of the few books that I actually retained knowledge from the days of Lit Hum....

In any case, I know from experience that it's often much easier to identify sin in someone else's life, while completely overlooking the way Satan has led me off track in my own walk with God. That is one of the advantages of having an accountability partner-- someone you trust with whom you can share your own struggles; Someone who will give you that tough love when you need it, and who you can provide the same support for (mutualism! i know, i'm a dork :P). While it's important to stay on guard, and to seek God for wisdom , I strongly encourage you to find that spiritual prayer partner, as it really helps to "keep you honest" before God.

Have a blessed day...don't forget to take a study break now and then!

-AMR

Gal. 6:2 Bear ye one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.

------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

Born a welfare orphan of a minority refugee mom, he is raised in wealth only to murder one of his own people. He then flees to a remote herding industry, marries and returns to co-lead the world's largest expedition on a very long trip back to their homeland.

Yesterday's answer: Job
check out today's devotional

Read

Use a Little What?

You'll have to do without any words of wisdom from me today, as i'm feeling rather tired. Until tomorrow....

Cheers.
-AMR
------------------------------------------
Question of the Day

As a leader in agribusiness, he mysteriously loses it all. Facing bankruptcy, his children are destroyed and the stress causes his wife to turn on him too as his health declines radically. But, in the he emerges twice as rich.

Yesterday's answer: Daniel
check out today's devotional

Read

Copy Cat

After the previous two long devotionals, I thought I'd give you a little break with a nice short one :-). Take a minute to think about your own behavior-- are you the same person when your around your christian vs. your non christian friends? Do you feel the need to change your words and actions, whether it's because you're afraid of offending someone, or simply because you don't want to be different, or have to explain yourself yet again?

As Steve (the daily devo guy) points out in this devotional, we're SUPPOSED to be different. Don't let fear prevent you from "keepin it real" all the time because the Bible tells us that if we're ashamed of him, that Jesus will be ashamed of us when he returns [mark 8:38, luke 9:26]. If it's a matter of patience, or frustration, because you don't want to explain for the 100th time why you don't want to go the frat party, think about God, and how much patience he has for us, in spite of the fact that we continuously fail him. Now that's what I call love, cause I know that I would think twice about sticking up for a friend whom I was 100% sure was going to turn around and stab me in the back....

just a little food for thought. have a wonderful day!

-AMR
------------------------
The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Copy Cat

Ezekiel 11:12 "you have copied the sins of the nations around you." (NLT)

Take some time to reflect on this: Is there a significant difference between the way you act and the way others who aren't Christians act? If you can't see a huge difference, chances are neither can anyone else. But we must be different. It's not an option. It's not debatable. Paul told us plainly not to follow the patterns of this world, but instead to be transformed [romans 12:2]. It starts in the way we think, by having a different value system and different priorities. And it flows into the way we act.

Father, help me to copy only you.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1997.

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

As a prisoner of war he becomes a government trainee who resists cultural assimilation and is tricked by co-workers. Jailed, but emerged from a certain death situation only to be released and then became the president's advisor.

previous answer: Joseph Gen. 37, 39-50

Heart Check (part 2)

Once again, I apologize for the long devotional, but the article was very interesting. Hopefully, you were able to take some time out yesterday to take "the test" so that you can learn more about what it means today. In the interests of giving you more time to think about it, I'll hold off on a new question of the day for tomorrow's installment. For those of you just tuning in, I sent out the first half of an article from Christianity Today's Leadership Journal that basically takes you through a self test of your spiritual well being. It mentions five areas for you to rate yourself in....you can find them (and the rest of the article) by visiting the enclosed link. I found it to be a good way for me to identify some problem areas and to think about ways that I can improve my relationship with God/others so I strongly encourage you to check it out.

Hang in there...the end is near! I know I talked about this verse before finals last semester, but it's still very much applicable so think about it!

Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (NIV)

-AMR
check out the devotional

Read

Heart Check (part 1)

I came across this really interesting article that I wanted to share. It's rather long so i've broken it up into two parts. Basically, it's an opportunity to examine yourself and to "take inventory" of your spiritual health. I found it really helpful, because I was able to identify some areas of my own life that could definitely use some improvement, and it's a good way to focus my prayer/quiet times. This half provides the "test," and tomorrow, you'll get the punchline-- an interpretation of your results. I strongly encourage each of you to set aside some time (if not today, than soon) to really reflect and think about where you are right now.

