Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1914, writer William Burroughs
In 1964, actress Laura Linney
February 5, 2011
February 4, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-App State Student's Master Thesis Leads to Aid for Tanzania
Jake Gentry traveled to Tanzania in 2008 to conduct research for his master's thesis about the impact of refugee camps on their host communities. Emotionally touched by the many abandoned children in the camps, Gentry and his friends started a non-profit organization that supports orphanages becoming self-sufficient and sustainable.
"Along with providing sustainable technologies, we want the children to learn about these technologies, how to install them, operate them and maintain them," said Gentry, who earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in geography from Appalachian. He now serves as the organization's president. "We want these children to have unique skills to contribute back to society as the green revolution moves through Africa."
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Appalachian State University official web site.
Encouraging Words-"In Step"
From Reflections
Galatians 5:24-25, NIV: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
There is a path we can follow that draws us closer to God. There is a drumbeat we can march to that keeps us in step with our Lord, and brings us into the best possible place we can be. Yet so many of us go about following the chaotic drumbeat of the ways of the world. We live day after day out of step with God--walking our own way--afraid to let go and let God have full reign. Do we realize that when we are in step with Him that our lives are abundant and full? Do we understand that drawing near to Him is the only true way we will be content. We linger in the world, and the ways of the world because, for some strange reason, we think there is something wonderful there for us just around the corner. We are waiting for our proverbial ship to come in. But it is time to stop waiting for someday while we wander an uncertain course. And it is time we surrender complete control to Christ, and learn what life can look like when it is lived in step with Him.
Galatians 5:24-25, NIV: Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
There is a path we can follow that draws us closer to God. There is a drumbeat we can march to that keeps us in step with our Lord, and brings us into the best possible place we can be. Yet so many of us go about following the chaotic drumbeat of the ways of the world. We live day after day out of step with God--walking our own way--afraid to let go and let God have full reign. Do we realize that when we are in step with Him that our lives are abundant and full? Do we understand that drawing near to Him is the only true way we will be content. We linger in the world, and the ways of the world because, for some strange reason, we think there is something wonderful there for us just around the corner. We are waiting for our proverbial ship to come in. But it is time to stop waiting for someday while we wander an uncertain course. And it is time we surrender complete control to Christ, and learn what life can look like when it is lived in step with Him.
2/4 Daily Encouragement from Scripture and History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1913, civil rights icon Rosa Parks
In 1921, feminist Betty Friedan
February 3, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-U of Arkansas Launches a Book Drive to Benefit Local School
The Arkansas Reads program, organized through the office of enrollment services at the University of Arkansas, is launching a drive to collect children's books for students K-5 at Hughes Elementary School in Hughes, in St. Francis County. The university is partnering again this year with Fayetteville High School and the effort is informally known as the "Hawgs and Dawgs program."
This is the second year for the program. A thousand books were collected last year and given to Marvell Elementary in Marvell, in Phillips County.
"The program last year was a wonderful success. The students at Marvell were very excited about the new books. The faculty and the staff there were incredibly supportive, and it was a good experience for everyone — the children who received the books as well as the students here who worked to collect them,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Sharing an enthusiasm for reading is important to the development of young people everywhere. We want to support the efforts of the teachers and counselors at Hughes by bringing in books that they do not have. These students are Arkansas’ future, and we want to do everything we can to encourage their love for learning.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from the University of Arkansas official web site.
This is the second year for the program. A thousand books were collected last year and given to Marvell Elementary in Marvell, in Phillips County.
"The program last year was a wonderful success. The students at Marvell were very excited about the new books. The faculty and the staff there were incredibly supportive, and it was a good experience for everyone — the children who received the books as well as the students here who worked to collect them,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Sharing an enthusiasm for reading is important to the development of young people everywhere. We want to support the efforts of the teachers and counselors at Hughes by bringing in books that they do not have. These students are Arkansas’ future, and we want to do everything we can to encourage their love for learning.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from the University of Arkansas official web site.
Encouraging Words-"What Range!"
From The Active Word
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Psalms 147:3-4 (NKJV)
Notice the incredibly incomparable range of God. He's able to identify and take time for a single broken heart, and yet He's also able to catalog each and every star in the universe. At last count, the scientific community estimates there are around 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars. That's a lot of stars!
But here's the thing: In many ways it's easier for us to believe God is involved in those "big" things (like all the stars of the universe), than it is to believe He's involved in the "small" things (like us). "With everything going on in the cosmos, God's probably too busy to be bothered with me."
