rolling hills prays

The Beginning and the End - December 31, 2010

2010-12-31T07:08:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading
Revelation 19-22

Daily Verse

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 22:13

Daily Thought

In Genesis, Jesus is the Ram at Abraham's altar. In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb. In Leviticus, He's the High Priest. In Numbers, He is the Cloud by day and pillar of fire at night. In Deuteronomy, He is the City of our refuge. In Joshua, He's the Scarlet Thread out Rahab's window. In Judges, He is the Judge of the World. In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer. In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He's our Trusted Prophet. In Kings and Chronicles, He is our Reigning King. In Ezra, He is our Faithful Scribe. In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of everything that is broken. In Esther, He is Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate. In Job, He is our Redeemer. In Psalms. He is my Shepherd and I shall not want. In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, He is Wisdom. In the Song of Songs, He is the Beautiful Bridegroom. In Isaiah, He is the Suffering Servant. In Jeremiah and Lamentations, it is Jesus who Weeps over His People. In Ezekiel, He's the Fearful and Wonderful Four-Faced Man. In Daniel, He is the Fourth Man in the fiery furnace. In Hosea, He is my Lover, forever faithful. In Joel, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. In Amos, He's our Burden Bearer. In Obadiah, He is our Savior. In Jonah, He is the Missionary that takes the Word of God to the world. In Micah, He is the Messenger with beautiful feet. In Nahum, He is the Avenger. In Habakkuk, He is the Watchman that is ever praying for revival. In Zephaniah, He is the Lord mighty to save. In Haggai, He is the Restorer of our lost heritage. In Zechariah, He is our Fountain. In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings. In Matthew, He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. In Mark, He is the Miracle Worker. In Luke, He is the Son of Man. In John, He is the Door by which every one of us must enter. In Acts, He is the Shining Light that appears to Saul on the road to Damascus. In Romans, He is our Justifier. In 1st Corinthians, He is our Resurrection. In 2nd Corinthians, Jesus is our Sin Bearer. In Galatians, He redeems us from the law. In Ephesians, He is our Unsearchable Riches. In Philippians, He supplies our every need. In Colossians, He is the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily. In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is our Soon Coming King. In 1st and 2nd Timothy, He is the Mediator between God and man. In Titus, He is our Blessed Hope. In Philemon, He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother. In Hebrews, He is the Blood of the everlasting covenant. In James, He is the Lord that heals the sick. In 1st and 2nd Peter, He is the Chief Shepherd. In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, it is Jesus who has the tenderness of love. In Jude, He is our Lord coming with ten thousand saints. And in Revelation, lift up your eyes, for your redemption draweth nigh, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

And now unto Him Who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever.

Amen

What Do You Hate? - December 30, 2010

2010-12-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Revelation 12-18

Daily Verse

The great dragon was hurled down-

that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan,

who leads the whole world astray.

Revelation 12:3

Men worshiped the dragon.

Revelation 13:4

Daily Thought

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
~Luke 16:13

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
~Romans 12:9

"I hate snakes."
~Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, I love You completely. I hate evil completely.

May I live my life cherishing You and despising Satan. May I rid myself of all that he touches. Give me discernment to hear when it is his voice speaking, and I will reject what he says. I will love truth and goodness, because all that is true and all that is good comes from You.

I love You. Completely.

Amen

What Are You Waiting For? - December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Revelation 6-11

Daily Verse

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.

Then I heard one of the four living creatures say

in a voice like thunder, "Come!"

I looked, and there before me was a white horse!

Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown,

and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

Revelation 6:1-2

Daily Thought

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger.
~Luke 2:6-7

Should have listened when he was a baby.

To God's Glory,

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

King of kings and Lord of lords, what amazes me is that You did come as a baby. You truly emptied Yourself, humbled Yourself for my sake. All along, You are God, and yet Your majesty was veiled so I could see You.

Next time, there will be no veil. I long for Your return, but my deepest desire is that many people will welcome You. That the world will be prepared for Your coming. May I be ever diligent to share Your good news, because salvation belongs to You.

Amen

She Said Yes - December 28, 2010

2010-12-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Revelation 1-5

Daily Verse

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.

I wish you were either one or the other!

So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-

I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16

Daily Thought

On Thanksgiving Day, a boy got on his knee and said to my daughter, "Will you marry me?"

She can say "Yes." She can say "No." But she can not say "A little bit."

I would that you were cold or hot.
~Revelation 3:15

She said, "Yes."

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, I am all in. You are worth my everything and more. All that I have is from You and for You.

Forgive me for and protect me from my half-hearted efforts. I want You to be part of everything in my life. I want everything in my life to point to You and give You pleasure. You are my God.

Amen

I Have A Word For You - December 27, 2010

2010-12-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2John 1, 3John 1

Daily Verse

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3John 1:4

Daily Thought

Mr. Hooper taught Sunday School.
6th grade boys.

It was not our habit to bring Bibles, but Mr. Hooper thought we should. "Bring your Bibles next Sunday."

My Bible was old and tattered, rabbit-eared pages with lots of writing and underlining, a number of tears, frayed cover.

"Okay, hold your Bibles up," commanded Mr. Hooper.

All ten of us held them in front of us. Nine of them were very nice, cool covers, white clean pages. They looked new.

And then there was mine. I was embarrassed.

Mr. Hooper said, "Every one look at Dave's Bible."

Really embarrassed!

"That's what a Bible should look like. Well done, Dave."

...who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

~Hebrews 5:14

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, I love Your Word. It is the Word of life. In it, I see what You are like. I also see what I am like and what I should be like. Keep me in Your Word, God. The devil will keep me from Your Word, but Your Word will keep me from the devil. It is the Truth.

May I not only know Your Word, but live it, too. May my life be Your Word to others, leading them to Your Word, the Bible, leading them to Your Word, the Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Offense Of The Cross - December 26, 2010

2010-12-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1John 1-5

Daily Verse

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God:

Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ

has come in the flesh is from God,

but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

1John 4:2-3

Daily Thought

He was a Muslim attending a Christian University.

"Wasn't there a cross on that wall last year?" he asked.

"Yes, but we took it down in order to be ecumenical," explained the Christian. "We did not want to offend others."