-AMR

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

Raised in the Jewish family cattle business, his jealous brothers sell him to Egyptian truckers who then sell him into slavery. There he emerges as a national leader, faces sexual harassment charges from the boss' wife, is jailed, and ends up being the world's greatest grain futures trader.

yesterday's answer: Nehemiah

check out the "quiz" portion of today's devotional

Read

Twisted Truth

okay, as you may or may not have realized, my head has not been quite here in a few days (i noticed that the date for yesterday's devo was march, lol). anyway, i apologize for the lateness but i hope you take some time out to think about what steve (the daily devo guy) has to say anyway. i'll hold off on a new question of the day until tomorrow's edition......

i know it's kinda tough to be energized on such a dreary day but cheer up! we definitely need the rain and it helps us to appreciate the sunny days that much more.....

-amr

--------------------------------------------

The Daily Devo
By Pastor Steve Baney

Ezekiel 7:13 "For what God has said applies to everyone--it will not be changed! Not one person whose life is twisted by sin will recover." (NLT)

Truth is not relative or changing with the times; it works the same for everyone forever. But some deny and some don't know the Truth. When sin enters into a life, it twists everything. It twists our perception; it twist our lives; and it twists the truth. But there is one Truth that is unchanging. It is the only Truth that can set us free. Find the Truth at John 14:6.

Father, help me to know and share your Truth.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1997.

What Parents Want

Did you ever see that movie "What Women Want," where Mel Gibson is struck by lightning and suddenly has the ability to hear women's thoughts? Well, this devotional isn't really like that, heh heh.

I remember a sermon that I heard about a year ago based on the following passages from Ephesians/Colossians. After that my mom and I were quick to bring up the appropriate verses about how we should respect our parents and not drive our kids to anger. While we were just joking, it really cut to the heart of the matter. We have a responsibility to our parents just as they have an even greater responsibility towards us.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I know that I don't express my appreciation for what my mother does for me very regularly (outside of her birthday and mother's day). A few days ago I brought up the same issue, with respect to God (26,000 thanks/day or something to that effect) but it is equally applicable to our parents. Think about all of the countless sacrifices they've made, just so that we could be at this school in the first place. While it's true that not all of our parents are responsible for paying our bills and stuff, think about the people who are responsible for all the things you have now, whether it be a teacher who wrote that last minute recommendation or a neighbor who encouraged you to do your best when you were feeling especially down.

Take some time out to say thanks :-).

-AMR
check out today's devotional

Read

Too Busy

At this time if year it's easy to get overwhelmed and to feel like you're "too busy" to pray or to read your bible regularly. However, as the devotional points out, your spiritual life should not be the thing that suffers. Our relationship with God should be our #1 priority, and the only way to get to know him better is through prayer and meditation. Make the effort to set aside time for God on a daily basis-- you'll be glad you did :-).

-AMR ;-)

-----------------------------------------

Question of the Day

A building contractor for one of those middle eastern cities that gets blown up regularly. He faces tough opposition and the demands of materials acquisition internationally; a very mixed labor force; sabotage on the project; and night-time construction site inspections.

yesterday's answer: Silas Silvanus Acts 15:22-41, 16:19-40, 1 Thess. 1:2, 2 Thess. 1:1, 1 Peter 5:12

check out today's devotional

Read

Wiser and Stronger

The EDGE is tonight at 8pm in 301 Uris Hall. It will be based on the movie The Shawshank Redemption. Come! Invite your friends!

-AMR

----------------------------

The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Wiser and Stronger

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."
(1 Corinthians 1:25, NIV)

Can't quite figure something out? Not sure if you can get through what you're facing? God knows exactly what to do. And he's strong enough to do it, whatever it is. We serve a God who is bigger than anything or anyone. And that's how big his love is for you.

Father, thank you for being wiser and stronger than I am.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.
------------------------------------------------
Question of the Day

He is a skilled writer called upon to assist Paul and Peter in developing correspondence to the many city-based groups springing up. Sometimes he gets into tight spots, including jail and a personnel conflict on the traveling team.

yesterday's answer: James Acts 15:12-29, James

HELP WANTED

Hey folks....this is a fun read. It has an important point though....being a Christian is about being committed to God, and accepting the grace that he offers us. There are also certain responsibilities that we should have, which should come naturally, out of our love for Christ. Commitment does not mean that we follow Christ "when it's convenient." Even though the road will not always be easy, it's definitely worth it :-).

