Quick Running Tip Tuesday - January 17

I hate running in the rain.

It seems to me that running in the rain is one of those things that polarizes the running community.  Some love it and can't wait to get out and splash in the puddles.  Others hate it and would rather skip the run than get wet.  I find myself in the running later.

I do not like running in the rain.  Bottom line: If I am not planning to get wet, I don't like getting wet.

But I found something... purely by accident... a few weeks ago that makes running in the rain more bearable.  This thought dawned on me a couple of days ago as I was running (in the rain): I must share it.

Anyone who is around me for any length of time knows that running is a passion of mine.  I love to talk about tricks and tips, what is working and what isn't with those who run.  So I decided to start putting out some thoughts.  I'll post these on Tuesday around lunchtime.  Just quick tips of things that I've found that work or things that don't.  In many cases, these aren't things that anyone taught or showed me (if they do, I'll give them all the credit).  They are simply things I stumbled on myself.  I'm not claiming to be original or a genius (I actually just had to spell check genius) or anything.  Just sharing what I've learned from running around the block a few times.  

I've found over the past couple of weeks that a hat (the one pictured is actually mine) makes running in the rain more bearable.  It seems hard to believe... but the fact that rain isn't hitting me directly in the face makes it more tolerable.

I'm not a hat person.  I have a few trusty Cubs hats that I will wear from time to time.  But by in large, hats make my head itch.  So I skip them.  I picked up this Adidas hat at an outlet store for about $12.  It is elastic and technical in fabric so it wicks sweat away.  And it does wonders for keeping the rain out of my eyes.

Additionally, I've started wearing it every time that I run.  It's just part of mentally preparing for the run.  When the hat goes on the head, I run!

Maybe it will help you, maybe it won't.

Keep running friends!

Jim



Disclaimer (if you're into that sort of thing): Jim is not a professional runner nor is this blog endorsed by any company.  These thoughts are merely the thoughts and experiences on one runner.  What works and what doesn't work from a practical level.  Jim hasn't set any records, but he's run a few races (Marathon: 4h 22m / Half-Marathon: 2h 3m / 5k: 22m 57s) and he's been around the block!



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Day 50... Run Streak!

I started doing something a little different after Thanksgiving.  I started a Run Streak. 

That means that I have run (at least a mile) every day.  Yesterday was day 50.  Today will be day 51.  How long will it go, let's connect on Daily Mile!

Just felt like sharing!

If you think I'm crazy, check out this list of those who have been doing it for 40+ years!


JC

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Why I Hate: "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

"What if I told you, Jesus came to abolish religion?"
What if I told you (Jefferson Bethke) that you were wrong?



I have thought about this post for several days. After 12 million+ hits on YouTube and multiple occurrences on my Facebook feed on Friday and Saturday, I started to consider a response. Not that Mr. Bethke will ever see it. There are many, many other more intelligent and thoughtful posts out there that he should be reading.
But over the weekend, I was approached by multiple students about the video and what I thought. So… I thought I would post something official.

Officially… I don't like the video.
There, I said it.

There are several things to like about the video. His style is appealing. His rhymes are nice. The content seems to be driving at something good and many people seem to be pulled into approving this video and it's content. On a couple occasions he drives at something that is needed (the tendency to tell people we're Christians on Facebook but never back it up without lifestyle). There are some things to agree with.

However, it gives me an icky feeling.

Primarily because he's wrong on several occasions. Some of what he said is not just wrong… It's unChristian. I could drive in on a variety of issues but in my desire to keep my blog posts short, I'm going to point out two places where I feel that he leads people astray (as a shepherd, I feel its part of my job to help the flock).

First, Jesus didn't come to abolish religion… He came to fulfill it.
Jesus himself said: "17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew 5:17
Jesus was a Jew. He grew up in the Jewish religion. He went to the temple… made sacrifices… offered offerings… observed the Sabbath and the feasts… like the rest of the Jewish nation. Yet, Jesus never commanded, instructed or even hinted that his followers should abandon the Jewish religion. In fact, when Jesus chose this followers… those who would begin the church… he chose 12 guys from the Jewish religion (one was even a Zealot… the strictest of the Jewish religion). One would think that it was Jesus' desire that his followers abandon the Jewish religion, he would have picked 12 disciples from outside the Jewish faith.

