DAY 90, MARK 10-11

Good morning!  Our names are Mike and Sydney Cantrell, and we were asked to give a devotional thought from Mark, chapters 10-11.

KEY VERSE:  Mark 10:27

READ KEY PASSAGE:  Mark 10:23-27

REFLECTION:   In these verses Jesus is talking to the disciples and telling them how hard it is for a rich man to get saved.  Have you ever had a favorite toy or video game that your parents made you share with you brother, sister, or friend?  Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the things that we really enjoy, and that is kind of how it is with trusting Jesus to take us to heaven and to trust that He will take care of our needs. 

When we read the Bible we should always apply the lessons that we learn, to our lives.  Applying scripture is how God’s Word begins to change us!!

APPLICATION:

Sydney:                      It is easy to trust my parents, but we all must learn to trust Jesus.

Mike:                          Even though it can be hard to do, we need to trust God to take care of us, and we shouldn’t let the things of the world keep us away from Him.

 REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1.                  What are a few things you should trust God with?

2.                  Is anything impossible with God on our side?

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Mike and Sydney

DAY 89, LUKE 16-17

Good morning! My name is Dana Sorrels, and I was asked to give a devotional thought from Luke, chapters 16 and 17.

KEY VERSE:  Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things:  but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented.

REFLECTION:  Have you ever seen something that someone else had and thought, "Wow!  If I had that I would be sooooo happy!"  Or maybe you have gotten jealous of something that someone else got for their birthday, or maybe they just got something you really, REALLY wanted?  I know I have!  When I start to feel this way I just think about how I have a gift worth more than the most expensive birthday gift!  I have Jesus in my heart!  When I go to heaven it doesn't matter if I have the fanciest house, fastest car, or diamond rings.  None of those things really matter.

APPLICATION:  Let's try to be thankful for what we have, and don't worry about what we don't have.  And most importantly, let's share this AWESOME gift with everyone we know.  That Jesus can wash away all of our sins, and take us to live with Him in heaven some day!  And the best thing is.....IT'S FREE!

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Dana

NAME: Dana Sorrels

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE: ISAIAH 41:10- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

FAVORITE BOOKS IN THE BIBLE: Ephesians and Philippians

HOBBIES: Reading

OCCUPATION: Mom, and babysitter for 3 kids.

Childhood favorites:

Toy:  Kitchen set

Cartoon:  The Jetsons

Food:  Watermelon

Game :  Hungry, Hungry Hippo

Teacher:  Mrs. Billings

DAY 88, LUKE 14-15

Good Morning? My name is Bill Barrick and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Luke, chapters 14 and 15.

KEY VERSES:

Luke 15:24b ...he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.

REFLECTIONS:

Did you ever have a pet that ran away or was lost?  Even though our pets love us they sometimes wander off and go their own way.  Jesus told a story about a man and his discontented son.  The son asked for his share of the family money and left home.  He went astray like your lost pet, and spent all his money on foolishness.  He got so hungry he had to beg for the same food that the pigs ate.  He was hungry, lost and alone, just like your pet.

When the son finally realized the mistake he had made he cried out, "I have sinned against heaven and my father."  He admitted his mistake and was ashamed.  He decided he would asked his father to let him come back home.

Remember how glad you were when your pet was found and finally safe at home?  Even though your pet ran away you were still happy to see him.

The son's father was so happy when the boy came home again, he invited all the friends and relatives to their house for a big party.  Then the father joyously exclaimed, "This son of mine was dead (spiritually) and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

You may have been upset with your pet but you still forgave him and welcomed him back home because you loved him so much.  In Jesus' story, that's how the father felt about his son when he changed his foolish ways and came back home.

APPLICATION:

God loves us more than the father in the story and more than we love our pets.  He wants us to stay in His care. If you are ever far away from God, if you are ever lost because you've disobeyed God, He will always welcome you back home if you admit your mistake and ask for forgiveness.  When you return to the family of God there will be a celebration in heaven! 

Thanks for being part of the 100 day challenge.  Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!

Your friend in Christ,

Bill Barrick

Bill Barrick

SAVED:  September, 1971
FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTER:  Noah
FAMILY:  Wife, Jane; Sons, Wilbur, Hank, Matt, Steve (in Heaven)
OCCUPATION:  Graphic Artist and Teacher
HOBBIES:  Piano, Travel, Keeping our roof repaired
AREA OF MINISTRY:  Encouraging
FAVORITE BOOK IN BIBLE:  Genesis

DAY 87, Luke 12-13

Good Morning! Our names are Miss Quita and Jamie and we were asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Luke chapters 12 and 13.

KEY VERSE: Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”

KEY PASSAGE: Luke 12:16-34

REFLECTION:  Luke 12:16-21  A rich fool (not a wise farmer) stored up food for himself and did not rely on God to give him what he needed.  God said fool, you have kept the food for yourself.  This is an example of laying up treasures (things) for yourself instead of relying on God to provide your every need.