-AMR

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day
As a Jerusalem leader in the early Jewish sect, he oversees the diversification difficulties and issues a letter of approval. Later he pens another very challenging piece on how faith must be compassionate, patient and practical.

yesterday's answer: Barnabus Acts 4:36, 37, 9:27, 11:22-26
check out today's devotional

Read

Pay Attention!

The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Pay Attention!

"Then when the place is littered with corpses,
you will know that I am the Lord."
(Ezekiel 6:7, NLT)

Sometimes it's easy to take advantage of God's grace and patience. We could think to ourselves that it doesn't matter if we sin sometimes because God is merciful. But pay close attention to lines like these! When God spoke of his people's sin, he announced terrible punishment. If you want to know who God is, you can do it two ways: You can know his blessings through obedience or you can know his wrath through defiance.

Father, help me to be obedient.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1997.

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

This gentle spirited landowner converted his holdings into money to help the poor among the early believers. He risked hostility and rejection by becoming an advocate for a frightening new believer. Later, he served as investigator and stabilizer for a confusing new operation in Antioch.

yesterday's answer: Apollos Acts 18:24-28, 1 Cor. 3:4-6, 21-13

26,000 Gifts A Day!

Today (or yesterday for those already sleeping) was such a beautiful day that I couldn't help but think about the way that God put everything together so perfectly for us. If the sun were any closer, the earth wouldn't be able to support life. I thought about how all of the little creatures we see running around have their own little niche that they fill. I thought about the way that God has blessed me with the opportunity to be here at Columbia, and the way that he provided the fellowship that I needed at the right time.

I know that I don't normally take the time to stop and think about these things, let alone to thank God for his creation, but today I had a great opportunity to just sit (in the sun, no less) and not worry about the world around me. It was a chance to just be still before God and to enjoy life. I encourage all of you to take some time out to thank God for the way he's blessed you.

Have an incredible day :-)
-AMR

-------------------------------

Question of the Day

This bright, charismatic and eloquent scholar from Eygpt heralded John the Baptist's message only to be corrected in his theology by a couple in the mobile living unit manufacturing industry. Chagrined, he is helped to continue his leadership and becomes a valuable ally to Paul.

yesterday's answer: Barnabus Acts 4:36, 37, 9:27, 11:22-26
check out today's devotional

Read

The Failure to Pay Attention

And now for something (slightly) different......

Today's devotional was written by Oswald Chambers (from My Utmost for His Highest). Here's a little more background on Mr. Chambers for those of you who are unfamiliar with him:

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was born July 24, 1874, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Converted in his teen years under the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, he studied art and archaeology at the University of Edinburgh before answering a call from God to the Christian ministry. He then studied theology at Dunoon College. From 1906-1910 he conducted an itinerant Bible-teaching ministry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

My Utmost For His Highest , his best-known book, has been continuously in print in the United States since 1935 and in this, the last decade of the century, remains in the top ten titles of the religious book bestseller list with millions of copies in print. It has become a Christian classic.

Enjoy!
-AMR ;-)

--------------------------

Question of the Day

This gentle spirited landowner converted his holdings into money to help the poor among the early believers. He risked hostility and rejection by becoming an advocate for a frightening new believer. Later, he served as investigator and stabilizer for a confusing new operation in Antioch.

yesterday's answer: Simon the Magician Acts 8:9-24
check out today's devotional

Read

Little Acts of Love

I think the title says it all so I don't think today's devotional needs much of an introduction......

Have a blessed day!
-AMR
---------------------------------
Question of the Day

He was a respected and powerful leader in Samarian life whose constituency turned to the new faith. Immediately after his own conversion and initiation into the faith, he followed Phillip closely. He erred as young believers often do by trying to use his money to gain power. But, when confronted with it, he repented.

yesterday's answer: Stephen (Acts 6:8-81)
check out today's devotional

Read

Coping with Change

I hate changes-- and especially unexpected change. The few times in my life when I remember crying (from sadness, at least) are associated with major changes such as the 2 times I had to change schools, or when my mother told me that she had taken a job 2.5 hours away from where we lived (I thought we were going to have to move). You don't have to be intimidated by change though. God has everything in control, and if you put your trust in him, he will carry you through anything.

