Czestochowa- Miraculous Black Madonna Shrine By: DLI Travel | - A Black Virgin or a Black Madonna is a painting of Mary that originates in Poland, which depicts dark or black skin. This does not mean that Virgin Mary is explicitly being portrayed a black African but it was due to the color of the material being used, such as dark wood. Other images had become darkened over time due to candle soot. Whatever it is made of or whatever is it color the most important fact is that it was miraculous image.
Kids Devotionals: Wile E Coyote By: KenSapp | -
To this day, one of my favorite cartoons is the Warner Bros "Road Runner" series. Some days I feel like the Road Runner and some days I feel like the Coyote.
Wile E. Coyote(Carnivorous Vulgaris)is based upon a description of a coyote in Mark Twain's book "Roughing It" which refers to a coyote as being starved and hungry enough to chase a roadrunner.
Out of his comfort Zone Jonah was faithfully serving God, living among his own people and sharing God's words for them. Then God suddenly asks him to do something that was a little outside the norm.
Bible Lessons For Youth: Well Established By: KenSapp | -
When an old farmer was asked about his spiritual well being, he described his Christian experience by saying, "Well, I'm not making much progress, but I'm well-established!" One spring when he was hauling some logs, his wagon wheels sank down to the axles in mud. He tried everything he could, but he couldn't remove the wagon from of the mud. Defeated, he sat atop the logs, viewing the distressing situation. Soon a neighbor who had always felt uncomfortable with the farmer's wornout testim ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Kids Devotionals: Underdogs By: KenSapp | -
1 Samuel 17:45-47 'David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gather ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Two Talents By: KenSapp | -
A master went on a long journey and called his servants together and gave each a certain amount of money --a talent. One got five talents, the other two, the last only one. After a long period the master returned and saw what they had done. 'The one with five had five more, the one with two had two more, the one with one had buried that one and got a stinging rebuke from the master. (Matt. 25:14-30)
Most of us can probably identify with the guy who got two talents. He represents the ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotional: Training For The Race By: KenSapp | -
The world watched with amazement as 22-year-old Michael Phelps seized 8 Olympic Gold Medals in the Olympics in Beijing. Amazingly this was in addition to another 6 Gold medals in the previous Olympic games. And the 8 Gold medal victories were not in solely personal events but also team efforts. Victory could only be achieved together. He carried his segment of the race, and could only watch as his team members each carried their own segments. - spurring one another on to ultimate victory! ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Hebrews 10v23-25 (The Message) Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
When I was thinking of a verse to put on my cell group web page, Hebrews 10v23-25 came to mind. I chose the version from The Message, because of one phrase "Let us see how inv ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Bible Lessons For Youth: Thirst? By: KenSapp | -
At times in Christ's life, we see both His humanity and His divinity. When Jesus said that He was thirsty...we see His humanity.
The Son of God the divine Creator of the rivers and oceans of water said, "I thirst." The Son of God who makes the rain to fall from the sky and the fountains to burst forth from the depths of the earth said, "I thirst." The one who said, "I am the water of life and anyone who comes to me and drinks, out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living wa ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids
Kids Devotionals: They Followed The Star By: KenSapp | -
God set in the sky a marvelous star. Astronomers have discussed for many centuries what the star must have been. Some have suggested that it was a conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn. Others have said that it is a reference to an evanescent star found in Chinese literature. Others believe it might have been a comet, or a supernova.
But whatever it was, it was something new. It was something unusual. It was something surprising. It was something different. It was something unique ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotional: The Musician By: KenSapp | -
For half a lifetime he wandered the empty night, alone and hopeless, until a simple melody pierced the darkness and caught his attention. Making the melody was a young man, a musician, with a sensitive ear, and an even more sensitive heart. The musician walked the same street, but he walked, not by sight, but by sound. As he encountered people he saw beyond their masks. He heard the sounds of their voices and felt the rhythm of their heartbeats. He saw each life as an instrument and withi ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
"So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work, Frodo, than the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the ring. In which case you also were meant to have it, and that is an encouraging thought." - Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
Kids Devotions: The Heal Grabber By: KenSapp | -
Scripture: Jacob - Genesis 32
As a youth, you probably remember the story of Jacob's ladder many times.
Jacob was sneaky. Deceitful. Conniving. Crafty. Dishonest. Selfish. His name means "Heel Grabber." He came out of the womb wanting that which did not belong to him, holding onto his brother Esau" heel.