Furthermore, after Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, his followers continued to function within the Jewish religion. Peter and John are on their way to the temple in Acts 3 for afternoon prayers when they meet a lame beggar and heal him. Paul, during his missionary journeys who was notably the biggest rebel of the New Testament, went to the temple, observed the sacrifices and stayed within the Jewish religion. Paul also preached to the Gentiles (those outside of the Jewish religion) but we never have any record of Paul denouncing the Jewish faith and writing that anyone should.

The word "religion" comes from the Latin root "religio". That root simply means "to bind together." Moreover, Jesus never uses this word that we are aware of… neither the Latin form nor the Greek (neither "eusebeo" (pious) nor the more common "threskiea" (religion) form. Jesus never uses these words.

Additionally, Jesus' argument in the New Testament isn't with the "religious" people… those people who were bound to God in relationship (i.e.: the Jews). Instead, Jesus' argument (especially in Matthew 23) was with the hypocrites and legalism. Those two groups of people are very different from religious. While it may seem at this point like semantics, I don't think it is. For whatever reason, Mr. Bethke chooses the word "religion" and then drives and drives and drives on it. Had he used the word "legalism," I would have been more on board.

But I need religion. I need to be reminded of the things that keep me in relationship with God. See, I'm prone to wander off (mostly after shiny things). I need to be reminded by my church… by my Bible… by influential Christians in my life… by weekly observance of the Lord's Supper… by the songs that remind me of what Jesus has done… by a variety of things that I am in relationship… that I am bound to God together in a covenant. Jesus didn't come to destroy… abolish… do away with… or any other verb form… religion. Jesus came to fulfill it. All of those things are part of the religion that binds me to Jesus.

Secondly, I am most uncomfortable with the notion that Mr. Bethke puts forward that he doesn't need the church.
Oh, you might say that he says he "loves the church… loves the Bible." Unfortunately everything he said contracts that. While he says that he loves the church, he bashes it… calls it a museum for good people… a starter of wars (that is entirely different discussion… Mr. Bethke should read a little more history and little less Mr. Hawkins)… failure to feed the poor.

This is most unfortunate. The Bible that I spend time reading calls the church (the ecclesia… the assembly) the Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23 and Colossians 1:18)), the Bride of Christ that Jesus sacrificed for (Ephesians 5:25), a radiant bride without any blemish (Ephesians 5:27). The Church belongs to Jesus and Jesus belongs to the church. The Bible pictures the church as the bride of Christ. Now, I don't know how some people run their families, but nothing gets me more upset than someone saying bad things about my wife. That will draw anger quickly. And yet, the Bible calls the Church Jesus' bride. Do we not think that this pains and angers Jesus? (Personally, I think it does.

Furthermore, some in our church culture have begun to promulgate the notion that "all I need to be a Christian is to love Jesus." They don't see the need to connect with a church. They don't see the need to function within the church. They feel that they can float along, unconnected, just following Jesus and they will be an okay Christian. Sorry… that idea is just flat wrong. Jesus is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23) and we are commanded (not suggested) to stay connected to Jesus (John 15:4). If we are disconnected from the church, we are disconnected from God's people and we are disconnected from Jesus.

This individualistic notion has spilled over into our understanding of Jesus' death on the cross. Somewhere along the lines we have picked up this narcissistic perspective that when Jesus lived, and walked, and taught and died on the cross, Jesus was thinking about me. Craziness! Mr. Bethke even mentions it in his little poem. Jesus, when "he was dangling on the cross, he was thinking of you." Craziness! I'm not sure what Bible Mr. Bethke is reading… but in THE Bible, we have no idea what Jesus was thinking of. We know from what Jesus said that he was thirsty, he felt abandoned by his Father, that he forgave the soldiers, scribes and Pilate for putting him there, he spoke with the thief and that he was thinking of his mother Mary. But we have no notion, contrary to Michael W. Smith's song, that Jesus was thinking of me when he hung there. Maybe he was… maybe he wasn't. Was he dying for my sins? Absolutely. But was he thinking of a man who would be born in March of 1977 and become a youth pastor? Maybe… maybe not. We simply don't know. But I think we need to lose that narcissistic notion that I am the center of Jesus' universe.

It's not me and Jesus. Both fortunately and unfortunately, it's "us and Jesus." It's the community that bears his name in relationship with Jesus. That is the Church. That is an official religious binding in relationship between Jesus and His Church.

