Five Stones - December 22, 2010

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

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

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

Still Standing - December 18, 2010

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

Without A Doubt - November 20, 2010

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

Satisfaction Guaranteed - November 18, 2010

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

Pray For Rain - October 16, 2010

Daily Reading

Matthew 9-10

Daily Verse

Whoever acknowledges me before men,

I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

Matthew 10:32

Daily Thought

The rancher wanted the farmers to pay for his drowned cattle. "Judge, you know we've been having a drought. The farmers had a prayer meeting and asked God to send rain. I don't put much stock in prayer, but dadgum if it didn't work. It rained the next three days and flooded my ranch. Their prayers drowned my cattle, Your Honor."

"There's no proof that God sent the rain," objected the farmers. "Our prayers had nothing to do with the flood."

"Let me get this straight," clarified the judge. "What we have here is a man who doesn't pray, but believes God answers them. And you guys who do pray say God doesn't."

"But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
~Matthew 10:33

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

God, You are faithful and true. I desire to be one who trusts in You, walks in Your Word, and steps out in faith. Help me with my faith where it lacks. Test me and strengthen me where I lack. I believe in You in word, but may I also believe in You in action.

I know, God, that it is fear that keeps me from standing tall for You at times. Help me build upon the solid foundation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May I be one whose life points to You at all times. May I be one who stands.

Amen.

He Designed The Course - October 14, 2010

Daily Reading

Matthew 13, Luke 8

Daily Verse

The disciples went and woke him, saying,

"Master, Master, we're going to drown!"

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters;

the storm subsided, and all was calm.

Luke 8:24

Daily Thought

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
~Genesis 1:1

My foursome included Kyle. Kyle is the man who designed the golf course.

On the first hole, Kyle said, "Play a fade, 240 yards, over the trees on the right." I did what he said. I parred the hole.

Second hole, same result. Hole 3, 4, 5... 18. Best round of my life. All I had to do was listen to Kyle.

When you designed the course, you know how to play it.

"Where is your faith?" Jesus asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
~Luke 8:25

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Creator God, this world is marvelous, full of wonders. It displays Your wisdom and majesty. How great You are. You have power and authority over all things. And You are good. That's why You can promise that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

God, may I keep my ears tuned to You, listening to Your words and following them. May I live a life full of joy and wonder. May I reflect Your wisdom and goodness in all that I do. May I walk in faith and see the greatness of my God.

Amen.

Stand Firm Then - September 17, 2010

Daily Reading

Daniel 10-12

Daily Verse

He said, "Daniel, you who are highly esteemed,

consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you,

and stand up, for I have now been sent to you."

And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Daniel 10:11

Daily Thought

The Church sold forgiveness of sins. People sin a lot, so the Church became wealthy and built big cathedrals.

The trouble began when Martin Luther read God's Word.

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
--Romans 1:17

Faith is a gift, so righteousness is free. You don't buy forgiveness. Martin Luther posted this on the door of the Church.

The Church liked its big cathedrals and asked Martin Luther to retract his statement.

But Martin Luther had read God's Word.

"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."
--Martin Luther, April 18, 1521

Stand firm then.
--Romans 6:14

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Righteous God of grace, in Your holiness, You cannot look on my sin. I must be completely clean to be in Your presence, and I am not clean. But Your Son got down on His knees and washed me. In humility, he took my dirt and exchanged it for His righteousness. What a wonderful Savior.

My God, after all Jesus has done, how could I dare try to become righteous by myself. Not only is it impossible, but it insults the work of Your Son on the cross. Instead, I bow before Your Son, call Him my Lord and Savior, and receive with joy His gift of salvation.

Amen.

But Even If He Does Not - September 14, 2010

Daily Reading

Daniel 1-3

Daily Verse

Then Nebuchadnezzar said,

"Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

They trusted in him and were willing to give up their lives

rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."

Daniel 3:28

Daily Thought

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
--Daniel 3:17

Peter, during the persecutions of Nero, was crucified, at his own request, upside-down. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Bartholomew, preaching in Armenia, was flayed to death by a whip. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded by King Herod in Palestine. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Matthias was stoned and then beheaded. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Matthew was killed by a sword. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

James, the brother of Jesus, was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. But even if he does not. --Daniel 3:18

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--Hebrews 12:2

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My God, I offer myself as a living sacrifice, which means my life is Yours. I give it to You, so it is no longer mine to lose, but Yours to save. I pray, O God, that my faith will be bold, that when I face that which is impossible for me to do, I will trust in my God, who can do all things. I pray that I will act not because I am secure in the outcome, but because I am secure in You.

Amen.

Step Onto The Ledge - August 21, 2010

Daily Reading

Jeremiah 41-45

Daily Verse

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable,

we will obey the LORD our God,

to whom we are sending you,

so that it will go well with us,

for we will obey the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 42:6

Daily Thought

Take the elevator up. Willis Tower, Chicago, 103rd floor. Step onto the Ledge. Look down.

You do not see the glass floor you are standing on. You see Wacker Drive, 1,353 feet below. Straight down.

Fear. Falling and splatting.

Facts. Each glass panel is an inch and a half thick, weighs 1,500 lbs, and will support 5 tons. You can safely park 3 cars in the box.

Faith. Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
--Hebrews 11:1

Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands.
--Jeremiah 42:11

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Almighty God, You are forever faithful and true. I place my trust in You because You are the Rock, the Solid Foundation on which to build my life.

Sometimes God I am tempted to trust in things I can hold. I would rather trust in He who holds me. You are my God. I will place my faith in the One who is always faithful.