Esau was rough and tough. An outdoorsman. A hunter. The "woodsy" type. His name meant "Red" and "Hairy." Genesis 25:25 - "His whole body was like a hairy garment." Sexy, ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Kids Devotionals: The Gift Of The Wisemen By: KenSapp | -
Not only did the star lead the Magi far from home but the star didn’t stop where they expected it to stop.
They watched the star trailing across the territory of Israel as it was moved toward Jerusalem. (Bethlehem is, of course, near Jerusalem. Today, it is considered a suburb of Jerusalem.) The Magi assumed as the star approached Jerusalem that the birth of such an important personage would have to have taken place in the palace. So they went to the palace of Herod. But Herod ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Thanks, Forgiving Day By: KenSapp | -
THANKS, FORGIVING DAY
"It's happening already!" he said to me. "What?" "The last I looked it was July 4th and now suddenly it's the holiday season," he said smiling. "I'm not ready for this at all," I told him. "Oh, it may have come too fast, but I'm always ready for my 'Thanks Forgiving Day!'" "You mean Thanksgiving Day?" "Oh, that too!" "I'm confused!" I said.
"Well, Thanksgiving Day isn't celebrated on the same day around the world. I'm no ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotional: Tested By Fire By: KenSapp | -
"Our concept of God in crisis situations will determine our committment...If we can begin to see God as one who expects us to do right regardless of the consequences, we won't waver; God many times *will* bring healing and deliverance and power and anointing to our lives, but that's just the icing on the cake. Our concept of God makes a great difference.
"What resulted from the commitment of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego?
'Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath...He ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotional: Tank Test By: KenSapp | -
I am fish-sitting for one of the children's Sunday School classes again. The last time I did this we had one casualty. There's only five goldfish, but it reminds me of the days when I had three aquariums of various sizes. My prize fish was a Tiger Oscar, with orange and black stripes. I also had a Plecostomas, which was like a little spotted shark with a suction cup to eat all the garbage in the aquarium. It resided in the back of the aquarium during the day, but if you quickly turned on ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Bible Lessons For Youth: Spiritual Gardening By: KenSapp | -
In the Beginning, the Garden
According to Genesis, life on earth started in a garden. The Bible is filled with references to gardens and gardening or farming. Psalm 1 begins with a tree planted by the water, which yields its fruit in season. Solomon talks about the seasons of life. Most of the parables of Jesus refer to growing things. Jesus prayed before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then in John 19:41 we are told the place of crucifixion on the cross, w ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Kids Devotionals: Slow Leaks By: KenSapp | -
So many of the sports we play today involve little round objects which we hit, kick, drive or dribble toward a goal. We have basketballs, golf balls, tennis balls, and soccer balls, just to name a few.
Many men my age prefer golf. With golf, the objective is to a hit a little ball into a little hole from half-way around the world. Personally I find golf more an exercize in frustration rather than enjoyable recreation.
I have a preference for basketball. With basketball you can ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Seasoned With Salt By: KenSapp | -
If you were to describe your life as a spice or seasoning, what would it be? What seasoning does your life bring to the world? Why?
Read Mathew 5:13; I Peter 3:15-16; 2 Tim 4:2 We often use salt as a pinch of zest for our food. Salt adds flavor and it also creates thirst. In the days before modern medicine, salt was often used to disinfect a wound and to preserve food. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus was warning his disciples to avoid two errors:
First, he was saying that Chr ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
"See, even as we get older we continue to learn," he replied with a chuckle.
I took my dog, Phil, to the vet yesterday. When the doctor came into the room he was limping.
"Should I ask how you are doing?" I said.
"Oh, it's my knee. They want me to really appreciate the operation I'm about to have so they delayed it another month so I could suffer more," he replied.
Kids Devotions: Responding To Christmas By: KenSapp | -
God wants to include each of us in His plan for the world. But how will we respond? When we look at the events of the Christmas story we can see a few possible responses.
DOUBT - Zechariah (Luke 1:5-22)
God spoke to Zechariah of his plan through the angel Gabriel. When first told of God's plan, Zechariah DOUBTED it. He didn't believe God's promise. "We are too old." "How can God use us?" "This is not possible" we don't know all his thoughts, but we do know that the angel Gabri ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday among all holidays. It's special to me because it's when I look back, reflect on the past year and give thanks. Also because it's a time when God reminds me of my burning bush experience. Every year, I use Thanksgiving as a point in my spiritual journey to (a) re-define (b) re-alig ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Planning For Prosperity By: KenSapp | -
The next few days in Singapore will be the beginning of the Chinese New Year
For several days before the eve of Chinese New Year, Chinese housewives clean and redecorate their homes and shop for waxed duck, Chinese Sausages, mandarin oranges and traditional cakes. They will not sweep during the first few days of the new year because they might sweep out the good luck. Each food eaten has special significance for luck. Red paper scrolls bearing good luck verses in Chinese are posted ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Bible Lessons For Youth: Pearls By: KenSapp | -
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, niv).