Finally… contrary to Mr. Bethke's poem, we are commanded to be religious in the Bible. Jesus' brother James, who likely wrote the book of James in our Bibles, instructs us that "7 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Is the church perfect? No way… because I'm there and I'm not perfect… and you're there and you aren't perfect. The church… organized religion… the people called and bound to Jesus in relationship… is the bride of Christ. And if we are going to follow Jesus, we must be connected.

Jim




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Very Simple but fun game - Ups and Downs

I picked up a free e-book by Ryan Nielson over at Youth Ministry.com called "Rug Burn"  It is a simple e-book filled with 20 indoor simple youth ministry games.  All the games are super-simple... some I had heard and have used before... but some I hadn't.

But tonight, we stumbled on a goodie.  We do a mixture of active (running around kind of) games and media-based table trivia games.  Tonight, we decided to go active since we were sending kids out to after youth group parties called Y.A.C. (youth after church).  And grabbed a quick and easy game called "Ups and Downs." 

The game is simple.  Declare half of the students to be "ups" and the other half "downs."  Put cups either up or down all around the room.  Give the students a time limit and the nature of the game is to turn as many cups in their direction as possible.  Ups turn cups up and downs turn cups down.  You can't hold onto the cups and you can't smash any cups.  At the end, the team with the most up or down, wins!

I thought it sounded like fun.  I couldn't believe how quickly our students took to it.  We cued up some music... gave them 5 minutes and turned them loose! They went nuts! Running around! Screaming! Nearly tackling each other! It as very fun. 

In the end, it came down to one cup difference between the ups and downs.  Ups won!

Good game! I think it shall return!

Sometimes... good ideas are simple ideas!  Feel free to use it if you want a good game!

JC



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Daily Read - January 13, 2012

Proverbs 13:20

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise,
   for a companion of fools suffers harm.

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Tonight I sat alone in the high school room...

Tonight (Wednesday night), in a room that used to be full of noisy, soda drinking and talking teenagers, I sat alone.  It was empty.  And I sat in the middle of it. 

Alone. 

And I was okay with that. 

All around our building, our six small groups were just getting started.  Our students were interacting with their leaders and each other (I could hear them through the walls and closed doors... laughing... talking... catching up about their days and homework and iPod games).  They were interacting with each other.  The leaders were beginning their lessons. 

No lesson for me tonight. 

And I am okay with that. 

A couple of months ago, we dreamed about what it would be like to have a solid, backbone small group program.  And I have to say that it's happening.  We dreamed of a team of independent leaders (who united within the youth ministry team and vision) would take ownership of their small groups and lead them in ways that only they could do.  We dreamed of leaders loving students and students being connected to leaders (other than me).  We dreamed of leaders taking the leadership for their small group of 4 to 8 students and becoming another voice pointing them toward the cross of Christ. 

And it's happening!!!

And it's amazing!

At the beginning of the year, we made the tough call that our small groups would be "closed" meaning that you needed to sign up in order to join.  Those who didn't, were funneled toward a general group that I led (so that no one would be left out at church).  Over the holidays, we opened our groups up for a couple of weeks for new kids to get in.  All the students in my group are now in groups of their own with small group leaders. 

Tonight, as I sat alone in the middle of the high school room, a couple of thoughts dawned on me. 
1. Ministry is bigger than me.  It needs to be bigger than me.  Right now, as I type, our students are seeing Jesus working in the lives of other leaders... other than me.  Many of our students know my stories.  They know my life.  Some of them could tell some of my classic stories better than me.  Tonight, they get to hear different stories and be challenged in different ways that I can't do.

2. More voices is better for our students.  This ties in directly with what I just said.  Others are pouring what Jesus is doing in their lives into students.  Students are being challenged in ways that I cannot... because their stories aren't my stories.  God is using them in ways that He isn't using me.  Something happened this week in the lives of my leaders that didn't happen to me... and that something is illustrating what God is doing through their lives.

3. More people = more health.  If healthy is what we want... and it ought to be... we should all want health... then we have to get more people involved.  Could I teach all of our students?  Sure. I do it already weekly on Sunday nights.  If I did, would it be as good as what our small group leaders are doing? NO WAY!  They are doing a way better job than what I'm doing.  They are creative in ways that I am not (for instance... one of our high school girls' groups has two leaders... they invited their girls over to their house to make Christmas cookies.  While there, they took pictures of all of them and for Christmas gave them all unique picture frames with pictures taken at that party.  That's amazing! That's creative beyond what I could do! I never, ever, ever, would have thought of that!)!