Much Love
-AMR ;-)
------------------------------------
Question of the Day

Well versed in Jewish history, he was one of several elected to solve an internal problem of unjust food distribution. A gifted communicator, he soon became a target of a group who engineered false witnesses against him. The ensuing court proceedings led to his death.

yesterday's answer: Phillip (Acts 6:5, 8, 21:9 Matthew Luke 5, Matt. 9 )
check out today's devotional

Read

Quiet!

As students (and even later on when we enter the "workforce") it's very easy to become overwhelmed and caught up in the fast paced world we live in. Tests and papers seem endless, not to mention all of the reading and other stuff that's not "due" and consequently becomes pushed aside until we need the info for that test or paper. In the midst of all of this, our personal time with God can sometimes gets "lost in the shuffle." I know from experience, that even if you do have a set time everyday that you spend with God, that circumstances arise which prevent me from having my designated God time. However, the thing to realize is that even if you're crunched for time, there are many different ways to spend time with God. Take advantage of your circumstances! For example, i spend ~12 hrs/week alone in a lab dissecting (among other things) what are essentially sea slugs. They're not the most talkative of creatures, and since I've become fairly competent now, I rarely see/talk to other people during my day. This is a great time to talk to God and to sort out my thoughts and feelings.

You're accustomed to (or at least try) spending an hour every morning in the word, praying, and worshipping God but you've got a paper due at 9 and it's already 4am......or maybe your friend is having a crisis and calls you up just as you were getting ready to crack open the good book. It's okay, but don't let that prevent you from spending any time at all talking to God. Even 10 minutes of quality alone time with God can really carry you through a day.

Just my $0.02....rejoice! Another weekend has arrived :-).
-AMR ;-)

-------------------------------

Question of the Day

Father of four daughters who gained spiritual notoriety, he moved into leadership during a discrimination crisis among believers. Later he was instrumental in helping a government executive of a prominent southern nation enter the still very Jewish dominated faith.

previous answer: Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8)
check out today's devotional

Read

Soaking Wet

Hey folks--

Here's today's installment. It's from the daily devo. You'll have to wait until tomorrow for the question of the day, since I'm not at home so I don't know where the site is..... ;-)

Have a wonderful, blessed day!
-AMR

-------------------------

The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Soaking Wet

"God spoke to Ezekiel, saying, 'Let
all my words sink deep into your own heart first.
Listen to them carefully for yourself.'"
(Ezekiel 3:10, AT)

God was sending Ezekiel out to be his messenger, his spokesperson. But before he could speak God's message, he needed to soak it into his heart, just like how a sponge soaks in water. Does God's word have you soaking wet? Without taking in his word and being filled by it, we won't be at our best to relay it to others.

Father, help me to be soaked in your word.

Holy Bible, Author's Translation, unpub.

Allow God to Use You

Today's devotional is an adapted translation of a devotional I received from Arturo Quiros Lepiz (www.mensajesvida.cjb.net), although I'm pretty sure that he did not write it. It resonates with me very well, because it addresses one of the issues that I deal with almost on a daily basis-- especially in the past year, when I've taken on a lot of leadership roles within IV. It's important to remember that God is not going to put us in a situation and just dump us there. He gives us gifts for a reason, and we should use them for his glory. If God is calling you to something, don't be afraid, because he's right there with you, and he will give you the tools you need.

-AMR

---------------------------------------------------

Allow God to Use You

It's sad to see that in this day and age when God invites man to serve him, that we always seem to look for an excuse not to. We say things like: I'm too busy! I don't have time! The Bible tells us that Moses objected to God's selection of him 5 times before accepting the the job of challenging Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Who am I to do this? And if they ask who you are, what do I tell them? What if they don't believe me? But I don't have a way with words! Lord, send someone else!

God has blessed us with talents and gifts for a divine purpose. Don't hide them or try to forget that they are there. Produce fruit for the kingdom of God with the gifts that God has given you. Don't be afraid! Allow the Holy Spirit to be your light, strength, and hope. Trust God! Ask him to use you to expand his kingdom. His holy spirit will instruct you and show you what you should say or do.