What does the Bible say? It says the same God who oversees the universe is the same God who cares about the brokenhearted. Nothing is too big for Him and nothing is too small for Him…including us. The same attentiveness that God gives to the way the constellations are arranged and coincide with each other is the same attentiveness He has for each and every one of us.
In fact, God is even more attentive to us because He's invested way more in us than in the universe. He sent His own Son to suffer and die for us, not the stars. Scripture is quite clear that God values men and women above all else in creation. So we should never think of ourselves as beyond the range of God's attention and care, or consider our problems or our pain as too insignificant for Him.
Nothing is too big or too small for our God. He's big enough to hold each star in the palm of His hand, all 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 of them. And He's "small" enough to see and heal a single broken heart.
Great God, we praise You for being so big yet so small…small enough to see and heal each of us individually.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Psalms 147:3-4 (NKJV)
Notice the incredibly incomparable range of God. He's able to identify and take time for a single broken heart, and yet He's also able to catalog each and every star in the universe. At last count, the scientific community estimates there are around 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars. That's a lot of stars!
But here's the thing: In many ways it's easier for us to believe God is involved in those "big" things (like all the stars of the universe), than it is to believe He's involved in the "small" things (like us). "With everything going on in the cosmos, God's probably too busy to be bothered with me."
What does the Bible say? It says the same God who oversees the universe is the same God who cares about the brokenhearted. Nothing is too big for Him and nothing is too small for Him…including us. The same attentiveness that God gives to the way the constellations are arranged and coincide with each other is the same attentiveness He has for each and every one of us.
In fact, God is even more attentive to us because He's invested way more in us than in the universe. He sent His own Son to suffer and die for us, not the stars. Scripture is quite clear that God values men and women above all else in creation. So we should never think of ourselves as beyond the range of God's attention and care, or consider our problems or our pain as too insignificant for Him.
Nothing is too big or too small for our God. He's big enough to hold each star in the palm of His hand, all 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 of them. And He's "small" enough to see and heal a single broken heart.
Great God, we praise You for being so big yet so small…small enough to see and heal each of us individually.
2/3 Daily Encouragement from Scripture and History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com
In 1874, writer Gertrude Stein
In 1907, writer James Michener
In 1958, actor Nathan Lane
February 2, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Wofford's Student-Teacher Star Athlete
By day, Wofford's Noah Dahlman prefers to be called "Mr. D."
It's not a nickname for the reigning Southern Conference Player of the Year, the dominating big man on campus who last season led the Terriers to their first league title and NCAA tournament appearance.
It's not a title bestowed upon the descendant of basketball royalty who was raised on a farm in small-town Minnesota to become a rebounding legend and eventually one of the most relentless scorers in the nation (20.6 ppg).
No, Mr. D. is simply what his students call him. While Dahlman, in his senior year, is leading Wofford at the top of the SoCon South Division standings, he is also spending his final semester in a unique classroom setting, teaching American history to 11th graders at Chesnee (S.C.) High School.
With Noah's picture constantly appearing in the newspaper alongside stories of his heroics, the kids in history class quickly caught on to his alter ego. Even in the old cotton-mill community of Chesnee, anonymity can be hard to come by for Spartanburg's Superman.
"I want to be known as Mr. Dahlman in the classroom," Noah said. "I don't want to be known as a basketball player-teacher -- just as a teacher."
Click here to read the rest of the story from ESPN.com
It's not a nickname for the reigning Southern Conference Player of the Year, the dominating big man on campus who last season led the Terriers to their first league title and NCAA tournament appearance.
It's not a title bestowed upon the descendant of basketball royalty who was raised on a farm in small-town Minnesota to become a rebounding legend and eventually one of the most relentless scorers in the nation (20.6 ppg).
No, Mr. D. is simply what his students call him. While Dahlman, in his senior year, is leading Wofford at the top of the SoCon South Division standings, he is also spending his final semester in a unique classroom setting, teaching American history to 11th graders at Chesnee (S.C.) High School.
With Noah's picture constantly appearing in the newspaper alongside stories of his heroics, the kids in history class quickly caught on to his alter ego. Even in the old cotton-mill community of Chesnee, anonymity can be hard to come by for Spartanburg's Superman.
"I want to be known as Mr. Dahlman in the classroom," Noah said. "I don't want to be known as a basketball player-teacher -- just as a teacher."
Click here to read the rest of the story from ESPN.com
Encouraging Words-"Faith, or Seeking a Sign?"