APPLICATION: A treasure is something people do not want to do without or something you value.  God wants us to rely on Him instead of things.

(Jamie)  I love to play games on my Wii and on my Ipod Touch but I do not love it more than God.  I read my Bible, help others, and go to teen group because I love to worship God and learn more about Him.

(Quita)  When I grew up my dad was not a Christian.  My dad’s friends were not Christians either.  He drove nice cars, made a lot of money, and his focus was on himself.  My Grandma’s pastor, Bro. Hunter, talked to my dad and showed him in the Bible how to accept, trust, and follow God’s Words.  My dad’s actions then spoke louder than his words.  His best friend Henry was a deacon; they spent many hours fishing and praising (thanking) God together.  He gave money to the church.  My dad’s friend was Jesus.  When he died there was no U-haul truck to move him to Heaven.  He had all his treasures, relied and focused on God.  I have always loved my dad and miss him, but now I will see him in Heaven one day.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1)       What would God say if we always played video games instead of reading His Word?

2)       Does God like you to share your treasures?

3)       Is having a home in heaven important to you?

4)       Will God supply ALL your needs?

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!  

In Christ,

Miss Quita and Jamie

Name:  Quita Jones

Favorite Bible Character:  Paul

Family:  Husband Steve, son Josh/Anjale, daughter Jamie (13), and granddaughter Aubrey (1)

Occupation:  Hairstylist 

Favorite book in the Bible:  Psalms

When you got saved:  September 1991

What part of Children’s Ministry do you work in?  Where ever the Lord leads me

CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

Jamie                                                  Quita

Toy:                Ipod Touch                                        Barbies

Color:             Hot pink and lime green                    Green

Cartoon:         Tom & Jerry                                      Roadrunner

Food:              Fettuccini Alfredo                               Chicken

Game:             Dodge ball                                          Sorry

Teacher:          Mrs. Krieger and Mrs. Russell            Mrs. Sanders

DAY 86, LUKE 10-11

Good Morning!  My name is Jim Appel and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from Luke 10-11.

Key Verse:  Luke 11:34  The Lamp of the body is the eye.

Read Key Passage:  Luke 11:33-36, Matthew 6:22-23

Reflection:

Have you ever taken time to look into someone’s eyes?  If you haven’t you need to.  There are a lot of things you can find out about person.  Since the LIGHT we have in us is the light of Jesus, it should be bright.  When we look into the eyes of a person we can see levels of brightness.  When we turn on a light in our homes we place it in a location to give light to an entire room or area.  We don’t turn on a light with the purpose of placing it in a location like a closet where we are not enjoying its benefits. We need to make our lives BRIGHT.  The way to make your life bright in Jesus is spend time reading and meditating on the bible.  We need to pray all the time about everything and also listen and obey God’s will for our lives.   I have a little phrase I like to use, and I guess it could be my motto: “You do your best and let God do the rest!”  We must HUMBLE ourselves at the feet of Jesus!  We need to give up all areas of our lives to Jesus and live for Him!  Our desire is to get rid of all the dark areas in our lives and replace them with the LIGHT that only Jesus can supply. 

When we read the Bible we should always apply the lessons that we learn, to our lives. Applying scripture is how God’s Word begins to change us!!

Application:

 We need to HUMBLE ourselves at the feet of Jesus! (James 4:10)  We need to give up time doing other things that don’t have any value in life (Matt 6:33).  We need to have a quiet time to study and meditate on the Bible.  We need to pray about all things (Matt. 6:6-7).

Review Questions:

1.  How bright is your light?

2.  What do you need to do to adjust your brightness level?

3.  Who is in control of your life?

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Jim Appel

Name:  Jim Appel

Favorite Bible character:  Paul

Family:  Wife Joyce, Kids Titus (26) is married to Amanda, Joshua (24) is married to Sarah.  Both of our boys got married in 2009. 

Our son Joshua and his wife Sarah had our first grandchild Samuel (8 Months).

Occupation:   I work at the BP (AMOCO) Oil Refinery at Whiting, IN. – My title is Process Control Systems Specialist.  I fix and repair Computer systems that control the plant operations. 

Favorite book in the Bible:  Philippians

When you got saved:  August of 1980

What part of Children’s Ministry do you work in?  King’s Kids.  Joyce and I were AWANA Club Leaders for 22 years.

CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

Toy:  Hockey Board Game where you control the players with push rods.

Color: Blue

Cartoon:  Road Runner

Food:  Pizza

Game:  Basketball

Teacher:  Mr. Bailey (Chesterton High School Science Teacher)

DAY 85, LUKE 8-9

Good Morning!  My name is Marilyn Simpson and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from Luke 8-9.