Amen.

Go Wash Yourself - July 3, 2010

Daily Reading

2Kings 5-8

Daily Verse

But Naaman went away angry and said,

"I thought that he would surely come out to me

and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God,

wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.

2Kings 5:11

Daily Thought

Naaman showed up at the door of Elisha with power. Horses and chariots, silver and gold.

"I thought that Elisha would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy."

God is not impressed with our power. "Go, wash yourself."

Naaman went away angry.
--2Kings 5:10-11

The centurion showed up at the door of Jesus with faith.

"Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
--Matthew 8:8-9

God is delighted with our faith. When Jesus heard this, he was astonished.

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
--Matthew 8:8-13

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, why do I try to impress You with what I can do? As if I can bring anything to You that You need. You created all things, You own the cattle on a thousand hills. It's not because You have any need that You delight in my company. You simply delight in my company. I don't understand that, but I'm thrilled.

God, I bring nothing to You except my faith, my devotion, my obedience, and my love.

Amen

Commitment Means Action - July 2, 2010

Daily Reading

2Kings 1-4

Daily Verse

Elisha picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah

and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.

2Kings 2:13

Daily Thought

Commitment. "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on.
2Kings 2:6

Action. Elisha picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah
and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
2Kings 2:13

Commitment. "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
--Matthew 26:39

Action. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him.
--John 19:17-18

Commitment. At once they left their nets and followed him.
--Matthew 4:20

Action. Anyone who does not carry his cross cannot be my disciple.
--Luke 14:27

But someone will say,

"You have faith; I have deeds."

Show me your faith without deeds,

and I will show you my faith by what I do.

--James 2:18

To God's Glory,
Dave Price

Daily Prayer

My Lord and Savior, I believe fully in You, loving You with all of my being. I will stand for You and confess You before men. You are King of kings and Lord of lords.

I pray, God, that I will be a bright light, that I will be part of a church that sits on a hill, that my faith will not be hidden, but will shine in the darkness. That by all my actions people will know that You are God. I will take up the cross and follow You.

Amen

Ants Follow Ants - June 13, 2010

Daily Reading

1Kings 8, 2Chronicles 5

Daily Verse

"But will God really dwell on earth?

The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you.

How much less this temple I have built!"

1Kings 8:27

Daily Thought

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

--John 1:14

Ants release a chemical called a pheromone so other ants will follow them. That's why a trail of ants walk in a straight line, one behind the other.

Ants follow ants.

God made Adam and Eve, and said follow me. Instead, Adam followed Eve, Cain followed Adam, and I follow Cain.

And none of us follow God. We act like ants, but we were made to be like God. So....

Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but took the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

--Philippians 2:6-7

Then Jesus said, "Come, follow me."

--Matthew 4:19

To God's Glory

Dave Price

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are holy and righteous. I am not. You made me in Your image, so deep inside I have always known what I should be like. But, on my own, I wouldn't do anything to change. Thank You for seeking me and inviting me to follow You. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus said, "Follow Me." God, I commit to following You with all that I am. Help me keep that promise.

Amen

Leap Of Faith - April 25, 2010

Daily Reading

1Chronicles 3-5

Daily Verse

They were helped in fighting them,

and God handed the Hagrites

and all their allies over to them,

because they cried out to him during the battle.

He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

1Chronicles 5:20

Daily Thought

The bad guy shot Indy's dad. Not dead, but dying.

"It's time to ask yourself what you believe," said the bad guy.

The Holy Grail, the cup Jesus shared at the Last Supper, could save his dad. Indy had a book to guide him to the cup.

The book said, "Kneel." Indiana Jones knelt, and the blades missed.

The book said, "Proceed on the name of God," and Indy stepped out "Iehovah" (with an "I" because it's Latin) to safety.

The book said, "Leap." There was nowhere to leap. Just a deep chasm. He leapt anyway.

It was a leap of faith, but it wasn't blind, because the book was true. Indiana Jones trusted the book.

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

--John 20:30-31

To God's Glory,

Dave

Daily Prayer

God, You are faithful and true. May I trust fully in You. Build my faith, God. Strengthen my trust. You are certainly worthy of it. I know that if I seek You and only You, I do not need to be anxious about anything. All things are in Your hand. It baffles me how often I let other things distract me when I only need to keep my eyes on One. You.

Amen

A Leap Of Faith - April 11, 2010

Daily Reading

1Samuel 13-14

Daily Verse

"Saul, your kingdom will not endure;

the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart

and appointed him leader of his people,

because you have not kept the LORD's command."

1Samuel 13:14

Daily Thought

A squirrel jumped from one tree to another. The limb he aimed at he missed, but there was another beneath. Hundreds jump and many miss the branch, but none miss the tree.

It's what they do if they don't want to spend their whole lives in one tree.

The army of Israel possessed only two swords. One with Saul, the king. Jonathan, his son, held the other.

Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, "Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. If they say to us, 'Wait there until we come to you,' we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands."

--1Samuel 14:8-10

This is a dumb plan. Jonathan's armor bearer said, "I'm with you heart and soul." His mind wasn't coming.

And they jumped.

Meanwhile, Saul stayed under a pomegranate tree.

--1Samuel 14:2

To God's Glory,

Dave

Daily Prayer

God, Your ways are not man's ways. By faith, I follow You. I trust You and I will jump when You call. I know if it is according to my strength and my wisdom, then I am in danger of taking credit. Therefore, God, my strength and my wisdom I submit to my heart and my soul, and I will follow You in faith.

And You get the glory.

Amen