From Daily Disciples
But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." Mark 8:12
There are four gospels that describe the life of Jesus, from His birth to His death. Even though these accounts were written by different men at different times, many of their stories are literally identical in the details. Even though each gospel is unique in its own way, many of the miracles and events are shared throughout them. How is this possible? Have any of us ever told the same story the exact same way the second time? And anyone who tells the story next would no doubt make changes to it. The only way this is possible is through the Holy Spirit of God. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." Yet many people still refuse to believe that the Bible is completely inerrant and perfect in its every detail.
One of the miracles told in all four gospels is how Jesus fed the people with a few fish and some loaves of bread. On one occasion He fed five thousand people and on another, He fed four thousand, having leftovers each time. In Mark chapter eight, the religious people are the ones questioning Jesus, asking Him for a "sign." After all that Jesus had done in this miracle alone, the people still did not believe in Him. What other sign could He possibly give them? Jesus performed miracle after miracle for the three years of His ministry, in full view of everybody looking. He even foretold of His death, which happened just as was prophesied, but many would still not believe. I am sure the Lord sighs deeply even now, in those times when He shows Himself so clearly to someone, yet they refuse to believe Him. They want more proof.
There is a reason that Hebrews 11:6 states that faith is the only way to please God. The Lord knows how hard it is for us to really believe in Him and His promises. Look up and see all that Jesus is doing in your life right now. Do you trust Him or are you still seeking a sign from Him for more proof? If you are struggling in your faith, ask the Lord to increase your faith. So often in life, we get so far down the road before we realize what God did for us a long time before. If only we could realize His signs when He is working in our lives and praise Him for His faithfulness to us. Are you seeking a sign today? Seek Jesus first and you may just notice all kinds of signs that you have been missing.
But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation." Mark 8:12
There are four gospels that describe the life of Jesus, from His birth to His death. Even though these accounts were written by different men at different times, many of their stories are literally identical in the details. Even though each gospel is unique in its own way, many of the miracles and events are shared throughout them. How is this possible? Have any of us ever told the same story the exact same way the second time? And anyone who tells the story next would no doubt make changes to it. The only way this is possible is through the Holy Spirit of God. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." Yet many people still refuse to believe that the Bible is completely inerrant and perfect in its every detail.
One of the miracles told in all four gospels is how Jesus fed the people with a few fish and some loaves of bread. On one occasion He fed five thousand people and on another, He fed four thousand, having leftovers each time. In Mark chapter eight, the religious people are the ones questioning Jesus, asking Him for a "sign." After all that Jesus had done in this miracle alone, the people still did not believe in Him. What other sign could He possibly give them? Jesus performed miracle after miracle for the three years of His ministry, in full view of everybody looking. He even foretold of His death, which happened just as was prophesied, but many would still not believe. I am sure the Lord sighs deeply even now, in those times when He shows Himself so clearly to someone, yet they refuse to believe Him. They want more proof.
There is a reason that Hebrews 11:6 states that faith is the only way to please God. The Lord knows how hard it is for us to really believe in Him and His promises. Look up and see all that Jesus is doing in your life right now. Do you trust Him or are you still seeking a sign from Him for more proof? If you are struggling in your faith, ask the Lord to increase your faith. So often in life, we get so far down the road before we realize what God did for us a long time before. If only we could realize His signs when He is working in our lives and praise Him for His faithfulness to us. Are you seeking a sign today? Seek Jesus first and you may just notice all kinds of signs that you have been missing.
2/2 Daily Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1882, writer James Joyce
In 1947, actress Farrah Fawcett
February 1, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-No. Colorado's Devin Betzel thankful for family ties
Her nerves frayed and her stomach flip-flopping, Michellene Lenz approached the front door to Joan Louth's home on Christmas morning.
For years, Lenz had been too embarrassed and ashamed to knock. The house had been her son's refuge, a shelter from a raging storm of a life he didn't create.
And Louth? She'd been the mother Lenz couldn't be to Devon Beitzel.
It was Louth who made Beitzel his breakfast and served him dinner; she checked his homework and doled out the discipline; she listened to his worries and celebrated his accomplishments.
For all of that, Lenz was so grateful.
But she also knew it was because of her own failings that her son needed a place to retreat in the first place.
"It's hard to pick up your face sometimes," Lenz said, pausing and reaching for the right words. "It takes a lot of healing. But this Christmas, oh my gosh, it was phenomenal. I felt so welcome, such a part of everything, and I realized, my gosh, that's his family. They're going to be his family forever. I want to be a part of it, and now I can. I don't have to be embarrassed. My son loves me."
Together and separately, Lenz and Louth have raised themselves quite a man.