Key Verse:  Luke 9:3

Read Key Passage: Luke 9: 1-5

Reflection:

In this passage, Christ asks his twelve disciples to go and preach His Word to everyone and to heal the sick. They were to take nothing with them: no food, no extra clothes, no staff, no bags, and no money. They were to put their entire trust in Jesus to supply their needs.

As I read Luke 9:3, I reflected on my trust in God. I couldn’t imagine being one of the twelve disciples and traveling from city to city not knowing where my next meal was coming from and if I would have a place to sleep. I think of my new home and how blessed God has been to me. I’ve never had to worry about lack of food, lack of clothing, and lack of money. God has always provided for me. I’ve taken for granted the things I have. I only have them because God has provided them to me. This verse has really made me think how I need to give more credit to God for the things I have and do more for him, such as telling other’s about Christ.

When we read the Bible we should always apply the lessons that we learn, to our lives. Applying scripture is how God’s Word begins to change us!!

Application for Adults:  We need to be more like the disciples in this passage and learn to trust God wholeheartedly for everything. God will always provide for our needs.

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Marilyn Simpson

Name: Marilyn Simpson

Favorite Bible character: Ruth

Family:

Twin sister: Carolyn

Younger sister: Melanie

Younger brother: Jim

Father: Jim

Mother:  Donna

Occupation:  Financial Aid Advisor at Valparaiso University

Favorite book in the Bible: The Four Gospels

When you got saved:  Led to the Lord by my mother at the age of 8, but had some doubts in 2010 and reconfirmed with Pastor and Mrs. Smith

Part of Children’s Ministry you work in:  Fourth - Sixth Grade Class

CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

Toy:  Barbie

Color:  Blue

Cartoon:  David and the Gnomes

Food:  Chocolate

Game:  Monopoly

Teacher: Third Grade Teacher, Mrs. Turnwald

  

DAY 84, Luke 6-7

Today's devotional is from the mother-daughter team of Julie and Kelsey Fleming.

Good Morning!  Our names are Juliet and Kelsey Fleming, and we were asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Luke, chapters 6-7.

KEY VERSES:  

Luke 6:46-49

REFLECTIONS: 

Building a house takes a very long time.  It requires a lot of planning, time, and patience.  There is a blueprint that the builder follows.  Leaving any part of that blueprint out can lead to disaster.  If Jim decided to leave out the beams, our home would cave in.  If he thought that he would just wing it and not measure carefully, then our home might look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book…and eventually come to ruin.

The Lord gives us instructions for our everyday life, but when we choose to follow our own design, we can find ourselves in a huge mess.  Part of acknowledging Him as “Lord, Lord” is recognizing that He has the best laid plans.  We may not see the big picture or even like the process of what He is building in our lives; but obedience is better than sacrifice.  When we follow His instruction and actually put it into practice, He builds within us a strong foundation that nothing can shake.  Of course, it takes time, patience, and His plan to accomplish all that He wants to.  When we cooperate with the Master Builder by putting His Word into practice, then we see the blueprints unfold, and we can be amazed at all He is doing.

Too often we can find ourselves deviating from the blueprint and have to go back and have sections fixed.  God intends to put His foundation in deep so that we can be sure to stand firm when the torrent strikes.  It requires our obedience to the point of becoming a practice.

APPLICATION:  

Our challenge is this:  As God is showing you (and us) the blueprints for your life, we encourage you to follow His ultimate plan laid out in His Word (even if the process is painful).  He may be putting in the foundation at this moment, or He may be building on what He’s already established in you. Whatever it is that He’s doing will proved to be so beautiful when He’s done.

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Julie and Kelsey

NAME:  Juliet Fleming

SAVED:  About nine years old

FAMILY: Husband Jim, Children Kelsey and Jessica

OCCUPATION:  Chef, home maintenance manager, counselor, boo-boo kisser, finance/bookkeeper, nurse, interior decorator, librarian of children’s books (a.k.a. Stay-at-home Mommy)

FAVORITE BOOKS IN BIBLE:  Esther and I and II Samuel

FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTER:   Eve, and I love David

HOBBIES:  When I can, reading and art

DAY 83, LUKE 4-5

This Children's Devotional was written by Holly Herrold.  The picture includes her husband Jeff, who wrote the Day 81 devotional, along with their children, who "helped."

 

Good Morning!  My name is Holly Herrold and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from the book of Luke, chapters 4-5.

Key Verse:  Luke 4:1-2  Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for forty days. He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry.