"Others? You mean like me, a Muslim?"

"Yes," said the Christian.

"You have offended me," said the Muslim.

"How so?" the Christian was puzzled.

"You have offended me by taking down your cross," answered the Muslim. "You have called me a bigot."

"No, no, no, we hate bigotry. What do you mean?"

"If you attended a university in my country, would you be offended by quotations from the Quran on our walls?"

"Of course not," the Christian looked puzzled.

"Because you are not a bigot. Likewise, only a bigot would object to Christian symbols in a Christian University. You are calling me a bigot because you expect me to be offended by those symbols."

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
~Romans 1:16

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, Your Son came to this world and endured the shame of the cross for my sake. May I endure its shame, as well. I would gladly boast of Your sacrifice, no matter the cost, because Your shame is the power of my salvation. You took my sin and bore its penalty by dying on the cross. The cross of a criminal. The cross I deserved.

This is Your glory, the glory of love so strong that You suffered the cross for me, a sinner. I will lift up Your Name, no matter the consequences, because it is Your Name, and Your Name alone, by which I am saved.

What a wonderful cross. What a wonderful Savior.

Amen

Some Assembly Required - December 25, 2010

2010-12-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2Peter 1-3, Jude 1

Daily Verse

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager

to make your calling and election sure.

For if you do these things, you will never fall,

and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2Peter 1:10-11

Daily Thought

I unwrapped the package, opened the box, and emptied it in front of me. It had everything I needed. It was exactly what I wanted.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
~2Peter 1:3

I glanced at the box again. "Some Assembly Required."

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
~2Peter 1:5-7

It came with instructions.

And we have in God's Word, the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place.
~2Peter 1:19

Merry Christmas,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, thank You for all You've done, and You did everything. You have given me all I need. Salvation in Your Son. Power to live a godly life through Your Spirit. And You promise to bring Your work to completion. Someday, I will live in perfect holiness with You forever. I can't wait for that day.

In the meantime, I submit myself to Your leading. Whatever You ask, my answer is Yes. You have my heart, all of it, and my mind and soul and strength. I am Yours. And You are mine!

Amen

A Festivus For The Rest Of Us - December 24, 2010

2010-12-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2Timothy 1-4

Daily Verse

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.

Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them

a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

2Timothy 4:3

Daily Thought

Seinfeld, Season 9, Episode 10

Frank Costanza, father of George, explains the holiday of Festivus to Kramer.

"Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way."

"What happened to the doll," asked Kramer.

"It was destroyed...

"But out of that," Frank's face lit up, "a new holiday was born.
A Festivus for the rest of us!"

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
~2Timothy 4:4

Festivus is a myth. But so is a holiday about Cabbage Patch Dolls and XBoxes and iPods.

We need not invent something new, but celebrate something old. Not Happy Holidays, but Merry Christmas.

And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
~Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Wonderful God, Savior of the World, You are King of kings, Lord of lords, born in a manger, died on a cross, raised on the third day, coming again to bring Your Kingdom of peace and righteousness.

You are the reason for the season.

May every knee bow and every tongue confess that You are God, Savior and Lord.

Amen

26.2 - December 23, 2010

2010-12-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Hebrews 11-13

Daily Verse

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

Daily Thought

I hate running.

Debbie turned 40 and thought a marathon was a good idea.

I love my wife.

We bought a book, The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer. Good title. A 16-week training guide to run 26.2 miles. Prerequisite: You must be able to run 3 miles to begin the training program. 3 miles!! Took me a month.

I hate running.

You work up to 18 miles, but the week before the marathon, your body needs to rest. Only 3-mile runs.

Piece of cake!

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
~Hebrews 12:11

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Lord God, You began a work in me that You promise to complete. Do what it takes. I'm not saying I will like it, but I want it. There is this joy in front of me, and I will endure whatever it takes to reach it.

Right now it seems like a lot of work to live rightly. Someday, it will come naturally. God, I will continue to throw off whatever is holding me back, and keep my eyes on Your Son Jesus Christ. He is my goal. I want to look like Him.

Amen

Five Stones - December 22, 2010

2010-12-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Hebrews 7-10

Daily Verse

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Daily Thought

The question is not, "How big is Goliath?"

Goliath was over nine feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels;on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.
~1Samuel 17:4-7

The question is not, "How big is God"

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him.
~Psalm 8:3-4

The question is, "How big is your faith?"

Then he chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
~1Samuel 17:40

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, the only God, God of all things, there is no question whether You are worthy of my trust. You are. I place my life in Your hands. You are my Lord and Savior, and all that I am, all that I do, I give to You.

My desire is to see Your Name lifted high. That all may know who You are. Make my faith strong, God, so that I may not fail the God who will not fail.

Amen

The Grilled PB&J - December 21, 2010

2010-12-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Hebrews 1-6

Daily Verse

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened,

who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

who have tasted the goodness of the word of God

and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away,

to be brought back to repentance.

Hebrews 6:4-6

Daily Thought

Ask any kid, "What is the best sandwich ever made?"

It's the Peanut Butter and Jelly.
No competition.

Unless you were a kid in my youth group. A kid who was served my wife's Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich.

I run into these kids, 5, 10, 20 years after graduating. You know what they remember? They remember when they were introduced to the Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly. I hear it all the time.

They liked the old PB&J. But it doesn't stand up to the new. Ask anyone who has tasted one. There is no going back.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
~2Corinthains 5:17

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, You are so good. To be welcomed into Your family, to experience Your warmth and love, to understand what life is all about, to really live - what more could I ever want? (The answer is nothing more. You are above and beyond my deepest desires.)

Thank You for the blessings of heaven, of Your Kingdom. There is a better life than this world offers. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done. I look forward to the day when Your Son reigns over the heavens and the earth in perfect peace and righteousness.

Amen

Dad, I'm Getting A Tattoo - December 20, 2010

2010-12-20T23:13:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Peter 1-5

Daily Verse

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect.

1Peter 3:15

Daily Thought

"Dad, I'm getting a tattoo."

Adam is a college sophomore. "No you are not," is no longer useful.

"A Christian 'fish' with Romans 8:31 under it," Adam described. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

"How big?" asked Dad.

