Verse of the Day: 1 Peter 2:7-11

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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.

1 Peter 2:7-11

Lent- Day 3

I found it a little harder today than yesterday to resist drinking Dr. Pepper. There were several times where I had a soda fountain in front of me and was very tempted to drink some. I still would not call it the most challenging thing I have ever done, though. I feel a little healthier without the soda, I must admit. My twin brother, Zachary, went without soda for an entire season of track, and now I see why. I love to play basketball, and I can see the difference in my performance. But, I'm getting off-track. God is teaching me to have self-discipline from this, and quite honestly I need some. I am by no means perfect, and I have my own stumbling blocks; my hope is to learn to conquer those stumbling blocks once I'm done with this. God give me strength.

Brother in Christ,

Daniel Weiss

Verse of the Day: John 15:9-17

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that our joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. you are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."

John 15:9-17

Lent- Day 1

My first day of Lent wasn't too bad. Giving up Dr. Pepper, I have decided, is not enough, and so I will be removing deserts and then meat from my diet over the coming weeks. But there were a few times during lunch and dinner that I wanted a Dr. Pepper. Even talking about it now makes me want one, and I still have a ways to go. But I will stay firm for the Lord. It may not seem like much, but if you know me, you know how much I love Dr. P. Anyway, there is not much to say for today (Ash Wednesday) other than it was only a little annoying not to have Dr. Pepper. I also had Youth Group tonight as well, and a few of my students may be following after my example and doing Lent. Suffice it to say, it was an uninteresting day, but I pray that God continues to teach me something new every day. Please pray for my growth from this.

Brother in Christ,
Daniel Weiss

Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:16-18

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Pre-lent

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. I have never done it before, but after witnessing one of my good friends revere this holy period, I figured I might as well join him. I have decided to start out small: I am only giving up Dr. Pepper. I may increase the things I give up each week (like next week I am considering giving up meat) or I may just wait until next year to go all out. Either way, I am doing this because I need to give something up that I am very comfortable with. I have no idea what to expect; whether I will learn to have a better relationship with God or just have nothing happen at all. I just pray that it does something. I have talked to a few of my friends about this, and none of them have said they are going to give up anything. The only one who has is my girlfriend, Alysa, who is going to give up meat. I may do the same at some point. As for now, I'm just going to do it and wait for a sign from God as to what else to give up. God be with me.

Brother in Christ,

Daniel Weiss

Verse of the Day

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

    a light on my path.

I have taken an oath and confirmed it,

    that I will follow your righteous laws.

I have suffered much;

    preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.

Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,

    and teach me your laws.

Though I constantly take my life in my hands,

    I will not forget your law.

The wicked have set a snare for me,

    but I have not strayed from your precepts.

Your statutes are my heritage forever;

    they are the joy of my heart.

My heart is set on keeping your decrees

    to the very end.

Psalm 119:105-112