So tonight... while I sat alone... I prayed for Katie and Megan, Doug and Andy, Betsy, Karen and Lora, Bill, and Deb and Diana.  And you know... it was better than "okay" that I was alone!

It was stinkin' awesome!!! Praise God for small groups!

JC



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Not sure how I feel about this... Jackie graduated...

Totally kidding...

Just wanted a title that would grab your attention.  Although, I am a bit bitter.  Jackie started her Masters of Arts in Counseling a semester after I started my MDiv and she finished a semester before me.  Maybe a little bitter...

But not really. 
But totally proud of her. 

She is amazingly smarter than I am.  I have almost made it through my MDiv... not because I'm smart (if you've been around me for any length of time, I'm not)... I've almost made it through because she is super-smart and has pushed me (shoved in many cases) to continue.

She isn't quite finished yet... if we were in Illinois, she would be (I think).  But Ohio's counseling laws are more stringent than Illinois' so she has another semester of work at Ashland. 

But she has at least crossed one finish line.  And she is narrowing down on another this May.  In fact, we'll hopefully get to cross that finish line together. We are planning to both walk at Lincoln in May.  That will be incredible. 

She will be completely done with her MAC.
I will be done with my MDiv. 

Glorious day!
JC



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Newsboys - God's Not Dead

Good stuff from the Newsboys!


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Daily Read - January 10, 2012

Proverbs 10:9

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁹ Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
   but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

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Cool look at the whole year running-wise

Daily Mile sent along this cool little report of my 2011 running.  Pretty cool!

JC


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On reading the Bible...

Psalm 119:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you.

Today I finished a New Year's resolution from last year. 

The month of December was hard on me reading-wise.  I got behind (partly due to procrastination) in my seminary class and had to spend extra time finishing up the reading.  Once I got it done, I really didn't feel like reading.  So it took me a few extra days to finish my 2011 New Year's resolution to read through the entire Bible again last year. 

But I finished it. 

As a follower of Christ, I think that it's vital that we spend some time in God's word every day.  Personally, as a believer, I think it's important for me to read through the entire Bible every year.  Why?

Several reasons...
First, there are parts that I would skip if I didn't have a plan that expected me to read through the difficult parts.  Just like with my running, I don't usually like hill sprints or speed workouts, but they make me better.  As a Christian, there are parts of the Bible that are hard (either just hard to read: i.e. Leviticus... or hard for me to stomach because of my own walk).  But reading through the entire Bible forces me to read these parts along with the parts that I want. 

Second, I've got issues in my life that need to be dealt with.  When I read God's Word, often the Holy Spirit smacks me in the face with something that needs some work.  If I don't have time in God's Word, I'm less likely to get smacked.  But I'm also less likely to grow (see first point).

Third, reading God's Word every year reminds me of what God has done in the past and is continuing to do in the present.  It's easy for me to get focused on me.  God's Word reminds me that God's story is bigger than me.  It's broader than me.  It includes more people than just me and my church family in my little corner of the world. 

Fourth, reading God's Word every year reminds me of what God has done for all of us: salvation through the sacrifice of the cross.  Without the difficult books like Exodus and Leviticus, we really don't understand all the complexities of the cross and Jesus' perfect sacrifice on it.  I need those parts to explain other parts.  It all ties together... therefore, all of it has to be read. 

Unfortunately, many Christians don't see the need or have the desire to feast on God's Word.  Honestly, this is sad.  I believe that it breaks God's heart.  Over 1,500 years through 40 different authors on multiple continents God worked to make sure that His word was recorded so we would know how to live.  Since then, the Church has worked tirelessly to make sure that God's Word was preserved through church history and multiple church leaders (i.e.: Luther) fought and in some cases sacrificed their lives in order to have it translated into our language so we can feast on it regularly.  Yet many of our houses sit with Bibles lined on the shelves that never move... let alone get read. 

Come on Church! Let's get with the program. 

