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But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to [...] Read More
There were two completely full tables of individuals that never looked at me. I stood behind the lectern and addressed an audience in Frederick, Maryland – only to discover that a significant group of individuals were paying no attention to me. In fact, their eyes and attention were locked on Jennifer. Jennifer was a competent [...] Read More
Hate was a word that simply wasn’t acceptable in the home in which I grew up. I don’t know if this was an outcome of deep pacifist roots from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – or a pragmatic view that the vast majority of the time that this word is used, it is wildly inappropriate, sinful, trivialized [...] Read More
Porsche unveils plug-in hybrid 918 supercar
The car promises amazing perforance with both a V-8, electric motors and a light body
For almost two years, Porsche has tantalized with its concept version of a plug-in hybrid supercar, the 918. Now comes the real thing, and what a significant car it appears to be.
Porsche probably puts its best in its announcement, including the first photos:
The new 918 Spyder "demonstrates the potential of the hybrid drive to a degree never seen before: the parallel improvement of both efficiency and performance without one being at the cost of the other. This is the idea that has made the Porsche 911 the most successful sports car in the world for 50 years.
In short, the 918 Spyder will act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future."
That future, as embodied in this single car due to come to market soon, will not be based on a single new technology, but several. Lightness from a body of carbon-fiber reinforced polymers. Separate electric motors on each axle. The latest V-8 engine that developed 608 horsepower.
Yet, as a plug-in, the 918 should be capable of driving 18 miles on electric power alone -- about as far as many executives need to get to work every day. On electric power alone, it can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in seven seconds. It can be recharged from a standard wall socket in about seven hours.
Between its gas and electric power plants, the end result for the 918 should be amazing quickness. The Porsche 918 Spyder prototype was 20 seconds faster than a Porsche Carrera GT in completing the north loop of the famous Nurburgring race course in Germany.
Why so nimble? The car weighs only 3,715 pounds and all the heaviest components are situated low to give the car more ground-hugging characteristics. Also, the rear axle is steerable to make cornering more precise. The car is all-wheel drive.
Story and Photo source: usatoday.com.
John 15:1-11 (ESV)
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about being plugged in?
Unlike a car that needs to be recharged after every trip, Jesus wants us to remain "plugged in" to Him all the time. The word he uses for this is Abide. Abiding means to remain with someone, to live so connected to someone else that their life provides the life-giving nourishment needed for one's own existence. To abide in Jesus is to dwell with Him and make our home in Him. Jesus wants us to be intimately connected to Him every day so that My Story intersects with His Story moment by moment. The most important dynamic in our lives as followers of Jesus is our abiding relationship with Him. When we abide in Him and stay near Him daily, we will be able to bear lasting fruit for His kingdom. (adapted from YFC's "God's Story [As Told By John]")
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story to Others?
Our weekly small town newspaper carried an article recently where the editorialist commended his friend for changing up a well-known phrase to be more encouraging. We’ve all heard or even used the phrase “knock ‘em dead” as a good-luck wish or encouragement to do well in a task or performance. But by changing the phrase and saying “knock ‘em alive,” this man aims to leave his friends more inspired and motivated than they were before their time together. It sounds a little awkward when you first say it, but the sentiment is what he’s after here. After all, we don’t really want those around us to become lifeless due to our presence or performance, but instead to feel even more alive after we’ve been with them than they felt before.
Image from photo-dictionary.com
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
John 10:10 (NLT)
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
What does God’s Story scripture teach us about life and death?
We are all given the same choice: life or death, blessings or curses. God clearly encourages us through scripture and through the words of Jesus to choose life.
How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to My Life?
How do you think people felt after being with Jesus? I imagine they felt more alive than ever after being in his presence! How do people feel after being with you? Do they leave your presence feeling encouraged and inspired? Ask God to help you choose to speak life-giving words and be a source of motivation to those near you.
How can I connect Today’s Story, God’s Story, and My Story to Others?
Use the “knock ‘em dead / knock ‘em alive” phrases to tell someone about today’s story. Ask them which one they would prefer to hear. Be prepared to share with them the choice God gives us in scripture between life and death, between blessings and curses, and to ask which they have chosen. Use this opportunity to share with them Jesus’ purpose to give us a full and meaningful life.
Phrases and words stick out in my head. They grab my attention and explode into imagery that is too picturesque to ignore. Such a word thought happened just a week or so ago.