Adam stretched his fingers out. "Big. Right here on my arm."

"Adam, that tattoo will declare your faith to everyone. You are in a fraternity. A fraternity that parties. A lot. You may be the only picture of Christ your brothers see."

"Dad, I'm getting the tattoo."

"I know, Son. But if you get it, you have to live it."

"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."
~1Timothy 4:12

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, You Son came into this world to be a light in a dark place. Thank You for shining that light on me, because I was a dark place! I love Your Son.

Now I am a light shining in a dark place. I will not hide the light, but I will hold it up so that people can see. So that they can see Your Son. So that they can receive Your Son and be light, too. So that the world may know that You are God. My God. The only God.

Amen

Stop It! - December 19, 2010

2010-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Titus 1-3

Daily Verse

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Titus 2:12

Daily Thought

Bob Newhart plays the therapist,
Dr. Switzer.
Katherine plays... Katherine.

DR. SWITZER: "I charge $5 for the first five minutes. And then absolutely nothing after that. How does that sound?"

KATHERINE: "That sounds great. Too good to be true, as a matter of fact."

DR. SWITZER: "I can almost guarantee you that our session won't last the full five minutes."

So, she explained her problems.

DR. SWITZER: "I'm going to say two words to you right now. I want you to listen to them very carefully and then I want you to take them out of the office with you and incorporate them into your life. You ready?"

She nodded.

DR. SWITZER: "Stop It!"

KATHERINE: "Stop It?"

DR. SWITZER: "S. T. O. P. New word. I. T. Stop It!"

KATHERINE: "So, what are you saying?"

DR. SWITZER: "You know, it's funny, I say two simple words and I cannot tell you the amount of people who say exactly the same thing you are saying. This is not Yiddish, Katherine. This is English. Stop It."

KATHERINE: "So, I should just stop it?"

"Then neither do I condemn you," declared Jesus. "Go and sin no more."
~John 8:11

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

(If you'd like to see the skit, click here)

Daily Prayer

Father God, it is so clear what is good and what is evil. Our eyes were open when we ate the fruit in the garden, and we knew that we had done wrong. I need to stop, but I can't. Or won't. I not only sin, but I like my sin. God, change me from the inside out.

Thank You for salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. I am made righteous. Thank You, as well, for the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. May I always keep in step with Your Spirit. May I stop sinning and walk rightly in this world.

Amen

Still Standing - December 18, 2010

2010-12-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Timothy 1-6

Daily Verse

Watch your life and doctrine closely.

Persevere in them, because if you do,

you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1Timothy 4:16

Daily Thought

I had to build a retaining wall. Each block weighed 50 pounds and each block was surprisingly expensive.

40 feet long, 36 inches high. I thought.

"You'll need to put one row below ground as a foundation," explained the landscaper.

40 feet long, 42 inches high.

"I have to spend money and effort on a row of blocks that will never be seen?" I complained.

"Oh, you will know they are there. Ten years from now, when the wall is still standing."

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
~1Timothy 6:18-19

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, the victory is Yours. You accomplished it on the cross, defeating the works of Satan and removing the sting of death. You now offer life, a full life that will stand on the firm foundation of the work of Your Son.

May I place my trust in that foundation, knowing that nothing can move me as long as I depend fully and solely on You. Not by my strength, but by Yours will I live victoriously in the world.

And the next.

Amen

Making A List, Checking It Twice - December 17, 2010

2010-12-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Philippians 1-4

Daily Verse

In humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Daily Thought

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!
~Philippians 2:8

"I think God is just like Santa Claus," argued Jack. "They both have long white beards, children like them, and they keep a list of naughty and nice."

"Aw, but what a big difference in those lists," smiled Bethany.

"How so?"

"Santa brings gifts to the nice."

"Yeah, that's right," Jack nodded.

"God sent his gift to the naughty."

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
~Romans 5:8

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, Your ways are so beyond me. You are holy and good and just and righteous. I am a sinner, yet You come for me. My world does not work that way. Yours does. In my world I chase what matters to me. In Your world, You chase... me! You came to seek me and to save me, and You left everything to do it.

What kind of love is that? It's a love I want more than anything in the world. It's that love that compels me to leave everything and seek You.

Amen

In Good Hands - December 16, 2010

2010-12-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Ephesians 1-6

Daily Verse

Be filled with the Spirit.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:18-19

Daily Thought

I was a kid taking guitar lessons, and Jack was my teacher. Jack was a master on the classical guitar.

Torroba's Sonatina, Etude #5 by Villa-Lobos, Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie, I practiced and I improved.

Then Jack would take my guitar. The same music beginning to sound good from my hands was suddenly rapturous. Heavenly. Beautiful.

The guitar was in the hands of the master now.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~Ephesians 2:10

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father in heaven, You are wonderful. Truly wonderful. What a world. What a creation. The heavens, the oceans, the mountains. Fabulous. And me, too. Fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image.

As I return my self to Your hands, making You master of my life, may I respond to Your leading and reflect Your wisdom and truth and love. Mold me again into a vessel for Your glory. Make my life count because it is lived for You.

Amen

Made By God - December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Colossians 1-4, Philemon 1

Daily Verse

Now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these:

anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Do not lie to each other,

since you have taken off your old self with its practices

and have put on the new self,

which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:8-10

Daily Thought

So God created mankind in his own image.
~Genesis 1:27

Mark lived across the street and a few houses down. He was a 5th grader. I was in 2nd. Mark was a different race from me, and I told him so. I used a word I'd learned from a 4th grader at school.

Mark hit me.

I said it again, and he hit me again. Once more. Same result.

I told my Dad that Mark hit me. Dad asked why, and I said the word. "You deserved it," he said.

I didn't know what the word meant, but I stopped using it.
I realized it hurt Mark.

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
~Colossians 3:11

Hurt me, too.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, Creator of all things, but only one thing did You made in Your image. Us. We humans. Wonderful in variety, color, size, gender, personality, habits, behavior, we each reflect You. Marred by sin, we may be restored through Your Son Jesus Christ. May we put on grace, peace, love, joy, kindness, gentleness, unity, so that Your image will shine brighter in us and through us.