We (all of us...) need to commit to spending time regularly in God's Word.  You don't have to read through the entire Bible in a year like I do... there's nothing special/magical/amazing about that.  For me, it's a good time marker and creates a goal (I like goals... they keep me moving forward).  If it takes you a year, 3 years or 5 years... doesn't really matter.  What matters is that you are hiding God's Word in your heart.  You're getting God's perspective on life.

And I firmly believe that we are failing as Christians and our churches are struggling and we are losing the battle against the enemy because of our own laziness... because we aren't spending time in God's Word on a regular basis. 

We should all resolve to spend 5 or 10 or 20 minutes in God's Word every day. 

Looking for a place to get started? There are over 130 Bible reading plans on YouVersion for you to choose from.  There are reading plans that go for a month... 6 months... a whole year.  You can read through the whole Bible (in different orders), read through the New Testament a couple of times along with other books... there is lots of variety.  Look through them, pick one and get started!

Come on Church... Let's step up and get it done!

Jim

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Daily Read - January 9, 2012

Revelation 19:11-16

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹¹ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:    KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.



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Daily Read - January 3, 2012

Genesis 15:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
 ⁶ Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.



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Running... 2012 style!

I've been thinking a lot over the past week or so about my running goals for 2012. 

I like goals.  Goals keep me moving in a direction.  They keep me moving forward.  They give me something to look back on and feel a sense of accomplishment about.  (Here's a link to last year's goals...) I accomplished almost everything off my list from last year.  Which makes me feel great!

I ran the Flying Pig... unfortunately I didn't break the 2 hour mark.  It was a crappy day and several things led to it not happening. But overall: I was pleased with the day's effort.  I ran the Air Force Marathon... and did better than I thought I would.  I broke the 24 minute mark in the 5k not once, but twice.  I didn't get a chance to run an official 10k.  My weight thing is doing pretty well... I'm hanging right around 230.  I could use to lose a few pounds... but we'll see how I am after the holiday sweets are out of the house for the season.

All in all... 2012 was a successful year running for me. 
Plus, I destroyed my goal of running 750 miles.  I actually racked up 1201.43 miles for the year.  That's incredible to me.  I ran 217 times over the course of the year making my daily running average about 5.5 miles.  Counting all the days of the year, including non-running days, I still averaged 3.3 miles per day.  Awesome!

So... where shall I go in 2012?
Half Marathon:
This will likely be the last year that I set out to run a half marathon and train for it.  That's not to say that I will never run the half distance again... I'm just finding it difficult to think about training.  I'm in winter maintenance mode (which means I'm really not running hard or pushing it) and I'm currently running more than my half training schedule instructs.  But I'm going run the Cap City Half in Columbus in May with Jackie and Donnie (our worship minister).  That will make it extra fun!  My plan is to train for it like it's a marathon and smash the two hour mark and maybe hit the 90 minute mark (we'll see). 

Full Marathon:
I'm planning to knock another race off my bucket list... the Chicago Marathon in October.  My bucket list contains the major marathons... New York... Boston... Chicago... I thought I'd go ahead and knock it off! I'm planning to break the 4 hour mark in the marathon while I'm at it.  Additionally, I will be running to raise funds for Active Water. I'm joining their "Team Chicago."  But more on that later...

Times:
As I already stated... besides breaking the 2 hour and 4 hour marks in the half and full respectably, I have my eye on breaking the 22 minute mark in the 5k.  Hopefully I'll be ready to test my time at the Caldwell Fireman's Festival in July again.  In my last 5k, I was only 57 seconds from breaking that barrier...

Run Streak(???):
I caught on a couple of days late... but I picked up on the Runner's World Run Streak Challenge.  It was an unofficial run streak challenge to run every day (at least a mile) between Thanksgiving and New Year's. The idea was to fight off the effects of the holiday cookies, parties and sweets with a run every day.  I thought it was worth a shot. For me, today was day 36. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue it or not.  I like the rhythm of running every day... but it is also time consuming.  We'll see how long it continues.

10k
I have never run a 10k race.  I'm hoping this will be the year that changes.  Maybe I should go and see if I can find one.    

So... there are a few things that are running around in my head as I begin to run into the new year.  We'll see how the new year goes.  I'm excited about what it holds. 

JC


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Daily Read - January 2, 2012

Genesis 8:20-21

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁰ Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. ²¹ The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.



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Daily Read - January 1, 2012

Revelation 21:1-7

New International Version (NIV)

¹ Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  ⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
 ⁶ He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷ Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.



