Fasting Day 16 – 1/27/2009

Adult / Teen Journal

January 27, 2009

Day 16. A testimony of pleasing God

    Hebrews 11:39-40

39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Local news stations around the United States were on a kick of following the lives of average Americans, and they called it something like, “Everybody has a story.” Some would throw darts and travel to where it would stick, some would look up people in a phonebook, but whatever the method, random citizens became heroes of sorts, for the day, as their tell was told. You see, everybody does have a story. Watch the news. Everyday there is the story of someone who has chosen to make their heritage be one of crime and violence. Others pick up the baton, and run the race of various causes such as building a memorial for those who have lost their lives protecting us from enemies or emergencies. Others legacy will be one of saving whales, owls, endangered species, or even having your dog or cat “fixed” (argument can be made for all cats being somewhat “broken”). See the thing is, all of us leave a story behind. Question then becomes, what is yours? There are those who have died in the pursuit of deeper relationships with God and following after His will whose lives have impacted us here today. It is easy to see how those early Christians laid their lives down for the spread of the Gospel. But what about you? Probable not called to be thrown in with the lions, but you have just as real of a purpose in God’s kingdom as they, just as real of a life following God as they did. Your quest – find it!

Children’s Journal

January 27, 2009

Day 16. The Good Samaritan

Jesus tells a story about a man who has been robbed by bandits. Who will stop and help the man? Jesus shows us all a great lesson about caring for each other and knowing who our neighbor is.

Today’s Puzzle