Amen

Let It Go - December 14, 2010

2010-12-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 27-28

Daily Verse

Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers,

"Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved."

So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away.

Acts 27:31-32

Daily Thought

"The cup that gives everlasting life."
~The villain, Walter Donovan, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

The Holy Grail. A legend. The cup of Christ, the cup used at the Last Supper. The cup that caught his blood as he hung on the cross. A myth.

An earthquake, a chasm opens, the cup on a ledge, Indy dangling over the cliff, hanging from his father's hand, reaching for the cup.

"Indiana," pleads his father.

We chase religion, the myth, the cup. Indy stretches for the cup. But it is just a cup. Not the Christ. Not Jesus.

"Indiana! Let it go," cries his father.

He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
~Matthew 26:42

Reach for the One who drank from the cup.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, may we set our eyes on Christ, Your Son. Jesus. The Name above all names. The One who saves us. Our religion is our idea about You. May I let go of my ways, submitting my religion to Your way. God, may I receive what You give me and add nothing of my own to it. It is by Your grace that I am saved. Your gospel, Your goodness, Your glory.

Amen

One Yard Short - December 13, 2010

2010-12-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 24-26

Daily Verse

Paul replied, "Short time or long-I pray God

that not only you but all who are listening to me today

may become what I am, except for these chains."

Acts 26:29

Daily Thought

The Tennessee Titans versus the St. Louis Rams. Super Bowl XXXIV.

Trailing 23-16, six seconds left, Tennessee ball, 10 yards from the end zone. Quarterback Steve McNair hit wide receiver Kevin Dyson on the 5, and he took it 4 more. 9 yards, but they needed 10. Game over. Season over.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."
~Acts 26:28

For the rest of their lives, every Titan will remember "Almost."

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Savior God, there is no other Name than Jesus Christ by which we are saved. Jesus, Your Son, left heaven, came to earth, sacrificed His life, saved many. But not all. Some say no.

Thank You for displaying Your love to me in such a way that my selfish will wilted, and I could do nothing else but embrace You. It was not my doing, but Your grace that compelled me to make You Lord and Savior. God, in my life and the lives of all who call You Lord, may Your grace be displayed, and cause all who see it to bend their knees and call You Savior.

Amen

All Or Nothing - December 12, 2010

2010-12-12T22:47:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 20:4-23:35

Daily Verse

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me,

if only I may finish the race and complete the task

the Lord Jesus has given me-

the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Acts 20:24

Daily Thought

"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."
~C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologetics

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, Your Law is summed up simply - love You with everything I am and everything I have. And if I do that, while I do that, I will love my neighbor as myself. Help me put aside my self-centered desires, my wants and wishes, for the good of those who have need.

May I hold nothing back, my God, but rather give extravagantly - just the way You have given me a life overflowing with grace, goodness, freedom, joy, peace, trust, faith, hope, and love.

Amen

Free Service - December 11, 2010

2010-12-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Romans 14-15

Daily Verse

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.

All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything

that causes someone else to stumble.

Romans 14:20

Daily Thought

One man's faith allows him to eat everything. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself.
~Romans 12:2, 14

"A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none."
~Martin Luther

If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
~Romans 14:15, 21

"A Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one."
~Martin Luther

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father, use me to show You off, to help bring others to You and back to You. May I be careful about my influence, that I will not lead others astray or away. Give me an undivided heart, a life that reflects Your character, and a deep love for others.

Amen

You Can Fly - December 10, 2010

2010-12-10T23:37:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Romans 11-13

Daily Verse

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Daily Thought

A caterpillar is earthbound.

"And then, God causes an amazing thing to happen," I was using what little science I knew to make a point with my high school students.

"Inside a cocoon, the digestive juices go to work. The caterpillar eats itself from the inside out, transforming its body into something new."

"Where do the wings come from?" asked Mary.

I smiled, "This part is really cool. When the caterpillar digests itself, it produces waste. That waste is the building material that becomes the wings of the butterfly."

"So, what your saying is," Matt's head wrinkled as he put this together, "God can take the crap in my life and make something beautiful out of it."

And the butterfly can fly.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
~2Corinthians 5:17

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Lord God, You created me once, and I messed it up. Then You created me again. Thank You for Your patience and Your love. Thank You for second chances.

I will do what I should have done the first time. I am Yours, God. I sacrifice all of my control to You. I love You heart, soul, mind, and strength. Every bit of me. I am ready to fly - whatever You will, I will.

Amen

Where Dreams Come True - December 9, 2010

2010-12-09T23:35:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Romans 8-10

Daily Verse

And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Daily Thought

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?

She was in line at Disneyland. She talked to the guy behind her, and it turned spiritual.

"What does your God do about people who have never heard of him?" she asked.

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?

"You are from Romania, no?"

She nodded.

"Here you are in America. At Disneyland, in line for The Pirates of the Caribbean. Me, too. But I am from Nairobi.

"God took you from one part of the world and me from another and brought us to this very spot."

As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
~Romans 10:14-15

"I am not so sure what God does for everyone else. I think I know what he is doing for you."

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, You left Your throne and looked for me. And found me. And saved me. I wasn't even looking for You.

You came to seek and to save the lost. That was me. Your love is amazing. I love You back!

Amen

Semper Fi - December 8, 2010

2010-12-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Romans 4-7

Daily Verse

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man,

though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:7-8

Daily Thought

"More Than A Motto," boasted the recruiter. "It goes beyond teamwork - it is a brotherhood and lasts for life."

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~Romans 8:38-39

"Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps."

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.
~Romans 6:5

"There is no such thing as an ex-Marine."

If God is for us, who can be against us?
~Romans 8:31

"Semper Fi , 'Always Faithful,' distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other."

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 2:5

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, You made me in the first place, and then You went to war for me to bring me home. What amazing love. Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, became like me in flesh, to the point of death, and that, the worst kind. Death on a cross, bearing all of humanity's, all of history's sin.

How can I not follow such a wonderful Savior. Your love is amazing. How great is my God.

Amen

E=MC2 - December 7, 2010

2010-12-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3

Daily Verse

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities

-his eternal power and divine nature-

have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Daily Thought

"I'm not an atheist.