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Daily Read - December 30, 2011

Micah 6:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁶ With what shall I come before the LORD
   and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
   with calves a year old?
⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
   with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
   the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.



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Lock-In Craziness!!

We all get a little goofy at 2 am. 

If you aren't a North Terracer, this is one of my friends Ray.  Ray was one of my Lock-In Warriors (meaning he stayed up all night at the lock-in with the students) at Tuesday night's lock-in.  Another volunteer, Lora, captured this little gem about 2 am or so. 

As I looked through the pictures, which were great, this one caught my eye. 

Why? You ask...

Because you've gotta be a little goofy and a lotta crazy to stay up all night with 85 middle and high school students... play laser tag with them at 4 am... play video games with them all night... eat pizza all night... and hang out. 

I'm grateful for goofy, fun-loving adults who love to hang out with students.

Thanks to a great group of volunteers who stayed all night:

• Matt A.
• Katie G.
• Megan G.
• Lacey H.
• Lora H.  
• Ray H.
• Cory H.
• Megan M.
• Rachel M.
• Tim and Lisa N.
• Todd R.

And thanks to a great group of volunteers... who didn't stay up all night... but came at the beginning to help us get started or came at the end to help us wrap up:

• Missy F.
• John F.
• Andy K.
• Terril P.
• Christi R.
• Scott and Erin W.

You guys rock!  (Even if you are a little goofy...)

Jim


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Daily Read - December 29, 2011

Jude 1:24-25

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.


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A Month Straight...

This picture caught me off guard when I saw it... I've been on this run streak for a whole month.  Four weeks straight... Today, I start the 5th week!  Awesome!

Not sure how long this is gonna last... but I'm enjoying it when it lasts!

JC


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Coldplay - Christmas Lights (Live from Liverpool)

Good stuff here!

JC



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Sean Quigley - Little Drummer Boy

Good stuff!



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Daily Read - December 18, 2011

1 Peter 5:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

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Daily Read - December 17, 2011

1 Peter 4:8-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

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Daily Read - December 16, 2011

1 Peter 2:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁹ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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Vic Mignogna : Vader Did You Know?

This took some serious writing ability... Enjoy!

JC



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Daily Read - December 14, 2011

James 5:13-16

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.


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Daily Read - December 13, 2011

James 4:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

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FEATURE FILM CLIP: Emotional Loss Ends Tri-Valley's Season In Regional F...

Good look at the last game of the Tri-Valley football season... with some interviews by some of this year's leaders!


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Daily Read - December 12, 2011

James 1:22-25

New International Version (NIV)

 ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

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Daily Read - December 11, 2011

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ 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, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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Daily Read - December 10, 2011

Hebrews 11:32-40

New International Version (NIV)

 ³² And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, ³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. ³⁵ Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. ³⁶ Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. ³⁷ They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸ the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
 ³⁹ These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.



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Friday Fun - Chewbacca Sings Silent Night

A little fun to put a smile on your Friday... Enjoy!

JC


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Daily Read - December 9, 2011

Hebrews 11:1

New International Version (NIV)

¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.


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Daily Read - December 8, 2011

Hebrews 10:19-25

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.


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Daily Read - December 7, 2011

Hebrews 7:23-28

New International Version (NIV)

 ²³ Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; ²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
 ²⁶ Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.



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New Life Worship - Great I Am

Donnie and team introduced us to this song over the weekend in both services! Powerful stuff!

JC



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Daily Read - December 6, 2011

Hebrews 4:15-16

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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Daily Read - December 5, 2011

Hebrews 4:12-13

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

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Zaney Reindeer 5k - New Personal Record

Well...
The past 10 or so weeks of speed workouts at the track... the tempo runs... the fast runs...

Paid off!
Folks: We have a new personal record in the house!  And I finally broke the 23 minute barrier. 

Today I ran the Zaney Reindeer 5k at the Vista View Golf Club near Zanesville with my wife and about 50 others.  I did well.  I felt strong. 

Also... I was near the front all race.  I finished 7th overall and could see the leaders for most of the race (just couldn't catch them)!

So, the data on the left side of the blog about Personal Records has now been updated! 

Now: Winter maintenance mode... slower, time specific easy runs... no more training until about mid-February. 

I'm ready for a break from training.  Just gonna run to run. 