Read Key Passage:  Luke 4:1-13

Reflection:  Have you ever been really hungry?  Imagine not eating ANYTHING for forty days!!!  Could you do that and be able to resist, say, the temptation of an oreo cookie; or even being able to be nice when you are tired and hungry?  We have been trying to teach Riley to eat certain foods, but sometimes he just won’t.  Trying not to give in to Riley’s tantrums, he has to eat what is on his plate before he gets something else.  One day he went almost a whole day not eating, and saying “No EAT CARROTS!”  I kept telling him just eat a few carrots and you can get such and such.  After not eating for a while he was getting really crabby and wanting to give in to sneaking into the candy drawer and this was just not even one day (FYI-don’t feel bad, we didn’t let him starve; we took him to church and he ate oreosJ  And then when we got home he ate the carrots like there was never a problem and then ate a lotJ).

Jesus went forty days without eating!  Satan knew he was hungry and probably exhausted so he decided this was a perfect opportunity to get Jesus, when he was weak, to give into temptation.  Guess what? Jesus did not give in to Satan’s temptations, but He quoted back scripture to Satan.  Jesus was filled with verses of the Bible that gave Him comfort and allowed Him to fight back at Satan and not give in to the temptations Satan was trying to get Him to do – one was bowing down to him (Satan)!  After a while, Satan finished tempting Jesus until the next opportunity came.  Even Satan did not leave Jesus alone forever.  We will have more battles!  Our battle with Satan will not be over until the day Jesus takes us home or comes and gets us in the clouds.  But find comfort in that we know WHO WINS, AND YOU CAN BE ON THE WINNING SIDE – Jesus’ side!!!  If you want to know how to be on the winning side talk to your Mommy or Daddy or somebody at church; WE WOULD LOVE TO SHOW YOU HOW!!

When we read the Bible we should always apply the lessons that we learn, to our lives.  Applying scripture is how God’s Word begins to change us!!

Application:

When we are weak He is strong!

2 Cor. 9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Memorize scripture and use it to fight back at whatever attacks or tempts you.  God’s word says it is sharper than any sword!

Hebrews 4:12  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.

Jesus knows what it feels like to be tempted, tired, hungry and many other emotions and feelings that we have.  He came to this earth and was human just like us.  When you feel all alone, be comforted in knowing that Jesus was alone and was tempted just like you.  He can help and comfort you!!

Hebrews 4:15 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.

Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (see I John 4:4)  God is greater than Satan!!

Jesus Christ defeated Satan for us when He died on the cross perfect and blameless (sinless), was buried and ROSE AGAIN!!

Review Questions:

How many days was Jesus in the wilderness and fasting?

Who tempted Jesus?

Was Jesus hungry?

Did Jesus give in to temptation?

Was this the last time Jesus was ever tempted?

Name: Holly Herrold

Favorite Bible character:  Esther

Family:  Jeff (husband), Bella, Riley, and baby boy

Occupation:  Wife and Mommy

Favorite book in the Bible: Psalms, Ephesians, and Philippians

When you got saved:  Third grade

Ministry involvement at VBC: Sunday School teacher with Jeff to grades 4-6, Kids Church, King’s Kids

CHILDHOOD FAVORITES

Toy:                 My little Pony

Color:               Pink

Cartoon:           TaleSpin

Food:               Taco Salad

Game:              Quizzard (I think that was what it was called)

Teacher:           Mrs. Linda Jakes

Thank you for being a part of the 100-Day Challenge.  Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Holly Herrold

DAY 82, LUKE 1-3

This Children's devotional written by "Miss Julie" Clark is followed by an introduction to the book of Luke.

Good Morning!  My name is Miss Julie and I was asked to give you a devotional thought from Luke 1-3.

Key Verse: Luke 1:17

Read Key Passage: And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Reflection: As I study these chapters on the coming of Christ to the earth I am reminded that we are basically supposed to be doing the same as John the Baptist.  John the Baptist’s job on earth was to evangelize.

When we read the Bible we should always apply the lessons that we learn, to our lives. Applying scripture is how God’s Word begins to change us!!

Application:

John the Baptist was brought into the world specifically to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming, and just like John the Baptist we are to be preparing those on the earth for the same.  Even the littlest child can be a witness for the Lord to their friends and family.  We all can pass out tracts or invite our friends to church no matter how old we are.  Let us all be aware that we have the Good News and we need to be preparing the way for the Lord.

As encouragement, my 10-year-old nephew asked his mom if he could get some tracts to bring to school.  He passed out tracts to his friends during recess and then invited three of his friends from school to church on Sunday.  This past Sunday not only did one of his friends come to church, but his whole family came as well.

Review Questions:

1. Why was John brought into the world?

2. Why was it important that John obeyed his parents in chapter 1.

3. As Christians what should we be telling our friends about the future?

Thanks for reading, and you have a blessed day!

In Christ, Julie Clark

Favorite Bible character: Esther

Family: Husband Aaron

Occupation: Administrative Assistant

When you got saved: March 1992

Ministry involvement at VBC: Youth Leader, 1^st – 3^rd Grade Sunday School Teacher