The problem involved is too vast

for our limited minds..."
~Albert Einstein

The year is 1905. Albert Einstein is 26.

In March,

Einstein develops the quantum theory of light,

viewing light as tiny particles called photons.

In April and May,

Einstein proves atoms exist.

In June,

Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity,

viewing light as a continuous field of waves.

Measurements of time and distance vary

as anything moves relative to anything else.

Isaac Newton was wrong.

Einstein apologizes to Newton for discovering this.

"Newton, forgive me."

In November,

Einstein proves that energy and matter are linked.

E=MC2.

"...We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."
~Albert Einstein, "What Life Means to Einstein," Saturday Evening Post

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

~Psalm 19:1-4

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, the whole world speaks of Your glory. I am so small, and yet You are mindful of me. You are so grand, and yet I would ignore You? Really?!

I stand and gaze and marvel at Your creation. I worship You. Oh my God, my Creator, my Savior, Heavenly Father, Lord. What a life! You are wonderful.

Amen

Love Mom - December 6, 2010

2010-12-06T22:29:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2Corinthians 10-13

Daily Verse

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2Corinthians 12:9

Daily Thought

She came down to breakfast one morning and found a bill from her son lying beside her plate.

Mowing the lawn - $6.00
Drying the dishes - $1.00
Raking leaves - $6.00
Cleaning garage - $7.00
Total owed - $20.00

He came home from school that day and found next to a plate of cookies:

Washing clothes - nothing
Vacuuming room - nothing
Cooking meals - nothing
Bandaging cuts - nothing
Baking cookies - nothing

Love, Mom

I don't want what you have-I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you.
~2 Corinthians 12:14-15

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

I thank You, God, for Your grace, for the righteousness that comes from Your Son, for the power that comes through Your Spirit. You created everything. Me included. I am Your workmanship. Sometimes I get the idea that I have something to offer You. Something You need. I should remember, and I shall remember, that everything I am is because of You. Everything I do, may it give You pleasure and bring You glory.

Amen

I Hate Spiders - December 5, 2010

2010-12-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

2Corinthians 5-9

Daily Verse

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

2Corinthians 5:17

Daily Thought

She came with her mom to the Wednesday night prayer meeting. Every week.

She was twelve, the youngest in the room, but she liked to pray and she liked the prayers of the people who came.

Except one man. He prayed long every week, and every week finished with, "And now, Lord, clean all the cobwebs out of our lives."

At long last, she could take no more. The man, as always, prayed what he always prayed.

But before he said "Amen," she jumped to her feet and shouted, "Don't do it, Lord! Kill the spider!"

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to the earthly nature.
~Colossians 3:5

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy and good. Your Son has taken the penalty of my sin and given me his righteousness. Thank You so much!

May I rid myself of the desires, the thoughts, the habits of old. May I put them to death. Help me kill them. I don't want to think and act the way I used to, but rather, to live the life You created me to live. A life of service and love, of goodness and peace, that gives You glory and pleasure.

Amen

Lighten Up - December 4, 2010

2010-12-04T21:11:00.001-08:00

Daily Reading

2Corinthians 1-4

Daily Verse

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"

made his light shine in our hearts

to give us the light of the knowledge

of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2Corinthians 4:6

Daily Thought

I've got one of those watches with luminous hands and numbers.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
~2Corinthians 3:18

The longer I hold it near the light, the brighter it shines in the darkness.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, Your light shines in this dark world and reveals what is good and pure and right. May my life be a reflection of Your glory. May my life shine in such a way that people know I have been in Your presence. May Your church do Your works in this world so that You are known and loved and followed.

Amen

The One Thing - December 3, 2010

2010-12-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Corinthians 15-16

Daily Verse

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day

according to the Scriptures.

1Corinthians 15:3-4

Daily Thought

"Do you know what the secret of life is?"

The movie is City Slickers.

Billy Crystal plays Mitch, a man celebrating his 39th birthday and dealing (poorly) with a midlife crisis.

Jack Palance plays Curly. He is older.

"Do you know what the secret of life is?" Curly asks Mitch.

"No, what?" Mitch shrugs.

Curly holds up one finger. "This."

"Your finger?" Smart Aleck.

"One thing. Just one thing."

"That's great. But what's the one thing?"

"That's what you've got to figure out."

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
~Matthew 6:33

Got it.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, the most important thing, the one thing out of everything, is You. To love You with all that I am. My heart, soul, mind, and strength. In doing this, I will, at the same time, love others as much or more than myself. Because that is what You did. In humility, You sacrificed Your Son for me. For each of us. For all of us.

God, grow Your love in me. May You be not the first of many, but rather my One and Only consuming passion.

Amen

One For All And All For One - December 2, 2010

2010-12-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Corinthians 12-14

Daily Verse

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts;

and though all its parts are many, they form one body.

So it is with Christ.

1Corinthians 12:12

Daily Thought

It is the mind that says to the hand, "Don't turn that light on," when you have to walk from the bedroom to another room, and it's pitch black.

The head cannot say to the feet,

"I don't need you!"

~1Corinthians 12:21

The mind is really egotistical. "I know my way around this house! Don't turn that light on."

On the contrary, those parts of the body

that seem to be weaker are indispensable.

~1Corinthians 12:22

Meanwhile the toes are saying, "Hey, no. Turn that light on. Turn the light on, will you please?! Man, I'm not going through this again."
~Bill Cosby, "Conflict" from "To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With"

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.

~1Corinthians 12:26

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, Jesus Christ, Savior, You redeemed Your family, the church, and You are its head. We look to You for all strength, guidance, wisdom. You do not show favoritism, rather, to be first, You took last place. Teach us the same humility. May we be the first to take a knee and serve, lifting others up to Your glory.

May we be one in all things. When one hurts, we all suffer; when one succeeds, we all share the victory. One for all, and all for one, and God, you get the glory.

Amen

Shades Of Grey - December 1, 2010

2010-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Corinthians 9-11

Daily Verse

"Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial.

"Everything is permissible" - but not everything is constructive.

1Corinthians 10:23

Daily Thought

"Julie, is smoking a sin?"