Also, I've been doing the Runner's World Run Streak challenge.  Runners were challenged to run everyday between Thanksgiving and New Years.  I found out about it a bit late... so I'm 4 days behind.  But so far, I have 6 days of running in a row.  We'll see how that goes!

JC



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Bethlehemian Rhapsody

Cracked me up a bit... I love creative videos like this. Enjoy!

JC



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Daily Read December 1, 2011

2 Timothy 4:2-5

New International Version (NIV)

² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people 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. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

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Daily Read November 30, 2011

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.



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Daily Read November 29, 2011

2 Timothy 3:1-5

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

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Monday Fun! - Mieders Alpine Coaster (with no brakes!!)

Looks like fun to me... Probably couldn't do it without brakes though!

Enjoy!



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Daily Read November 28, 2011

2 Timothy 1:7

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

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Daily Read November 21, 2011

1 Timothy 4:12

New International Version (NIV)

¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

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Daily Read November 20, 2011

1 Timothy 1:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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A Game of Inches... A Season of Yards!!

What an amazing season with the Tri-Valley Scottie's football team.

I had the honor of working with the Scotties again this year officially as their chaplain.  It was a great year.  I had the honor of speaking to them on Thursdays and then leading them in prayer before the game.

This year, we talked through John Wooden's Pyramid of Success.  Legendary basketball coach John Wooden outlines 15 traits that define a champion.  He talks about traits like hard work, friendship, loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm, self-control, alertness, initiative, intentness, condition, skill, team spirit, poise, and confidence.  All of these blocks work together to build a pyramid of success to the peak of being competitively great.

I picked this pyramid specifically because there are 15 blocks.  Additionally, there are 15 games of the football season through the state championships.  And we almost got through the entire set of 15 blocks this season.

It was a historic season for the Scotties.  This year, the Scotties went deeper into the playoffs than ever before.  They played for the regional championship (3rd round of the playoffs) and the honor of representing our area in the final four for teams in division II.

Unfortunately, fell a bit short in overtime.

While the season fell literally an inch or two short (on a field goal and overtime scoring opportunities), the team gained yards!  The maturity that I've seen grow in these guys has been amazing.  They have stepped up and played well in all situations.  They have used their God-given abilities to the maximum.  Additionally, they maintained a level of class not often seen at the championship level.

And I enjoyed a great view of their growth from the sidelines.  It was an honor to have five to seven minutes of their practice time once a week.  It was a privilege to lead them in prayer before heading to the field.  But more than these... It was awesome to slap hands, provide encouragement, congratulate them, pick them up when needed, look them in the eye and build relationships with them.

After two seasons on the sidelines with the Scotties, I am beginning to build some solid relationships with these guys.  While this season may be over, and the sadness that comes along with it, I am already looking forward to next season.  Unfortunately some of the personalities (Tyler Collopy, Matt Amicone, Tyler Frick, JT Campbell and others) that I have come to know and love will be absent from that team (because they're seniors), I know that the Scotties will be back, stronger than ever, ready to grow, learn and play better than this year!

Great season Scotties!

(Picture at the top was taken after Tri-Valley won the MVL Championship in front of their home crowd.  The additional pictures are from the Times Recorder article on last night's game.)

#InButtermoreWeTrust

Jim


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Daily Read November 19, 2011

Colossians 1:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.


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Daily Read November 18, 2011

Philippians 3:12-14

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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Daily Read November 17, 2011

Philippians 2:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky



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Daily Read November 16, 2011

Philippians 2:5-11

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
 ⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!
 ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.



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ASICS Run With Ryan

Fun!

JC


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Daily Read November 15, 2011

Ephesians 6:10-12

New International Version (NIV)

  ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.


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Daily Read Novemeber 14, 2011

Ephesians 5:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  ³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

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Daily Read November 13, 2011

Ephesians 4:29

New International Version (NIV)

 ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

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Daily Read November 12, 2011

Ephesians 4:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

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Daily Read November 11, 2011

Ephesians 3:16-21

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
 ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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Daily Read November 10, 2011

Ephesians 2:8-10

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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Manafest - Bring The Ruckus

Love this guy the more I hear from him. Good stuff!

Check it out HERE.



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Daily Read November 9, 2011

Galatians 6:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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Daily Read November 8, 2011

Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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Daily Read November 7, 2011

Galatians 5:13-15

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.


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Daily Read November 4, 2011

Galatians 2:20

New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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