Into the shell of an oyster a tiny grain of sand finds its way. The intruder, though small, is a source of irritation and pain to the soft body of the oyster. Unable to rid itself of the unwelcome pebble, the oyster seeks to reduce the irritation by coating it with layers of soft, iridescent mother-of-pearl material from its own shell. Over time, the oyster transforms a pa ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Kids Devotions: Paradise By: KenSapp | -
Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)
"Today" Jesus makes a huge promise to the sinner next to him on the cross. Today you will be with me in paradise. Immediately. Instantly. Now. Not tomorrow. Not in a hundred years. Not in a in a thousand years. Not in a in a million years. Not at the second coming of Christ. But today. Immediately. I don't understand what awaits us after we pass through the doors of death, but I know eternal life awaits beyond.
"Today, ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion:new Shoes By: KenSapp | -
I recently bought a new pair of sports sandals. Actually I really needed a new pair quite some time ago but was perfectly content with the old ones. They served me well. We've been to a lot of places together. In work and play, we have been constant companions. We've been to relaxing tropical beaches and on rigorous hikes. We've also gone through a lot of trials and stress together. Imagine supporting a 100kg American on your back for just a few minutes! They've been carrying me almost ev ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotional: Need A Change Of Perspective? By: KenSapp | -
A change of planes in LA, a stopover in Japan, and the tourist arrived in Singapore, like thousands before him. The flight was smooth, but the next part of the journey was a bit of a shock. "Marina Sands" the tourist requested. The taxi driver, accelerated into traffic, driving on a different side of the road behind a steering wheel positioned on a different side of the car. It seemed that drivers enjoyed honking horns incessantly and careening around corners. To the big visitor, jammed i ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Magician And The Parrot By: KenSapp | -
There was this magician of some repute who was hired to do his act aboard a cruise ship. He had been there for several years and since the crowd was in continual change he did the same act over and over.
One day the Captain bought a parrot and over the months brought the parrot with him to see the nightly magic show.
Being a smart parrot the bird learned all the tricks as to where the cards, flower, etc were hidden by the magician in his act. Because the bird would say, "the c ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: Lessons From An Ant By: KenSapp | -
One morning I wasted nearly an hour watching a tiny ant carry a huge feather across my back terrace. Several times it was confronted by obstacles in its path and after a momentary pause it would make the necessary detour.
At one point the ant had to negotiate a crack in the concrete about 10mm wide. After brief contemplation the ant laid the feather over the crack, walked across it and picked up the feather on the other side then continued on its way.
I was fascinated by the i ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
Youth Devotion: His Love Endures Forever By: KenSapp | -
By Rob Heverling (robhev@yahoo.com)
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Have you ever received something and didn't deserve it.
Probably one of my favorite commercials this past Christmas was one where a girl was sitting in front of the Christmas tree tearing opening her gifts. She opens up this one gift and her eyes just light up and in that moment you knew she just got something sh ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life -your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God wants you to do it the best thing you can do for Him. Romans 12v1 (The Message)
Youth Devotion: Cracked Pots By: KenSapp | -
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals, kids devotions, bible lessons for youth
The fact that this verse refers to a cocky youth who has just been betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers seems a contradiction.
It wasn't enough for him to be his father's favourite. He had to rub it in. When given a dream that he would rule over all of his brothers as well as his parents, he told everyone about it. Then he told them all again, just in case ... Tags:youth devotional, youth devotion, kids devotionals
What Is The Foundation Of Yogic Philosophy? By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | - The foundation of Yogic philosophy is based on a number of ancient Indian Vedic scriptures dating all the way back to 2500 BC, and possibly earlier. One of the early Hindu scriptures is the Rig Veda, a spiritual text, which was handed down over hundreds of years, orally, from generation to generation, until these scriptural teachings were written down in the early Vedic Period.
Emeralds Won Cleopatra's Heart By: Garry Lilley | - Cleopatra and emeralds just go together. It was during her reign as Queen of Egypt between 69 BC and 30 BC that the magnificence of this radiant gemstone was revealed to the world by the profile she gave to it.
This legendary queen started a fashion trend surrounding this wonderful gemstone which has attracted an impressive array of the rich and famous throughout history who have keenly sought them.
Daily Devotion: Being Someone's Blessing By: Edwin Joseph | -
It's a famous declaration for us christians that we are born to bless God and those people around us. From those past years that we lived our lives, did other people feel blessed having us in their lives?