Julie was the small group leader for the freshman girls at the church youth group.

Sherry was the freshman girl who was trying to figure out what kind of girl she wanted to be now that she was in high school.

"Well, Sherry, it's not that smoking will send you to hell," Julie shrugged, then grinned. "But you will always smell like you were there."

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.

~1Corinthians 10:31

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, You created this world and this world glorifies You. You created me. Should I know bring You glory, as well?

All that I do, in speech, in life, in love, in faith, in purity, may it please You and praise You.

Amen

Jesus Knows Love - November 30, 2010

2010-11-30T22:59:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Corinthians 5-8

Daily Verse

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1Corinthians 8:1

Daily Thought

"If this man were a prophet, he would know...

It was a small town. Everyone knew!

"...who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner."
~Luke 7:39

Knowledge puffs up.

Jesus said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? Her many sins...

Jesus knew.

"...have been forgiven - for she loved much."
~Luke 7:44, 47

Love builds up.

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
~Romans 5:8

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, You saved me. Not because I was good. Not because I was worth saving. You saved me, because You loved me. What an amazing love, too, because I did not love You. I was not good, nor was I godly, and yet You went to death for my life. Now I am good because of Your goodness, and I am godly because You are God, my Lord and Savior.

May I also love, because You are love.

Amen

The United Saints - November 29, 2010

2010-11-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Corinthians 1-4

Daily Verse

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that all of you agree with one another

so that there may be no divisions among you

and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1Corinthians 1:10

Daily Thought

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

The Wisdom of Man

We know Total Depravity and Free Will, Conditional and Unconditional Election, General and Limited Atonement, Prevenient and Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints and Falling From Grace.

We are Presbyterian or Methodist or Baptist or Lutheran or Episcopal.

We are many.

One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
~1Corinthians 1:12

The Foolishness of the Cross

We know Jesus.

We are Christian.

We are one.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
~1Corinthans 2:2

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

You, O God, are One. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The Lord our God. The Lord is one.

You told us we must be one, that we must love one another, that we must be united. That our joy in You is connected to our unity in Your Spirit. God, bring us together. Help me to recognize that our shared love for Jesus is stronger than any differences in theology or methods.

Teach me humility and servanthood and love.

Amen

Bad For Bad Business - November 28, 2010

2010-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 18:19-19:41

Daily Verse

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis,

brought in no little business for the craftsmen.

"Men, you know we receive a good income from this business."

Acts 19:24-25

Daily Thought

"This fellow Paul has led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all."
~Demetrius the Silversmith, Acts 19:26

Revival stikes Wales, 1904. 150,000 suddenly put their trust in Jesus Christ.

Crime nearly stopped. The police force formed a choir which sang at revival meetings.

Magistrates turned up at courts. No cases to try.

Taverns were deserted because churches were packed.

Coal miners stopped cursing. Their donkeys and mules stopped obeying instructions. They could not understand the kind and gentle words of their masters.

"There is danger that our trade will lose its good name."
~Demetrius the Silversmith, Acts 19:27

Revival is bad for business if your business depends on bad.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Lord God, you are the King of kings. May Your Kingdom be established on earth. Your grace has changed my heart. May it change my community. May "In God We Trust" become a reality in this country. But first, may it be a reality in Your church. Purify Your people God, so that we might be a light and a blessing to the world.

Start with my heart, God. Create in me a clean heart, fully devoted to You.

Amen

Attitude Of Gratitude - November 27, 2010

2010-11-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

1Thessalonians 1-5, 2Thessalonians 1-3

Daily Verse

Be joyful always; pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Daily Thought

"Tell me about your last job."

Applicant #1: "Not good. Not good at all. The boss was unfair, moody, played favorites. The employees were mean and petty. You couldn't trust anyone. That's why I am applying here. I'm looking forward to a change."

"Hmm. Well, you are qualified, so you are hired. But I do have bad news. I am afraid you'll find the same environment here."

Next.

"Tell me about your last job."

Applicant #2: "Wonderful. I was sad to leave, but it couldn't be helped. My boss was fair, a good man, encouraging. The office was like a family."

"Hmm. Well, you are qualified. Congratulations, you are hired. And I have good news. I think you'll find the same kind of work environment here."

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
~Romans 15:5

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, each and every day is a gift. I delight in them. I love waking up, anticipating the joy of living fully for You. May this be my daily mindset. May my attitude reflect the life Your Son has given me, a life of joy and purpose, hope and love.

Thank You, God, for giving me life and changing my eternity.

Amen

American Idol - November 26, 2010

2010-11-26T22:50:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 17-18:18

Daily Verse

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens,

he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Acts 17:16

Daily Thought

It was announced on the news today: we have "Savings Fatigue." The economy is bad, so people quit spending. Many saved. Now we are tired of saving. We must spend.

Plutus, the Greek god of money. Still popular.

"Science can explain the universe without the need for a creator," the scientist said to the Talk Show host. "Science is increasingly answering questions that used to be the province of religion. The scientific account is complete. Theology is unnecessary."

Mercury, the Roman god of science. Still popular.

"Tomorrow Is Just Another Day," announced Apple. "A Day You'll Never Forget." What will I never forget? iTunes will now sell me songs from The Beatles.

Apollo, god of music. Still popular.

Aphrodite, goddess of beauty. Still popular.
Mars, god of war. Still popular.
Hermes, god of sports. Still popular.
Dionysius, god of wine. Still popular.

"I found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."
~Acts 17:23

Jesus Christ, who made the world and everything in it. Still God.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, You are the One and the Only. Creator of all things, there is none like You. You are the Beginning, the End. And the Middle. No one, ever, should sit on Your throne. Especially not me.

I keep trying to rule my life, but usually when I do, I let some pretender, some false god, take charge. At last, I know that You are Lord and Savior of all. Lord and Savior of me. Now I follow You. You alone. You always. You are God.

Amen

Happy Thanksgiving - November 25, 2010

2010-11-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Galatians 4-6

Daily Verse

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves

be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

Daily Thought

Every day since January 1, a passage of God's Word has turned into a thought and a prayer. It was my commitment. It has become my law.