My sister was showing me a new bracelet she had received from her husband. I was greatly admiring it and she offered to get me one for my birthday (that worked out well for me, didn’t it?). Wanting to show my mom, she held out her arm and put my mom’s hands on the jewelry. Since my mom is legally blind, Vicki was describing the bracelet. She said, “It’s made up of beads and a cross. Can you feel the cross?”
As soon as she said that, I thought, “Wow! What a wonderful expression and picture!”
Source: Yahoo.com
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
What does today's God's Story teach us about Feeling the Cross?
Have you ever tried to explain the work of the cross in your life? It’s hard, at least for me, to put into words precisely the power of what happened to Jesus as he voluntarily gave His life for us on an old rugged piece of wood.
Sometimes the best way to share about Christ is not by words – flowery or otherwise – but by being a living example of God’s love and letting the Lord shine through your life. You won’t be able to argue someone into loving or accepting Christ; it’s only when they see for themselves and believe all of Who He says He is that they can truly know the beauty of the cross.
How can we connect God's Story to our lives?
Whether you wear Christian t-shirts or jewelry or even have a bumper sticker with Christians sayings on it doesn’t matter. When we are a Child of God, He is to shine through our lives. The way we live and conduct our life is more of a testimony or witness than anything we can buy to promote our relationship with Jesus.
What is your life saying about your relationship with the empty cross? Do you live as if you have hope and joy? Do others see that you are relying on the promise of the tomb being empty all year long and not just at Easter?
How can we connect today’s story, God’s story and my story to others?
Listen to your friends, but do so not just with your ears but with your eyes. Allow your heart to be in tune with the quietness of their brokenness and unspoken concern.
Ask the Holy Spirit to let your heart be sensitive to those who may think the cross is foolishness. Pray that your witness will not be a hindrance to them seeing Jesus. Perhaps through your life, they will be able to feel the cross and get to know Jesus as their Savior.
Friday Fragment: The Smell of Jesus http://t.co/54UyI0SjMW #youthmin #stumin
Moral Therapeutic Deism…What? http://t.co/o6gOyoHioW #youthmin #stumin
Moral Therapeutic Deism…What? http://t.co/TI037mjz7y
Thanking The School http://t.co/pT8RFNgKYU #youthmin #stumin
May 16, 2013 | admin
What’s that term? Moral Therapeutic Deism? What a mouth full, but it hits the nail on the head in my world. It’s how I grew up. It’s what I see in Christian students today. We use the Bible... continue reading.
May 14, 2013 | admin
By: Matt Coppess Before you begin thanking teachers, administrators, security guards, and lunch ladies, ask yourself this question, "How well do you know them?" Do you know that the head... continue reading.
May 08, 2013 | admin
By: Matt Coppess Chances are you really need your volunteers. Hopefully you can see the impact they have had on students. No matter their role, age, and ability, we should greatly... continue reading.
May 02, 2013 | admin
I heard this in a fresh way the other day. It was at a memorial service for a man of God. Roy Smith, ordinary by fleshly standards, but made a pretty big splash in this world for the... continue reading.
April 30, 2013 | admin
By: Allison Johnson Kids are more messed up than ever before. One in five preteens – children aged six to 12 – have been medically diagnosed with either ADHD, anxiety, depression or... continue reading.
April 23, 2013 | admin
By: Allison Johnson I had no friends. A few years back I resigned from YFC. For a couple years prior to leaving I had become aware that much of my identity and community was found in... continue reading.
April 18, 2013 | admin
As I sat with my crosshairs on the elk, I was thanking God for putting me in the right place to shoot my elk for the year. My family and I love the meat plus it is very rewarding to get... continue reading.
April 15, 2013 | admin
By: Ken Schmidtke Midnight has been coming to our door wanting to bike ride with my son. Cali’s family needs food to make meals for the coming week. Daniel, a parent of a couple... continue reading.
April 09, 2013 | admin
By: Ken Schmidtke Josh was one of those six graders that immediately grabbed your attention: jovial, helpful and always eager to please! Josh, however, faced challenging obstacles in... continue reading.
April 04, 2013 | admin
Elk hunting this year was an amazing opportunity to learn from God. It was one of the toughest years for me as far as hunting went, but an amazing year for me as far as the spiritual... continue reading.
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