Exodus 4:12
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

This African government executive mixed business travels with spiritual pursuits. While in Israel he was engaged by a young leader of the new Jewish sect - the Way - and was helped in accepting the message. He insisted upon baptism on the spot and then returned to his own country.

yesterday's answer: Annanias and Sapphire Acts 5:1-11

"Vulture" Appetites

This devotional attracted me because it reminded me of the pigeon (!) that I saw flying around Hewitt today at dinner.....

Today's devotional has to do with our worldly habits-- those things we continue to do that are not pleasing to God. The author talks about it in terms of satisfaction, and suggests that engaging in activities or actions which inhibit our walk with God provides a (false) sense of satisfaction. I would argue that we desire to continue because we are not feeling satisfied. If a particular activity provides a temporary sense of happiness, it often takes even more the next time to achieve the same level of "satisfaction." God will not tempt us any more than we can handle (1 corinthians 10:13), and by allowing ourselves to continue in these activities, we are "giving place to the devil" (ephesians 4:27). The Bible tells us that if we submit ourselves to God, and resist Satan (and what he offers us), that he will flee (james 4:7). As God for the strength to rid yourself of your old sinful habits.

Much Love,
-AMR
-------------------------------------------
Question of the Day

Co-owners of land in Jerusalem and members of the new movement within Judaism, they liquidated their holdings but deceived others into thinking they had given all the proceeds for the poor among them. When confronted with their scheme to appear benevolent, they died in guilt.

yesterday's answer: Cornelius Acts 10:1-8, 23-48

check out the devotional for today

Read

Five Ways God Answers Prayer

Have you ever felt like God didn't answer your prayers? Well, surprise! God always answers our prayers, because he loves us and is faithful in a way that we can not even begin to be. The thing is that he does not always give us the answer that we want or expect, and he almost never provides an answer when we might want it. We have to try not to get caught up in our own "tunnel-vision" view of the world, and realize that God is the one in the driver's seat. He does what is best for us in his own way, in his own time, and we should trust him, because he's got our best interests in mind. So I guess what it all comes down to is patience and an open mind. If we ask, God will answer, even if it's not what we wanted or expected to hear so get ready! Ask God for that willingness to serve.

-AMR

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

As a local leader in the Roman occupation army, this Gentile understood power and authority. He was spiritually hungry so he invited a Jewish sect leader to his home for dinner where he embraced the faith and brought radical change into the sect leader's racism.

yesterday's answer: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
check out Christianity Today for today's devotional

Read

How to Catch a Rat

Good morning! I hope that all of you remembered to set your clock forward one hour.....

-AMR

---------------------------------------

Question of the Day

As a government agent, he enriched himself at the expense of others. After encountering Jesus, he committed to incredible restitution (400% return on stolen taxes) and gave 50% of his wealth to the poor after throwing a party for Christ for his professional friends.

yesterday's answer: Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40)

check out today's devotional

Read

Young Examples

I really like this verse because it addresses something that we, as young people, face all the time. I don't know how many times that I've been discouraged or prevented from doing something because I was "too young." The cool thing about this verse is that it reminds us that we are never to young to share the gospel. We should be living testimonies of God's grace, and the new creation he has transformed us into should be evident through our actions as well as our words. Setting an example with our own lives is the best testimony we could ever give.

-AMR

------------------------------

The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Young Examples

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers in speech,
in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
(1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

Don't think this applies to you? Think again. When Paul wrote this to Timothy, Timothy was in his thirties. It was custom for people to wait until they were in their thirties to begin their ministry. Jesus also did this. So if you don't feel "young," remember that this verse is still for you. Be an example for others in everything you do.

Lord, help me to be an example for others.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

She runs an upscale clothing business while hungering for God. As a Gentile, she believes in Jesus through a Jewish prayer meeting, invites Paul's evangelistic team to stay with her and begins the first church in Europe in her home.

yesterday's answer: Priscilla & Aquila (Acts 18:1-3, Rom. 16:3,4)

Torn Separation

Hey guys-- Black Church is sponsoring a Christian conference (free!) this weekend and the opening event takes place tonight, at 8pm in Lerner Auditorium. It is a PRASIEFEST, and it will feature, gospel music, hip hop artists, contemporary christian music, and spoken word. I've heard that our own friend Ayinwi will be performing, as well as MCing the event so I hope you all can make it, at least to support her :-). Tomorrow there will be workshops that you can attend (if you're interested, email me back, but i'll definitely be sending along the relevant info tonight sometime).