Today is November 25. Day 329. Galatians 4-6. Smack dab in the middle it says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

We are no longer under the law. I am no longer under the law.

There will be no thought today. I'm free!

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

P.S., Be back tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!

Daily Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You.

Amen

City Dog vs. Country Dog - November 24, 2010

2010-11-24T22:24:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Galatians 1-3

Daily Verse

Now that faith has come,

we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Galatians 3:25

Daily Thought

Religion

Lucy is our basset hound. She stays indoors and sleeps in a kennel. Lucy is a city dog, and she does not roam free. She is not allowed to.

Every so often, a door is open, unwatched. Lucy breaks for freedom, and she does not return. We call her, and find her, and bribe her, and bring her home.

Relationship

Aunt Katie and Uncle Larry live in the country. Abby, their yellow Labrador, is free to roam, and she does. Wherever she wants, whenever she wants, doing whatever she wants. Abby is a country dog.

At night, Abby could sleep anywhere she wants, and she does. She sleeps on the porch. She sleeps at home.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
~Galatians 5:1

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, You have set me free from the burden and bondage of sin. Thank You so much! I am now enslaved to love, a willing servant of Your goodness and grace. Forgive me, God, when I turn my liberty into a religion of do's and don'ts, or I turn my freedom into a license to sin.

I love You, God, not from force or fear, but because I desire You so much. I stay close to You, close to home, because this is where I find life, a life abundant and good.

Amen

You First - November 23, 2010

2010-11-23T23:56:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 15-16

Daily Verse

After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia,

concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 16:10

Daily Thought

They were in prison.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.
~Acts 16:25

Praying for salvation.

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
~Acts 16:26

Not for their own.

The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
~Acts 16:27-28

But for the salvation of others.

The jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
~Acts 16:29-30

In humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:3-5

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, give me opportunities to share Your gospel with others.

And when those opportunities come, give me the wisdom to see them and the boldness to take them.

Amen

The Easy Way To Play - November 22, 2010

2010-11-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

James 1-5

Daily Verse

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds.

James 1:2

Daily Thought

Sonatina, by F.M. Torroba. Jack's fingers flew on the frets, the classical guitar sang, and it was beautiful.

"Do you want to play like this?" Jack was my guitar teacher. I was 10 years old.

I nodded, "Yes."

"You'll need to practice a couple hours a day, every day."

"Two hours!" An eternity for a 10-year old. "Isn't there an easier way?"

Jack glared at me, "How long would you like to practice?"

I shrugged.

"That's the hard way, Dave. If you pick the guitar up whenever you feel like it, it will take you years to play. If ever."

The testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
~James 1:3-4

"But two hours and you'll be playing like this in two months," explained Jack. "Practice is the only easy way to play."

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, I trust You with my life. May everything I do display the faith I have in Your wisdom and goodness. Teach me Your ways, O Lord. Test me and try me, so that I may live a life holy set apart to You.

God, thank You for caring for me to develop and strengthen me. I know that nothing will come before me that, in You, I cannot endure and conquer. I can do all things through You, because You give me strength. There is a joy I have found in suffering for Your Name's sake.

Amen

Anything But God - November 21, 2010

2010-11-22T01:06:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 13-14

Daily Verse

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted,

"The gods have come down to us in human form!"

Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes.

Acts 14:11-12

Daily Thought

1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17... The broadcast from space continued, a series of 261 prime numbers. Earth makes contact with extraterrestrial intelligence.
~Contact, a science-fiction book by Carl Sagan, 1985.

Anything but God.

"Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist."
~Stephen Hawking, The Grand Design

Anything but God.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes.
~Acts 14:11-12

Anything but God.

"Men, why are you doing this?"
~Acts 14:15

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,

and worshiped and served created things

rather than the Creator.

~Romans 1:25

"To look out at this kind of creation out here and not believe in God is to me impossible, ... It just strengthens my faith. I wish there were words to describe what it's like."
~John Glenn, 77 years old, orbiting earth...again. Space Shuttle Discovery, 1998

There are.

Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;

the whole earth is full of his glory.

Isaiah 6:3

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Creator God, it is amazing to gaze upon Your handiwork. The sunset was incredible tonight, and then the moon, full, arose, The clouds parted and glimmered, and the sky displayed Your glory. I stopped and stared.

We marvel at Your glory, God. Some do not give You credit, and yet they cannot help but stop and gaze and wonder. May I speak loudly of You and Your handiwork. You are the Author of our creation and our salvation.

Amen

Without A Doubt - November 20, 2010

2010-11-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 11-12

Daily Verse

Then Peter came to himself and said,

"Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel

and rescued me from Herod's clutches

and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."

Acts 12:11

Daily Thought

King Herod had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
~Acts 12:2

Scene 1: Herod kills James.

Herod proceeded to seize Peter also. After arresting him, he put him in prison,
~Acts 12:3-4

Scene 2: Herod arrests Peter.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
~Acts 12:5

Scene 3: The church prays for Peter.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
~Acts 12:7

Scene 4: God saves Peter

Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
~Acts 12:13-14

Scene 5: Peter shows up at church.

"You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
~Acts 12:15

Scene 6: Cut!!! Go back to Scene 3.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
~Acts 12:5

Scene 3: What exactly are you praying for?

Scene 4...

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, I know that You are faithful and true. I know that You can do all things. I know that what You promise will happen.

God, I have faith. Help me with my faith. May I trust You and live my life reflecting my faith and confidence in You.

Amen

Great Sinners, Great Saints - November 19, 2010

2010-11-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 9-10

Daily Verse

But the Lord said to Ananias,

"Go! This man is my chosen instrument

to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings

and before the people of Israel."

Acts 9:15

Daily Thought

"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man, Saul, and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem."
~Acts 9:13

Home from college, my high school friend waved me over.

His name was John, but we called him "Animal." All-city nose guard, he was crazy on, and off, the football field. A wicked wit, he spoke in rhyme, funny and filthy.

"Hey Animal," I smiled, anticipating a barrage of profanity, blasphemy, and debauchery.

Instead, I got Grace. I got the Gospel. I got introduced to his friend, Jesus Christ.

"John, what happened?"

"I got Jesus." Jesus got John.

