Genesis 3:1 "Now the serpent was more crafty...He said to the woman, Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden?"

We can learn much about how the Enemy of our souls works by reflecting on this chapter. In this verse he raises doubt about God's intent, his seriousness, and his actual words. Eve started to question if it was really important to avoid the fruit of the tree in the garden.

He does that with us all the time. We think (actually it is probably the Enemy whispering in our ear) that perhaps God didn't really say something, or that he didn't really mean what He had earlier impressed on our hearts. Things like, "I will provide your needs," or "I will guide you," or "I will protect you," or "Wait for me to work," or "Check in with me before you take action," etc.

We forget, we question, we doubt and we fall right into the trap. Then we often blame God for the results or consequences of our missteps. That is why we are constantly urged to read and reread, study, memorize and listen to the Scriptures...to stem our forgetting what He's said to us. Remember, obey, trust, wait, listen, apply, and learn are all disciplines that will help us each and every day.

Are you falling into the trap today or remembering. May we all remember better today.

Lord, please help me become a person of the Scriptures so I will remember better.

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dave@youronedegree.com

*Genesis 2:20 "...But for Adam no suitable helper was found."
God was in tune. He knew that even in paradise, Adam needed relationship, so he created Eve.

God knows our needs. God pays attention. God understands our hearts and what makes us tick. God isn't only interested in what we can do (for him) but primarily who we are. God loves to meet our needs.

Do you feel alone or isolated today? God knows. God cares. He is there and can fill that need with himself, and when we are ready, other people. We're made to need each other. We come to know God better as we become a better friend to others, and draw close to people.

Lord, help me be real with people, to not hide, to not try to go it alone, while not expecting others to fix my problems. Thank you for loving me and caring about my needs today

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dave@youronedegree.com

January 6, 2006
JIM VERTUNO - Associated Press
PASADENA, Calif. - Finally, Texas' lone star shined brighter than all the glitter and glamour Southern California could muster.
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Vince Young, back in the Rose Bowl and at his best, lifted the Longhorns to a 41-38 Rose Bowl victory over top-ranked Southern California on Wednesday with his 8-yard touchdown run on fourth down with 19 seconds left.

"I went through all my progressions," Young said, "so I just took off with it."

The victory brought the Longhorns their first outright national championship since 1969.

"As a leader, I knew how much hard work we put in to get to this point," Young said. "To see my guys happy, with the coaches and the fans, that's why I love playing football."

Young came to California hoping to prove he was the best player in the country after his bitter disappointment at finishing second to USC running back Reggie Bush for the Heisman Trophy, which Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart won the year before.

By running and passing his way through another spectacular Rose Bowl performance, the Longhorns quarterback finally relegated USC's stars to supporting roles.

This was, without a doubt, Young's show: He ran for 200 yards and passed for another 267 in a game that surpassed his 372-yard, five touchdown effort against Michigan here last year, and became the first player in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 2,500 in a season.

"Do whatever it takes," Young. "It's all about heart, focus and poise."

Before the game, Young went through his usual routine, listening to music on his iPod while tossing passes to his receivers and hamming it up with thousands of Texas fans who came to the game early.

By kickoff, he was reaching for what he calls his "Jordan Mode" - the zone where he feels he can make any play at any time. It worked to perfection on Texas' first touchdown when Young snuck one past the USC defense and the replay officials.

Young broke through the left side of the line and pitched the ball to tailback Selvin Young, who slipped through three tacklers to get into the end zone. The quarterback was being tackled when he tossed it, and television replays showed his knee was down before the ball left his hands. Game officials did not review the play.

By the second quarter, he was still dancing on the field, pantomiming riding on a horse during a timeout.

On one play, Young slipped through the tackle of blitzing USC safety Brandon Ting for a short pass, then turned and shook Ting's hand as if to say "I'll be here all night."

Young scored his first touchdown when he capped a seven-play, 80-yard drive in the third with a stiff-arm of a Trojan defender before diving for the end zone pylon to give the Longhorns a 23-17 lead. He then flashed a "Hook'em Horns" sign to the crowd.

His second touchdown, a 17-yard run in the fourth, started when he dropped back to pass, then used a burst of speed to run through the middle of the defense. The score pulled the Longhorns within 38-33 with 4:03 to play.

By then, Young was unstoppable.

When Texas got the ball back for its final drive near midfield, Young completed five passes and covered the final 14 yards on his own. He also pushed his way through the middle of the line for the two-point conversion that made it 41-38.

"We made the stop, Vince drives us down again and scores and the rest is history," said Texas senior defensive tackle Rod Wright. "If he had to throw it or he had to run it, he was going to get it done."

"He's a fantastic player and he made the difference," Carroll said. "How classic was it that he ran it in on the last play?"

The only question now is whether the junior, who said he plans to return for a final season, leaves school early for the NFL.

If he stays, the Longhorns can expect to enter the 2006 season ranked No. 1.

Young said he'd sit down his family soon to discuss his future. First he was going to enjoy the moment and the emotion of winning Texas' first national title in a generation.

"My tears haven't come yet," he said. "I know they're coming."

As most are aware I am an avid fan of The University of Texas Longhorns. I have been traveling the last couple of days to Pasadena, California to watch in person The National Chamionship in College Football. Wednsday night The Texas Longhorns will battle The University of Southern California Trojans.

Due to this trip, today is the first day I have had access to a computer, thanks to a loving family here near Pasadena, that have allowed me to stay with them for the duration of my trip. I thank God that He has allowed me to arrive safely.

Immediately following Texas' victory (I pray Texas wins) I will begin the long journey back to Texas. Please pray that my trip home will be as safe as the trip up here. I will be away from blog land again for a few days, but plan on blogging regularly again starting the 2nd week of January. May God bless you all.

Luke 14:34 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"

Salt is supposed to make a difference where it is present. It preserves, it gives taste, it does many good things. The saltiness Jesus refers to is allegience to him and to the gospel. As that allegiance grows in our hearts we will go into every situation of every day intent on "being Christ" to the people we meet by showing love, encouraging, affirming, bringing wisdom and God's perspective, inspiring, giving hope, and continually giving of what he has given us.

Are things better because you've been there, or are they worse? Have people been built up? Is the setting more appealing, is there more harmony, is there more hope and enthusiasm because you've shown up? Wouldn't you like to be that kind of person more and more, making a positive difference wherever you go?

When we live this way, in the power of His Spirit, the gospel advances, Christ is exalted, people's lives are continually drawn to a deeper walk with Christ Jesus, and all kinds of good things happen. It's a lifestyle choice. Will I be salt wherever I go? Will I be a giver or a taker?

If you've lost your spiritual saltiness, it can only be regained by a recommitment to Christ Jesus and the gospel. May we all be salt each and every day.

Lord, please make me this kind of person, more and more each day.

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dave@youronedegree.com