Enjoy today's selection!
-AMR

--------------------------------------

The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney
Torn Separation

"And the curtain in the Temple was
torn in two, from top to bottom."
(Mark 15:38, NLT)

Exodus 26 described the curtain as woven with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, hung on gold and silver posts. It was placed in the Temple to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Inside was the Ark of the Testimony, which represented God's throne room. When the curtain was torn, the separation between us and God's presence was removed, making it possible for us to be face to face with God. Have you looked into his face lately?

Lord, help me to come to you.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1997.

------------------------------

Question of the Day

In the portable living unit manufacturing industry, this couple takes in one famous convert as a business associate; teaches a young evangelist a more correct theology; and begins a church in their home in three different cities.

yesterday's answer: Paul (Acts 9, 23, 26)

But He's So Wierd

Wow....this is the first time all semester that I've managed to get this out before 2am :-). That's what I call progress!

In all seriousness though, take some time to really think about the questions for reflection at the end of today's devotional. The subject is prejudice, and it's a good opportunity to think about what it really means to "love your neighbor as yourself" (read mark 12:28-34).

It's all about love, and the only one who can teach us about that is Jesus (1 jn 4:7-8)

-AMR ;-)
---------------------------
Question of the Day

A hired zealot purging his own religion of a cult, he suddenly joins the opposition and becomes a business partner with two of them. He then expands the movement into international dimensions; develops some of its major literature along with crisis funding strategies.

yesterday's answer: Luke (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1, 16:1-17, 20:5, 27:1 - 28:16)

check out today's devotional

Read

Our Only Mediator

Hey there folks......sorry this is coming a little late but I fell asleep rather unexpectedly last night.....enjoy!

-AMR

--------------------------------

The Daily Devo
by Steve Baney
Our Only Mediator

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men -
the testimony given in its proper time."
(1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV)

Our sin separates us from God. But Jesus' blood covers our sin and brings us back to God. We can talk directly with God and know God because of Jesus. A building, a person, a song, a pew - these things help us, but we don't need them for salvation because Jesus is our mediator.

Lord, I thank you for covering my sin and bringing me back to God.

Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.

---------------------------------------------------

Question of the Day

A medical doctor joins a Jewish minority movement and becomes a traveling partner with its leader. He then writes its two volume history as a defense to help his majority culture with their confusion.

yesterday's answer: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1-39, Luke 10:38-41)

Hug of the Heart

Today's Devotional is taken from Our Daily Bread. Don't forget to keep praying for your friends-- especially those who may have accepted Christ recently, and especially those for whom the seeds were planted.

-AMR
-----------------------------
Question of the Day

This trio of two sisters and a brother from the little town of Bethany were intimate friends of Christ. As a house guest and friend Jesus cared deeply for them and related to each one quite differently, affirming their individuality.

yesterday's answer: Barabbas (Matt. 27:5-26, Mark 15:6-14, Luke 24:13-24, John 18:40)

check out the Our Daily Bread devotional

Read

I Know I Can

Happy April! I hope that all of you had a wonderful Easter. Today's devotional addresses a trap that I've found myself falling into at times. As a leader, it's easy to get caught up in all of the things that we "do," to the point where you begin to stop giving credit where it's due, because you've done it a million times and feel like you've got it under control. One important idea that I've learned and have been trying to keep in mind is well put by an unknown author: "the second that you're not feeling dependent is the second you have backed away from living by faith". I could go on, but I think the author of today's devotional puts it very well (and i'm a little too sleepy to do it myself!).

Enjoy and God Bless.
-AMR

---------------------------
Question of the Day

He was a notorious criminal who had been caught and imprisoned for political terrorism and homicide. To his amazement, he was released from jail when a crowd chose him over another prisoner during a festival that included a tradition of prisoner release.

yesterday's answer: Mary Magdelene (Matt. 27:55 - 28:11, Luke 8:2, 3)

check out today's devotional

Read