We are ought to be givers, not merely takers. It may be hard but change should come our way. Disregard selfish thoughts and learn how to think for others. Living our life here on earth requires give and take situation.
Daily Devotion: Your Loyalty, To God Or To The Ministry? By: Edwin Joseph | -
Since most of us are leaders now, let us be true in examining ourselves. From the time we knew about our God and our Savior, and from the time we get busy with the ministry, did we experience feeling so tired and felt like giving up? It seems that we are already too exhausted and drained because of our busy schedules? The truth is, its normal for people to get tired, but its not normal for us to give up and decrease our faith in God.
Daily Devotion: How To Have Real Faith By: Edwin Joseph | - For the past few months I've been searching for answers regarding the direction and message that God wants me to share and the cellgroup / bible study that I am handling. I search and was desperately seeking God. Fortunately God provided me an answer in a very unexpected situation. I was browsing the internet when I came to see a very intriguing ebook title which is "How To Have Real Faith." It was written by Rick Warren (One of the famous christian authors) who wrote the best selling book "P ... Tags:How To Have Real Faith, Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotion,
Daily Devotion: The Meaning Of True Obedience By: Edwin Joseph | - Nowadays, it was greatly distressing to know that people have failed to obey what God has instructed them. First reason is because of lack of knowledge and ignorance since God's command is not being taught aside from church services. Second thing is because people lack interest in reading God's word. People don't give much attention to the verse "Don't let the Book of the Law Depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night".
Daily Devotion: Obedience In Every Way Possible By: Edwin Joseph | -
Obedience is a very broad topic which discusses how we walk daily, whether we will live our lives independent or dependent with God.
As christians, we ought to obey at all times. Not just in the law God provides but also in the law that our world provides. Some say that what matters most is the law of God and not of the world. The truth is, obedience is about having a good life discipline, if we can't obey simple laws that our world govern, its possible that we ... Tags:Bible Devotionals, Christian Daily Devotion, Obey God
Daily Devotion: Your Everyday Ministry By: Edwin Joseph | - How do you define a ministry? Is it about supporting every church activity and gathering? Or joining the music team? Or is it about being active in church evangelism programs? etc...
As I analyze the term "Ministry", it seems that there will be 2 types:
1.) General Ministry - this is the type of ministry where most people get joined with. Just like what the term implies, this is intended for the general public who is interested. For example, music team, us ... Tags:instant devotion, how to know your church ministry, daily
The Michelle Obama Effect: I Want More Romance By: Catherine Behan | - I love when the snow finally starts to melt and beautiful greens of every hue begin to shine in the sun, the air warms up, parkas give over to sweaters and everyone is friendly...even the crabby ones! Maybe that is why love and romance feel so very good in the Spring.
Not only do your senses have a huge influx of long absent sights and smells, which always improves your disposition, you attract more positive people into your life and your connection to others intensifies. When I ... Tags:attraction, Barack, devotion, husband, Love, magnetism, Michelle, Obama, romance, soul mate
A Diamond Engagement Ring Is The Ultimate Symbol Of Love. By: ghostevyta | - Your engagement is considered to be one of the most special days. It's a chance to represent your true love and devotion to someone special and to declare it a way that will never be forgotten.
The engagement ring is going to stay on her hands forever, and every time she sees it, it should remind her about that glorious day, and her partner's undying devotion. This is why the engagement ring holds such an important place in a man's life. It is not just an ornament; it symbolizes y ... Tags:diamond, ring, engagement, life, engagement ring, love, special, diamond ring, right, partner, considered, devotion, diamond engagement, life partner,
Sikhism, A View Of The Sikh Religion By: Emma Snow | - At the northwestern tip of India is located The Golden Temple, or Harimandir Sahib, the most significant historical center on earth to the 20 million Sikhs worldwide. Here people from all walks of life are invited to join in listening to the hymns and teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and to join in unity for a communal meal (Langar). This sacred gurdwara (temple) has entrances on all four sides, a symbol that this faith "is for people of all castes and all creeds from whichever direction they ... Tags:sikh, sikhism, india, religious, religion, faith, culture, indian, sikh religion, practice, god, devotion, truth, living, live, equality, belief, reli
Simple Ways To Share Christ With Children By: Chanda Stegall | - As Christian parents, one of the most important duties that we have is to teach our children about the Lord. This is an awesome responsibility. It can also seem like an overwhelming responsibility. But Praise God - our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom has built four teachable moments into our day that can help us to share His word with our children in bite-sized, manageable chunks.