"The great (and toothsome) sinners are made out of the very same material as those horrible phenomena, the great Saints."
~Screwtape, a demon, "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," by C.S. Lewis

Nice people make nice Christians, but watch what happens when God grabs a person of passion.

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

It's amazing grace, my God. I was a sinner, and You changed me. Now, I am a saint. May I never forget the transformation, and may I never tire of telling the story.

The goodness, the righteousness, the holiness of Your Son is now mine. I still sin, I know I do. But no longer am I a sinner. I am a child of God, not by anything I have done, but by the work of Jesus Christ. May the passion I used to display toward worldliness and wickedness be given to godliness. All the more so.

Amen

Satisfaction Guaranteed - November 18, 2010

2010-11-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 7-8

Daily Verse

Peter answered: "May your money perish with you,

because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!"

Acts 8:20

Daily Thought

It said it right there in the bulletin:

A One-Year Tithing Challenge.

Give faithfully for a year. If God doesn't deliver on his promise to provide for you, if you have not experienced God's blessings, you can ask for your money back.
All of it. No questions asked.

"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

'He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

The Good News of Jesus Christ.
Satisfaction guaranteed. Or your money back!

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
~Matthew 4:5-7

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Oh Lord God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, it's all Yours. Everything. As if I could give You anything that is not already Yours. You don't need my possessions, my skills, my talents. You simply desire my heart, and You know these things I think I own can steal my heart away.

God, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And with my wallet. It's Yours. All of it. No questions asked.

Amen

Gesundheit - November 17, 2010

2010-11-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 4-6

Daily Verse

Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected,

which has become the cornerstone.'

Acts 4:11

Daily Thought

"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name."
~Acts 5:28

For 80 years, the graduation ceremonies of Washington Community High School included a prayer.

Until 2001. Almost.

A lawsuit was filed and the court ruled, "No, you may not pray."

Ryan stood at the podium, the final student speaker. Silent for a moment, then opening his mouth to speak. "Ahh-choo," he sneezed.

The graduating class of 2001 rose to its feet.
In unison, "God bless you."

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
~Acts 4:12

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Lord God, we shout Your Name because You are worthy of praise. And if we don't, the rocks will cry out. In fact, the whole earth is full of Your glory. Creation itself declares loudly Your wonders, Your wisdom, Your beauty and grace, Your majesty.

Lord, we say Your Name aloud because it is the Name of salvation, and because the world needs to be saved. How can we not speak of You? It is the message of love to a lost world.

Amen

Engage The Power - November 16, 2010

2010-11-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Acts 1-3

Daily Verse

Everyone was filled with awe,

and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:43

Daily Thought

I pushed and pushed, trying to make the mower move forward.

My Dad came out. "Why are you trying so hard? Pull this lever up."

I did. And the mower leaped forward. It was self-propelled.

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
~Acts 1:8

I'd been struggling with all my might to push the mower. But once I engaged the power, I just went along for the ride.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
~Acts 2:46-47

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, Your Son said that we, His followers, His church, would do greater things than He did. He saved the world. What could be greater? By the power of Your Holy Spirit, we take the message of Your salvation to the world. By that power, lives are changed.

God, may I be faithful to follow Your Word, going to the world, in the power of Your Spirit, in the Name of Your Son, with the gospel of grace. I will be faithful to plant the seeds and water the soil. God, You make it grow.

Amen

Patron Saint Of Scientists - November 15, 2010

2010-11-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Luke 24, John 20-21

Daily Verse

Then Jesus told him,

"Because you have seen me, you have believed;

blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:29

Daily Thought

The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
~John 20:25

"Science is based upon verifiable evidence. Religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence from evidence is its pride and joy, shouted from the rooftops. Why else would Christians wax critical of doubting Thomas? The other apostles are held up to us as exemplars of virtue because faith was enough for them. Doubting Thomas, on the other hand, required evidence.

Jesus said to Thomas,

"Put your finger here; see my hands.

Reach out your hand and put it into my side.

Stop doubting and believe."

~John 20:27

Perhaps he should be the patron saint of scientists."
~Richard Dawkins, atheist, author of "The God Delusion"

Thomas said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!"

~John 20:28

Fair enough. Patron of Scientists, Saint Thomas

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, Risen Lord and Savior, bearing the marks still of the cross. You bore the cross, the pain of death, and the greater pain of sin, so that I might be saved. When Thomas looked at Your hands, he did not simply see proof of who You were. He saw proof of what You had done. For him. For me. For the whole world.

Thank You, Jesus, for seeking and saving me. Thank You for loving me. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,

Amen

A Missing Person - November 14, 2010

2010-11-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Matthew 28, Mark 16

Daily Verse

The angel said to the women,

"Do not be afraid, for I know that

you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Come and see the place where he lay."

Matthew 28:5-6

Daily Thought

"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how."
~Matthew 27:65

A Roman guard: A 4-man security force. Each soldier was trained to protect six feet of ground to the death. To allow the thing guarded to escape or be stolen was a capital offense.

The disciples: Jesus' disciple reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest. He cut off his ear.
~Matthew 26:51

The chief priests devised a plan, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.'"
~Matthew 28:12-13

Really?

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Lord God, You are so awesome. You exploded from the tomb, conquering death, defeating Satan, and rescuing us from sin. You are risen, You are alive, and You are King.

You truly are the way, the truth, and the life. You are Savior. There is no other Name under heaven by which we may be saved. You humbly died for me. May I boldly live for You.

Amen

The Cup - November 13, 2010

2010-11-14T04:34:00.000-08:00

Daily Reading

Luke 23, John 18-19

Daily Verse

When he had received the drink,

Jesus said, "It is finished."

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

Daily Thought

After the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
~Luke 22:20

Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
~Matthew 26:38-39

Later, knowing that all was now completed, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished."
~John 19:28, 30

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood;

do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

~1Corinthians 11:25

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Father God, You promised from the beginning that You would provide salvation, that You would send a Savior. You kept Your Word. Your Word is true.

Your Son took all my sins, all the sins of all the people from all time, and paid the penalty. Death. I trust in Him for my salvation, and now His righteousness is mine. Wow.

Thank You for so wonderful a Savior.

Amen