Dealt a life predestined for hardship, Beitzel instead carved a path to success. He is the leading scorer (18.6 ppg) for a Northern Colorado team that stands atop the Big Sky standings, undefeated in the league at 7-0.
Click here to read the rest of the story at ESPN.com
For years, Lenz had been too embarrassed and ashamed to knock. The house had been her son's refuge, a shelter from a raging storm of a life he didn't create.
And Louth? She'd been the mother Lenz couldn't be to Devon Beitzel.
It was Louth who made Beitzel his breakfast and served him dinner; she checked his homework and doled out the discipline; she listened to his worries and celebrated his accomplishments.
For all of that, Lenz was so grateful.
But she also knew it was because of her own failings that her son needed a place to retreat in the first place.
"It's hard to pick up your face sometimes," Lenz said, pausing and reaching for the right words. "It takes a lot of healing. But this Christmas, oh my gosh, it was phenomenal. I felt so welcome, such a part of everything, and I realized, my gosh, that's his family. They're going to be his family forever. I want to be a part of it, and now I can. I don't have to be embarrassed. My son loves me."
Together and separately, Lenz and Louth have raised themselves quite a man.
Dealt a life predestined for hardship, Beitzel instead carved a path to success. He is the leading scorer (18.6 ppg) for a Northern Colorado team that stands atop the Big Sky standings, undefeated in the league at 7-0.
Click here to read the rest of the story at ESPN.com
Encouraging Words-"The Laws of God"
From Daily In Christ
Luke 11:39
Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness
The Talmud , a collection of ancient rabbinic writings, relates the story of Rabbi Akiba, who was imprisoned. Rabbi Joshua brought him some water, but the guard spilled half of the container. There was too little water to both wash and drink, and Rabbi Akiba faced the possibility of death for lack of water if he chose to use the water for ceremonial washing. He reasoned, "He who eats with unwashed hands perpetuates a crime that ought to be punished by death. Better for me to die of thirst than to transgress the traditions of my ancestors!"
Jesus responded harshly to such reasoning: "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (Matthew 23:24). The Lord cautions that the weightier matters of the law (such as justice and mercy) are overlooked when attention focuses on strict observances of religious practices. This leads to a corresponding negligence of the eternal laws of God. Jesus told people to pay more attention to cleansing their hearts and not be like their leaders who cleanse only their hands.
The laws of God are liberating and protective. They are restrictive only when they protect us from the evil one. The rules of any institution should ensure the freedom of each individual to reach his or her God-given potential. They should serve as a guide so we don't stray from our purpose, and they should protect us from those who abuse the system.
The principle that Jesus modeled could be stated as follows: If people are commanded to follow a traditional practice that makes life more difficult and no longer contributes to the purpose of the organization, then we must not participate as a matter of religious conscience. Jesus simply didn't observe such traditions, and He defended His disciples for not observing them as well.
Prayer: Thank You for reminding me, Lord, that the law kills but the Spirit gives life. Help me walk in that freedom today.
Luke 11:39
Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness
The Talmud , a collection of ancient rabbinic writings, relates the story of Rabbi Akiba, who was imprisoned. Rabbi Joshua brought him some water, but the guard spilled half of the container. There was too little water to both wash and drink, and Rabbi Akiba faced the possibility of death for lack of water if he chose to use the water for ceremonial washing. He reasoned, "He who eats with unwashed hands perpetuates a crime that ought to be punished by death. Better for me to die of thirst than to transgress the traditions of my ancestors!"
Jesus responded harshly to such reasoning: "You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (Matthew 23:24). The Lord cautions that the weightier matters of the law (such as justice and mercy) are overlooked when attention focuses on strict observances of religious practices. This leads to a corresponding negligence of the eternal laws of God. Jesus told people to pay more attention to cleansing their hearts and not be like their leaders who cleanse only their hands.
The laws of God are liberating and protective. They are restrictive only when they protect us from the evil one. The rules of any institution should ensure the freedom of each individual to reach his or her God-given potential. They should serve as a guide so we don't stray from our purpose, and they should protect us from those who abuse the system.
The principle that Jesus modeled could be stated as follows: If people are commanded to follow a traditional practice that makes life more difficult and no longer contributes to the purpose of the organization, then we must not participate as a matter of religious conscience. Jesus simply didn't observe such traditions, and He defended His disciples for not observing them as well.
Prayer: Thank You for reminding me, Lord, that the law kills but the Spirit gives life. Help me walk in that freedom today.
2/1 Daily Encouragement from Scripture and History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
In 1896, Puccini's La Boheme premiered
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1901, actor Clark Gable
In 1902, writer Langston Hughes
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